The heat and humidity of summer can be rough, but when it rains, the kids can get pretty restless. They want to go outside and play, so sitting around inside because of inclement weather can leave them cranky – and frustrate you.
Fortunately, Indianapolis and the surrounding area offer a ton of options when it comes to kid-friendly (or kid-oriented) indoor play areas. Just because the weather won’t cooperate with your usual summer plans, there’s no reason to keep the kids cooped up inside. Go to one of these places instead:
1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
This place was literally built with children in mind. As the world’s largest children’s museum, this venue is a must-visit for families and kids of all ages. There are five floors of interactive exhibits, leaving kids free to explore attractions that focus on science, history, culture and more.
Highlights include the Dinosphere, where children can dig for fossils and feel like they’re in a miniature Jurassic Park (minus the danger), and the ScienceWorks exhibit, where they can engage in hands-on science experiments through self-guided activities. The museum also features a carousel and a playscape designed for toddlers.
2. Urban Air Adventure
Do your kids have energy to burn and then some? No matter what the weather is like outside, Urban Air Adventure, located in nearby Franklin, makes the indoors feel like the outdoors!
They have a state-of-the-art facility with trampolines, an indoor coaster, obstacle courses designed to test your child’s mettle, flash pads and virtual reality games. If your little ones are already bouncing off the walls, why not take them someplace where that’s not only socially acceptable but actively encouraged?
3. Urban Air Adventure Park
This indoor amusement park features a variety of attractions, including trampolines, climbing walls, a warrior course and a sky rider coaster – and you can get an all-day group pass for up to three kids and two adults that comes complete with pizza and drinks.
Urban Air Adventure Park is designed to cater to children of all ages, ensuring that everyone from toddlers to teens has a blast. The park also offers a café where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their kids. There are locations in Plainfield, Noblesville, Bloomington and Franklin.
4. Smiley Indoor Playground and Arcade
Smiley’s is a little bit like Wonderland with Legos – it’s wild, wacky and wonderful, but wholly designed with kids in mind, so go ahead and let the kids “go down a rabbit hole” and enjoy their day.
There’s a rice pit playground, a jungle gym that is safe for younger children, a Lego room where children can let their imaginations and creativity shine, an interactive wall & floor game room and an arcade, so this is one place that can easily appeal to kids of different ages and temperaments.
5. Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater
The Indiana State Museum provides a great mix of educational activities with pure fun. You can spend some time letting the kids explore natural history exhibits and experience the world of art in whole new ways.
Their “Good Night Forest” allows kids to step inside an enchanted land where they can learn all about nocturnal wildlife, while the “Ancient Seas” exhibit will open their eyes to the mysteries that still belong to the deep waters. When you’re done exploring, queue up for some popcorn and other snacks and go grab a seat at the IMAX theater located on the premises. It offers a luxury movie experience that’s fit for all ages.
6. K1 Speed Indoor Kart Racing
Do you have older kids or teens who simply crave excitement? Do they like to go really (really) fast? K1 Speed lets you arrive and go wild on the go-kart track. The electric karts are fast, safe and environmentally friendly, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The facility also has a café and lounge area, providing a complete entertainment package for the whole family – where parents and kids can cut loose and build some fun memories together.
7. Tilt Studio Indianapolis
Tilt Studio bills itself as the place where the whole family can experience “fun at full blast,” and they really aren’t playing around when it comes to “playing around.”
Located in the Indianapolis Circle Centre Mall, they have more than 150 arcade and video games, a laser tag arena, hyperbowl (which is sort of like bowling as an arcade game) and tons of other exciting ways to experiment.
Tips for a Great Visit to an Indoor Play Place
If your kids just never seem to stop moving, get them out of the house and take them someplace where they can burn off all that extra energy and safely explore their surroundings. Even if it’s pouring buckets outside, they’ll have a great time – and you can take a big mental break.
Here are some tips to make sure that your visit goes the way you hope:
- Plan Ahead – Check the hours of operation and any special events or discounts available at the venues. Make sure you understand any age limits that apply.
- Dress Comfortably – Don’t worry about mismatched socks – but do make sure your kids are dressed in comfortable clothing that is designed for active play.
- Pack Some Essentials – Bring along snacks, water and items like spare socks (since they are generally required for trampoline parks, and you don’t want a lost sock to end your visit prematurely).
Ultimately, the Indianapolis area has a treasure trove of indoor activities designed to keep kids entertained and active, even when it is raining cats and dogs outside. From amazing educational museums to gravity-defying trampoline parks and indoor arcades, there’s something for every interest and age group out there!
