Looking for some exciting things to do in Indianapolis for weekend date night? Check out my top Indianapolis activities for couples!
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Looking for a fun couples, date night activity in Indianapolis?
You've found the right blog! My husband and I have been lucky enough to live in downtown Indy (Mass Ave) nearly half a decade at this point, and we spend every weekend scouting out new, fun things to do in the Circle City!
From cozy breweries and long walks, to sporting events and local theater, I've rounded up our favorite things to do in Indianapolis for couples! Some you can do now, some might have to wait until things are back on track, but might as well get the juices flowing! Always check hours and safety precautions to make sure these events are available when you want to go!! 
Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis
Stroll in The Lockerbie Historic District
Even many native Hoosiers don't know about downtown Indy's charming Lockerbie Historic District. Tucked away, just south of Mass Ave (which we'll discuss later!), "Lockerbie" consists of several well-preserved streets, comprising the oldest still-existing residential neighborhood in Indianapolis. Here, you'll see picket fences and neighbors hanging out on 100+ year-old porches. Architectural styles are identifiable starting in the mid-19th century. If you're looking to enter a home, Lockerbie is also home to the palatial James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, which history aficionados can tour (NOTE: it has been closed much of the pandemic).
With so many Mass Ave bars selling carry-out, why not make it a more exciting stroll? Grab a Drink at Sun King
Monument Circle & The City Market
Let's take a quick look at the center of it all, with Indianapolis's nearby Monument Circle. A pedestrian-friendly (but shockingly not pedestrian-only) circular block oriented around our stunning, turn-of-the century Civil War memorial, it's a must-see on any visit to Indianapolis, for tourists, and a nice spot for locals to revisit or stroll.
The first thing you'll want to discover is The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, "the Monument," as it's inevitably referenced by locals, itself. At Christmas time, Indianapolis gathers to watch the Monument be lit-up as a gigantic, concrete Christmas tree. Standing tall at 284 feet, The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated in 1902, completing thirteen years of construction. The ten-ton Victory statue adorns the top of the Monument, facing South, to welcome our boys home from the war. If you're interested, you can climb the Monument, or take a very tiny elevator part of the way, for a very small fee. The Monument is also home to a small Civil War Museum and a gift shop. The Civil War in Indiana
Around Monument Circle are a number of restaurants, largely geared toward serving the thousands of office workers who normally pack the surrounding buildings every work day. For fewer crowds (and better food), head East toward The City Market and Mass Ave after you've gotten your fill of Monumental exploration.
Explore Quirky Mass Ave
The north end of Mass Ave, Indianapolis
A very easy walk from Monument Circle, my next thing to do in Indianapolis is exploring vibrant, trendy Mass Ave! Home to fun restaurants, classy bars, cute boutiques and endless pedal carts, Mass Ave is worth a walk and, definitely some time spent grabbing a drink.
My favorite spot in Indianapolis gets the shortest segment on this blog post? Luckily, I've already compiled my list of the best restaurants on Mass Ave, which you'll want to be sure to read before you visit this area. Extra credit: Learn how to make macarons on Mass!
Love to cook? Take a macaron-baking class at the macaron bar on Mass Ave! You'll come away with new knowledge and some tasty treats!
Bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Many of the places we'll discuss throughout this post are connected via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which circumnavigates Indianapolis's best neighborhoods! This innovative, 8-mile urban bike path is a must-do in Indianapolis, if the Midwestern weather cooperates! So bring your own bikes, or rent bikes from our Pacers bike share program, and explore Indy on the Cultural Trail!
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Just north of Mass Ave is the home of the only Hoosier president, Benjamin Harrison, who held the highest office from 1889-1893. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site allows visitors to tour the home the Harrisons constructed in the 1870s, as General Harrison built a successful law practice after returning from the Civil War. The Harrison home and its contents are almost *entirely* original. It's a must-see for history buffs and a fun neighborhood to check out!
Extra Credit: Get a drink at St Elmo's Steakhouse
An icon of Indianapolis for tourists and those about to propose, St Elmo's steakhouse has been a mainstay of downtown Indy for a century. If you've got places to go, or aren't going to spring for the full meal, be sure to stop by and see the restaurant - and grab a drink at the historic bar! Don't forget to order a shrimp cocktail - diner beware!
Shrimp cocktail at St Elmo's Steakhouse, Indianapolis
Dig at Midland Arts and Antiques
Extra credit: Grab pizza at King Dough
During the pandemic, we've become *obsessed* with King Dough! Seriously. The best pizza I've ever had. But get here early! The outdoor seating fills up (they offer carry-out as well!)
Discover Newfields
Robert Indiana's original LOVE sculpture at Newfields in Indianapolis
Indianapolis boasts a surprisingly high-end art museum complex, thanks for the continued generosity of the Eli Lilly family of pharmaceutical fame. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art, home of the original LOVE statue by Robert Indiana, to one of the Lilly's home, Oldfields, a trip to the campus, recently rechristened Newfields, offers both indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Never super crowded.
Oh and did I mentioned there's a beer garden (open during the pandemic!) and (sometimes) a pop-up noodle shop? And during the summer they show old movies outdoors under the stars? And at Christmas they light up the entire ground and serve spiked hot drinks while you explore the Christmas wonderland? And this year they've extended their Harvest events to span the entire month of October? Check out the full post on Newfields' Harvest Nights event!
Harvest Nights at Newfields
Extra credit: Crown Hill Cemetery
The second-largest urban cemetery behind Arlington National Cemetery, Crown Hill is the final resting place of over 200,000 Hoosiers, located across the street from Newfields. You can't miss it. With twenty-five miles of paved road, there's plenty to explore. Crown Hill is also home to the highest point in the city (where the fanciest graves can be found). From President Benjamin Harrison and Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley's burial places on "the crown," to John Dillinger's more difficult-to-find headstone, be sure to download a map before you go!
Take a Hike at Fort Benjamin Harrison
Today, with miles of walking trails and nice facilities, Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park is a strangely rural retreat within the Indianapolis city limits.
Take in an Indianapolis Indians' Baseball Game
Looking for a seriously low-key sporting event to attend? Stop by Victory Field, home of Indianapolis's AAA baseball team, the (probably soon-to-be-renamed) Indianapolis Indians.
With seats maxing out under $20, plenty of space to spread out, and local beer deals on tap, an evening at Victory Field is a perfect summer Indy night. Pro tip: If you're driving downtown for the game, park far away, grab dinner, and walk to the stadium. Then, you avoid the (frankly manageable, but nevertheless annoying) traffic congestion after the game! 
Victory Field, Indianapolis
See a Show at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater
Indianapolis has its own local theatre company, which performs affordable, but excellent, shows at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater downtown! With a mix of old favorites and original productions, there's something for everyone, each season!
Indianapolis Repertory Theater, downtown Indianapolis
Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy your journey through our lovely city! I know you'll enjoy your time in Indianapolis as much as we always have. Let me know your favorite Indy date night ideas in the comments, below!
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