19 Best Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis in 2025

No need to fall back on the typical birthday ideas in Indianapolis to celebrate a special day. For most birthdays, people opt for a nice birthday dinner with family or going out with friends. While there’s nothing wrong with this classic celebration, if you’re looking to do something more unique, Indianapolis has plenty of options. Welcome the next year of your life with fun activities and great food while being surrounded by the people you love most. The city has vibrant restaurants and locations that can offer an unforgettable birthday experience.

With tons of fun things to do, Indianapolis is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday. Both kids and adults alike will have plenty of fun experiences to choose from for their special day, no matter their interests. Whether you’re looking for a low-key day, something more extravagant or a day that’s somewhere in between, this guide has tons of birthday ideas in Indianapolis for you to choose from.

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• Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis for Foodies
• Best Restaurants in Indianapolis for a Birthday Dinner
• Experience Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis
• Outdoor Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis
• ​​Entertaining Indianapolis Birthday Ideas

Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class

Craft a one-of-a-kind birthday meal during cooking classes in Indianapolis. Taught by world-class chefs, you’ll create a multi-course meal from scratch while learning essential culinary techniques you can use again in your own kitchen. Choose from a variety of cuisines from around the world; make your favorite meal or discover something new. A cooking class near you is the perfect birthday idea in Indianapolis for anyone who likes getting creative in the kitchen.

2. Indulge With a Private Chef Meal

For those in search of a memorable birthday idea in Indianapolis, consider the luxury of hiring a private chef in Indianapolis. These experiences are bound to make a birthday feel special. Working from the menu of your choice, a private chef near you will craft a gourmet meal right in your kitchen. Have an intimate meal for two or invite over a few friends and family to join in the experience. You won’t have to lift a finger because the chef will take care of the shopping, prep and cleaning afterward. Elevate your celebration with this unique birthday idea in Indianapolis and try delicious dishes inspired by world cuisine.

3. Go On a Food Tour

Get a taste of what the Indianapolis food scene has to offer with food tours near you. These tours are led by local guides who know the ins and outs of the city, along with the best places to eat. You’ll check out the spots that locals love, including the hidden gems that are tucked away during this birthday idea in Indianapolis. Plus, you’ll try some of the restaurants that make the local culinary scene famous. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the city. This is such a fun gift for food lovers because they’ll get to experience a variety of dishes and may walk away with a new favorite.

4. Try an Online Culinary Experience

You can celebrate your birthday from home if you prefer by joining an online experience. Online cooking classes are taught live by world-class chefs, allowing you to learn new recipes and techniques in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you love wine, a virtual wine tasting makes for a fun birthday idea in Indianapolis. These classes are led by expert sommeliers who will teach you how to taste wine like a pro and pair it with different foods. If you appreciate a good cocktail, try online mixology classes, where mixologists will teach you tips and tricks to craft tasty cocktails and mocktails. You’ll learn how to make classic drinks as well as put a modern spin on them.

Best Restaurants in Indianapolis for a Birthday Dinner

5. Enjoy Mexican Dishes at Nada

Nada, renowned for its gourmet Mexican dishes, stands out as a top birthday idea in Indianapolis. The vibrant menu features a variety of options, including tacos and sizzling fajitas, plus cocktails and desserts. The bright space provides a cheerful backdrop to celebrate a special event like a birthday. Nada serves dinner all days of the week and brunch on the weekends, providing options for a birthday meal. There is a private dining room that can be reserved for up to 28 people. 

6. Have Brunch at Milktooth

Milktooth, recognized as one of the favorite brunch spots in the city, emerges as an exceptional birthday idea in Indianapolis. This fine diner uses local produce and agriculture from around Indiana to craft a fresh meal. They’re open from Friday to Monday, making it the perfect location for a weekend birthday celebration. 

7. Visit Sangiovese Ristorante

If you’re looking for decadent birthday ideas in Indianapolis, consider having your birthday dinner at Sangiovese Ristorante. This family-owned Italian restaurant serves authentic cuisine in an upscale space. Sangiovese Ristorante is ideal for a birthday occasion where you want to get a little more dressed up. The restaurant takes reservations and has two private dining rooms that can host up to 20 and 30 people each. Private dining has the option of a preset menu, as well.

8. Dine at Café Patachou

Café Patachou stands out not only as a go-to spot for breakfast or brunch but also as an excellent birthday idea in Indianapolis. The restaurant and the chef have won awards, including being a semifinalist for the James Beard Award. Café Patachou has all-day breakfast and lunch, so everyone is sure to find something on the menu they love. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations but they do have call-ahead seating, so you can put your name on the waitlist while you’re on your way.

Experience Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis

9. See a Sports Game

This birthday idea in Indianapolis is for sports fans across the city. Indianapolis has a couple of teams in both the major and minor leagues. Head to Victory Field to watch the Indianapolis Indians, the minor league baseball team, play on a nice summer day. There are also minor league soccer and hockey teams that make for fun birthday events. Of course, there are the Colts, Pacers and Fever, major league football and basketball teams, respectively, that are great if you want a wild sports environment. 

10. Spend a Day at the Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best in the country. If you’re looking for a unique birthday idea in Indianapolis, consider spending the day walking around this park. The zoo also has an aquarium and botanical garden, so there are plenty of places to explore and things to see. Spend your birthday walking around with a group of friends or treat yourself to a fun day out.

11. Go to a Comedy Show

Want a birthday idea in Indianapolis that will make you laugh? You have to see a comedy show. Both Crackers Comedy Club and Helium Comedy Club feature up-and-coming comics as well as big names in the comedy world. Helium sells food, so you can make it an evening of dinner and a show. Alternatively, join Crackers' mailing list to receive up to five free admissions during your birthday month.

12. Watch a Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis is known for racing, so if you’re looking for an exciting birthday idea in Indianapolis, look no further than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This racetrack is home to the famous Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, both of which make for fun birthday activities. But there are tons of races throughout the year that you can watch, plus a museum that you can explore. 

Outdoor Birthday Ideas in Indianapolis

13. Go to an Adventure Park

Want a birthday idea in Indianapolis that will get your heart pumping? Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is the perfect place to celebrate. There are obstacle courses and ziplines that will get you flying high. Or try axe-throwing or a forest escape room for even more fun activities. The park also has packages for birthday parties, including pavilion rentals and catering.

14. Take a Boat Ride

Spend some time enjoying the beautiful weather on the water with this birthday idea in Indianapolis. Take a ride with the Old World Gondoliers for a unique event. You can book a private boat that can hold up to eight people, and you can ride for either 30 or 60 minutes. There are also options for a pre-ordered meal or a cocktail ride. It’s a fun event to do before dinner or another birthday activity.

15. Have a Picnic in the Park

A simple birthday idea in Indianapolis is a picnic in the park. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Set up a blanket and some pillows and bring your favorite foods for a casual meal with friends. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more luxurious birthday picnic, you can hire Indy Spot Picnics to create a curated picnic with beautiful décor, ensuring a picture-perfect experience.

Entertaining Indianapolis Birthday Ideas

16. Play Golf at Topgolf 

A great birthday party idea in Indianapolis for entertaining a group of friends is an evening spent at Topgolf Indianapolis - Fishers. Gather your group and hit a couple of balls for this fun birthday idea in Indianapolis. Order food and drinks to enjoy in between your drives. Topgolf has options for small groups between seven and 12 players as well as large groups over 13. The driving room also has options for youth parties, so they can host birthdays for all ages. 

17. Play at a Bar Arcade

Unleash your inner child with this fun birthday idea in Indianapolis by heading to a bar arcade. 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is a retro venue that feels nostalgic. The arcade has classic games like pinball as well as arcade and video games that you can play while sipping on some signature cocktails. For groups of 15 or more, you can reserve an event space.

18. See a Movie

For anyone seeking a more low-key birthday idea in Indianapolis, consider planning to see a movie at Landmark Theatres. They feature popular as well as arthouse films and with a full bar, you can enjoy a drink while watching a birthday movie. If you want to make an event out of it, you can book a private screening of a new release or have a private watch party for your favorite film, creating the ultimate movie night for your special day.

19. Create at Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar

For a one-of-a-kind birthday party idea in Indianapolis, let your creativity run loose at Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar. Here, you can paint a custom pair of sneakers and rock your wearable art for years to come. Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar allows you to have in-studio private events, which will be an unforgettable birthday event for both you and your guests.

Get inspired by these celebratory options to make your special day even more memorable. Whether you’re going out for a classic birthday dinner or want to try a unique activity to celebrate another year, these birthday ideas in Indianapolis are a great way to celebrate and possibly discover your new favorite place in the city.

For even more ways to explore Indianapolis, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.