Caitlin Clark Fans: Things To See & Do In Indianapolis

Is an Indiana Fever game on your radar featuring Iowa’s Caitlin Clark? The Indianapolis area has a lot to see and do. I asked several of my friends who have spent a lot of time in the area to share tips on making the most out of your time in the city and nearby communities. No matter where and how you spend your time in the Indianapolis area, I know you will have an incredible experience. I am thrilled to have Indiana Fever Tickets in hand for a July 2025 game!

100 Things To Do In Iowa

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

3000 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46208

While the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis seems to have been designed for children, I think the name is abit of a misnomer. Perhaps the All-Ages Museum of Indianapolis might be a more suitable name for this museum that engages the entire family. Yet, at 472,900 square feet, it’s the largest children’s museum in the world, offering a wealth of educational experiences for all ages.

Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt

dinosaur outside building
Photo Courtesy of Amy Piper
dinosaurs outside building
Photo Courtesy of Amy Piper


We were excited about the dinosaurs even before entering the museum. A life-size brontosaurus broke throughthe museum’s front window. The Dinosphere exhibit was our family’s favorite. Grandpa had a lively discussion
with the staff paleontologist at the functioning paleo prep lab on discovering Dracorex. At the same time, our five-year-old participated in an interactive conversation about Leonardo, the mummified dinosaur, with a
docent and a group of other children. Everyone touched the actual T. rex femur, which is millions of years old.

The multi-sensory exhibits are immersive and engaging simulation-based activities, with sound and lightshows—the clap of thunder, the flash of lightning, the texture of a T. rex femur, and the scent of pine.

The museum features over a dozen permanent and rotating exhibits that foster collaboration, interactivelearning, and immersive experiences. Online tools facilitate intergenerational learning opportunities, ensuring
everyone is actively involved in the learning process.

As we entered Beyond Spaceship Earth, we met an interpreter dressed as an astronaut trained by astronauts. The space station build-out replicates the International Space Station (ISS), where the living space is the size of a
six-bedroom house. We watched videos of astronauts’ daily activities and then tried using the robot arm to dock supplies and do chores using the astronauts’ heavy gloves.

The Power of Children exhibit provides a setting for families to discuss challenging topics such as Civil Rights, AIDS, and the Holocaust through the stories of Anne Frank, Ryan White, and Ruby Bridges.

Other fun activities include the Lily Theater and the life-size train engine. This museum is a great place to spend an entire day on your Indianapolis trip.

Amy Piper is a freelance writer and runs the blog, Follow The Piper. She lives in Michigan and is the author of 100 Things To Do In Lansing, Michigan and Secret Michigan.

Indiana State Museum

650 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

The Indiana State Museum is one of my favorite museums in Indianapolis. It is part of a networkof historic sites across the state. The museum offers something for all ages, and its rotating exhibits keep me learning something new, even as a lifelong Hoosier.

Indiana State Museum
Photo Courtesy of Jamie Ward

One fascinating exhibit is Frozen Reign, where you can meet Fred, the 13,000-year-old Buesching Mastodon. Indiana University archaeologists discovered Fred’s bones over two decades ago. I once took an “after-dark” museum tour and found Fred a bit more intimidating at night! Museum events throughout the year include homeschool days, sensory-friendlyafternoons, and the annual Geofest, Pinewood Derby, and Snowball Express.

100 Things To Do In Indiana

The museum features an IMAX theater, gift shop, and galleries that explore a range of topics,including Indiana’s founding people, landscapes and crossroads, cultural influences, and Black heritage. With three floors of exhibits and activities, plan to spend at least three to four hoursexploring them all. Families with children will enjoy the interactive STEM activities and Firefly
Landing, an early childhood learning space.

mastadon
Photo Courtesy of Jamie Ward
Indiana State Museum
Photo Courtesy of Jamie Ward

When you get hungry, the museum’s on-site cafe, The Farmers Market, offers food and drinkoptions sourced locally with indoor seating and outdoor seating along the canal. During the holiday season, you can also experience the beloved L.S. Ayres Tea Room, which provides afternoon tea experiences and lunch on select days in December and January. The tea room was originally located in the L.S. Ayres department store and was recreated in the museum to
celebrate its iconic popularity in Indianapolis for 85 years.

The museum is located downtown along the White River Canal, which you can stroll along before or after your visit. Be sure to check out the Steam Clock situated outside the museum; it’s one of the few in the world and whistles “Back Home Again In Indiana” hourly.

Jamie Ward is a freelance writer and runs the blog, Cornfields & High Heels. She lives in Indiana and is the author of 100 Things To Do In Indiana.

Places To Eat In Shipshewana, Indiana

Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

8420 N County Rd 650 E
Brownsburg, IN 46112

Love animals? You’ll love Oinking Acres Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in Brownsburg, Indiana!The sanctuary was founded by Olivia Head, who adopted her first pig at 14 and is a safe place for abandoned and neglected pigs and other farm animals.

Since its inception, Oinking Acres has rescued over 500 pigs, provided rehabilitation, and sought adoptive homes through a rigorous screening process.

woman with pig
Photo courtesy of Veronica Bareman

Another part of the Oinking Acres’ mission addresses the misconception of “teacup pigs,” educating the public that even “mini” pigs can weigh up to 200 pounds. As a visitor, you can engage with the animals and learn about responsible pig ownership. Just be careful not to fall in love. Pigs are known to be as bright as third-grade children, each with its own sparkling
personality!

Funding is primarily through donations, fundraisers, and visitor tours, covering feed, veterinary care, and maintenance costs. Watch the Oinking Acres website forspecial events contributing to the sanctuary’s rescue mission.

Read all about the Hip Grandma’s visit to Oinking Acres at https://hipgrandmalife.com/oinking-acres-pig-sanctuary

Veronica Bareman runs the popular blog, Hip Grandma Life. She lives in Michigan and is the author of 100 Things To Do In Holland, Michigan.

Easley Winery

205 N College Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46202

It’s been several years ago, but my stop at Easley Winery has stayed in my memory. Located in a historic building, Easley Winery is in Indianapolis, Indiana in the former Fertig Ice CreamPlant. Built in 1924, the ice cream became famous because their soft serve ice cream mix wasmade for Dairy Queen and the Burger Chef hamburger chain. Like many successful companies,they were bought out by Beatrice Foods.

Photo Courtesy of Cindy Ladage

After the sale, the location was sold in 1974 to Jack and Joan Easley. For me it is the efforts that the Easley’s went through to open their business that is the real story. Easley Winery was the 1st winery in the history of the City of Indianapolis.

The Easley’s were hobby winemakers, and they started out growing grapes and making their wine in their basement in Indianapolis. On their website they share, “Jack and Joan dreamed of growing grapes and making wine in Indiana. Jack was an attorney, and Joan owned her own market research business. After learning it was illegal to make and sell wine in Indiana, they
invested in a small vineyard in southern Michigan. The long drives on poor roads quickly became old, and Jack & Joan decided to see if the Indian prohibition laws could be changed…”

The Easley’s joined with other interested parties and created the Growers Guild. The Guildworked to reverse the law, and wineries were able to become a reality in 1971. Today it is the second generation of Easley’s that continue to make their award-winning wines. They are known for their Indiana Champagne, and sparking lines. Stop by the tasting room at 205 N. College Ave. and check them out. Besides the tasting room, they have a room that can be used for events and a great gift shop. Easley’s often offers entertainment during the weekends. For more information, log onto their website at Easley Winery.

Cindy Ladage is a freelance writer and runs the popular blog, Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. She is also the author of, Agricultural Treasures Guidebook.

No matter how you spend time in the Indianapolis area, I hope you have the time of your life watching Iowa’s Caitlin Clark fulfill her dreams.






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SaraB

Sara is a travel enthusiast that resides in North Iowa. You can find her traveling where the plane, train, ship, or car will go. Are you looking to take a road trip? Sara has solutions for you!

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