I know I always post about things that we do on normal days and weekends around Indy, but fall break is meant for adventures and trying new things! So while some of these suggestions below are repeats, most are something new or unusual! My goal after a trip is to always have something for my kids to share with their teachers, and I think any of these would be great shares for the classroom!
So here we go with unusual places to visit while staying in Indy for fall break!
Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum
Did you even know this was here?! The museum is a tiny storefront at the intersection of Rural & 10th on the East side, and attached to a salvage shop. The owner is excited to show everyone is collection and it’s only $.50 to get in! One of the most unique experiences in Indy for sure!
Located in Fountain Square this coffee shop has adorable adoptable cats to sit with while you sip. Reservations for the Cat Cafe area are recommended! Even if you don’t love cats, the coffee is worth a visit!
Action Duckpin Bowl is located in the Fountain Square Theater building. You can bowl on 8 lanes of duckpin bowling, play billiards, or just hang at the cafe. This is one type of bowling you kids probably haven’t tried yet, and maybe you haven’t either, but is worthy of a family trip. They reserve by the 1/2 hour ($40/hr) and shoes are FREE!

via fountainsquareindy.com
SO MUCH FALL FUN
Ready for a fall hike? The hiking trails at my Alma Mater are beautiful. Check out the bat boxes and get a closer look at environment in it’s natural Indiana setting. It’s open from dusk to dawn and completely free. Park on campus near Alison Mansion and walk down the stairs.
Historic Irvington Fall Festival
I’ve been wanting to hit this up for a while now, but this year might finally be it! The festival runs from Oct 19th-26th, 2019 and events vary based on the day but is pure fall break fun. Irvington residents apparently really get into it with outdoor decor, parades, and more! Check out all the events here… The Slightly Haunted Puppet Show from Peewinkles will be there too!
AROUND INDY
Test your A-MAZE-Ing Skills at the ISM
Visit the Indiana State Museum for their special exchibit A*MAZE*D where you will lose yourself in mazes and labyrinths including a cardboard castle maze! Multiple table-top mazes, maze murals and other maze displays provide hands-on challenges and fun for the whole family, too.
One of our favorite not so common places to visit! Spend hours here looking at all the tiny details. They offer an audio tour with admission as well as a kids scavenger hunt. There’s so much to take in here that while the kids love it too, you might want to go by yourself again and again to see it all. The kids hunt was fun and tricky at times, but the perfect way to navigate from room to room.
Located downtown off the canal, this is a fun activity for the entire fam! Rent bikes and surreys at one location near the White River State Pavilion and rent kayaks and paddleboats a little further down the canal right aroudn the corner from the Indiana Historical Society. Plus! They have 20% off rentals every FRIDAY FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON!
Walk (or Ride) the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Linking many of the downtown Indianapolis neighborhoods, this 8 mile biking and walking trail connects all six of Indy’s cultural districts. It’s a safe, healthy, and convenient way to explore the city. Rent a bike through bike shares found around the city… or leisurely stroll. You choose. Tours are offered each Saturday from April-October. Tour info can be found here.
After living here 10+ years, the more we head downtown to visit places I never knew about before living here, I still find it magical. I hope my kids can see the magic in different things… the art, the food, the buildings… because it really is a great place to live and explore and create!
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