Photo: Square Cat Vinyl
Photo: Casey Peetz
Photo: Calla Bjorklund Jarvie
Square Cat Vinyl
★4.7(719 reviews)FreeCafe
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Elementary-aged kids enjoy flipping through colorful album covers and discovering music from their favorite movies or shows, while tweens and teens appreciate the cool factor of vinyl and the chance to start their own collection. Younger children can come along but may need close supervision around the merchandise.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Square Cat Vinyl is a vibrant independent record shop in Indianapolis's artsy Fountain Square neighborhood that offers a unique sensory experience for kids and music-loving parents alike. This welcoming space combines a vintage vinyl collection with a café atmosphere, making it perfect for introducing children to the joy of physical music and the ritual of browsing records together.
Highlights
- ✓Browsing colorful vintage album artwork featuring classic cartoons and movie soundtracks
- ✓Listening stations where kids can hear what records sound like before buying
- ✓Music memorabilia and quirky décor that sparks conversations about music history
- ✓Occasional live music events and in-store performances in a family-friendly setting
- ✓The café area serving treats and drinks for a relaxed shopping experience
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter browsing experience when kids can explore without large crowds
- 2.Let kids pick out one affordable record to take home - they often have budget-friendly used vinyl under $5 that makes collecting accessible
- 3.Check their event calendar before visiting as they host family-friendly live music performances and listening parties
- 4.Grab a snack or drink from the café area to keep kids happy while you browse - it doubles as a coffee shop
- 5.Introduce kids to the 'dollar bin' where they can dig for treasures independently while you explore other sections
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon offer the calmest atmosphere for families to explore at their own pace. Weekends can get busy with music enthusiasts, though Saturday mornings are still manageable and you might catch in-store events or performances.
What to Know
Street parking is available along Virginia Avenue and surrounding streets. The venue has a café component, so you can grab coffee and snacks while browsing, making it easy to keep kids comfortable during your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Check their social media for special Record Store Day events in April and holiday gift-buying events in December, which can be fun but crowded. Air-conditioned indoor venue makes it a great summer activity.
Nearby Eats
Fountain Square offers numerous family-friendly options within walking distance, including Siam Square (Thai food with mild options for kids) and Wildwood Market (a casual deli/market with sandwiches and grab-and-go items perfect for picky eaters).
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