Ugggggggh. The Halloween day forecast is calling for rain and potentially lots of it during prime trick-or-treat hours. {Mother Nature, I thought we had a DEAL? No rain or snow on Halloween?}
So in the event the day ends up a total wash – pun intended – we’ve rounded up a quick list of 10 indoor Halloween activities to keep your costumed kiddos’ spirits high.
1. Grim-nasium Haunted House at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Lace up your sneakers for a visit to a truly terrifying gymnasium—Grim-nasium! The Children’s Museum Guild’s 55th Annual Haunted House will give you a courtside seat to witness all the action in this monster-filled gym. Cheer on your favorite phantom, but keep your eyes open—scary surprises lurk in the bleachers. Advance tickets are required and available online. Read the Indy’s Child review of this year’s Pirate’s Revenge Haunted House while you wait in line.
WHEN:Â Wednesday, 10/31 from 10am-3pm
WHERE:Â The Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 334-4000 or childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/haunted-house
2. Trunk or Treat at Southport Heights Christian Church
TRUNK OR TREAT is our annual Halloween alternative event which gives Southport Heights and its body the opportunity to love on YOU, the community – letting you know that you are welcome and loved here. We decorate our cars and hand out candy for all who come! Long’s donuts, cider, a bounce house, picture station, live animals and LOTS OF CANDY will be there to entertain you and your children. Bring your family and invite your friends! bIn case of inclement weather, we will move indoors to the Fellowship Hall and tables within the building. Kids are welcomed in costume for Halloween crafts, stories and music. Greek’s Pizza truck will be on-site with yummy eats for purchase. Event is free with admission.
WHEN:Â Wednesday, 10/31 from 6-8pm
WHERE: Southport Heights Christian Church, 7154 McFarland Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227
3. Historic Irvington Halloween Festival fun at the Irvington Branch Library
The Irvington Branch Library celebrates the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival fun too! From what their Children’s Desk staff tells us, there are oodles of indoor plans for the day including: Abracadabra Magic with Magic Mike {10:30am}, an Animalia show {12pm}, Silly Safaris show {1:30pm} and reptile fun with Indiana Jim’s Reptile Experience {3pm}. See the Irvington Halloween Festival events calendar for more fun ideas.
WHEN:Â Saturday, 10/31 from 10am-4pm
WHERE: Irvington Branch Library, 5626 E. Washington St, Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 275-4450 or imcpl.org/locations/irvington/
4. Party at the Prop ‘Til the Candy Drops
The annual Indianapolis Propylaeum’s Halloween Bash – It’s An Afternoon Halloween Bash plans to fete with a costume contest, cookie decorating, tours of the decorated mansion, plus lots of yummy treats and fun activities.
WHEN: Saturday, 10/31 from 11am-2pm
WHERE:Â Indianapolis Propylaeum, 1410 Delaware Street, downtown Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 638-7881 or propindy.org
5. This Is Thriller with the Indiana Historical Society
The King of Pop and a Hoosier native Michael Jackson inspired us all to celebrate Halloween with the best dance video ever made. Join the IHS as they learn the Thriller dance, decorate pumpkins, trick-or-treat through the exhibits, and share some Hoosier ghost stories. Costumes are strongly encouraged, but not required.
WHEN: Saturday, 10/31 from 12-2pm
WHERE:Â Indiana Historical Society, 450 West Ohio Street, downtown Indy
INFO: {317} 232-1882 or indianahistory.org/events/this-is-thriller
6. Greenwood Mall Safe Trick Or Treat
Halloween has arrived and Greenwood Park Mall invites all little ghouls, goblins, and boo’tiful princesses to come have a spooktacular time at the Kidgits Halloween event. This event is open to Simon Mall Kidgits members only but an annual membership runs just $5. Signup is recommended before the event begins – starting location will be the Von Maur/JcPenny court.
WHEN: Saturday, 10/31 from 6-8pm
WHERE:Â Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 US Highway 31, Greenwood
INFO: {317} 887-8601 or facebook.com/events/1637971079804946/
7. Westside Church Punkin Chunkin
Watch pumpkins get projected out of a giant slingshot or enjoy some indoor trunk or treating! Westside Church will have indoor and outdoor fun available at this annual event including inflatables and some concessions {we’re hearing Flying Cupcake?}.
WHEN: Saturday, 10/31 from 3-6pm
WHERE: Westside Church of the Nazarene, 8610 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis
INFO:Â facebook.com/indypunkin
8. Safe Night Trunk Or Treat at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Join the fun during the 23rd Annual Safe Night Halloween Trunk or Treat – community partners will be on site to give families a safe place to Trick or Treat! FREE for children 12 & under with an adult
WHEN:Â Wednesday, 10/31 from 5-7pm
WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds – Elements Financial Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 927-7500 or in.gov/statefair
9. Indiana State Police Museum’s Trunk Or Treat
Celebrate Halloween at the Indiana State Police Museum! Troopers and local police officers will be on hand to give out candy from the trunks of cars to all children in costume. There will be prizes for best costumes as well as games and craft activities for all visitors and the fun is scheduled to move inside in the event of rain.
WHEN:Â Saturday, 10/31 from 1-4pm
WHERE:Â Indiana State Police Museum, 8660 E. 21st Street, Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 899-8293 or indyschild.com/events/indiana-state-police-museums-trunk-or-treat/
10. Trunk Or Treat with Castleton UMC
The Castleton UMC presents a fun, non-scary and safe Trunk Or Treat event with promised of lots of candy, a balloon twister, a bounce house, an obstacle course, and chili supper. This event will move indoors in the event of rain.
WHEN: Saturday, 10/31 from 4-7pm
WHERE:Â Castleton UMC, 7101 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis
INFO: {317} 849-2947 or castletonumc.org/calendar/