When the weather outside is frightful, it’s time to take the family on a delightful indoor adventure. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 12 incredible, free options that will guarantee hours of fun for the whole family. Get ready to beat the bad weather blues with these indoor activities that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Indoor Playgrounds
The Park at Trader’s Point Christian Church
Location: 6590 S Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown
Hours: Wed-Thurs: 1 pm – 5 pm; Friday: 8 am-Noon & 1 pm – 5 pm; Saturday: 8 am-Noon & 1 pm – 5 pm; Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
The Park is every kid’s dream. The expansive space is separated into zones, including a preschool play structure, a larger play structure for older kids, basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, and a quiet zone (perfect for kids with special needs who may become overstimulated).
Cornerstone Lutheran Church
Location: 13450 E. 116th Street, Fishers
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am – 1 pm and 2:30 pm – 6 pm
This indoor playground offers plenty of climbing opportunities for the older kids and a separate area with toddler-friendly equipment, making it a safe and inviting space for all ages.
The Center at The Well Community Center
Location: 554 Pit Road, Brownsburg
Hours: Mon-Wed: 9 am – 1 pm; Thursday: By appointment only (Private Family Fun Days – $30 for 2 hours & up to 15 people); Friday: 6 pm – 8 pm
This indoor play area was made by an environmentally friendly community using only re-purposed toys, furniture, and even carpet tiles. Best of all, it is free to the public and open to children of all ages. Everyone who comes to play will need to fill out a release form that can be completed out when you arrive, or online beforehand to save time.
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
Location: 800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield
Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays: 9 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 3 pm
The Treehouse is only open to the public two days a week, but it is well worth the trip to see this beautiful indoor play structure that is bathed in natural light. Geared towards kids ages 2 to 12, it is designed to look like a whimsical tree with tons of space for kids to climb until they are ready to slide down.
Playzone at The Community Center at AFC
Location: 2301 Meridian St, Anderson, IN 46016
Hours: Vary by month. Check this month’s schedule.
The PLAYZONE is a fabulous new indoor playground located in Anderson at the Community Center @ AFC. It is 40 feet long, 27 feet wide and 24 feet high. 5 levels offer unique slides, climbing and more! To make things even better, PLAYZONE is free and open to the public six days a week.
Nature Centers
Holliday Park Nature Center
Location: 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am – 5 pm
The dynamic exhibit in Habitat Hall includes the White River Water Table, Music of the Wetlands Exhibit, and an elevated Hardwood Forest viewing area allowing visitors to experience the forest canopy.
Cool Creek Park Nature Center
Location: 2000 E 151st St, Carmel
Hours: Daily, dusk to dawn
Families, school groups and nature lovers can explore the science of Indiana woodlands and learn about the importance of preserving plants and animals in their natural habitats in this 90-acre park.
Zion Nature Center
Location: 250 N 5th Street, Zionsville
Hours: Tue-Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Exhibits within the Nature Center focus on local Indiana habitats and wildlife. In addition to exhibits, several educational animals are on display including turtles, snakes and amphibians. The Zionsville Nature Center is located inside the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library in the Hoffman Room.
Museum & Libraries
Indiana State Police Museum
Location: 8660 E 21st St, Indianapolis
Hours: Tue-Thurs: 10 am – 3 pm
The Indiana State Police Museum collects, preserves, and presents the history of the Indiana State Police, focusing on the dedication of the department, connection with the community, and innovations made throughout the organization’s existence. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
The Learning Curve at Central Library
Location: 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis
Hours: Mon-Tue: 10 am – 8 pm; Wed-Thu: 10 am – 6 pm; Fri-Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
The Learning Curve is a high-tech, hands-on information environment designed for children. Children and their families can visit “The Curve” to develop the interpretive and critical thinking skills needed to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the information world.
Carmel Clay Public Library
Location: 425 E. Main Street in Carmel
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9 am-8 pm; Fri: 9 am-6 pm; Sat: 9 am – 5 pm; Sun 1-5 pm
The Carmel Clay Public Library has reopened after completing a $40-million project to increase the size of the library and renovate existing spaces to serve Carmel’s growing community better. Highlights of the project include a Digital Media Lab relocated from off-site, an expanded teens area, flexible meeting rooms, and a parking garage attached to the library by a sky bridge.
Fort Ben Branch Library
Location: 425 E. Main Street in Carmel
Hours: Mon-Tue: 10 am – 8 pm; Wed-Fri: 10 am – 6 pm; Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
The Fort Ben Branch Library is the most recent addition to the Indianapolis Public Library network. This state-of-the-art facility boasts an enchanting play area that features a make-believe garden and marketplace where children can engage in hours of imaginative play. Furthermore, the library hosts numerous weekly storytime sessions, including several designed for bilingual participants, expanding the educational and interactive opportunities for kids in the community.
