It’s official: Summer has started – and that means that all of the summertime and sun-time fun is out there for the taking!
The warm weather, long days and carefree times won’t last forever, so make the most of the season while you can. To make it easier to wring every sun-drenched drop of excitement out of your summer vacation, we’ve put together a list of some of the “must-do” activities all around Indianapolis.
Catch a Ball Game with the Indianapolis Indians
The Indianapolis Indians may be a minor league baseball team, but they bring major league levels of excitement to their fans. Tickets are on sale for the 2022 season, and you definitely want to check out their themed nights and promotions. They also offer a Knot Hole Kids Club membership that will help your young ones get into the spirit of the game.
Spend Time Listening to the Symphony on the Prairie
Concerts on the lawn at the Conner Prairie Amphitheater are an Indy tradition, and there’s something for everyone. At Symphony on the Prairie, you can hear classical favorites, tributes to greats like Phil Collins, Billy Joel and Elton John, and catch big-name musical stars like Melissa Ethridge and Three Dog Night throughout the summer and early fall.
Experience “Monet & Friends Alive” at the Lume
The Lume is 30,000 square feet of absolute amazement located on the fourth floor of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and it has a constantly changing array of interactive exhibits that are designed to bring art alive for visitors. In July, the Lume will feature an immersive show of the works of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne and Camille Pissarro – all set to a musical score.
Explore the Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is back, starting July 29 and running all the way through August 21st, so you have plenty of time to fit this one into your busy schedule. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Indiana’s Automotive Excellence,” so expect to see plenty of classic cars and auto-themed displays that will delight your inner motorhead. Naturally, there will also be all the time-honored fair traditions, including carnival rides and fair food. Need we really say more?
Engage Your Imagination at the Dinosphere
With the advent of the new “Jurassic World” movie, dinosaurs are back in the public’s mind – so why not take the kids to the Dinosphere at The Children’s Museum. The whole display was recently revamped, and the new displays include two gigantic sauropod skeletons. If you have a kid who loves dinosaurs (or you’re just a big kid at heart) you don’t want to pass up a chance to see both these natural wonders and the amazing recreations in this exhibit.
Check Out the AllIN Music and Arts Festival
Over Labor Day weekend, the Indiana State Fairgrounds will transform into a music festival that’s a true Midwestern cultural experience. Food, drink, and music from the likes of Cage the Elephant, Hall & Oates and John Fogerty will be the center attractions – but you can also find lesser-known groups and local favorites, like Watchhouse, Misterwives and Trampled by Turtles. Grab your beloved or your bestie and head out for a truly memorable adventure!
Chill Out with a Picnic Concert at Mallow Run Winery
If you’d rather lay on a blanket and sip some wine while you listen to music, you’ll love the vibe at Mallow Run Winery. Their picnic concert series is a perfect mix of laid-back and lively, and you won’t want to miss the advent of their seasonal strawberry wine. Over the Fourth of July weekend, they’re also bringing back the Red, White & Blueberry Festival, which caps off with a fireworks finale that will light up the sky and your night.
Go on the Indianapolis Canal Walk
If you want to see where Indianapolis got its start as a major tourist destination in the Midwest, you should check out the Canal Walk along the Central Canal. It’s a virtual waterside park, where folks can walk, bike and see some of the most interesting places in the entire city. The Canal area is filled with fascinating little boutiques and fun little cafes, so put on your comfy shoes and get ready to explore to your heart’s content.
Get a Little Weird and Wild Around the City
What’s a city without a little history to it, right? If you want to explore some of the weirdest, wildest and wackiest places in Indy, we have tons of suggestions. Consider taking a tour of the Catacombs beneath the ruins of Tomlinson Hall in Whistler Plaza, or check out the creepy collection of anatomical anomalies at the Indiana Medical History Museum. If you’re inclined to wander off the beaten path, these are the places you should put on your list this summer.
Grab Dinner and a Show at Beef & Boards
Smack in the heart of College Park, Beef & Boards Dinner Theater brings world-class entertainment right to your table while you enjoy an amazing meal and scrumptious desserts. The lineup of shows this summer includes the theatrical production of “Mary Poppins,” “The Honky Tonk Angels” and “Escape to Margaritaville.” They have a broad schedule of times, including matinees, so this one should be easy to slip into your hectic schedule.
Race Your Way to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Would this even be an article about Indy if we didn’t mention racing? We don’t think so! The Motor Speedway Museum is located right on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds, but you get to take a close-up look at some of the sport’s most historic vehicles and see footage from some of the most thrilling races. With 30,000 square feet to explore, this is one place that will never disappoint the diehard racing fans in your family.
Wherever you happen to be in Indy, there’s always something new to experience. This is just a list to get you started!
