Spring always seems to arrive full of life and expectations – but spring break often has parents of young children everywhere anxiously asking the same question: “How can you keep the kids entertained all week?”
School may be out and the mornings may be a bit slower, but it won’t take long before the kids are bored with their screens and looking for a little novelty.
If you’re spending spring break in Indianapolis, though, you’re in luck. Indy is packed with family-friendly adventures that balance fun and just enough fresh air to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls when they’re home.
Whether you’re planning a full week or just looking for a few new ideas, here are some spring break favorites that can keep the kids engaged (and save your sanity):
Explore The World’s Largest Children’s Museum
If there’s one place that belongs on every Indy spring break idea list, it’s The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Kids can indulge in their special interests, from dinosaurs to space exploration and everything in between, as well as take part in interactive science exhibits and hands-on learning zones.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a quick afternoon stop. The Children’s Museum is an all-day, “wear-them-out” adventure that is suitable for everybody in your crew. Plan to spend several hours here – and, if you can swing a weekday morning visit, you’ll beat the crowds!
Get Wild at The Indianapolis Zoo
Spring break lines up perfectly with the start of zoo season. The Indianapolis Zoo offers a full day of animal encounters, botanical gardens and aquarium exhibits all in one space.
Right now, the zoo has a few special experiences that will only be around for a limited time, including a giant tortoise exhibit and a chimpanzee adventure, so don’t delay! If the weather cooperates, this is one of the best ways to let your kids burn off some extra energy outdoors while you stroll behind.
Explore an Indoor Play Park
Spring weather in Indiana can be unpredictable. One day, spring is clearly in the air – and the next day it can feel like winter is on repeat. Indoor play spaces are lifesavers when the forecast turns cold and wet and disrupts your other plans.
Look for trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and inflatable play centers around the city. These spots let kids run, climb, bounce, and flip while parents relax (or at least sit down for five consecutive minutes). Some good options include:
- Smiley Indoor Playground: This is a great spot for entire families, as it features trampoline basketball courts, giant slides, an obstacle course, rock-climbing walls and more, in its 25,000 square feet of fun.
- The Busy Bee Play Cafe: This is a combo coffee shop and play area, which makes it perfect for parents who want to keep a close eye on their littlest ones while they grab a cup of Joe with a friend.
- Sky Zone Indy: If you’re looking for gravity-defying, aerial action, this is the place to go. You’ll find trampolines, sky jousting, a toddler zone and more, all designed to encourage tons of movement and delight.
Many of the local indoor play parks offer spring break specials or extended daytime hours, and advance tickets are encouraged.
Take A Creative Break with Art Classes
For kids who prefer paintbrushes over dodgeballs, Indy’s art scene offers wonderful creative outlets. Local studios and museums often host spring break workshops where kids can try pottery, painting, sculpture or mixed media. Some options include:
- Indy Art Center: Registration is open for spring break art camps. These offer charcoal drawing, acrylic painting, pen and ink drawing, cartoon character design and more.
- Fishers Art Center: You can find classes here for clay, drawing, fiber arts, photography, and other media. They have options that can engage children, teens, adults and families alike.
- Paint Box Studio: Get the whole family into the spirit of spring, with an art class that mixes sewing, crafting, planting and painting.
Art classes are great for kids who like quieter activities and have a creative bent – and these “bite-sized” classes can help them explore new interests without making a large investment.
Spend A Day at Newfields
Newfields, home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, offers more than gallery spaces and art exhibits (although you’ll find those there, too). The outdoor gardens, nature areas and family-friendly special programming make it a great place to take the kids when they’re bored.
During spring break, many families come for the combination of art and open space. Your children can explore the walking paths and participate in numerous seasonal activities designed just for younger visitors. Check out their calendar of special events and schedule a trip today – it’s a great spot for a peaceful “reset” day if you’ve been feeling stressed and want to get away from all the mental noise that comes with your regular weekly routine.
Get Outside at Indy’s Best Parks
If the weather plays along and you catch a few nice days during spring break, head to one of the local parks for an impromptu (and low-cost) family day outside. Some family favorites include:
- Eagle Creek Park — The trails and nature centers draw many visitors in spring.
- Holliday Park — Both younger kids and teens can enjoy their playgrounds and ruins exploration.
- Broad Ripple Park — Come enjoy their river views and open fields.
Pack a soccer ball, bikes, or a couple of kites and let the kids run wild for a little while. After a long winter indoors, even a simple day in the park can feel like a celebration, especially if it’s followed by ice cream!
Visit Conner Prairie
Located just a short drive from the city, Conner Prairie offers year-round entertainment and a chance to experience history via interactive exhibits and crafts that make learning fun.
Kids can explore historic buildings, meet costumed actors and participate in hands-on activities that bring the past to life. Spring programming often includes special exhibits and outdoor experiences that make the visit even richer. You also get access to a playground, a petting zoo and more.
Conner Prairie is an immersive, engaging place to visit for both children and adults. Because the schedule of events changes frequently – covering everything from handcrafted chocolates to tin smithing – make sure that you check their website and secure your tickets in advance.
Do A “Staycation”
Not every spring break has to involve special events and trips to museums. Sometimes, you may just want to spend some quality time with your little ones, free from school schedules and homework demands. If that’s your vibe, try these ideas:
- Blanket fort camping in the living room with movies and snacks
- DIY crafts with air-dry clay or watercolors
- A baking day with decorate-your-own cookies or cupcakes
- A board game tournament with candy wagers or prizes
These kinds of activities can allow you and your children to slow down and reconnect for a while, and the memories you make can be priceless.
Mix Big Days with Slow Days
The big secret to maintaining your sanity during spring break is pacing. You don’t need to plan high-energy outings every day to keep the kids mentally occupied.
Instead, try scheduling one big adventure day at the start of the week, followed by several low-key days at home. You can wrap the week up with a family event at the movies and a trip to your favorite pizza place, or a similar treat that appeals to the whole family.
This kind of balance can help keep boredom at bay without tipping everyone into exhaustion by midweek. The goal isn’t to schedule every minute, but to take this opportunity to recharge a little before the backpacks get pulled out again and the school bells start ringing.
