Indy with Kids meets Indy without kids in this girls’ night out special! Sometimes we need to get away, recharge our batteries, cut loose, or just do something different. When it’s time to enjoy a bit of separation from your parenting duties, we’ve got the ideas you need to build the perfect night out for you and your gals! Cross-check your calendars, round up your besties, and enjoy one (or several) of these fun-filled activities.
Wine and Dine
You’re missing out if you’ve never visited Vino Villa in Greenwood! This venue is especially enjoyable in the outdoor seating area, but the food tastes great, and the wine is poured year-round. Mallow Run in Bargersville also offers a wonderful and laid-back experience, with outdoor space to boot. Enjoy sipping your way through various samples to find your favorite, and stick around to enjoy a bottle with the girls!
For another opportunity to grab a drink with an indoor and outdoor option, head over to Old Towne Beer Hall & Growler Company in Franklin. Their claim to fame is a multitude of rotating beer taps with a self-serve twist. If the DIY pours of beer, cider, and mead aren’t your thing, select wines and cocktails are also available. Have a favorite throwback anthem you wanna revisit while karaokeing with your girls? Lean into the musical fun, or leave it to a local band and come out on a Friday or Saturday night for the live music.
On the west side of town, The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge in Plainfield offers an upscale take on a casual dining experience. Expect to find American cuisine with a global influence, a full bar, rooftop patio, occasional live music, and even movie nights!
Can’t agree on a place to eat? Your best bet is to head to The Garage Dining Hall downtown to explore an impressive spread of food options for everyone! As a bonus, you and the girls can take a short walk to Pins Mechanical Co. for some fun and games after filling up on your favorite food hall offerings.
Pamper Yourself
Mani-pedis and other spa-inspired friend dates make for a great and relaxing venture with your nearest and dearest, and you might even be lucky enough to snag a Groupon for a deal! Check reviews before booking with someone new, or call a local favorite to check for availability.
Other options include visiting a nearby salt room for some soothing halotherapy or stepping into a personalized holistic experience at Materia Medica in Greenwood. There you’ll encounter a wide range of wellness services, including custom herbal formulations, skin care, and even a wild food nutrition bar offering an array of herbal-infused beverages.
Make Something Special
If you’re ready to dig deep in the name of creativity, keep reading! Greenwood offers some great opportunities for artistic endeavors, including a chance to create your own wooden masterpiece while laughing with friends at Board & Brush. Otherwise, if you’d like to try your hand at string art, look no further than Teal Canary Art Studio.
Franklin offers a boutique experience in candle pouring at Woven Co. Candle Studio, where you can choose from over 100 scents! Garfield Park Arts Center in Indianapolis, as well as Swine & Dine in Columbus, both offer scheduled events to try out a variety of art media and skills.
Some spaces even offer BYO project opportunities where you can use their designated areas and tools to make the craft of your choice. This includes a Maker Playground (no, really, that’s what they call it!) within the Hub & Spoke building in Fishers. Their STEAM-inspired space boasts a roomy workshop and a broad selection of innovative opportunities. Many media are available, so you can create to your heart’s content. Try a 3D printing space or a laser cutter, utilize the classrooms, and more!
Fun and Games
Duckpin bowling can be an unexpectedly amusing night out! Look no further than 10 Pins in Franklin for something fun and different. The festivities don’t end on the lanes. The venue has a modest but fun arcade area with classic bar games that rounds out the experience, so you’re sure to have a blast with the ladies!
Whether you’re a total beginner or have dipped your toes into the world of line dancing, 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis is sure to shake up your average girls’ night. Get ready to get moving with the free dance lessons offered on certain evenings, partake in a designated ladies’ night, or plan in advance to attend an upcoming concert.
Need something next-level for your night out? Try DIDfit in Indianapolis to challenge (and empower) yourselves at the aerial arts, pole fitness, and other dance/cardio classes.
Wonders of the Wild
When the weather calls for some quality outdoor time with your girls, head over to P&D Flower Farm to pick your own flowers! You can even pack a picnic to take in the scenery of the lovely florals a little longer. Willowfield Lavender Farm, located in Mooresville, is also a must-see! Browse their adorable shop of lavender goodies to take home, and be sure to leave time to explore the beautiful property. Please note that these options will have seasonal hours. Be sure to check current availability when planning your adventure.
Looking for more cut-flower farms in your area? We’ve assembled a list of favorites so you can find the perfect destination for your group.
Get a Room
Whether you’re planning to dance the night away or simply love an opportunity to head to bed early and snuggle up, finding a home away from home with your girlfriends is good for the soul. Find a room or snag a whole home to rent for yourselves for a quick getaway.
Want a comfy bed, pool, and a little relaxation on the north side? The Renaissance Hotel in Carmel is worth a try! The Conrad, in downtown Indy, is a great option for those who like to be treated to a little luxury, exciting nightlife nearby, and an array of amazing dining choices within the area. If your preferred staycation experience is something different entirely, be sure to check local rental sites to find what gems may be waiting for you and your crew (Brown County, anyone?)
Shop ‘til You Drop
Scratch your shopping itch while visiting name-brand stores with discounted prices at the Edinburgh Premium Outlets. Are antiques, vintage, and artisan finds more of what you’re looking for? Head to Franklin on the first Friday of every month to enjoy extended shopping hours at over 30 locations until approximately 8 pm!
Need even more options? Explore events and activities within your own neighborhood that are sure to get you out of the house and having a good time. We recommend:
- Competing in local trivia nights
- Experiencing the satisfaction of a good thrifting haul together
- Visiting a farmer’s market
- Hitting the trails
- Going all out and forming a book club for guaranteed regular girls’ nights at your favorite local hangout.
Cheers to you and your tribe — may you enjoy each moment while discovering new activities and enjoying what are sure to become some tried-and-true favorites!
We have 100 ideas to help you plan your next date night with your sweetheart.
Sneak in some work or a conversation with a friend at one of these kid-friendly coffee shops.
