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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown, Indianapolis

Kid-friendly cool spots

Somewhere that keeps the kids entertained without forcing you to sacrifice your own sense of style.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated April 2026
01
The Garage Food Hall image 1
The Garage Food Hall image 2
The Garage Food Hall image 3
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Old warehouse space transformed into a historic food hall with a museum feel and revitalized industrial design. Atmosphere is lively and chaotic, filled with live music, pinball machines, and multiple bars offering tastings and mixed drinks. Crowds gather for a family-friendly vibe and diverse activities like sim racing, creating a bustling social hub.

A large group with kids fits easily, and the environment feels cool for both adults and kids. Kids enjoy dishes like Just Kids tenders and fries and a large bowl of ramen with scallions, eggs, and meat.

Offers a cool atmosphere with an interesting concept and several unique restaurants. Provides a great vibe with lots of good drink and dessert options.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with great vibes."

"This lunch spot has so many varieties of food to choose from."

"It's so Kid Friendly with a variety of dishes for everyone."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Garage Food Hall is difficult, especially on weekends.

2

The Garage Food Hall closes at 10 pm.

3

It is best to grab a table first before ordering food.

02
The Hangar image 1

Industrial space with roomy, clean facilities hosts lively crowds drawn to live music and DJ sets. Energy stays high with interactive games like golf simulators and a pedal bar that encourages group fun. Cocktails and wood-fired pizzas add to the upbeat, social vibe.

Celebrations for kids like birthdays and graduations happen here with attentive customer service. Events include family gatherings and music-related activities involving children.

A lively atmosphere with entertaining activities and a cool ambiance makes this spot stand out. Playing games and listening to your own music over speakers adds to the fun vibe.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the fun activities feel so welcoming and attentive."

"The staff here is so friendly and fun."

"Marcus made my son's graduation party ecstatic with his energetic vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating availability.

2

Parking can be expensive and limited, so consider ridesharing options.

3

The HandleBar tour includes two drink tickets and unlimited buffet food.

03
St. Joseph Brewery image 1

Brewpub inside a converted Catholic church features high ceilings and beautiful architecture that create a unique atmosphere. The space feels open and lively, with music mixing decades of hip-hop and R&B. Outdoor seating includes a pet-friendly patio with games like cornhole.

Large tables fit groups with kids well. Servers check in often and refill sodas without asking. Staff stay accommodating to hungry children.

Sitting in an old church sanctuary with beer vats along the back wall creates a really cool atmosphere filled with awesome people.

People are saying

"The food here is 10/10, cooked to perfection."

"I thought the atmosphere and vibe here were really cool."

"The beer selection here is excellent and offers great value."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit, so expect larger crowds.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

04
Pins Mechanical Co. image 1

Spacious bar with multiple floors and three bars offers a lively atmosphere filled with pinball machines and duck pin bowling. Outdoor areas feature fire pits and string lighting, creating a cozy mood despite the loud and crowded environment. The venue attracts a mix of guests, including families during the day and adults after 9 PM.

Kids enjoy ping pong, duckpin bowling, and pinball machines with plenty of other games like ring toss, Jenga, and bocce ball. Staff serve non-alcoholic drinks and welcome kids until 9 pm.

A bowling alley and good drinks create a lively vibe. The staff add to the cool atmosphere in a beautiful setting.

People are saying

"It's a super fun place with tons of games like bowling and pinball."

"It's a fun spot with lots of activities for kids and adults."

"It's a cool place with a fun, lively atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Bowling is free after 8pm on Mondays.

2

Reservations for private events require a $400 minimum and can start at 7:30 pm.

3

Minors are not allowed after 9 PM.

05
BlankUS Luxury Lounge image 1

Upscale lounge offers live jazz music and classic decor with an upstairs bar and stage. Atmosphere is loud but exciting, filled with music and an intimate seating area. Guests enjoy soulful food and cocktails while watching live performances.

Large parties with children happen here, including events like surprise birthday brunches and going away parties. Staff and management engage directly with kids, listening to their feedback and showing personal attention.

Music sound system and televisions create an all-around cool vibe. The venue features cool vibes and esthetics that stand out during lunch outings.

People are saying

"I found the food to be excellent."

"The managers and owners are so kind and attentive to kids."

"The staff here are wonderful, patient, and helpful."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 door fee for entry, which may not be communicated in advance.

2

Free parking is available, but spaces may be limited.

3

The kitchen closes earlier than the lounge, so plan accordingly.

06
Iaria's Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with old-school family charm and walls covered in quaint memorabilia creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Full bar area offers a 50's vibe that blends classic and hip styles. Loud and lively, it feels like a small-town gathering spot.

Kids enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, pepperoni pizza, and fettuccine Alfredo that tastes creamy with nutmeg. Butter noodles and meatballs with sauce also make for happy kids.

Nostalgic atmosphere creates a cool vibe that feels rare today. The place keeps a classic charm alive, making it stand out as genuinely cool.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and better than any chain."

"It's cool to see such an old-fashioned, family Italian restaurant still around."

"The kids loved the pizza and spaghetti."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get full quickly.

2

Expect a wait of over 40 minutes if you arrive without a reservation.

3

Dinner service can take over two hours from reservation to dessert.

07
Cookie Plug image 1

Cute space with a retro-friendly vibe and clever, cool atmosphere. The setup showcases a great choice of cookie flavors with options for tasting and larger sizes. Friendly energy makes it an inviting spot for those seeking a unique cookie experience.

Kids enjoy the cookies and the chance to be featured on Instagram. However, the place is not kid friendly due to exposure to purple drank and its meaning.

Clever atmosphere sets a unique tone here. The overall vibes feel very cool and distinct.

People are saying

"I thought the cookies here were the best I've ever tasted."

"It's so kid friendly; my kids loved the cookies."

"The cookies here are delicious and an amazing size."

Good to know

1

Prices for cookies start at $5 each.

2

Cookies are packaged in resealable bags for easy transport.

3

Expect a variety of unique flavors that change regularly.

08
Living Room Theaters image 1

Small, intimate movie theater with comfortable reclining seats and great surround sound delivers a fun and sophisticated atmosphere. Food and drinks, including a bar inside, enhance the experience with table service available during movies.

The theater offers a kid-friendly environment with shows suitable for children. Families often bring their kids here for a fun and comfortable experience.

A truly cool venue with a vibe that fits well for a date night or casual movie outing. The staff adds to the experience with their cool attitude.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, tasty, and fulfilling."

"It's a really cool and fun spot for a date night."

"It's a kid-friendly place my daughter and son loved."

Good to know

1

Parking is validated if you park in the lot across the street.

2

All movies are 45% off on Tuesdays and Mondays.

3

On Mondays and Tuesdays, tickets are half price at $7.50.

09
Milktooth image 1
Restaurant

Open-air seating with close tables creates a lively, very loud atmosphere often compared to a nightclub. Decor blends funky, eclectic styles with a Dutch influence, attracting a cheerful crowd. Outdoor patio welcomes dogs, adding to the casual, energetic vibe.

No official kids menu exists, but staff prepare plain waffles or bagels on request. The grilled cheese is a very good option for kids. Some kids might enjoy the black cold brew drink served here.

An open air seating area sets a cool vibe alongside an eclectic brunch menu. A DJ adds to the hipster atmosphere while the service matches the overall cool environment.

People are saying

"You have to try their Dutch baby pancakes for brunch; they're amazing."

"The vibe here is so cool, especially with the open air seating."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Expect a standard wait time of at least 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

The menu changes every two weeks, offering seasonal dishes.

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