Under two hours from Cincinnati, Indianapolis is an ideal destination for a quick family trip! Grab the kids, pack the van and head to Indy for some fabulous Fall fun. Here are some amazing attractions to add to your itinerary…
Harvest Nights, presented by everwise @ Newfields
This spooky, not scary, spectacle is truly something to be seen and experienced this autumn season! Families will love walking through fog-filled forests on pumpkin-lit paths to make nature discoveries around every corner.
Fabulous Fall Features:
The artfully carved, nature-themed pumpkins thoughtfully displayed in the Haunted Hollow will strike awe in all. They are down-right gourd-eous! Good luck choosing a favorite pumpkin in this patch… it could be the pesky possum, wiggly worm or beautiful butterfly. The playful monster sculptures located alongside the entire trail are full of personality- some are a little bit menacing, a few are downright silly and others are creepily cute. Speaking of the pumpkin paths, the illuminated gourds make for a really serene scene. Happy seasonal tunes keep it light and not scary. Plus there are friendly interactive-pumpkin projections to chat with… they have some great jokes and neat poems, too. With projections and sound special effects, The Ghost Train experience really makes it feel as though a ghastly locomotive is rumbling nearby! Definitely an ambiance setter for sure.
A Spooky Showstopper, Mischief Manor:
A major highlight of Harvest Nights is Mischief Manor. Guests are invited to investigate this dimly-lit mansion to do a little ghost hunting of their own. During Cincinnati Family Magazine’s visit to Harvest Nights, we deduced that the decor told a tale of a curious entomologist who traveled the world looking to complete his bug collection and carry out his research… it appears he met an untimely death and may still be lurking the manor. The dining room stays still -in complete demise, creepy experiments have taken over the kitchen and crawly creatures can be found with ease. Cobwebs! Creaking! Mice scurrying! The mind goes wild taking in the scenes and creating backstories. There are no frightful actors or jump scares in the Manor, just decorations, special effects and your own imagination wondering what’s around the next hallway.
The outside of Mischief Manor? Just as spooky and fun as the inside! The building itself tells stories through projected images and music. Watch as the brick lays backdrop for dancing flappers, friendly ghosties floating, exploding pumpkins and more! The show repeats, so be sure to grab a spot to watch from start to finish.
Awesome Autumn Add-Ons:
Come hungry or do your best to work up an appetite, the food offerings are delicious. The GIANT Bavarian pretzel is fit to feed a hoard of folks and the specialty spirits are full of Fall flavors.
Be sure to buy a cute pumpkin Blinky light to help light your way through the experience!
Harvest Nights, Presented by everwise takes place at Newfields. Located at:
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
317-923-1331
Click here to learn all about Harvest Nights!
Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo
First things first, the Indianapolis Zoo is a fabulous family destination all year round! The orangutan exhibit is reason enough to visit this amazing zoo at any time. This zoo also boasts a train, carousel… and a roller ghoster… er, roller coaster.
Zoo Boo takes an already amazing zoo and elevates it with a heaping helping of bright pumpkins, ghouls, goblins, witches and more.
Zoo Boo Highlights:
Pumpkin Town features a DJ throwing dance parties, a mirror maze, the spooky Leeward Sisters and their mysterious manor. Guests are welcomed to explore the uniquely decked out dwelling and do a seek-and-find for animal friends along the way.
Kids will love the Trick-or-Treat trail, with eight stations in the Plains exhibit. The path is also dotted with beautiful Día de Muertos animal sculptures along the way. Friday and Saturdays from 5 – 8 p.m., there is also an Adult Trick-Or-Treat Trail (while supplies last)!
Zoo animals get into the Halloween spirit with some yummy pumpkin enrichment.
Zoo Boo runs through October 31st, Wed/Thur/Sun 2 – 7 p.m., Fri-Sat 2 – 9 p.m.
Zoo Boo takes place at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Located at:
1200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, In 46222
317-630-2001
Click here to learn more about Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo
WitchWay Road Trip at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Another iconic Indy family destination… the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit attraction for Cincinnatians with little ones. This fan-favorite museum welcomes guests (and GIANT dinosaurs!!!) in with open arms. Every day highlights include: touching a real life fossil in Dinosphere, exploring 12 outdoor sports experiences and 3 indoor exhibits with the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, taking a spin around the Carousel, hopping aboard a train in All Aboard! and so. much. more. At 99 years old, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has truly perfected the are of how to connect, educate and entertain kids.
Why WitchWay will WOW:
WitchWay Road Trip takes patrons down Route 60 for a cross-country journey celebrating the Haunted House’s 60th birthday- the oldest in the nation! Follow the road to find spooky scenes galore and maybe even a little bit of gore!
Cincinnati Family Magazine had a chance to experience a sneak peek of this attraction, and our jaws dropped. The details that go into this seasonal offering are simply s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g. We could have spent 10 minutes in each room, taking in the thoughtful details and answering each rooms halloween-related fun fact question. We also had a blast looking for the hidden Haunted House mascots. Our favorite rooms were the ghoulish gas station, the camping grounds (with Big Foot!), the devilish diner and the vortex tunnel. Tweens will also be delighted by the skibidi toilet nod (If you don’t know what this means, consider yourself lucky. If you do know what this means, you have +1000 aura, you rizzler).
The WitchWay Road Trip experience offers both friendly and frightful hours- so be mindful of your kid’s fear factor! Check our more info, here:
WitchWay Road Trip runs through October 31st at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Located at:
3000 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, In 46208
317-334-4000
Click here to learn more about WitchWay at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
More Indianapolis Info!
Where to Stay!
The Conrad Indianapolis
This Indianapolis hotel is upscale and in the middle of it all! Favorite features include a lovely lap pool and relaxing hot tub. The hotel also boasts a gallery of awe-inspiring artwork and hosts a serene spa- hotel guests are even welcome to utilize the steam room and sauna which are simply… divine! Be sure to take advantage of these relaxing amenities before slipping into one of the Conrads sincerely luxurious (maybe even better than your own bed at home) beds. The hotel is near great shopping and elevated eats. We recommend walking over to Jacks Donuts to start your morning off with a sweet treat!
Where to Play!
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
We found ourselves lucky when we realized our visit correlated with the IMS 8-Hour Race. If you are planning a visit to Indianapolis, be sure to check the motor speedway schedule to see if you can take in a race, too. They are RIVETING! Loud, fast, exciting! And also family friendly! There are plenty of interactive booths located on the infield- we were able to see race cars up close, get out energy on inflatables and even make some friendship bracelets, too. Quintessentially Indy, be sure to check it out!