Visit Indy is putting together a slate of programming for friends and family of conference attendees to maximize your time in the city. There will truly be something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. Visit The Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing where you can shop top brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, the state's only Apple Store, Crate & Barrel, and more. Treat yourself to a day in Indy's racing capital of Speedway, including a visit to the Speedway Indoor Karting. Take in a ballgame with the Indianapolis Indians at downtown's Victory Field. Or, try your hand at an artist-created mini golf course.
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Family Friendly
Get in the Summer Olympics spirit with a grand celebration on Monument Circle, Indy’s geographic and spiritual heart of the city. The U.S. Olympic Committee chose Indy as one of only nine cities to host the tour. Meet athletes and join in on interactive activities, virtual reality experiences, Team USA giveaways, and more. Enjoy lunch at the ornate and historic Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the renowned Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. After, a local artist will join the group for an interactive painting experience. Let us supply the canvas, paints, brushes, and inspiration.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Family Friendly
Conde Nast Traveler just called Indy “the most underrated food city in the U.S.” Let us show you why, while we visit celebrated traditions and hidden local gems. A true Indianapolis staple, the 114-year-old St. Elmo Steak House is known for its infamous fiery and fresh shrimp cocktail, named the world’s spiciest dish by the Travel Channel. Enjoy lunch at Indiana’s oldest bar, the Slippery Noodle Inn, where live blues fill the historic building nightly. It once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and as bank robber John Dillinger’s favorite watering hole. End the tour by satisfying your sweet tooth with a tasty treat from Best Chocolate in Town in Indy’s thriving Mass Ave neighborhood.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Adults Only
Spend the day in two of the area’s most beautiful and serene spaces. Begin at Crown Hill Cemetery, resting place of notable politicians, artists, poets, writers, and even a notorious bank robber. Then head to the nearby Indianapolis Museum of Art to explore 152 magnificent acres of giant interactive sculptures, an historic 1930’s estate, and gardens designed by the acclaimed Olmsted Brothers. Inside you’ll find a grand collection spanning 5,000 years of history.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Family Friendly
Start the day at the most artistic mini golf course you’ll probably ever play. The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s new Mini Golf Course features 18 holes designed by local, regional, and national artists and highlights Indiana’s culture, landscape, and landmarks. Internet sensation Lil’ Bub, President Benjamin Harrison, Kurt Vonnegut, and New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz provided inspiration for a few signature holes. In celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, head to “19 Stars of Indiana Art” featuring Hoosier artists who left legacies in many mediums.
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Family Friendly Age 8+
Indy is known as the Racing Capital of the World, home of the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy 500. Experience the thrill of racing at the new Speedway Indoor Karting, owned by former IndyCar driver and current team owner Sarah Fisher. This multi-level track features state-of-the-art go karts and technology. After testing your own skills, strap into a real IndyCar stretched to seat two and take a lap around town, with a local race expert behind the wheel. Rides are available for guests 16 years of age and older.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Family Friendly / Lunch Provided
This nationally acclaimed history destination will inspire curiosity as you explore Indiana’s cultural heritage through hands-on and immersive experiences. Soar high into the sky in an 1859 balloon voyage, step back in time into a bustling 1836 prairietown, toss a tomahawk, learn the art of candles, and embark on an 1863 Civil War journey.
Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Family Friendly
Victory Field is often recognized as the best minor league ballpark in the country, and it’s home to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliate team, the Indianapolis Indians. Cheer them on as they take on Buffalo, and enjoy a picnic lunch at the ballpark while taking in scenic skyline views. This event is part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Major League Baseball, and Minor League Baseball’s Play Ball initiative that focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages widespread participation in baseball-related activities. This summer, 200 mayors and their cities have signed up to conduct a Play Ball event. To learn more about Play Ball, stop by the Play Ball booth near the conference registration area or visit www.usmayors.org/playball.
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Adults Only
Indianapolis is home to Simon’s headquarters, the largest mall developer in the country. We will visit The Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing, one of Simon’s premier luxury shopping destinations boasting a unique mix of high-end anchors like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as luxury specialty retailers like Burberry, Tiffany & Co., BCBG, Kate Spade, and more. Nordstrom stylists will host us for a fashion-packed seminar on the latest trends, sharing style tips on how simple additions to your current wardrobe can keep it fresh. Lunch will be provided.
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Family Friendly / Lunch Provided
The state’s premier 100% grassfed, organic dairy farm, Traders Point Creamery, can be found within Indianapolis city limits. Safari across the pastures, peek into the milking process, and taste test artisan yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams distributed coast to coast. Enjoy lunch in a true farmstead restaurant while discovering the nutrition benefits of grassfed methods.
Indy is yours to discover! Nearby attractions and cultural venues are offering complimentary admission to friends and family who attend the conference. Please stop by the Friends & Family Desk in the JW Marriott for more information about these participating attractions and to request complimentary admissions.
500 West Washington Street, in White River State Park
Open daily, Mon-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm
The premier Native American and Western Art Museum east of the Mississippi River. Don’t miss Indian Market & Festival taking place on the museum grounds this weekend, and then head inside to see the special exhibition, Grand Canyon. Take a family selfie on a real stagecoach and find unique Southwest and Native American gifts at the Museum Store.
650 West Washington Street, inside the Indiana State Museum in White River State Park
Open daily, movie times vary
Featuring a monstrous 6-story screen and new IMAX technology (along with fashionable 3-D glasses), you may choose among many larger-than-life movies. Recent films include the acclaimed National Parks Adventure 3-D and A Beautiful Planet filmed by astronauts on board the International Space Station.
450 West Ohio Street
Open Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm
Experience Indiana’s unique events through interactive engagements where you become part of the story. In celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial, time travel to 1816, the year Indiana joined the nation, and help statesman draft the Indiana constitution. Visit the Cole Porter room to hear Broadway tunes penned by the famous Hoosier composer.
650 West Washington Street, in White River State Park
Open daily, Mon-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 11 am-5 pm
The history, art, culture, science, industry and people of Indiana are uniquely presented at the museum. In celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial, discover 200 Years of Indiana Art and Indiana in 200 Objects special exhibitions. At the latter, you will see Mario Andretti’s Indy 500 fire suit, a historic Duesenberg automobile and a full mastodon skeleton.
27 bike stations located on or near The Cultural Trail
Open daily from dawn to midnight
Rent a bike and explore Indy’s Cultural Trail, Monument Circle, White River State Park, Central Canal, Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and more. The Pacers Bikeshare makes it easy with 27 stations for you to pick up and return your bike. It’s the perfect way to see the city.
1200 West Washington Street, in White River State Park
Open daily, Mon-Thurs, 9 am-5 pm; Fri-Sun, 9 am-7 pm
**Present your convention badge at the Zoo front gate for admission. No other tickets required**
Lunch vouchers available – pick up at the Indy Info Desk at the JW Marriott
An extraordinary triple accredited venue (zoo, botanical gardens and aquarium), it is home to playful orangutans, performing dolphins, racing cheetahs and sharks you can touch. Visit the special exhibit: Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks to see giant creations of LEGO animals, and then make one yourself.
Friday and Monday Only / 1 pm
Go behind the scenes during a tour of Stadium Journey magazine’s 2015 “Stadium of the Year”. See the locker rooms where Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts prepare for game time. Go onto the field and see where Super Bowl XLVI played out in 2012. This unique tour will showcase luxury suites, the press box, Bud Light Plaza, and areas not open to the public.
110 West Washington Street
Open daily, Mon-Tues, 10am-5pm; Wed, 12-7pm; Thurs-Sat, 10 am-5pm; Sun, 12-5pm
The world’s foremost percussion museum, highly interactive and engaging. Learn about rhythm around the world while testing out drums, cymbals, bongos, chimes and more. Don’t miss the giant gong or skip a beat at the drum circle.
Saturday Only
No Tickets Necessary
Get in the Summer Olympics spirit with a grand celebration on Monument Circle, Indy’s geographic and spiritual heart of the city. The U.S. Olympic Committee chose Indy as one of only nine cities to host the tour. Meet athletes and join in on interactive activities, virtual reality experiences, Team USA giveaways, and a special performance from country star Hunter Hayes at 2:00 pm.
