15 Wild Summer Activities for Adrenaline Junkies to try in Indianapolis

Get Your Adrenaline Fix this Summer in Indianapolis

If you're an adrenaline junkie, Indianapolis should definitely be on your radar. This Midwest city may not seem like an extreme adventure destination at first glance, but it actually offers plenty of heart-pounding thrills for thrill-seekers who aren't afraid to push their limits. 

From screaming down race tracks at breakneck speeds to launching yourself out of a plane, Indianapolis has unique attractions that will get your blood pumping. Whether you're a novice looking for your first big rush or a veteran addicted to death-defying exploits, Indianapolis has exhilarating activities to satisfy your appetite for excitement. 

Indianapolis is the perfect place to face your fears and unleash your inner daredevil in ways you never expected. Get ready for an incredible adrenaline surge as you take on the most intense pursuits Indianapolis has to offer. 

The extreme adventures below range from accessible yet pulse-pounding to straight-up mental - but they’ll all give that adrenaline rush. Don't hold back; dive right in and see why Indianapolis is a mecca for hardcore adrenaline junkies!

Go rock climbing at Hoosier Heights

With over 160 routes ranging from beginner to expert, indoor rock climbing at Hoosier Heights provides a thrilling physical and mental challenge.

Tackle the 50-foot walls and bouldering courses under the guidance of experienced instructors. It's a great workout that builds strength and tests your nerves as you strategize your way up the routes. Climbing requires problem-solving skills and creativity to map out your path. As a beginner, you can start on auto-belay walls and work your way up to lead climbing with ropes. Hoosier Heights offers climbing camps, teams, and events beyond open climb sessions. It's the perfect adventure activity for both casual climbers and seasoned experts looking to hone their skills and push their limits. The indoor setting is accessible year-round.

Try white water rafting

Just south of Indianapolis, the White River offers some exciting Class II-III rapids for a seriously adventurous rafting experience.

With companies like White River Rafting Expeditions, you can take guided half-day or full-day trips and navigate the rapids in an inflatable raft. Maneuvering through the rapids with a group tests your teamwork skills and gives you an adrenaline rush like no other. As you traverse rock formations and rushing whitewater, the scenic views of the river valley are spectacular. Rafting is a great outdoor recreational activity for family fun or even an extreme challenge, depending on which stretches of the river you tackle. Expect to get wet and wild! Always go with an experienced guide for safety. Late spring to early summer is the best time to go when water levels are highest.

Ziplining through Eagle Creek Park 

Sail through the treetops on a series of zip lines and rope obstacles over the lush greenery of Eagle Creek Park.

At speeds of up to 35 mph, the ziplines provide an exhilarating thrill as you take in beautiful skyline views. Expert guides provide training and ensure safety with the intricate harness systems. This treetop adventure course has areas for kids as well as extreme ziplines over 1300 feet long and up to 150 feet high for daring adults. Traversing wobbly bridges and tightropes levels up the excitement. Go Ape Ziplining is a unique way to explore the vast natural beauty of Eagle Creek Park from an aerial view you can't get anywhere else nearby. Expect an adrenaline rush along with gorgeous panoramic views.

Feel the Rush of an INDYCAR at 180 mph!

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime in the INDYCAR Experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

You'll sit behind a professional INDYCAR driver in a purpose-built two-seater Dallara chassis, exclusive to this experience, and zoom around the iconic track at speeds up to 180 mph. With intense g-forces giving you a taste of real NTT INDYCAR Series racing, this is your chance to ride along in one of these incredible open-wheel machines available nowhere else in the world. Buckle up as you blast through 4 exhilarating high-speed laps, taking the turns and straightaways at breakneck pace. For INDYCAR fans, it's the ultimate adrenaline rush! (Restrictions: 18+, under 6'5", under 250 lbs.) Feel the power of an INDYCAR at the iconic Brickyard!

Go skydiving over Indianapolis 

Jump out of a plane from 10,000+ feet for the most intense thrill-seeking experience in the city.

Freefall at speeds over 100mph before your parachute opens for a gentle glide back to solid ground. The views are breathtaking as you float over the city skyline and the greenery of the surrounding area. With an experienced instructor guiding you throughout the tandem jump, even first-time skydivers can safely participate. The sheer visceral adrenaline from the freefall is indescribable. Skydiving is often described as the ultimate rollercoaster ride (but without the rails). It will get your heart racing from the immense thrill of stepping out into the open air from so high up. An incredible bucket list experience!

Go karting in an indoor karting track

With its two-level road course and mini superspeedway, Speedway Indoor Karting offers multiple track configurations and options for karters of all skill levels.

The multi-turn, multi-level road course is sure to get adrenaline pumping with its challenging corners and fast straightaways, providing excitement for everyone and serving as the most popular option. Adding flair to the facility, the high-speed oval slick track gives drivers an intense experience unlike any other, as it's fast-paced, physically demanding, and most importantly, fun for all ages. Between the road course and superspeedway oval, Speedway Indoor Karting has tracks that thrill novice and skilled karters alike.

Learn trapeze skills

Take to the skies to learn trapeze, silks, hoop, and more with the circus school Aerial Indiana.

Their rigging allows you to perform aerial arts up to 38 feet in the air! Start with beginner skills, then advance to more gravity-defying moves at your own pace. Spin, swing, hang upside down, and contort your body in artistic aerial poses for an invigorating and artistic workout. The instructors make sure you feel safe while pushing your boundaries. Trapeze requires immense core strength, coordination, and courage to master. Unleash your inner circus performer! They offer classes for kids too.

Swim with dolphins at the Indianapolis Zoo 

Get up close and personal with dolphins at the Indianapolis Zoo's Aquarium.

For a once-in-a-lifetime aquatic adventure, book the Dolphin In-Water Experience at the Indianapolis Zoo, the only place in the Midwest where you can swim with dolphins. This 90-minute program lets you feed, signal and interact with the dolphins up close, after learning about their traits in a classroom session and seeing them in action at the Dolphin Presentation. Along with splashing around with the dolphins under the guidance of trainers, you'll go home with a souvenir towel and photo.

Paraglide above Indianapolis with Indy Para Sail

Take off into the open sky with Indy Para Sail's tandem paragliding flights above the city.

The lack of engine noise makes for a peaceful ride as you drift through the air and take in panoramic views from up to 2000 feet high. The instructor pilots the specially designed paraglider, using wind currents to soar gracefully over treetops and neighborhoods at incredible heights, creating an unbelievable perspective. Float above popular landmarks as you embrace the wind in your hair and sunshine on your face during the mesmerizing flights. No experience is needed, and take off/landing are easy.

Test your survival skills at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

This unique company offers Indiana expeditions teaching key outdoor survival skills.

Learn to construct shelters, build fires, fish, track animals, and identify edible plants. Gain hands-on experience camping in the wilderness as you cook over a campfire and sleep under the stars. They offer guided backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking trips to put your newfound talents into practice. Learn survival essentials while embarking on an epic outdoor adventure exploring the forests, lakes, and rivers of rural Indiana's breathtaking natural landscapes.

Drive indoor karts at a high performance track

Get your speed fix driving high-performance Italian pro karts at Fast Track.

Their Advanced Course has long straightaways for maximum acceleration up to 50 mph and 14 turns to hone your racing skills. Their facility is decked out like a real racetrack, with checkered flags, pit areas, and more. Compete against friends and family for bragging rights on lap times. The fast electric karts provide an authentic racing feel and responsive handling, perfect for adrenaline junkies. Fast Track offers leagues and grand prix events beyond casual racing.

Try your hand at axe throwing

Channel your inner lumberjack at Bad Axe Throwing's indoor axe throwing lanes.

Their coaches train you on axe throwing techniques before you start aiming for the bullseye. Get your adrenaline pumping as you heave axes toward the wooden target. They offer competitive league play if you get hooked. Axe throwing requires focus and precision, providing great stress relief. Bond with friends while embracing your primal inner warrior and cheering triple bullseyes. It's an absolute blast!

Visit an Koteewi Aerial Adventure Park

Test your physical strength clambering across rope ladders, zigzagging through log obstacles, and soaring down zip lines. Choose from courses ranging from rugged to extreme so you can take on climbs tailored to your skill level.

As you strategize your path through treetop obstacles, you'll experience an exhilarating blast of manly motivation. Why take the typical guys' day out when you could be racing friends through the trees? Conquer our highest aerial course to prove your fearlessness and agility. Outdoorsy men thrive on adventure, and our park's rugged climbing circuits provide an intense rush you can't find anywhere else. Don't just hang out when you could be hangin' with the guys high up in the treetops! Book your aerial adventure today and unleash that primal inner warrior.

Skydive indoors at iFLY Indianapolis

Experience the thrill of freefalling and skydiving without having to jump from a plane at iFLY's indoor skydiving facility.

iFLY's powerful vertical wind tunnel lets you float and fly within a glass enclosure. Professional flight instructors teach you body positions to control movement up and down during your two-minute flights. The extreme rush mimics real skydiving's weightless freefall sensation, just without the heights and fears. It's an all-ages adventure, perfect for a fun family outing. Purchase photos and video to capture the excitement.

Ride the rollercoasters at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari amusement and water park offers epic rollercoasters and rides for adrenaline seekers.

Soar 205 feet on The Voyage wooden coaster's staggering drop and speeds over 65mph. Meanwhile, Thunderbird has intense loops, corkscrews, and a zero-g roll. Enjoy wicked water thrills like rafting on The Wildebeest or plunging down Mammoth freefall waterslide's 70-foot drop. With both parks included in the admission, it's two days of nonstop family fun and thrills.

Final thoughts:

From rock climbing and skydiving to exotic supercars and monster trucks, Indianapolis serves up no shortage of extreme adventures to get your adrenaline pumping. The activities covered offer thrills for every comfort level and budget. 

Challenge yourself to new heights mentally and physically. Bring family and friends along to double the excitement.

If you’re seeking a serious adventure that provides a rush of a lifetime, you’re sure to find heart-racing options in Indianapolis. 

Don't miss your chance to try one-of-a-kind thrills exclusive to the Indianapolis area for a vacation you’ll never forget!