a hotel near the indianapolis zoo and children's museum - perfect for a family vacation in indianapolis

Indianapolis welcomes families with children of all ages with many conveniently located family-friendly attractions located just minutes from the hotel. When bringing the family to our great city, our hotel, near the Indianapolis Zoo and the Children's Museum, makes family travel fun and easy with the Westin Kid's Club®.

Indianapolis Zoo
Located at water's edge of the White River, the Indianapolis Zoo is home to some of nature's most intriguing and fascinating animals. The zoo is organized around unique "biomes" that represent natural habitats and include Oceans, Marine Animals, Deserts and Plains. Some of the highlights throughout the zoo include the country's largest dogshark touch pool, endangered white rhinoceros, rare Pacific walruses, numerous energetic dolphins and several interactive animal pavilions. The Indianapolis Zoo is also the only institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as a zoo, aquarium and a botanical garden.

• Operating Hours: Through September 6
  • Monday - Thursday, 9am-5pm
  • Friday - Sunday, 9am-7pm
• Admission prices
  • Adults: $14.50
  • Children (2-12) and Seniors (62+): $9.50
  • Children (1-under): Free
• Transportation: The zoo is located approximately 1 mile from our hotel
  • Is a short 3 minute drive
  • A comfortable 15 minute walk
• Parking
  • On-site parking is available for $6 (for regular vehicles) or $10 (for larger vehicles such as RVs or campers)
    

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis is proud to have the world's largest and fourth oldest children's museum located in its backyard. The five-story building encourages children to expand their mind in a fun and informative atmosphere. Welcoming you into the museum is the world's largest (at 43 feet tall) blown glass sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Additional permanent exhibits include Take Me There: Egypt offering a glimpse into the life of modern day Egypt; Dinosphere: Now Your in THEIR World presenting a collection of actual dinosaur fossils and famous dinosaur art; and All Aboard! where visitors are transported back to the "age of steam" complete with a 55-ton steam engine that was built in 1868.

• Operating Hours: Through September 6
  •  Daily, 10am-5pm
• Admission Prices
  • Children (2-17): $10.50
  • Adult (18-59): $15.50
  • Seniors (60+): $14.50
• Transportation: The Children's Museum is approximately 3.5 miles from our hotel
  • Is a 15 minute drive
• Parking: Free parking is available in the museum's parking garage on the west side of Illinois Street