12 Things To Do In Indianapolis This Weekend With Your Partner

Indianapolis, often overlooked but never underwhelming, is packed with activities perfect for a weekend escape with your partner.

If you’re a local or just passing through, here are some top picks that promise to add a spark to your weekend plans.

12. Laughs at Comedy Sportz

Location: 3808 Shelby St

For a light-hearted evening, check out Comedy Sportz. This improv comedy venue hosts interactive shows where teams compete in comedic performances.

It’s a hilarious and entertaining way to spend the evening, guaranteed to leave you both in stitches.

• ComedySportz Indianapolis has been bringing comedy to the city since 1993, providing all-ages entertainment and late-night comedy shows.
• The home of ComedySportz in Indianapolis is The Wit Theater, located in downtown Indianapolis.
• 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.
• Apart from performances, ComedySportz Indianapolis offers improv classes and corporate training sessions, teaching the art of improvisation and its applications in professional settings.
• The shows are highly interactive, involving audience participation to help create the scenes and games performed by the improvisers.

11. Fun Nights at Punch Bowl Social

@punchbowlsocial

Specifically a night out at Punch Bowl Social! #goingout #nightout #thingstodo #gamenight #arcade #bowling #happyhour #punchbowlsocial

♬ These Words – Badger & Natasha Bedingfield

Location: 120 S Meridian St

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, there’s something for everyone.

One thing is certain – it’s a great place to let loose and enjoy each other’s company.

• Quick Tip: Order Lobster Bacon Fries and water that down with Metazoa Hoppopotomus. I promise you won’t regret it!

10. Cultural Enrichment at Newfields

Location: 4000 N Michigan Rd

Newfields, home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, offers a blend of art exhibits, summer movie nights, and beautiful gardens. It’s a culturally enriching experience that provides a perfect backdrop for a sophisticated date.

• 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.
• The Lilly House, located on the Newfields campus, is a historic home that once belonged to the prominent Lilly family.

9. Animal Encounters at The Indianapolis Zoo

Location: 1200 W Washington St

Animal lovers will adore a day at The Indianapolis Zoo. With attractions like the dolphin show and various animal encounters, it’s a fun and engaging way to spend time together.

• The Indianapolis Zoo is accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, a rare distinction that highlights its diverse attractions and facilities.
• The zoo spans 64 acres and is located in White River State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana. It opened at this location in 1988 with a significant investment of $64 million.
• The Indianapolis Zoological Society was incorporated in 1944, and the first zoo was established in George Washington Park in 1964.
• 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

Location: 5855 Delong Rd

If you’re up for an adventure, Go Ape in Eagle Creek Park is the place to be. This treetop adventure park features zip lines and high ropes courses, offering a thrilling experience that’s perfect for adrenaline junkies.

• 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.
• Go Ape has 16 locations across the United States and has helped millions of guests connect with nature while stepping outside their comfort zone.

7. Sip and Savor at Mallow Run Winery

Location: 6964 Whiteland Rd

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.

• Mallow Run Winery is nestled on a family farm, enhancing its rustic and inviting atmosphere.
• The winery 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.
• They produce a variety of wines, including a sweet wine made from 100% strawberry juice, which is described as “jam in a wine glass.”
• The winery’s bottle labels often feature views inspired by 19th-century agriculture, commemorating Johnson County’s rich agricultural history.
• Mallow Run offers free wine tastings, concerts, and various events throughout the year, providing a vibrant and engaging experience for visitors.

6. Spend a Chill Night at The Cabaret

Location: 924 N Pennsylvania St Suite B

For a night of live performances and dining, head to The Cabaret. This venue offers an engaging atmosphere perfect for a date night. Enjoy a meal while being entertained by some of the best performers around.

• The Cabaret is the only arts organization in Indianapolis dedicated specifically to the art of cabaret performance, providing a unique niche in the local arts community.
• It is located in the historic Metzger Building in downtown Indianapolis, adding to its charm and ambiance.
• 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.
• Originally known as the American Cabaret Theatre, it was founded on January 9, 1988. It has been a significant part of Indianapolis’ cultural scene for decades.
• During the development of its new venue, The Cabaret had an interim year at the Indiana Landmarks Center.

5. Visit Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Location: 45 Monument Cir

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.
• The ISO gained national recognition in the 1960s, particularly through domestic touring, which became a crucial part of their annual performance schedule.
• All the ushers at ISO concerts are volunteers who contribute their time, reflecting the strong community support for the orchestra.
• The ISO is considered one of the finest orchestras in the United States, often ranked among the top 15 orchestras in the country.

4. Nature Retreat at Fort Harrison State Park

Location: 6000 N Post Rd

For those who love the great outdoors, Fort Harrison State Park is a must-visit. With trails, a creek, picnic spots, a museum, and even horseback riding, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.

Spend the day exploring and reconnecting with nature—and each other.

• The park spans 1,700 acres and includes one of the largest tracts of unbroken hardwood forest in Central Indiana.
• 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.
• Visitors can enjoy walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, and fishing access to Fall Creek.
• The park includes a Pete Dye-designed golf course.
• There are nine miles of hiking trails available.

3. Stargazing at Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Location: 4600 Sunset Ave

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, located at Butler University, offers a celestial escape. With stargazing and planetarium shows, it’s a date that’s both romantic and educational.

Just a heads up, accessibility is limited if stairs are an issue.

• 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 first observatory at Butler University was built in 1888. The 6-inch refracting telescope it originally housed was purchased from the estate of Robert McKim of Madison, Indiana, in 1889. The lens was made by Alvan Clark & Sons.
• 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

♬ aquatic ambience – Scizzie

Location: 480 S Tibbs Ave

Kick it old-school at Tibbs Drive-In. With four screens offering double features nightly (except Tuesdays), it’s a nostalgic experience that’s hard to beat.

Pack some snacks, snuggle up in your car, and enjoy a movie marathon under the stars.

• 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.
• Tibbs Drive-In is open from Thursday to Monday and features double features, making it an economical option for moviegoers.
• The drive-in opened on June 7, 1967, with the movies “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” starring Zero Mostel and “The Fortune Cookie” starring Jack Lemmon.
• The theater boasts modern facilities, including a well-stocked snack shop. The venue is praised for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere.

1. Gondola Rides

Location: 340 W Michigan St

Nothing says romance like a gondola ride. At Old World Gondoliers, you can float down the canal in Downtown Indianapolis 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.

• The Old World Gondoliers offer Venetian-style gondola rides along the downtown Indianapolis canal. These rides provide a unique and romantic experience with beautiful canal views.
• The gondoliers often serenade passengers with traditional Italian songs, adding to the charm and authenticity of the experience.
• During the summer season, public gondola rides depart daily at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm, with reservations recommended to secure a spot.

Final Words

There you have it—a roundup of activities to make your weekend in Indianapolis 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.