World-class cultural and leisure opportunities abound in Indianapolis, including art fairs, film festivals, museums, music, recreation, shopping, and theatre, to name a few. Following are more details on some of the things that make Indianapolis one of the best places to live in the country:
Museums
Did you know that the largest children's museum is in Indianapolis? Or what would it have been like to settle in Indiana in 1836? Museums in the Indianapolis area represent a wide range of interests and tastes for children and adults. Listed below are just a few:
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Connor Prairie Pioneer Settlement – an Indiana village circa 1836
- Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
- Indianapolis Art Center
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- Indiana State Museum
- National Art Museum of Sport
Art Fairs and Film Festivals
For art lovers, in addition to museums, Indianapolis features several great fairs and film festivals including:
- Broadripple Art Fair
- Talbot Street Art Fair
- Penrod (the granddaddy of art fairs)
- Heartland Film Festival
- National Children's Film Festival Weekend
Music and Comedy Clubs
Music lovers will find an abundance of choices to fill their souls – from jazz, classical and blues, to rock, alternative and country – at venues all over the city. Indianapolis also has several comedy clubs to laugh away the stresses of the week. Whether you prefer to rock with the top bands, to enjoy a wine and cheese picnic under the stars, or to laugh until you cry, below are some clubs, locations and special music series available to residents.
- The Anthenaeum
- Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center
- Conseco Fieldhouse
- Crackers Comedy Club
- Hilbert Circle Theatre
- Indianapolis Jazz and Roots Festival
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Murat Centre
- Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie
- Summer Nights at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
- Verizon Wireless Music Center
Recreation – Indoor/Outdoors
Whether you enjoy playing baseball, biking, bowling, hiking, racing, skating, swimming or just spending time outdoors, the greater Indianapolis area offers fun for individuals, groups and families.
- Bowling Alleys and duck pin bowling
- Golfing – at more than 100 local golf courses
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Indiana State Parks – Brown County, Shades, Mounds, Turkey Run and White River
- Indianapolis Parks and Recreation – there are more than 8 city parks with swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and other recreation options
- Indiana University Natatorium
- Major Taylor Velodrome
- The Monon Trail – a new, popular trail for walking, biking, blading and running
- Pan-America Ice Skating Center
- Stefan Johansson Karting Center
- White River Gardens
Shopping
For those who enjoy shopping, Indianapolis is sure to delight. At the following malls you'll find your favorite retailers like Nordstrom's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Parisian's, Macy's, Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel, Hollister & Company, and many more. You could also zip up 5 minutes to Zionsville on your lunch hour and browse through some of the city's most unique boutiques and shops – or hit the Broad Ripple area for more unique shops, antiques or vintage clothing.
- Castleton Mall
- Circle Centre Mall
- Clay Terrace Mall
- Glendale Shopping Center
- Greenwood Mall
- Keystone at the Crossing Fashion Mall
- Lafayette Square Mall
- Washington Square Mall
Theatre
"To be, or not to be" is not the question in Indianapolis. More than 10 area theatres offer musicals, Broadway classics, and original entertainment throughout the year.
