When the weather is horrible outside, head inside to one of these 10 FREE, indoor, insanely fun options for your family.
Indoor Playgrounds
The Park at Trader’s Point Christian Church
Location: 6590 S Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00am – 8:00pm; Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm; Saturday, 8:00am – noon
*Closed the first Monday of each month for deep cleaning and closed to the general public the first Friday of each month for Special Needs First Fridays.
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: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm & 4:00 – 7:00pm; Saturday, 12:00 – 3:00pm
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: Monday – Wednesday & Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm; Monday & Friday, 5:00 – 8:00pm
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: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 – 11:00am & 1:00 – 3:00pm
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.
Related: Go Climb a Tree: The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
Playland at Brookville Community Church
Location: 7480 US-52, New Palestine
Hours: Find session times here.
This padded playground features slides, tunnels, and a special area for children under two, making it a safe place for tots to tumble and kids to climb. Children up to third grade are welcome. There is an eating are outside the Playland doors that is the perfect place to take a lunch break. Don’t forget your socks!
Nature Centers
Holliday Park Nature Center
Location: 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00pm
The 13,000 square foot Nature Center focuses on educating visitors about the natural world and features hands-on, discovery-based activities for all ages. The dynamic new{er} 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: 690 Beech Street, Zionsville
Hours: Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00pm
The former house that holds the Zion Nature Center is jam-packed with realistic sounds, facts, interactive exhibits, and live animals, making it interesting for kids and adults alike. The center boasts turtles, snakes, and amphibians on display- making it a wetland lover’s paradise.
Museum & Libraries
Indiana State Police Museum
Location: 8660 E 21st St, Indianapolis
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm; Third Saturday each month, 12:00 – 4:00pm
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: Monday – Wednesday, 10:00am – 8:00pm; Thursday, 10:00am – 6:00pm; Friday – Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00pm
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.
Related: Exploring Central Library
Looking for more fun things to do in Indy on a budget? Boy, have we got the guide(s) for you:
- Where to Go for Free Admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indy
- Free Museum Days in 2020 around Indianapolis
- Kids Eat Free Guide
- 50 Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis
- $5 First Thursday Nights at Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Free Things to do in Indianapolis this Month
- Plus, bookmark our contests page to see what we’re giving away!
