Looking for unique, family-friendly adventures?
Hamilton County, Indiana, offers great adventure options ranging from the outdoors to thrills that appeal to all ages.
These adventures north of Indianapolis are both kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Thanks again to Visit Hamilton County for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
1. Put Your Archery Skills to the Test at Koteewi Archery Range
11909 Koteewi Dr, Noblesville, IN
The Hunger Games series fans can find their inner Katniss Everdeen and sharpen their skills at the Koteewi Archery Range.
As someone who lives in the suburbs, I don’t have the proper space in my backyard to create a safe zone to practice my archery skills.
The best part about the Koteewi Archery Range is that it’s set up for all skill levels.
Guests can choose between 60-minute, 90-minute, or 120-minute archery range times.
There are 45 lanes for recreational archery, with rental equipment available.
Rentals include 5 arrows and a bow. You can save on the range rate if you bring your own equipment.
There are 96 lanes ranging from 10 to 100 yards for target shooting and bow hunting.
Creative Archery Targets
We started with a staff demo focusing on short-range targets and then moved on to the 3D targets with realistic-looking animals.
After several rounds, we moved to the family range with 3D dinosaurs.
We didn’t even care that our choice would typically appeal to younger ages because how often do you get to shoot at dinosaurs?
The experience was fun and very safe. The most challenging part was locating all our arrows when it was time to recover them.
If you decide to invest in the sport, everything you need to get started is at the gift shop. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the sport or to sharpen your skills.
The range also offers beginner classes and private lessons.
The range is typically open rain or shine, but you’ll want to double-check the website before you visit because the days and hours change depending on the season.
2. Challenge Yourself at Koteewi Aerial Adventure Treetop Trails
11800 Koteewi Dr, Noblesville, IN
A short drive from Koteewi Archery Park, another adventure awaits you at Koteewi Aerial Adventure, featuring thrills for every skill level with 5 aerial courses with 60 challenges and zip lines.
Staff provide a safety demonstration to ensure you know how to properly use your equipment before starting the course.
The course uses a Quik Trekker continuous belay system that keeps participants connected to the safety line from start to finish.
Once I got more comfortable with the system, I loved it because it gave me freedom while on the course.
You can go at your own pace and comfort level. If you want to allow someone to move ahead of you while on the line, there are places on the platform where participants can pass easily.
Choose Your Own Aerial Adventure
I absolutely LOVED that the courses were challenging in a good way. Each obstacle allows you to push yourself and gain new confidence, with course heights ranging from 16 feet to 60 feet in the air.
All aerial park participants start on the same platform and then complete different levels. You need to start with a yellow or green course before you can move to more advanced courses.
The more difficult courses have age restrictions and require being supervised or accompanied by an adult.
My younger son and I made it through all of the courses except the final level due to time, which has given me another reason to want to return.
Participants can choose two-hour, three-hour, or day-long options. My older son worked his way up to the highest difficulty level, which included a skateboard he could ride on the line.
The minimum age for the course is 7, the minimum weight requirement is 40 lbs, and their hands must reach 66″ high with their feet flat on the ground.
3. Take a Ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage at Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie in Fishers is an interactive history park that makes learning interesting and fun!
Even though the 1859 Balloon Voyage looks extreme, you’ll find that the tethered balloon ride is very kid-friendly, smooth, and relaxing.
The helium balloon ride takes passengers to a final height of 370 feet in the air. Riders experience a great aerial view of Conner Prairie and views of the Indianapolis skyline on a clear day.
The average ride lasts 10-15 minutes, including ascending and descending. Weather permitting, up to 20 people can ride in the balloon.
The balloon is controlled by trained pilots and ground crew, and if the weather conditions are unsafe, the balloon won’t fly.
Other Things to Do at Conner Prairie
If you prefer to keep both feet on the ground, you can try your hand at ax throwing, old-fashioned yard games, a stilt-walking race, or trying to defeat a historical character at a game of checkers.
The animal barn and treehouse are fun stops you don’t want to overlook, with interactive play features.
You could also try to stump the historical actors, but I’ll warn you that they’re really good at staying in character. In conversation, they won’t acknowledge any modern references outside of their historical period.
Allow several hours for your visit to Conner Prairie. Be on the lookout for their special seasonal events, too.
There is a LOT to see both inside and out! If you get hungry, there is a restaurant on-site with reasonable prices.
4. Solve the Mystery in the Nick of Time at The Escape Room USA
8890 East 116th Street, Suite 210, Fishers, IN
Test your teamwork skills during an escape room experience with your loved ones at The Escape Room Fishers.
I’ve visited several escape rooms before, but this one was my first escape room with all my family members.
I’m happy to report that we handled the pressure relatively well despite being frustrated at points.
A Secret Entry Door
Escape Room Fishers is ALL about the details, even down to the secret entry door from the lobby to the waiting area.
This waiting area is a comfortable space you don’t mind hanging out in while you wait.
You can enjoy a variety of adult beverages, from wine to beer, in a beautiful, contemporary space. The Escape Room includes a Chihuly-inspired chandelier and a spacious outdoor patio.
I can’t give away any clues from our experience. The creativity and detail in our racing-themed escape room were at another level, in a good way.
We were SO close to escaping but ran out of time right before we solved our final clues.
Our race-themed room was the introductory level, with a 90% success rate. What drives me even crazier is that we didn’t make it out in time!
We still had a great time, and hopefully you’ll do better than we did.
5. Fulfill Your Need For Speed at K1 Speed
Put the pedal to the metal at K-1 Speed electric indoor racing track in Fishers. Unlike gas-powered go-karts, electric go-karts accelerate faster without the fumes.
Adult go-karts can reach speeds up to 45 mph, and junior karts can go up to 20 mph. Races are up to 12 laps.
You don’t need previous experience to race. Riders are given safety instructions, rules, flags, and signals to be aware of before the race.
Each rider must wear a helmet and head sock provided for you during your race.
Nothing makes my boys happier than lapping their mom around the track. I don’t mind giving them small victories from time to time.
*All junior racers must be at least 48”, and adult racers must be at least 4’10” tall to race. All racers should be under 7 feet tall and 300 pounds. Make sure you also wear closed-toed shoes.
Looking For More Adventures in Indiana?
My family had a great time in Hamilton County. These adventures are perfect for families, groups, or date nights.
It’s amazing there! It really does feel like you are traveling back into the past. The treat shops have so much yummy food. Going to Connor Praire is a great way to learn and have fun at the same time.
It’s all looks like a great fun, my kids would love it
I had no idea that Indianapolis was such an adventure lover’s paradise! Our little ones would really enjoy a visit to Connors Prairie…I will add it to our list! Looks like fun.