The 13 Best Midwest Vacations for Families

Indianapolis beckons sports lovers with its annual IndyCar and NASCAR racing events and professional basketball, football and soccer teams. If you’re a race car fan and you’re planning to visit at the end of May, you won’t want to miss what’s known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – the world-renowned Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But if you’re not up for high-speed thrills, there are plenty of other attractions for the less adventurous traveler in Indianapolis. Downtown’s White River State Park is home to the 64-acre Indianapolis Zoo; the Indiana State Museum, which features an IMAX Theater; and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Additionally, basketball fans won’t want to miss Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University. The arena, built in 1928, is both the actual site and filming location of the 1954 events featured in the classic movie “Hoosiers.” Kids can even get in on the athletic fun at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis‘ Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis is an excellent choice for accommodations during your stay in the city, set close to White River State Park. If you prefer to stay outside of downtown, Ironworks Hotel Indy is located about 10 miles north of Indianapolis in the Keystone Crossing neighborhood. The eclectic property, designed to resemble a factory from the Industrial Revolution era, features eight on-site food and beverage venues, and it’s pet-friendly.

[See more of Indianapolis: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]