**thethomps**

mrs.wildman

Are you in Indianapolis? Have any recs for fun things to do there?

We're Indy bound next month - only must-do things I have are the Zoo and Children's museum. I've only been there once before and it was cold + snowy - we went to the IMA which I looooved and some big mall downtown then spent the rest of the time with DH's family. We'll be doing a lot of that this time too, but so as not to go crazy, I want to get out and do things. Any recs would be appreciated!

thethomps

I'm doing a drive-by response since I'm cooking dinner.  Are you looking for stuff that you can take DD to as well?  Does it need to be in Indianapolis itself or are suburbs OK?  The Zoo and the Children's Museum are a must.  In fact, the museum just had a new National Geographic exhibit open that looks really cool.  I'll get back to you with more once dinner is done! 

mrs.wildman

Hi! In and out of Indy is fine. We'll have a rental car, so can go anywhere. I'm even tempted to take a day trip to Chicago.... Ideally stuff that we can take DD to would be great, but I think we'll want a night/day alone and have family to babysit, so just grown up things are good too - basically whatever your favorite things are (or cool things in general... ).   TIA!!!

thethomps

If you want some swim/water park time, the Monon Center in Carmel has a great area for little ones and also has a lazy river.  Broad Ripple is the closest thing to Austin here.  It's a little funky and has great restaurants.  My sister, mom and I took V to the Three Sisters Cafe (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) and it was excellent.  Broad Ripple Ice Cream - called BRICS (near Three Sisters) makes their own ice cream.  They don't have mix-ins like Amy's but it's still a good place.  There are also some craft breweries in Broad Ripple, if you like that sort of stuff. 

Downtown there is Indy's version of a River Walk.  We haven't been down there yet, but evidently you can do gondola rides.  If you want to eat out, I recommend Palomino.  DH and I went there on our night away from DD and it was fabulous.  It's right across from Circle Center Mall, which is probably the mall you were at when it was cold.  The Indianapolis City Market is also downtown.  I've never been for lunch, but I've heard it has all sorts of different ethnic food that's really good. 

Where we live (Zionsville), there is an organic creamery that you can do a walking tour of.  It's called Trader's Point Creamery.  You can get up close and personal with their cows and calves, as well as some chickens.  You can watch them jar their yogurt, too.  They have a dining room that serves lunch and dinner and have homemade ice cream, too.  Our "downtown" has cobblestone streets and some fun shops.  There is a great toy and game store and a little boutique called Ballerinas & Bruisers that has really cute kid stuff.  (You may want to bring grandparents with you for that one...it's a little pricey!) 

OK - sorry that is so long, but hopefully it helps!  If you have any questions about anything, please let me know!

mrs.wildman

Awesome Awesome! Thanks SO MUCH! All of this sounds fantastic! I def. want to check Broad Ripple out and as much good food and ice cream as I can fit in the 5 days I'll be there Once I know more of my schedule, I'll touch base - maybe we can head out to your neck of the woods and meet/have a farm playdate!!  Thank you thank you!

thethomps

You're welcome!  I would love a playdate!    Definitely keep me posted.