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Indianapolis Zoo, United States of America - Things to Do in Indianapolis Zoo

Things to Do in Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis Zoo, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, offers a perfect blend of Midwest charm and urban sophistication. Known worldwide as the home of the Indianapolis 500, the city has evolved into a cultural hub featuring world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and exceptional dining scenes. The Indianapolis Zoo stands as one of the city's premier attractions, combining conservation efforts with family-friendly entertainment in a beautifully designed facility. Beyond the zoo, Indianapolis boasts an impressive downtown area with the iconic Monument Circle at its heart, surrounded by historic architecture and modern developments. The city's commitment to sports culture extends beyond racing to include professional football, basketball, and soccer teams, while its thriving arts scene encompasses everything from contemporary galleries to historic theaters. With its affordable cost of living and friendly atmosphere, Indianapolis provides an authentic American experience that's both accessible and memorable.

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis Zoo

Explore Indianapolis Zoo

Discover one of America's most innovative zoos, featuring over 1,400 animals across beautifully designed habitats including the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and Underwater Dolphin Viewing. The zoo combines conservation education with interactive experiences, offering everything from giraffe feeding to behind-the-scenes animal encounters. Special seasonal events and educational programs make each visit unique and engaging for all ages.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for $5-10 savings, with general admission around $25-30 for adults. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and more active animals. Look for combo packages that include parking and special experiences like train rides or carousel access.

Visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum

Experience the legendary home of the Indianapolis 500 with guided tours of the iconic 2.5-mile oval track and comprehensive museum. Walk on the same track where racing legends have made history, and explore an extensive collection of winning cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia. The museum offers interactive exhibits and simulators that bring the excitement of IndyCar racing to life.

Booking Tip: Track tours cost around $15-20 and run year-round except during race events. Museum admission is separate at $15 for adults. Book combo tickets for better value and check the schedule as tours are suspended during major race weekends in May.

Explore White River State Park

Discover downtown Indianapolis's urban oasis featuring 250 acres of green space, walking trails, and cultural attractions including the Indiana State Museum and NCAA Hall of Champions. The park offers scenic views along the White River, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. Multiple attractions within the park make it easy to spend an entire day exploring.

Booking Tip: Park admission is free, but individual attractions charge separate fees ranging from $10-20. Consider purchasing a White River State Park attraction pass for multiple venues. Parking is available for $5-8, or use nearby street parking and walk through the park.

Experience Mass Ave Cultural District

Immerse yourself in Indianapolis's hippest neighborhood, featuring eclectic shops, art galleries, craft breweries, and diverse dining options along Massachusetts Avenue. This revitalized area showcases local artists, hosts regular festivals, and offers some of the city's best nightlife. The district perfectly captures Indianapolis's creative spirit with its mix of historic buildings and contemporary culture.

Booking Tip: Most attractions are free to explore, with individual restaurant and bar costs varying widely. Plan for $30-50 per person for dinner and drinks. Visit during First Friday art walks for special gallery openings and events. Street parking is available but can be limited during peak times.

Tour Local Breweries and Distilleries

Sample Indianapolis's thriving craft beverage scene with visits to award-winning breweries and distilleries scattered throughout the city. From historic establishments to innovative newcomers, the city offers diverse tasting experiences featuring locally-crafted beers, spirits, and cocktails. Many venues offer tours showcasing their brewing and distilling processes alongside tastings.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically cost $10-20 including tastings, while distillery tours range from $15-25. Book weekend tours in advance as they fill quickly. Many offer food pairings for additional cost. Consider using ride-sharing services or designated drivers for safety.

Getting There

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) serves as the primary gateway, located about 15 miles southwest of downtown with direct flights from major US cities and some international destinations. The airport offers rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and the IndyGo bus system for transportation to the city center. For those driving, Indianapolis sits at the intersection of several major interstate highways (I-65, I-70, I-74) making it easily accessible from Chicago (3 hours), Cincinnati (2 hours), and Louisville (2 hours). Amtrak provides limited service through the Cardinal line, though flying or driving remain the most convenient options.

Getting Around

Indianapolis features a growing public transportation system anchored by the IndyGo Red Line BRT and extensive bus network connecting major attractions and neighborhoods. The downtown area is very walkable, especially around Monument Circle and the Cultural Trail, an 8-mile bike and pedestrian path connecting downtown districts. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and affordable, while rental cars provide flexibility for exploring attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations, and electric scooter rentals are available throughout downtown for short trips.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis
Mass Ave District
Broad Ripple
Fountain Square
Airport Area
Carmel

Food & Dining

Indianapolis has evolved into a serious food destination featuring everything from award-winning fine dining to iconic local specialties like breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie. The city's diverse neighborhoods each offer distinct culinary experiences, from Mass Ave's trendy eateries to Fountain Square's eclectic mix of international cuisines. Local favorites include St. Elmo Steak House (famous for its fiery shrimp cocktail), Bluebeard for contemporary American cuisine, and numerous craft breweries serving elevated pub fare. Food trucks, farmers markets, and ethnic enclaves throughout the city provide authentic flavors from around the world, while the downtown area offers convenient dining options within walking distance of major hotels and attractions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
bar

The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

Harry & Izzy's

4.7 /5
(4251 reviews) 3

The Fountain Room

4.7 /5
(1596 reviews) 3

Fire by the Monon

4.6 /5
(1365 reviews) 2
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Indianapolis is late spring through early fall (May through October) when weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and the zoo experience is at its best. Summer months offer the most events and activities but can be hot and humid, while spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter visits are possible but some outdoor attractions may have limited hours or seasonal closures. May is particularly exciting for racing fans due to the Indianapolis 500, though hotel prices increase significantly and availability becomes limited during race month.

Insider Tips

Download the Indianapolis Zoo app for interactive maps, animal feeding times, and special event notifications to maximize your visit
Take advantage of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a free 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path that connects downtown attractions and neighborhoods
Many restaurants and attractions offer discounts for online bookings or group purchases, so check websites before visiting for potential savings

Explore Activities in Indianapolis Zoo