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100+ Things to do this Summer around Indianapolis

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff

Warm weather, the promise of longer days, and plenty of opportunities to explore Indianapolis. Never hear your kids say, “I’m bored,” ever again. To get your family’s summer started on the right foot, check out our official list of 100 things to do in and around Indy this summer! Looking for free activities? Check out our guides to 50 Free Activities in Indianapolis for Summer 2024.

Related Article:  Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis

100+ Things to do this Summer around Indianapolis:

Cool Off in the Water

  1. Float in one of Indiana’s natural lazy rivers.
  2. Visit your favorite splash pad.
    The Splash Pad at Westermeier Commons at Central Park
    The Splash Pad at Westermeier Commons at Central Park
  3. Explore a lake or river by canoe or kayak.
  4. Or try renting a motorboat at a nearby lake.  
  5. Plan a day of swimming or splashing fun at one of these great destinations.
  6. Road trip to one of Indiana’s best waterparks.
  7. Take a Swan Pedal Boat out on the canal.
  8. Visit a local aquatic park:
  9. Photo courtesy of Freedom Springs Aquatic Park FacebookSoak up the sun at a local beach.
  10. Go fishing. 
  11. Enjoy swimming and a movie during Flix and Float at Forest Park Aquatic Center.
  12. Enjoy a day on the water at Geist, Morse, or Eagle Creek Reservoir.
  13. Sign up for a free paddle board yoga class on the canal.

Explore the Outdoors

 * indicates a free activity
  1. Soar through the treetops on a zip-lining adventure.
  2. Visit your favorite Indy-area farmer’s market.
  3. Enjoy a picnic and adult beverages at the family-friendly Daniels Winery.

    Daniel's Vineyard
    Family-Friendly atmosphere at Daniel’s Vineyard
  4. Do a self-guided tour of Traders Point Creamery. Then, indulge in ice cream afterward.
  5. Go strawberry picking at one of these local farms. 
  6. Take in the fresh air on one of Indianapolis’ hiking trails. *
  7. Take a ride on the new Nickle Plate Express railbikes. Nickel Plate Express Railbikes
  8. Try out a new sport at the Riley Sports Legends Experience at the Children’s Museum.
  9. Take a stroll around Downtown Indianapolis and discover something new about our city.
  10. Play a family game of ping pong, shuffleboard, corn hole, or bocce ball at Midtown Plaza Carmel. *
  11. Learn something new on a tour of Strawtown Enclosure, a Native American village that was inhabited over 700 years ago. *
  12. Pack a picnic and enjoy a magical day at The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens. *

    The Children's Garden at Coxhall Gardens
    The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens.
  13. Walk around the ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center. *
  14. Learn about agriculture at AgriPark in Fishers. *
  15. Explore the Treetop Outposts at Conner Prairie.
  16. Speaking of trees, play in the treehouses at Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers. *

    Flat Fork Creek Park
    Flat Fork Creek Park
  17. Meet and greet alpacas at Heritage Farm.
  18. Discover nature and art at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. *
  19. Have an archeologist adventure at River Road Park. *

    River Rock Road
    River Rock Road
  20. Explore Butler University’s Holcomb Gardens. *
  21. Go for a horseback ride.
  22. Explore Marian University’s EcoLab. *
  23. Go for a hot air balloon ride at Conner Prairie.
  24. Go fishing with the family. *
  25. Shoot a bow and arrow at Strawtown Koteewi Park.
  26. Buckle up those helmets, and explore one of these Indianapolis bike trails. *
  27. Tackle Strawtown Koteewi Park on horseback with K-Trails Equestrian Adventures.
  28. Hop on the saddle for a guided trail ride through Fort Harrison State Park.
  29. Hang out around the campfire during Cool Creek Campfires series.

    Cool Creek Campfire
    Cool Creek Campfires series

Experience a Summer Concert

  1. Cool Creek Concert Series
  2. Concerts on the Canal at the Indiana Historical Society
  3. Symphony on the Prairie
  4. Mallow Run Winery Picnic Concert Series*
  5. Jams at the Junction*
  6. Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park

    Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park
    Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park
  7. Fishers Parks Community Concert Series *
  8. Animals and All That Jazz
  9. Noblesville Summer Concert Series 
  10. Summer Concert Series at Clay Terrace *

    Summer Concert Series at Clay Terrace
    Summer Concert Series at Clay Terrace
  11. Free Summer Concert Series at Murphy Aquatic Park*
  12. Free Family Concerts at Lions Park *
  13. Whitestown Summer Concert Series *
  14. Greenwood Summer Concert Series *

Visit a Local Playground

  1. Visit one of the coolest playgrounds in the Indianapolis area.

    West Commons Playground
    West Commons Playground
  2. Plan a day trip to a road trip-worthy playground.
  3. Stay clean at one of Indy’s mud free playground.
  4. Ride the zipline at the Nature Adventure Playground.
  5. Spend a rainy day at an indoor playground.

    The Commons indoor playground in Columbus
    The Commons indoor playground in Columbus

Catch an Outdoor Movie

* Indicates free movie series
  1. Newfields Summer Nights Film Series

    Newfields 2022 Summer Nights Film Series Lineup
    Newfields Summer Nights Film Series
  2. Movies at Midtown *
  3. Brownsburg Parks and Recreation – Movie’s in the Park*
  4. Head to the drive-in theater for a classic summer night.

Have Summer Fun Without the Sun

  1. Sign up for a summer reading program at your local Indianapolis Public Library branch.
  2. Discover nature inside at a central Indiana Nature Center.

    Holliday Park - Free things to do in indinapolis
    Holliday Park Nature Center
  3. Take your trip to the movie theater to the next level by renting it out for a private screening (It’s easier than you think!)
  4. Dust off your bowling shoes! Kids Bowl Free in Indianapolis all summer long.
  5. Catch a $1 summer movie at Regal Cinemas.
  6. Plan a trip to one of these 8 unique Indianapolis Museums.
  7. Check out the Indiana State Police Museum, a secret east side favorite.
  8. Spend the day taking selfies at the Selfie WRLD Selfie Museum.
  9. Take the family for a round of Duckpin bowling in Fountain Square.

    Duck Pin Bowling
    Duck Pin Bowling at Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling
  10. Discover a new artist at Harrison Center’s Reimagined Community Art Space.
  11. Join the Franklin Skate Club’s Kids Skate Free program.

Travel Around Indiana and the Midwest

  1. The Best Waterparks in the Midwest 
  2. The Best Places to go Camping near Indianapolis for Families
  3. 7 Unique Animal Encounters in Central Indiana

    Nine Lives Cat Café
    Nine Lives Cat Café
  4. 19 Indiana Day Trips Perfect for Spring and Summer
  5. 6 Best National Parks in the Midwest for Families
  6. Cool Caves in the Midwest

    Squire Boone Indiana
    Caverns Cave Exploration Squire Boone Indiana
  7. The Best Roller Coasters in the Midwest
  8. Find more fun Midwest travel destinations 
  9. Find More Indiana destinations
  10. Explore all Indiana day trips
  11. Watch the sky glow at an Indiana Hot Air Balloon Festival
  12. Plan a train trip and ride the rails

Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Summer

  1. 9 Spots for Outdoor Summer Dining with Kids near Indianapolis

    Family-Friendly Restaurants in Indianapolis
    Outdoor Playground at Baby’s Restaurant
  2. Best Ice Cream in Indianapolis
  3. 10 Fun Indianapolis Restaurants for Kids
  4. Where to Have Brunch with Kids in Indianapolis

Attend a Fun Summer Event

 

  1. Mud Day – Greenwood, May 31

    Greenwood Mud Day 2022
    Mud Day – Greenwood
  2. Earth Day Indiana Festival, June 1
  3. Waterman’s Strawberry Festival, June 7-8
  4. Broad Ripple Duck Race, June 1
  5. Pendleton Lions Club June Jamboree, June 4-8
  6. Indy Strawberry Festival, June 13

    Indy Strawberry Festival
    Indy Strawberry Festival, June 9
  7. Italian Street Festival, June 14-15
  8. Talbot Street Art Fair, June 15-16
  9. Touch-a-Truck at Grand Park, June 20-21
  10. FREE DAY! Juneteenth at the Indiana State Museum, June 15

    FREE DAY! Juneteenth at the Indiana State Museum, June 18
    FREE DAY! Juneteenth at the Indiana State Museum, June 18
  11. Spark!Fishers, June 25-30
  12. Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival, June 22-23
  13. Greenwood Freedom Festival, June 29

    Greenwood Freedom Festival
    Greenwood Freedom Festival, June 25
  14. Marion County Fair, June 28-July 7
  15. Monsoon Madness at Holland Park, July 20
  16. Indiana State Fair, August 2-18

    Indiana State Fair _ Indy's Child
    Indiana State Fair, July 29-Aug 21
Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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