Last month, my partner and I found ourselves stuck in the “what do you want to do this weekend?” cycle—you know, the one where you toss out ideas like dinner or Netflix, but nothing really excites either of you. So we decided to shake things up a bit and head downtown in Indianapolis to see what we could discover.
If you’re a local or just passing through, here are some things to do in Indianapolis.
| No. | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Gondola Rides | Enjoy a romantic Venetian-style gondola ride along the downtown Indianapolis canal. |
| 11 | Tibbs Drive-In | Watch a movie old-school style at the only drive-in theater in Indianapolis, offering a nostalgic experience. |
| 10 | Stargazing at Holcomb Observatory | Visit Butler University’s observatory for telescope viewing and planetarium shows. |
| 9 | Fort Harrison State Park | A 1,700-acre park with trails, lakes, and unbroken hardwood forests, perfect for outdoor lovers. |
| 8 | Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra | Enjoy a night of romantic symphony music at one of the top orchestras in the U.S. |
| 7 | The Cabaret | Experience live performances with dining in an intimate setting for a perfect date night. |
| 6 | Mallow Run Winery | Relax with wine tastings and enjoy a picnic concert series under the stars. |
| 5 | Go Ape Adventure | Head to Eagle Creek Park for a treetop adventure with ziplines and suspended obstacles. |
| 4 | Indianapolis Zoo | Explore diverse habitats and see over 1,400 animals at this accredited zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. |
| 3 | Newfields | Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art and explore 152 acres of gardens, trails, and art exhibitions. |
| 2 | Punch Bowl Social | Have fun with bowling, karaoke, and arcade games at this lively downtown spot. |
| 1 | Comedy Sportz | Enjoy a night of laughter with improv comedy at Comedy Sportz, where audience participation is key. |
12. Laughs at Comedy Sportz
For a light-hearted evening, check out Comedy Sportz. ComedySportz is known for its unique format of improv comedy played as a sport, where two teams compete for laughs, points, and glory by making up games, scenes, and songs based on audience suggestions.
It’s a hilarious and entertaining way to spend the evening, guaranteed to leave you both in stitches. The shows are highly interactive, involving audience participation to help create the scenes and games performed by the improvisers.
Apart from performances, ComedySportz Indianapolis offers improv classes and corporate training sessions, teaching the art of improvisation and its applications in professional settings.
11. Fun Nights at Punch Bowl Social
@punchbowlsocial Specifically a night out at Punch Bowl Social! #goingout #nightout #thingstodo #gamenight #arcade #bowling #happyhour #punchbowlsocial
Punch Bowl Social is a lively spot for a fun and interactive date. With a unique menu, bowling, karaoke, arcade games, and board game rentals, you won’t have to worry about what things to do in Indianapolis.
One thing is certain – it’s a great place to let loose and enjoy each other’s company.
10. Cultural Enrichment at Newfields
Newfields is a 152-acre campus that includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Fairbanks Park, The Garden, Lilly House, and the Elder Greenhouse. It offers a variety of experiences including art galleries, gardens, a historic home, nature trails, outdoor sculptures, and more.
The museum at Newfields is among the ten largest and oldest general art museums in the United States, featuring a diverse collection of artworks. The campus includes over 100 acres of nature trails and historic gardens, providing a blend of natural beauty and artistic displays.
9. Animal Encounters at The Indianapolis Zoo
Animal lovers will adore a day at The Indianapolis Zoo. The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, a rare distinction that highlights its diverse attractions and facilities.
The zoo is home to over 1,400 animals representing 214 species. It features diverse habitats and exhibits, including an impressive dolphin pavilion. Besides animals, the zoo also houses over 31,000 plants, making it a significant botanical garden as well.
8. Go on an Adventure at Go Ape
If you’re up for an adventure and you’re thinking about things to do in Indianapolis, Go Ape in Eagle Creek Park is the place to be. The park offers a 2-3-hour journey through the forest canopy, featuring suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings, and breathtaking ziplines. It’s designed to provide a unique outdoor experience.
The gate admission to Eagle Creek Park is $5 per vehicle for Marion County residents and $6 for non-residents. The cost for the Go Ape adventure is $55 for adults and $35 for those under 18.
The course includes 40 different obstacles, providing a challenging and thrilling experience. Guests navigate the course through a series of self-guided tours.
7. Sip and Savor at Mallow Run Winery
Mallow Run Winery is ideal for a relaxed and cozy date. With wine tastings and a picnic concert series on weekends, you can enjoy live music while lounging on the lawn. Bring your own food and blankets for a perfect evening under the stars.[/su_note]
The winery is nestled on a family farm, enhancing its rustic and inviting atmosphere. It has nearly seven acres of grapes, including 3.5 acres planted in 2016 at The Sycamore at Mallow Run, featuring American and Hybrid grape varieties.
6. Spend a Chill Night at The Cabaret
The venue offers an intimate experience with a seating arrangement where no seat is more than five rows from the stage. The room is softly lit with chandeliers, creating an Old Hollywood meets urban chic atmosphere.
5. Visit the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Immerse yourselves in the romantic tunes of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. They perform at various venues, including the popular outdoor series at Conner Prairie. It’s an evening of beautiful music that’s sure to enchant.
The ISO is the largest performing arts organization in Indiana, providing innovative programs and symphonic music at the highest artistic level. All the ushers at ISO concerts are volunteers who contribute their time, reflecting the strong community support for the orchestra.
4. Nature Retreat at Fort Harrison State Park
For those who love the great outdoors, Fort Harrison State Park is a must-visit. The park spans 1,700 acres and includes one of the largest tracts of unbroken hardwood forest in Central Indiana. With trails, a creek, picnic spots, a museum, and even horseback riding, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
It features several small lakes and three and a half miles of Fall Creek. The park has about 1,000 acres of uncut forest growth and four nature preserves covering approximately 600 acres. It also includes a Pete Dye-designed golf course.
3. Stargazing at Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium
The Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is part of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is one of the largest public observatories in the world. The observatory houses a 38-inch (1-meter) Cassegrain reflector telescope, the largest telescope in Indiana.
The observatory and planetarium offer public tours that include a planetarium show and telescope viewing sessions. Public tours typically begin at 7 p.m., with the planetarium show starting at 7:30 p.m. and telescope viewing from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
2. Classic Date Night at Tibbs Drive-In
@cinemanation Drive-In Movie Theater Night #fyp #driveintheater #movie #movietok #filmtok #cinema
Tibbs Drive-In is the only remaining drive-in movie theater in Indianapolis. It has been a staple of the community since it opened in 1967. The drive-in is family-owned and has been a popular spot for family outings and date nights, offering a nostalgic and unique movie-going experience.
Kick it old-school at Tibbs Drive-In. With four screens offering double features nightly (except Tuesdays), it’s a romantic experience that’s hard to beat.
1. Gondola Rides
If you’re thinking about romantic things to do in Indianapolis, nothing says romance like a gondola ride. The Old World Gondoliers offer Venetian-style gondola rides along the downtown Indianapolis canal while being serenaded by your gondolier.
Choose a private ride for a more intimate experience, or hop on a public ride if you’re feeling sociable. And if you’re tying the knot, their wedding packages are a dreamy option.
Here are some additional activities you might enjoy in Indianapolis with your partner:
- Walk along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: Explore the city’s neighborhoods and art installations while taking a leisurely stroll or biking together. It’s both active and relaxing.
- Visit the Rhythm! Discovery Center: It’s a museum entirely dedicated to percussion, offering interactive exhibits where you can make music together.
- Enjoy a hot air balloon ride: Take in panoramic views of the Indianapolis skyline and its surrounding landscapes. This one is my favorite.
- Take a cooking class: Several venues in Indianapolis offer couples’ cooking classes for a fun and hands-on experience.
- Explore Broad Ripple Village: It’s a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, dining, and arts scene.
- Attend a local brewery tour: Indianapolis has a thriving craft beer scene, perfect for a casual and fun day together. Sounds good, right?
Final Words
There you have it—a roundup of things to do in Indianapolis to make your weekend unforgettable. If you’re looking for romance, adventure, culture, or just some good old-fashioned fun, there’s something on this list for every couple. So grab your partner and make the most of your time together in this beautiful city.
