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by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

Avoid the cold with these indoor activities in Indiana

Two children at a science museum

The weather in Indiana is as predictable as a roulette wheel. However, you can usually rely on the winter months being cold.

 

If you are looking for indoor activities to escape the bite of winter weather, you are in luck! There are a variety of museums, art galleries and family-friendly spots throughout Indiana that will keep you entertained and warm.

 

If our list below piques your interest, you can use Visit Indiana to build your game plan by finding upcoming events, things to do in Indiana, places to eat and more.

 

Indoor activities in northern Indiana

 

Science Central is Fort Wayne’s local science discovery center. This hands-on science center is full of interactive exhibits for kids and families. Visit and expand your understanding of technology, physics and the environment. Explore upcoming events and exhibits to learn more.

 

Fair Oaks Farms in Jasper County will allow you to experience Indiana agriculture without braving the cold temperatures. Winter activities at Fair Oaks Farms include the Dairy Adventure Museum, farm tours, a birthing barn, an indoor play area for children and several dining options offering farm-fresh products. Check out the winter season event page for more information.

 

The Studebaker National Museum in South Bend will get any car enthusiast’s gears turning. In 1966, the Studebaker Corporation donated 33 vehicles to the city of South Bend, and that donation is the foundation of this incredible museum of automotive history. Spend an Indiana winter day inside checking out the historic automobile exhibits which include the popular military collection.

 

The Haan Museum in Lafayette is unlike any other art museum in Indiana. The building itself is a mansion that was originally displayed at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It was auctioned off after the event, moved by train and reassembled in Lafayette. The museum is known for its collection of historic Indiana paintings, sculptures and decorative art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

Indoor activities in central Indiana

 

The Indianapolis Public Library – Central Library is a lesser-known gem with an original building dating back to 1917 and a modern, six-story addition completed in 2007. Taking in the architecture and the vast collection of books is the perfect indoor activity for a cold Indiana day. Check the calendar because the library also offers local exhibits and free events.

 

Richmond Art Museum is an intimate museum in Wayne County focusing on contemporary art. The museum’s history began in 1898 when it was founded as the Art Association of Richmond, making it the second oldest art association in Indiana. The museum offers various exhibits, art classes and lessons.

 

The Escape Room Indianapolis allows you to put your problem-solving and observational skills to the test. This location offers several themed rooms that participants must solve within the 60- or 90-minute time limits to escape and win. Grab some friends and stay warm by burning brain calories to solve the puzzle!

 

The Terre Haute Children’s Museum brings science to life for children and their families in Vigo County. The museum receives high marks for its hands-on activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math. The museum is also home to an indoor rope course and an indoor treehouse.

 

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a world-class children’s museum with a ton of fun indoor activities! The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, and it attracts over one million visitors each year. You and your family can enjoy exhibits on space, dinosaurs, archaeology, culture, history and more!

 

Indoor activities in southern Indiana

 

The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site gives visitors a glimpse into Indiana’s past. There are outdoor elements to the historic town of Corydon, but the tour features indoor exhibits focused on the Civil War and Indiana’s early years.

 

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science provides another opportunity for Hoosiers to avoid the cold while enjoying an incredible collection of art. The museum’s exhibits focus on fine art, local history and science. A unique feature of the museum is the Koch Immersive Theater & Planetarium, which allows visitors to explore space and enjoy shows in their stadium-style seating theater.

 

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington is a wonderful place to watch a film or a live performance. The venue opened in 1922 and is known for its Art Deco features. Be sure to check the theater’s online calendar because they host Broadway shows, indie films, community theater, live music and more!

 

The West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick was once labeled the “Eight Wonder of the World.” The hotel’s domed atrium spans 200 feet and is an awe-inspiring sight. You could stay the night to fully appreciate the hotel or just visit during the day. Next door is the historic French Lick Springs Hotel, which is home to The Spa at French Lick and French Lick Casino. Outside of the hotels, there are a variety of nearby attractions like escape rooms, an indoor water park, indoor go-karts and more.

 

Find indoor activities in Indiana that interest you

 

This list of indoor activities in Indiana is just the tip of the iceberg – chilly weather pun intended! Have a family meeting and plan your indoor adventure with activities that interest you. The resources available at Visit Indiana can help you find even more indoor attractions.

 

Keep this article handy, because after the winter, Indiana typically has its share of rainy days.

 

The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.