7 Activities for Renters to Do in Indianapolis

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Looking for ways to fall in love with Indianapolis as a renter? Here are are some of the hotspots that will do the trick: Broad Ripple Village, NCAA Hall of Champions, Monument Circle, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis or Monon Rail Trail.

No matter the time of year, there’s plenty to do and see in Indiana’s capital city as a renter. Sports, restaurants, attractions, live gigs, museums, outdoor events and activities — you name it, Indy has it! Whether you already call Indy home and need a fun idea for the weekend, or you’re looking for apartments in Indianapolis and want to make sure the city fits your idea of entertainment, we have the perfect to-do list:

Check out Broad Ripple Village

 

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This cultural district has much to offer to local renters and visitors alike. Broad Ripple Village is a vibrant area north of downtown that’s filled with artsy cafés and quaint eateries just perfect for a day out. A few lovely boutiques, galleries and record shops make it the best spot to spend some quality time during the day. Plus, the cool cocktail bars and restaurants will also make you want to spend the evening in this eclectic spot, as well.

Visit the NCAA Hall of Champions

 

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Now this one is a family-friendly must-see in Indy. The exhibits in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame are as entertaining for sports aficionados as they are for renters trying to understand the appeal of collegiate sports. And, after you’re done entertaining your inner athlete, you can take a long stroll through White River State Park, which is just outside.

See the Monument Circle

 

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A tourist’s day in Indianapolis should always start with a visit to the Monument Circle — a symbol of Indianapolis and the great state of Indiana. Climb to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for a nice view of downtown from 275 feet up, giving local renters a bird’s eye view of downtown’s glitzy Indianapolis office spaces. If you’re here during the holidays, it’s worth the trek for a view of a lifetime as hundreds of holiday lights light up the impressive monument.

Go to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

 

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No family-friendly trip to Indy is complete without the awesome Children’s Museum — the largest of its kind in the world! As much a teaching experience as it is a cool activity for renters with kids of all ages, the museum combines interactive sports and arts activities with classic museum exhibits that are guaranteed to grab and keep their attention. Make sure you set a whole day aside for this one.

Bike the Monon Rail Trail

 

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If you’re looking for an outdoor activity, there’s nothing like cycling down the Monon Rail Trail. It’s more than 25 miles long, which renters can enjoy by foot, skates and rollerblades, but biking truly makes it worth their while. Get on via one of several access points in the city and, depending on your route, you’ll get to see what Indy has to offer as the landscape goes from urban to greener by the mile.

Paddle your way downtown

It doesn’t get more classic downtown Indy than this. Although this may be considered a tourist activity, you’ll find local renters paddling along the canal, as well. Expect gondolas, paddle boats and even kayaks lining the Canal Walk — a three-mile loop beginning in White River State Park that offers some of the best waterside street art and views of the skyline.

Explore the Lilly House and Gardens

 

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The Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens are what fairytales are made of. The 1930s estate sits on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and serves as the perfect time capsule. Words do it little justice, so renters should take a whole afternoon to explore this National Historic Landmark and its gardens. And, be sure not to miss the Indianapolis Museum of Art while you’re at it.

These suggestions are just a few entries in a very long to-do list while in Indy. Given the current situation, always make sure to check online for possible schedule adjustments. The city welcomes visitors with wide arms. The only challenge is finding enough time to enjoy everything this state capital has to offer!

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Alexandra is a creative writer and researcher for RentCafe. With a background in e-learning content writing and a passion for knowledge-sharing platforms, she's covered topics from prop-tech to renters insurance to interior design tips. Very familiar with the renter lifestyle herself, Alexandra enjoys researching and writing about renter demographic shifts and residential real estate market trends as much as she loves writing about how to get along with roommates. You can connect with Alexandra via email.

Alexandra’s work includes collaborations with financial and business publications. Her articles have been featured in several national and international online publications, including the New York Times, Barrons, Inman, Forbes, Architectural Digest, Marketwatch, Bisnow, and Curbed. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Japanese and English and an M.A. in Journalism and Cultural Studies.

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