31 Free Thing to do in Indianapolis this April

April showers bring… lots of free family fun!  Here are some free things to do in Indianapolis this April:

Reach Out and ReadIN!

Central Library
Saturday, April 1 @ 10:00 am

In partnership with Reach Out and Read Indiana, families and children of all ages are invited for a celebration of language and learning throughout the Learning Curve. Beginning at 10 a.m., guest celebrities will read stories each half hour. Families and individuals can read books to win prizes. Every book read will help build the home library of an at-risk preschooler. The day also will feature Grammy-nominated artist José-Luis Orozco (11 a.m.) who will present a family concert in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium.

Tribute to Dr. Seuss Magic Show

The Indianapolis Public Library
Saturday, April 1 @ 2:00- 3:00 pm

Children of all ages and families are invited to celebrate the wonderful worlds created by Dr. Seuss in this magical tribute show presented by magician Don Miller. This program will be held in the Learning Curve.

Spring Egg-stravaganza

Noblesville Library – Children’s Program Room 
Saturday, April 1 @ 2:30 pm

Celebrate Spring by creating your own beautiful and unique egg. Supplies provided while they last.

Chess Club for Kids

Indy Reads Books
Tuesday, April 4 @ 5:30-7:00 (Every Tuesday!)

On Tuesdays, ‘Cloud City Youth’s’ professional chess instructor Colin Hargreaves will facilitate a new chess club for kids, using a unique and exciting method that makes learning super easy and fun. They will provide plenty of boards and sets. Attendees should feel free to play organically but can receive lessons from the instructors during each meeting. You can expect a friendly tournament or just attend to learn chess techniques.

Little Learners Storytime

Indianapolis Public Library
Friday, April 7 @ 11:00 am- 12:00 pm

Little learners ages birth – 5 years old and their families are invited to come together for stories, songs and rhymes. All are welcome to stay after to play!

Little Red’s MOST Unusual Day – Indianapolis Opera

Fishers Center Library 
Saturday, April 8 @ 2:00 pm

Sometimes stories aren’t what they seem. A series of choices and mistaken identities lead our characters into a “tale spin.” This twisted operatic retelling of a classic features favorite music from opera composers – Offenbach & Rossini! Colorful costumes, amazing singers and a delightful story make up a performance your family won’t want to miss! The HEPL Music Series is sponsored by the Friends of Hamilton East Public Library. As always, children and families are welcome.

Tiny Tots! Rock

Murphy Arts Center
Saturday, April 8 @ 10:30- 11:30 am (Second Saturday of every month!)

ALL KIDS AGES 0-6 are welcome! In an effort to provide children with that special connection year round and to as many children as we can, we’ve developed Tiny Tots Rock! Now your younger rockers can join the fun! Parent and child fun, not a drop-off class. Also, a great time for parents to meet other parents and there is always free coffee on hand!

Power Recycling Weekend

Indianapolis Zoo
Saturday, April 8 & Sunday, April 9 @ 9:00 am

Drop off your old electronics, phone books, cardboard, and paper ready for shredding in the Zoo parking lot, Apr. 8-9: Sat/Sun, 9 AM to 3 PM. Free event (most items, but see Web site for rules and exceptions).

Autism Awareness Day

Conner Prairie 
Saturday, April 8 @ 9:00 am

FREE admission for guests with autism and sensory or developmental challenges.  In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, we are offering an early opening hour for guests with autism and sensory or developmental challenges. The early opening (9-10am) is designed to allow those with sensory challenges to enjoy a quieter experience. We trust that the public will respect this time for guests who will benefit from smaller crowds. Guests will enjoy full access to the park and its offerings, such as interacting with baby animals, trekking along the Nature Walk, self-guided exploration of outdoor historical areas, crafts and more.

 

Hop into Spring 

Greenwood Park Mall 
Saturday, April 8 @ 1:00- 3:00 pm

Crafts, games, activities and limitless fun await families at Greenwood Park Mall’s family kids club, sponsored by Franciscan Health, Hop into Spring event. The event will be held in the Von Maur and JCPenney Court. Kids will also have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion.

Blending in 

Irvington Library 
Saturday, April 8 @ 3:00 pm

Blending In is a teen group for high schoolers who are high-functioning on the autism spectrum. Join them to meet friends and play games!

Youth Fun Night

Monon Community Center
Friday, April 14 @ 6:00-9:00 pm

Youth Fun Night is a respite event sponsored by BACA Charities and serves children with disabilities. Children will enjoy a fun night with friends while playing games, swimming, and watching movies. Thank you to our friends at McAlister’s Deli on 116th St. for providing dinner! To register for an event, please contact Michelle Yadon at [email protected] or (317)573-5245.

Fishers Movies in the Park: Star Wars Episode VII

Nickle Plate District
Friday, April 14, Sunset 

Roll out a blanket, stop by concessions and get ready for a free show! Spring Movies in the Park return offering the perfect opportunity to unwind under the stars on Friday nights. Please call the Weather Line at 317-567-5057 if inclement weather is forecast.

Cultural Trail Egg-strvaganza

Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Saturday, April 15 @ 10:00 am- 2:00 pm

5,000 eggs will be hidden along the 8-miles of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail with prizes and promotions for you to find! There will be three main locations that will offer food and refreshments, Fletcher Place, Glick Peace Walk, and Chatham Arch Neighborhood. Please visit our website for more details and maps on each location.

Easter Egg Hunt

Indianapolis Propylaeum
Saturday, April 15 @ 11:30 am

The venue’s annual free Easter Egg Hunt, rain or shine. Begins at 11:30 AM sharp, so arrive early. Reservations required. Free event. Info: 317-638-7881.

Easter- Eggstravaganza

Hubler Chevrolet HUAG590025_WEB_JPGS1_800X325[9]
Saturday, April 15, @ 1:00- 3:00 pm

Don’t miss the free Easter Eggstravaganza on  All are invited to this exciting fun-filled free family event at Hubler Chevrolet on US
31 South. Hubler Chevrolet and the IMPD are proud to be teaming up once again to bring this free event to the Hoosier Community. Enjoy hours of entertainment including: an Easter Egg Hunt for kids 14 & under plus a bounce house, face painting, food, drinks, games, train rides, the Indiana Pacers Fan Van, fire trucks and The Easter Bunny himself! For more information or to register, go to IndyEasterFun.com or call 317-882-4389.

Too Many Carrots Storytime

Barnes & Noble- Greenwood Park
Saturday, April 15 @ 11:00 am

When Rabbit collects too many carrots, which leave him unable to sleep in his cozy burrow, other animals offer to share their homes. Will Rabbit make his way
back? Join us to find out at this special springtime Storytime featuring Too Many Carrots. Activities and coloring to follow.

Sensory Movie Night 

Noblesville Library- Children’s Program Room 
Monday, April 17 @ 6:30 pm

Stand up, dance, sing, shout or walk around during this special movie time for everyone. The lights will be turned up slightly and the sound will be turned down slightly. Relax and enjoy a movie on our big screen with your family without worrying about disturbing someone by noise or movement.  This month’s movie will be The Incredibles. Free popcorn but bring your snacks if you’d like.

Holiday Park Beastly Brunch

Holliday Park
Wednesday, April 19, 10:30- 11:0 am

The animals at the nature center eat rather interesting food. Watch staff feed the animals (crickets, worms and even mice) and learn about their diets! Meets in the lobby. Free! No registration required. Donations appreciated.

HANDS in Autism Art Expo 2017

IUPUI Campus, 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Friday, April 21, 9:00- 4:00 pm

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month at the HANDS in Autism® Art Expo! Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the featured artists during our Opening Ceremony from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on April 20, with a full show running on April 21 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Art Expo is designed to provide a glimpse into the minds of individuals with ASD who utilize art as a means of expression given some of the social and communicative challenges that ASD presents.The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to attend the event using the link below!

Canal Awakens

Downtown Indy Canal Walk
April 22, 3:00- 7:00 pm

Say goodbye to the winter blues and welcome spring with open arms! Walk the entire Canal and visit many of the businesses that are located along the 1.5-mile stretch of water! Grab your passport from the Downtown Indy, Inc. tent located at the Walnut Street Basin and look for the signs at the business’s tent to get your stamp. Visit all participating locations and return your passport to the Downtown Indy, Inc. tent to be entered in giveaways.

Earth Day Indiana

Military Park
Saturday April 22 @ 11:00- 4:00pm

The Earth Day Indiana Festival highlights over 125 environmental nonprofits, companies and groups. The festival includes a music stage, workshops and food vendors. Don’t miss the Butterfly Parade led by Him Poyser at 3 p.m.! The event’s mission is to highlight sustainablity, environmental protection and resource conservation.

Young Actors Theatre Presents: A Line in the Land

Indianapolis Musuem of Art, – Toby Theatre
Saturday April 22, 1:00-2:00 pm

The Earth is dead. In a time when solar flares have scorched the earth, when plants can only grow in the air and survival is all that matters, can Val save her community from famine? Join Young Actors Theatre as we celebrate Earth Day on a post apocalyptic journey as we discover how anyone can make a difference, no matter how small. An original play written by the students and directors of Young Actors Theatre – based on Earth Day and A Line Describing the Sun video art piece. Recommended for grades 3rd-12th. Free for youth, $15 for adults

Earth Day Celebration

Jewish Community Center
Sunday April 23 @ 1:00-4:00PM

It is the 6th Annual Earth Day Celebration. Join them for live music, 30+ exhibitors, picnic area AND food truck and did we mention it is FREE?! Earth day is a moment to consider the broader implications of our lifestyle, to spend time with family and to evaluate how we can protect our earth more! Contact [email protected] for more information!

Celebrations of Creativity and Craftsmanship

The Museum of Miniature Houses
Wednesday April 26 @ 12:00 pm

Hear songs performed by Jamie Nichole, a singer-songwriter from Martinsville, IN. Jamie has been a singer her whole life, and self-taught guitarist and songwriter for the past 14 years. Her music is a warm blend of Americana, folk, and alternative country.

 

Indy Free Tree

Monument Circle
Friday April 28, @ 11:00 am

Get a FREE tree for Arbor Day! Stop by Monument Circle in front of the IPL building for the Indy Free Tree event. Beginning at 11 a.m., 1,000 trees will be distributed to celebrate Arbor Day. Visitors will enjoy FREE pizza and learn about the benefits of trees. Those in line by 11 a.m. will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card to Eagle Creek Nursery.

Lemonade Day: Lemonpalooza

Monument Circle
Friday, April 28 @ 11:00 am- 1:00 pm

Greater Indianapolis takes over Monument Circle! Imagine Monument Circle covered in lemon yellow. Celebrate youth entrepreneurship with live entertainment and, what else, lemonade!

Annual Attic Sale

Carmel Lions Club & Museum of Miniature Houses
Saturday April 29 @ 9:00 am- 3:00 pm

Great opportunity to buy miniature accessories, craft supplies, and special gifts.  This year’s sale includes a large selection of miniature furniture, accessories, dolls, dollhouses, kits, and supplies. A child’s delight.  Wonderful gift ideas, too

Perennial Premiere

Indianapolis Museum of Art
April 29 / 11 a.m.–5 pm and April 30/ noon–5 p.m.

Come purchase rare plants including annuals, perennials tropical, herbal and house plants. The IMA horticulture staff will answer all your planting questions. While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the Indianapolis Garden Club Flower Show inspired by the IMA gardens and Spring Blooms experience.

Parent and Preschooler Yoga

Indianapolis Public Library
April 29, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm

Preschoolers and their parents are invited to enjoy the health benefits that yoga can offer during this 45-minute program presented by certified yoga instructors from the Greater Indianapolis YMCA. This program is sponsored by The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. This program will be held in the Learning Curve.

El Dia de los Niño’s

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
April 30, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis proudly celebrates a special day, which originated in Mexico in 1925. El Día de los Niños recognizes children, pays tribute to their importance in society and endorses their well-being. It is now observed in many places around the world. FREE Admission from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm!!!!

 

 

 

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