117.
That is the number of smiles.
That is the number of giggles.
That is the number of joy-filled moments.
117 is now my favorite number because I couldn’t help but discover the joy in counting these precious moments during an adventure to a city that was designed with families in mind. Nestled in the middle of the crossroads of America is Indianapolis, a bustling city, home to world-class attractions, stunning and trendy hotels, a diverse array of food, and hospitality that makes the midwest an attractive destination for all ages.
Traveling by plane, train or car is easy, which makes Indianapolis a popular (and growing) weekend destination spot for families. What makes this city so special and worth planning a trip to go visit?
Here are five reasons why you should put Indianapolis on your family travel bucket list.
1. Family-friendly accommodations at the Hyatt
It’s time to check in! When traveling to Indianapolis, staying in the heart of downtown is ideal. The 15-story Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown is designed for families to feel all the comforts of home. Their apartment-style rooms include a full kitchen, eating area, living room (with a sofa sleeper), and a separate bedroom with a spacious, attached bathroom. While the hotel brings the best of home to you, it also puts you right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, close to attractions, dining, and even green space. You’ll see gorgeous views of the skyline from your room and enjoy the extra special amenities only Hyatt can provide.
Travel up to the 15th floor to get in a workout at their state-of-the-art fitness center or cool off with a swim in the pool. The heated pool is available year-round and offers an even more gorgeous view of the city. The pool is handicap-accessible and you can also turn on a flat-screen TV to enjoy a show either while swimming or relaxing on the comfy array of couches and chairs. Down the hall, a laundry facility with washers and dryers is available for parents who have an extended stay or need a quick stain removal (like me)!
And don’t forget about dining at Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown! Wake up to a complete breakfast spread that's part of your stay. You'll find cereal, steel-cut oatmeal, eggs, breakfast meat, whole fruit, yogurt, and of course coffee, tea, and assorted juices. For dinner, take the elevator to the second floor to check out the Pivot Bar & Balcony for a mouthwatering selection of shareables, main events, and desserts. The kids' menu is creative and full of things the kids loved like Nap-Town Tenders, Totchos, S'mores Popcorn, and David’s Cookie Sundae! If the weather is nice, head out to the patio with your eats and take in the city while playing a game of Connect 4.
2. Attractions and adventures for all ages
As you head out for a day of adventure in the city, you will find several world-class attractions less than 15 minutes from Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown:
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Did you know that the largest children’s museum in the world is located in Indianapolis? This mind-blowing museum houses more than five floors of interactive fun including Dinosphere, Beyond Spaceship Earth, Playscape (for ages 5 and under), Treasures of the Earth, an indoor carousel, American POP, the Power of Children, and the Outdoor Sports Experience. There is also a delicious food court with lunch and snack options to satisfy even the pickiest eater in your family.
- Indianapolis Zoo: A trip to the zoo is always an exciting option for kids, especially when it houses some of the most unique animals and attractions in the region. Did you know the Indianapolis Zoo is the only place in the midwest where you can see and interact with dolphins? It’s also the home of the nation’s largest shark touch pool! In addition to marine life, the Indianapolis Zoo is home to tigers, red pandas, lions, elephants, cheetahs, and zebras. You also won't want to miss the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, which includes one of the largest groups of orangutans in any American zoo. The Total Adventure Package provides all-access for the entire day to unlimited rides and feeding times with the birds and giraffes.
- 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: If you have seen the movie "The Fault in our Stars," you will be familiar with one of the most iconic movie locations in Indianapolis. The Funky Bones display is part of a free, outdoor art exhibit adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Park your car and walk through a beautiful 100-acre wooded area filled with interactive art displays that your kids can look at and play on!
3. For the foodie
Indianapolis loves to eat ... and they know their food. The best part is you can find just about anything in the downtown area, all within walking distance from Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown. The original BRU Burger Bar, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Café Patachou, and Yard House have fantastic kids menus with an extensive list of options for adults as well.
4. Sports heaven
If you have a sports lover in your family, then Indianapolis is sure to be a hit! Basketball is the state sport and Bankers Life Fieldhouse is located right across from Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown. Home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, this indoor arena is a great place to catch an upcoming concert or touring group as well. You can also plan a trip to the Indianapolis 500 (at the largest sporting facility in the world), see the Indianapolis Colts play at Lucas Oil Stadium, catch a game with the Indianapolis Indians (AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates), or visit the NCAA Hall of Champions.
5. Midwest hospitality
Can a city smile? If it could, Indianapolis would take the top prize. In addition to affordability, Indianapolis is a city that is filled with hospitality around every corner. You’ll find generous and helpful attitudes, smiles, and a culture welcoming to all families. Even as the biggest city in the state, Indianapolis provides small-town kindness that is attractive when traveling with young children.
There’s so much to see and do all year in Indianapolis, so make your plans to visit today. Trust us, your kids will thank you with their smiles (and exhausted naps). They might even be able to surpass that magical 117 number!
The author and her family were guests of Hyatt Place Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown for the purpose of this review. Accommodations, some attractions, and dining were complimentary. However, all opinions are her own.
