It’s July, which means that we’re in full summer mode. When all the splash pad and pool visits aren’t enough to cool down from the heat and the humidity, it’s time to take it inside. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor options around Indy to entertain your family. Enjoy a break from the heat — and the abundant air conditioning! — with these fun indoor ideas.
Indoor Playgrounds + Trampoline Parks
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
10080 E 121st St Suite 182, Fishers
Have a blast jumping on trampolines, channeling your inner ninja warrior, making it to the top of the climbing wall, or challenging friends in jousting.
The Busy Bee Play Cafe
5635 W. 96th St Suite 200, Indianapolis
An indoor play space where adults can unwind while their kids engage in imaginative and energetic play.
Kids Empire
8705 Hardegan St Indianapolis
This innovative environment features two indoor playgrounds: The Maze, which offers fun challenges for all ages, and the Tot area, designed specifically for younger children with age-appropriate structures.
Kid’s Planet
499 Southpoint Circle, Brownsburg
This multi-story indoor playground has many play areas for kids of all ages (up to 14), including a toddler play area.
KidCity at Greenwood Community Center
100 Surina Way, Greenwood
This two-story playspace is fun and educational, with STEM-focused activity centers incorporating science, art and music.
The Park at Traders Point Christian Church
6590 S. Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown
Free and open to the public, The Park’s indoor playspace is a great place for parents to unwind and kids to let out some energy.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
8356 Masters Rd, Indianapolis
An extreme airpark that offers many activities to “defy” gravity, plus a ninja warrior course.
Smiley Indoor Playground
5729 E. 86th St., Indianapolis
This massive facility offers an enormous indoor playground with trampoline basketball, tubes and slides, rock-climbing, an obstacle course, fast raceway slides, and much more.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville
Test your skills in the Warrior Obstacle Course, compete with friends, or practice your own tricks freestyle.
Museums
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
The world’s biggest children’s museum has numerous exhibits, daily shows and programs, member events and so much more.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
500 W Washington St, Indianapolis
Get to know rich and fascinating Native American and Western art, and enjoy the Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center downstairs, which was designed especially for kids and their families.
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Learn about the Hoosier story in a building made entirely from Indiana materials and catch a movie on the state’s largest IMAX screen.
NCAA Hall of Champions
700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
With two levels of NCAA trivia, games and interactive exhibits, the Hall of Champions has something for everyone.
Nature Centers
Cool Creek Park & Nature Center
2000 E 151st St, Carmel
Nature lovers are invited to learn about the science of Indiana woodlands and the importance of preserving plants and animals in their natural habitats.
Habitat Hall at Holliday Park
6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
Free to the public, this 13,000-foot nature center educates visitors with hands-on experiences, classes, after-school activities, arts and crafts, and more.
The Ornithology and Earth Discovery Center at Eagle Creek
6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis
Look out over the bird sanctuary from the observation room and learn all about birds with hands-on kiosks and activities.
Bookstores + Libraries
4 Kids Books & Toys
4450 Weston Pointe Dr #120, Zionsville
This independent children’s bookstore offers storytime and even offers space for birthday parties.
Indy Reads
1066 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis
Storytimes, game nights and more await you and your family at Indy Reads this summer.
Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore
5619 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis
Kids Ink connects kids to literature through a rich selection of books, games, puzzles, creative-play toys, events and more.
Your Local Library
Find your nearest Indianapolis Public Library branch at indypl.org, and attend one of the many free events and activities. From art classes and animal shows to chess tournaments and cooking classes, the library has many activities to keep your little ones entertained on hot days.
