Indianapolis is actually a lot more exciting and adventurous than people like to think. If you are looking to switch up your date night routine from the normal, let’s go get dinner and drinks saga. Here is a list of free or cheap little adventures and things to do around Indy. (click on individual title to visit locations page directly)
Butler Observatory
Looking at the stars is a dreamy date right? On Fridays and Saturdays the Butler Observatory is open from 7:00-8:30pm. There is an optional $5 movie before the star gazing. Although to look through the telescope is free. I really love to go look at the different stars or planets and hear about their history. Each week the clarity and forecast is different in the sky, so you can go many times and see different things.
Address: 4600 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Contemporary Museum of Art
This is FREE admission. Open everyday from 9am – 7pm. They have a large selection of emerging artist exhibits. These exhibits rotate often so you can always go back in to see new work.
Address: The Alexander, CityWay, 216 E South Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Newfields – (Indianapolis Museum of Art)
Although it can be a bit pricey to go here, each first Thursday of the month is free! This museum has a large selection of art. It would be hard to find something you do not like here. Some people can be put off by art museums, so if your date is not an art lover find other ways to make it fun. Play eye spy, go around try to pick each others favorite piece in a collection, meme different expressions and faces in the art. There are so many ways to have an enjoyable time at an art museum. If you do go in warmer months this museum also has a lot of ground perfect for a picnic of just roaming around enjoying yourself.
Address: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208-3326
AMC Movies
If you are an AMC member you can get movie tickets for just $5 on Tuesdays. Even if you are not a member AMC offers $5 tickets to shows before noon on Sundays. This is another way to switch up your brunching and drinking Sunday morning.
Indie Arts Cinema
If you are more of an independent film fan you get movie tickets here for around $8. Here you’ll find hip films that will not been shown in mainstream theatres. There are 2 different locations in Indianapolis. One is in the Keystone Mall and one is in Glendale.
Address: Keystone Crossing Fashion Mall, 8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 4624
Kurt Vonnegut Museum
Kurt Vonnegut was a “World War II veteran, pacifist, satirist, humanist, environmentalist, visual artist, internationally acclaimed writer and Hoosier, Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most influential American writers and thinkers of the 20th century.” You have probably seen a mural of him on Massachusetts Avenue. In Indianapolis you can visit his museum and library. Here you can see collections of different memorabilia and collections from Vonnegut’s lifetime. If going to a museum seems lack-luster to you, I really encourage going to this one to get an authentic educational experience on an famous Indianapolis native. This museum is $8 admission or free the first Monday of each month.
Address: The Emelie Building 340 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46206
Indy Read Books
This book store is actually really fun to browse around and spend some time looking. They have a bunch of different eclectic books. My sister and I have spent a long time just hanging out sifting through different books, magazines, trinkets, etc. They also offer a ton of events here. So you can check out their website calendar if you would be interested in any of them.
Address: Indy Reads Books 911 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Sun King offers tours of their facility on Sundays. Tours are $7.50 online and $10 a the door. The tour includes a souvenir sampling glasses, 3 different samplings, and a tour and education of the brewery. After you can hang out in their showroom and drink play board games until your heart’s content.
Address: 135 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Indianapolis Public Library
This may sound like a strange date choice but the Indianapolis Library is actually really cool. If you go to the 4th floor you can see a view of all of downtown Indy. This could be a perfect cozy night to grab a coffee around all the windows overlooking Indy. On your date you can share your favorite books with each other or look at magazines together.
You can find books on jokes to tell each other or interesting questions to ask one another.
Address: 40 E. St. Clair St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
Monument Circle – Soldiers and Sailors
If you are from Indy you have probably seen The Circle a hundred times but have you ever actually been to the top? You can visit the Soldiers and Sailors Museum and climb the stairs up to the top to look out over all of Indy for free. This can be a fun and educational experience most people overlook having in Indianapolis.
King Makers
This is a board game bar located on Massachusetts Avenue. It is a $5 cover for just about every board game you could possibly imagine and then some. This activity is fun for larger groups but I personally have only been with one other person and we did not have any troubles finding 2 person board games. They have a small beer and wine menu. You can stay and play for as long as your heart desires.
Address: 881 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Tappers
Tappers is a arcade bar located in Fountain Square. All games are free to play except pinball. They offer a selection of many different craft beers and games. It is free to visit as long as you are purchasing something while you are there.
Address: 501 Virginia Ave, Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Rhythm! Discovery Center
This museum offers an assortment of different instruments to play. It is the world’s first interactive drum and percussion museum. Here you can expect many educational and interactive opportunities. They have student tickets for $9 and regular admission is $12.
Address: 110 W. Washington Street, Suite A Indianapolis, IN 46204