Activities
I know it will be difficult to squeeze any extra activity while you’re at MOMCon, but if you have a day or two before you settle in or a day or two after the conference closes, I couldn’t resist sharing my favorite museums, walking/running paths, and fun festivals that coincide with your visit.
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum (3000 N Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208): Promise me you’ll never grow up. Indianapolis has one of the world’s most renowned Children’s Museums. Seriously, this place is the bomb.com. The good news is that it’s wonderful for kids of all ages (that means you!). Call it a research trip for your next family vacation or just a great excuse to ride an antique carousel indoors with your favorite girlfriends.
White River State Park Canal & Gardens (801 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204): Need time to stretch your legs and process all your soul is absorbing? Don’t want to miss a training run? Do not delay. Get your feet to White River Park and specifically the Canal lining the way. It connects to a longer canal and the entire loop from the JW measures ~ 3 miles. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of public art, beautiful gardens, and war memorials (and maybe some ducks, too!). Grab a burger at Burgerhaus, too if you get hungry!
Indianapolis Zoo & White River Park Botanical Gardens (1200 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222): If you’ve budgeted a few extra bucks, you’re walking distance from Indianapolis’ Zoo and Botanical Gardens. There’s plenty of wildlife and beauty right next door. From the new Orangutan Center to Koalas who are visiting from another zoo to a kaleidoscope of butterflies that will take your breath away, there’s always something lovely to see.
Indiana State Museum (650 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204): Spoiler alert: I’m a complete history nerd. This is what makes the State Museum and the Indiana History Center two of the three downtown locations that calm my heart and send me straight to my happy place. The massive card catalog at the Indiana State Library is the third.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (500 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204): Art lovers and fans of the American Southwest will want to make a stop at the Eiteljorg or at least take a photo or two in front of the Whitetail deer fountain and outdoor art installation.
Wheel Fun Rentals (801 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 and 429 W Ohio St. Indianapolis, IN 46202): There two different locations to rent paddle boats, surreys, bikes, and more. They’re a great way to get around town or just spend a few minutes enjoying the beautiful downtown canal.
Indiana Pacers Bikeshare (132 W Walnut St. Indianapolis, IN 46204): 250 bikes spread between 25 different stations all over downtown as a part of the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program. You can rent one for an hourly fee and return them in different places.
Indiana History Center (450 W Ohio St. Indianapolis, IN 46202): This beautiful building features a living history museum. Exhibits throughout the building boast historical re-enactors who take you right back in time without even having to use a DeLorean to get you there.
Indianapolis Museum of Art (4000 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46208): John Green (he’s from Indy!) fans might want to squeeze in a visit Funky Bones, Okay? The outdoor installation is a part of the The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. The indoor museum charges admission but you can see amazing outdoor art work for absolutely free. Don’t miss Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture. Snap a picture to commerate your weekend. Side note: I think Jen Hatmaker should totally snap one in honor of For the Love.
Indy Jazz Fest: The weekend you visit happens to coincide with Indy Jazz Fest – 10 days of amazing music. Check out the line up to see if you can catch a show.
Indy Irish Fest (601 W New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202): Don’t be alarmed if you hear Irish song and dance while you’re at MOMCon. At nearby Military Park, the annual Irish Fest will be in full swing. Music, culture, food, and so much more will reign supreme September 17-20.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument (1 Monument Circle Indianapolis, IN 46204): One of Indy’s most recognizable landmarks, the Soldiers and Saliors’ Monument sits at the center of the circle city. It’s lovely to merely tour the grounds, but you can even climb the stairs all the way to the top and see the entire city from the observation deck. It’s free if you’re climbing or $2 if you want to ride the elevator up. With plenty of restaurants nearby, you could squeeze in an afternoon or evening trip (it’s less than a mile’s walking distance). It closes at 5:30 PM.