You finally did it. The grandparents agreed to babysit, or you lined up a sitter, and you've got the entire day to yourselves. No snacks to pack, no nap schedules to navigate, no "are we there yet?" from the backseat.

So what do you do with this rare gift of freedom? Indianapolis has plenty of options for parents looking to reclaim a few hours of adult time. Here's how to make the most of a kid-free day in the city, from morning brunch to afternoon drinks.

Start With Brunch: Indy's Best Spots for Couples

A proper kid-free day starts with a leisurely brunch. No cutting anyone's pancakes into tiny pieces. No wiping syrup off faces. Just good food, good drinks, and actual conversation.

Milktooth 534 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis (Fletcher Place)

This James Beard-nominated restaurant in Fletcher Place is worth the hype. The menu changes seasonally, but expect creative takes on brunch classics. The Dutch baby pancakes are legendary. Cocktails are excellent, and the industrial-chic space feels distinctly adult.

Check their website for current hours and reservations.

Cafe Patachou Multiple locations including 49th and Pennsylvania

A local favorite for decades, Cafe Patachou serves farm-to-table breakfast and brunch. The cinnamon toast is iconic, and the menu has enough variety to please everyone. The 49th Street location has a relaxed neighborhood vibe that's perfect for lingering over coffee.

Biscuits Cafe 2534 E 62nd St, Indianapolis (Broad Ripple area)

If you want a more casual vibe with hearty Southern-inspired breakfast, Biscuits Cafe delivers. The portions are generous, and you won't need to worry about a kids' menu.

Mid-Morning: Museums Without the Meltdowns

Here's the truth about taking kids to museums: you spend most of your time chasing them, redirecting them, and rarely actually seeing the exhibits. Without kids? You can take your time.

Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art) 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis

Newfields is a 152-acre cultural campus with art galleries, gorgeous gardens, historic homes, and a nature preserve. Check out THE LUME immersive digital art experience or simply stroll through the IMA galleries at your own pace. The Garden at Newfields is beautiful year-round.

Admission varies by day and experience. First Thursdays offer free admission to galleries.

Indiana State Museum 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis (White River State Park)

Yes, the Indiana State Museum has a lot for kids, but it also has fascinating exhibits on Indiana history, art, and culture that adults can appreciate without managing a stroller. The building itself, overlooking the canal, is worth the visit.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis

One of the finest collections of Native American and Western art in the country. The galleries are quiet, contemplative, and best experienced without someone tugging at your sleeve asking when lunch is.

Afternoon: Spa Day and Self-Care

Nothing says "we don't have kids today" quite like a spa afternoon. Indianapolis has several solid options for couples looking to unwind.

Woodhouse Spa 170 S Range Line Rd, Carmel

Just north of Indianapolis in Carmel, Woodhouse offers a full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments in a serene environment. Book a couples massage and make an afternoon of it.

Blu at CityWay 375 S Alabama St, Indianapolis

Located downtown, Blu offers spa services with a modern urban vibe. The location is convenient if you're combining spa time with other downtown activities.

For the guys — if traditional spas aren't your thing, consider The Indianapolis Athletic Club or a barbershop experience at places like Bishops Barbershop for a hot towel shave and grooming session.

Day Drinking Without Judgment: Indy's Best Afternoon Spots

Let's be honest. One of the perks of a kid-free day is enjoying a drink at 2 p.m. without anyone asking why daddy's cup smells funny. Indianapolis has you covered.

Mass Ave

The Mass Ave district is ground zero for afternoon drinks. Wander from The Rathskeller (German beer hall vibes) to Ball & Biscuit (craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting). Most bars open mid-afternoon and have a relaxed weekday crowd.

Sun King Brewing 135 N College Ave, Indianapolis

The original Sun King taproom downtown is perfect for afternoon beers. Grab a flight, enjoy the casual atmosphere, and feel like the adult you forgot you were.

Hotel Tango 702 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis (Fletcher Place)

This veteran-owned distillery makes excellent whiskey and gin. The tasting room is a great spot for an afternoon cocktail without the dinner rush chaos.

The Slippery Noodle Inn 372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis

Indiana's oldest bar has been pouring drinks since 1850. It's a blues bar at night, but during the day it's a chill spot to grab a beer and soak in some history.

Evening Options (If You've Still Got Time)

If the sitter's staying late, extend your day into the evening. Bluebeard at 653 Virginia Ave is one of Indy's best restaurants and perfect for a date night. Helium Comedy Club downtown at 10 W Georgia St has live shows most nights. And Plat 99 at Bottleworks offers a beautiful rooftop bar setting for ending the night right.

Tips for Planning Your Kid-Free Day

1. Book ahead. Popular brunch spots and spas fill up, especially on weekends. Make reservations.

2. Stay flexible. Without kids dictating the schedule, you can actually be spontaneous. Wild concept.

3. Set a budget. It's easy to go overboard when you're celebrating freedom. Decide what you're comfortable spending beforehand.

4. Turn off your phone. Okay, maybe not entirely. But resist the urge to check the nanny cam every ten minutes.

5. Don't overschedule. The beauty of a kid-free day is leisure. Leave room to wander, linger, and enjoy the pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best brunch spots in Indianapolis for couples?

Milktooth, Cafe Patachou, and Biscuits Cafe are all excellent choices for a kid-free brunch in Indianapolis. Milktooth is more upscale, while Cafe Patachou and Biscuits are casual and relaxed.

Where can I get a couples massage in Indianapolis?

Woodhouse Spa in Carmel and Blu at CityWay downtown both offer couples massage packages. Book in advance for weekend availability.

What are fun things to do in Indianapolis without kids?

Adult-friendly activities include visiting Newfields, day drinking on Mass Ave, escape rooms, Topgolf, spa days, and catching a movie at Living Room Theaters in Bottleworks.

Is Mass Ave good for day drinking?

Yes. Mass Ave has numerous bars and breweries that open in the afternoon, including Ball & Biscuit, The Rathskeller, and various craft cocktail spots.

Enjoy the Freedom (While It Lasts)

A kid-free day in Indianapolis is a rare treat. Whether you spend it brunching, museum-hopping, spa-ing, or just enjoying a quiet drink on a patio, the goal is simple: reconnect, recharge, and remember what it was like before every outing required a diaper bag.

Now go enjoy it before someone texts you asking where the extra pacifiers are.

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