Indianapolis is a great city for families with kids, whether you’re just visiting or live here; there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to explore.
The city has something for everyone, from bustling museums to charming parks, sports activities, and unique art exhibits. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top fun things to do in Indianapolis with kids. It’s time to start planning your visit and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Looking for cheap fun? Make sure to check out 75 Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis.
Here is a list of tried-and-true favorite Kid-Friendly Activities in Indianapolis:
1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Location: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest in the world, drawing over a million visitors each year. Since opening in 1925, it has earned a reputation as one of the top children’s museums in the country. Highlights include the Dinosphere© exhibit, Fireworks of Glass by artist Dale Chihuly, and the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®, an interactive space where kids can try different sports (open April–October).
Insider Tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time to save up to 25% off general admission. If you go late in the afternoon, crowds thin out, and you’ll have more space to explore. The Sports Legends Experience outside is a must—bring sneakers!
2. Indianapolis Zoo
Location: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis
Located along the scenic banks of the White River, the Indianapolis Zoo is conveniently located near beautiful downtown Indianapolis with easy access to walking and biking trails into the city. Check out their hints for a great visit.
Insider Tip: Get there right when it opens—animals are most active in the morning before the heat sets in.
3. Conner Prairie
Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers
A mix of history and hands-on fun, Conner Prairie brings Indiana’s past to life. Kids can meet costumed characters, explore historical recreations, climb through the Treetop Outpost, or even take a hot air balloon ride.
Insider Tip: Want to save some money? Admission drops to half-price after 1 p.m. if you purchase tickets in person. Head straight to the Treetop Outpost—it’s a four-story treehouse with a suspension bridge, and kids love it.
4. Midtown Plaza Carmel
Location: 365 Monon Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032
Midtown Plaza Carmel offers play areas for kids, fantastic dining for parents, and plenty of fun events. It’s nestled between Carmel City Center and the Carmel Arts & Design District, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring.
Insider Tip: In warmer months, family-friendly movies are shown in the plaza every Tuesday and Thursday. You can order food from any nearby restaurant and enjoy dinner on the lawn—kid-approved 10/10 for a weeknight dinner. 
5. Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling
Location: 1105 Prospect Street, Indianapolis
For a unique twist on bowling, try duckpin bowling in Fountain Square. The balls are smaller and lighter, making it perfect for younger kids. The retro setting adds to the fun, making it a great spot for families to enjoy together.
Insider Tip: This place fills up fast, so call ahead to book a lane. Duckpin uses smaller, lighter balls—great for kids, but harder than it looks!
6. NCAA Hall Of Champions
Location: 700 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
Sports fans will love the NCAA Hall of Champions, which features interactive exhibits about all 24 NCAA sports. Try trivia challenges, explore historic artifacts, and test your skills in the sports simulators.
Insider Tip: The second-floor gym is a hidden gem—shoot hoops in a 1930s-style gym, try a ski simulator, and test your sports trivia skills. Bonus: free admission on MLK Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day!
7. Newfields: A Place for Nature & the Arts
Location: 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
At Newfields, art and nature come together. While the museum and gardens require admission, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres is free to visit. This outdoor space features large-scale art installations, walking trails, and plenty of space for kids to run and explore.
Insider Tip: The 100 Acres Art & Nature Park is always free, and kids can actually climb on some of the sculptures. If you want to visit the museum, go on First Thursdays for free admission.
8. Learning Curve at Central Library
Location: 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis
The Learning Curve at Central Library is a high-tech, high-energy, hands-on information environment for today’s children. It is located on the Children’s Floor of Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library. The staff members are very knowledgeable and offer fun activities, games, and workshops for all ages.
9. Indiana State Museum
Location: 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis
The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park, where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits about Indiana’s history, science, and culture. It’s easy to combine with a visit to the zoo or canal.
Insider Tip: Step outside to see the steam-powered clock—it whistles part of “Back Home Again in Indiana” every 15 minutes!
10. Daniel’s Vineyard
Location: 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville
Daniel’s Vineyard is a Geist hidden gem—the ultimate family destination. Their front yard has 22 acres of vines and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the view. Indulge in delicious pizzas, wines, and beers while the kids entertain themselves with games like chess, bocce, cornhole, and running around the giant hill. It’s the perfect opportunity for both parents to unwind and for children to have a blast in a fun-filled environment. The winery also hosts many weekly events such as concerts, line dancing lessons, and karaoke nights.
Insider Tip: This vineyard is super family-friendly—while parents sip wine slushies, kids can play yard games like giant chess and bocce ball. Keep an eye out for free live concerts on weekends.
11. White River State Park
Location: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis
White River State Park in Indianapolis is a beautiful urban oasis that offers a fun things to do for visitors of all ages. Nestled along the banks of the White River, this expansive park boasts stunning scenery, walking trails, serene gardens, and picturesque waterways. It is also home to several renowned attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indiana State Museum. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, White River State Park is the perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike.
Insider Tip: Want to explore the park the fun way? Rent a surrey bike, kayak, or pedal boat for a different view of downtown Indy. Free 2-hour parking is available on White River Parkway!
12. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Location: 1 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis
This iconic landmark is a tribute to Indiana’s veterans. You can explore the monument for free, but for just $2, you can take an elevator ride to the top for stunning city views.
Insider Tip: You can climb 331 steps to the top for free, or take the tiny old-school elevator most of the way for $2. In December, the monument transforms into the world’s largest Christmas tree—a must-see!
13. Fishers AgriPark
Location: 11171 Florida Road, Fortville
A 33-acre urban farm, the Fishers AgriPark pays homage to Fishers’ agricultural roots, while inspiring future generations of farmers, scientists, agronomists, robotics engineers, chefs, and more. With a focus on education and giving back, visitors of all ages can become immersed in a working farm. They can learn about farming practices and innovations needed to feed our world while participating in kid-friendly activities.
Insider Tip: Bring a bag—you can pick fresh produce for free when it’s in season. Kids love watching the cows and goats up close, and there’s even a fun nature play area.
14. The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens
Location: 11677 Towne Road, Carmel
There’s really only one word to describe the Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens: magical. This beautiful park, located on the west side of Carmel, is a magical hidden gem, and it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a more analog park experience for kids.
Insider Tip: Pack a picnic, this is the best picnic destination in Indy.
15. Flat Fork Creek Park
Location: 16141 E. 101st Street, Fishers
When you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, there’s no better place than Flat Fork Creek Park. Tucked away on the east side of Fishers – you can enjoy this park all year long. Some of the most kid-friendly activities include the park’s THREE treehouses, sledding hill, and fishing pond.
Insider Tip: Finish your hike by racing your kids up the sledding hill. This will earn you one nap in return!
16. Eagle Creek Park
Location: 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
One of the largest city parks in the country, Eagle Creek Park offers hiking trails, water activities, nature centers, and outdoor concerts. It’s a perfect spot for families who love the outdoors.
Insider Tip: Check your local library—they sometimes loan out free entry passes to the park.
17. ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center
Location: 820 E 67th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Part park, part outdoor art installation, the ArtsPark is a magical outdoor extension of the Indianapolis Art Center. The park is filled with art installations and sculptures meant to entertain and make you appreciate the natural beauty of Indianapolis.
The ArtsPark is a great place to visit in Indianapolis with kids because they are allowed to touch and interact with everything. And as the seasons change, the look of the ArtsPark changes, too. The ArtsPark is located right off the Monon Trail, making it easy to get to by walking. The ArtsPark is free to visit.
18. Downtown Canal Walk
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
A scenic spot for a family walk, the Downtown Canal Walk offers beautiful city views. You can rent paddleboats or kayaks, stop by the Colts Canal PlaySpace, or take a ride on a Pacers Bikeshare bike.
- Colts Canal PlaySpace
- Paddleboat or kayak rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals
- Pacers Bikeshare Rentals
19. Nickle Plate Express
Location: 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville
Hop aboard the Nickle Plate Express for an exciting train ride adventure. The Nickel Plate Express hosts themed train ride excursions all year long. A few kid favorites include Ice Cream Express, The Wizard Express, and the most popular of all, Reindeer Ride Express.
Insider Tip: Book your tickets early—theme rides like the Wizard Express and Reindeer Express sell out fast. Arrive early for photos with costumed characters before you board!
20. Traders Point Creamery
Location: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville
Traders Point Creamery is located on a 180-acre working farm on the northwest side of Indianapolis. It features the Loft Restaurant, which offers organic and sustainably sourced dishes. Visitors can enjoy a 1.5-mile trail along Eagle Creek, where they can see the farm’s animals, native plants, and wildlife, such as hawks and blue herons. Since 2003, the creamery has produced award-winning dairy products like cheese, milk, and ice cream from 100% grass-fed, non-homogenized milk.
Insider Tip: Time your visit for 4:30 p.m. to watch the cows being milked, then grab some homemade ice cream at the Dairy Bar.
If you’re looking for even more kid-friendly activities in Indianapolis, check out Indy’s Child Calendar for up-to-date family activities.
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