These are our favorite things to do in Indianapolis with kids. Indy is a good city for families, especially when you know where to go. There are big museums, playgrounds, splash pads, indoor play spaces, nature spots and one-off outings you only find around here. This is our running list of places worth your time, with new picks added every month.
Looking for cheap fun? Check out our list of 105 fun activities for $5 or less in Indianapolis.
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Best Things to Do in Indianapolis in October 2026
Each month we refresh this section with our top picks for what’s worth doing right now. October brings pumpkin patches, corn mazes, colorful leaves and Halloween outings for kids who love a scare and those who would rather stick to the candy. Here are 10 ideas for making the most of fall around Indianapolis, including a few trips worth the drive.
- Pick a pumpkin near Indianapolis. Whether you want a quick stop for carving pumpkins or a full afternoon at the farm, our guide covers both. Find patches with wagon rides, farm animals and play areas, plus details on admission and which farms let you shop for pumpkins without buying an activity ticket.
- Take a hayride that matches your family’s scare level. Choose a scenic daytime wagon ride through a farm or orchard, or make plans for a spooky ride after dark. Our guide separates the daytime outings from nighttime adventures and includes scare ratings to help you choose.
- Find your way through a corn maze. Let the kids choose the turns and see where you end up. Our roundup includes smaller scavenger-hunt mazes and bigger challenges around central Indiana, with details to help you pair the maze with other farm activities.
- Wear your costume to ZooBoo. The Indianapolis Zoo adds trick-or-treating, potions shows and pumpkin-smashing elephants Wednesdays through Sundays through Nov. 1. ZooBoo activities begin at 2 p.m. and are included with regular zoo admission; rides, food and other extras cost more.
- Walk through glowing pumpkins at Harvest Nights. Newfields fills its gardens with foggy paths, the Ghost Train and Halloween displays, while Mischief Manor adds interactive ghostly surprises. Reserve tickets in advance, and consider Oct. 15 or 16 if you want the included Art or Treat trick-or-treat trail.
- Meet the Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie. The festival runs Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 1-25, with carnival games, live entertainment and hayrides through the woods. The Headless Horseman hayride requires a separate timed ticket in addition to festival admission.
- Catch a free screening of Hocus Pocus. Butler’s Schrott Center for the Arts screens the Halloween favorite Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for lobby trick-or-treating, glitter tattoos and balloon twisting. Costumes are encouraged, and no tickets are required.
- Plan a fall-color outing. Take a hike, pack a picnic or choose a scenic drive through Indiana’s changing leaves. Our guide includes Brown County’s overlooks, Turkey Run’s wooded ravines and Parke County’s covered bridge routes, with options for families who want to walk and those who prefer to enjoy the view from the car.
- Visit Indiana Beach for $5 Boardwalk Days. Make a fall day trip to Monticello on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3-Nov. 1. Admission includes $5 in Crow Cash to use toward rides or games. A limited ride lineup operates, with Boardwalk rides priced at $5 each and Kiddieland rides at $3 each.
- Keep checking things off your fall bucket list. Looking for more ways to fill fall break or a free afternoon? Our full guide includes nature centers, playgrounds, fall train rides, cider doughnut stops and more seasonal outings around Indianapolis.
For dated events, check the Indy’s Child family event calendar and our weekly list of things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids.
Tried-and-True Favorite Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Location: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
It is hard to make a list of things to do with kids in Indianapolis without starting with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It’s the largest children’s museum in the world, and you can spend a full day here without seeing everything. USA Today regularly ranks it No. 1 in the country, but the reason families keep going back is simpler: there is something for every age.
My kids grew up here. When they were babies, we could spend hours just in Play Escape, where the baby zone meant they could crawl safely while I caught a breather. There are private breastfeeding rooms inside Play Escape too, which made those early days a lot easier.
Now that my kids are older, their favorite is the simulated elevator ride called the Treasures Transport inside the National Geographic Treasures of the Earth exhibit. It’s on the first floor and feels like you’re descending into a real dig site. They still talk about it every time we go.
Insider tip: Don’t skip the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®. It’s an indoor and outdoor sports park where everyone gets to try new sports and burn off energy. Buy tickets online ahead of time for a discount, and if you go late afternoon, you’ll usually find thinner crowds. Sneakers are a must for the Sports Legends area.
Buy tickets: childrensmuseum.org/tickets
Indianapolis Zoo
Location: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals and gets more than a million visitors a year. The Dolphin Dome is always a surprise if you have never been before. It is not something people expect to find in Indianapolis. One thing worth knowing: the dolphins are in a separate building from the rest of the ocean animals, so it’s easy to miss them if you’re not paying attention. They’re worth the extra stop.
The zoo is a good size for families. Big enough to fill a day, small enough that little legs don’t give out before you’ve seen the orangutans. Our regular stops are the orangutans, the butterfly garden and the playgrounds, but we usually end up somewhere new each visit too.
Insider tip: Weekday mornings are a quieter time to go. Younger kids can usually walk most of the zoo without a stroller, and there’s actual breathing room at the popular exhibits.
Ticket info: indianapoliszoo.com/visit/tickets-hours/
Conner Prairie
Location: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
A lot of parents assume Conner Prairie is a school-field-trip kind of place that won’t hold a toddler’s attention, but it’s been one of our favorite spots since my kids were small. Older kids get into the 1836 Prairietown reenactments and the costumed interpreters who stay completely in character. Younger kids don’t care about historical accuracy. They want the animals and the hands-on activities, and there are plenty of both.
The Treetop Outpost is where we tend to lose the most time. The treehouse has real details, hidden learning corners and a suspension bridge that’s worth running across more than once. There’s a building area where kids construct forts out of every material you can imagine, a nature playground and staff-led activities running throughout the day. We’ve had visits where we set out to see everything and never made it past the Outpost. That was fine.
Insider tip: Don’t write off Conner Prairie for little ones. It’s stroller-friendly, the farm animals are an easy win, and if you have the budget for a splurge, the 1859 Balloon Voyage gives you a great view of the property and is the kind of thing your kids will talk about for a long time.
Ticket info: connerprairie.org/plan/hours-and-admission/
Indiana State Museum
Location: 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Right next to the zoo, the Indiana State Museum is a hands-on look at Indiana’s history, science and culture. It is especially nice when you want something indoors that still feels like a real outing, not just a place to burn time. We like pairing it with a walk on the canal or a zoo visit for two stops in one day, since they’re all within a few blocks of each other.
Buy tickets: indianamuseum.org/visit-museum/hours-and-admission
Newfields: A Place for Nature & the Arts
Location: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis
At Newfields, art and nature meet. The museum and gardens require admission, but the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres is free. It’s an outdoor space with large-scale art installations, walking trails and plenty of room for kids to run.
The 100 Acres is one of the more unusual parks in Indy. After a short hike into the meadow, you’ll spot your first massive art installation. The sculptures feel like playgrounds and art at the same time, which is part of why kids actually like it. My family spends afternoons wandering the trails around the lake, spotting art and letting the kids run.
There’s an ADA and stroller-accessible parking lot at 1850 W. 38th St., just west of the main Newfields entrance, which makes a real difference if you’ve got little ones or anyone who needs an easier walk in.
Insider tip: The 100 Acres is always free and open dawn to dusk. My kids love climbing on the art, and it’s a different feel from a typical playground. If you want to visit the museum, go on First Thursday for free admission.
Ticket info: discovernewfields.org/tickets-and-pricing
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Location: 4750 W. 16th St., Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum covers 40,000 square feet of exhibit and experience space, with rare artifacts and areas that get you close to the cars and the history of the track. If your kids are into cars, racing or just like big things that go fast, it’s an easy stop to add to your Indy list.
Ticket info: imsmuseum.org/tickets/
Midtown Plaza Carmel
Location: 365 Monon Blvd., Carmel
If you want a spot where kids can burn off energy and you can grab something good to eat, Midtown Plaza in Carmel is a solid choice. The plaza sits between Carmel City Center and the Arts & Design District, so there’s usually something happening.
Our favorite thing on summer evenings is to bring a blanket and catch one of the free family movies on the big screen. Order food from one of the surrounding restaurants, eat dinner on the lawn and let the kids run around before the movie starts. It is easy, low-pressure and my kids always ask to go back.
Insider tip: check the plaza’s event calendar before you go. Pop-up events and family activities often show up there before they hit social media.
Related article: Top 15 Things to Do in Carmel with Kids
Fishers AgriPark
Location: 11171 Florida Road, Fortville
If you have a kid who loves animals, dirt and being outside, Fishers AgriPark is one to put on your list. The 33-acre urban farm lets families get hands-on with real farming. You can meet animals, dig in the garden and learn where food actually comes from. It’s part play, part education and the kids don’t really notice the difference.
You can also pick fresh produce for free when it’s in season, which is one of those perks that sounds too good to be true and isn’t. Bring a bag. My kids race through the nature play area, and there’s usually something new to see each visit.
Insider tip: Wear shoes that can handle mud, and bring a bag for produce.
Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling
Location: 1105 Prospect St., Indianapolis
If you want to mix up your usual family outing, head to Fountain Square and try duckpin bowling. The balls are smaller and lighter than regular bowling balls, which makes it easier for younger kids and trickier for grownups than you’d think. The whole place has a retro feel with classic lanes and an easy atmosphere.
We always end up laughing at how hard those little pins can be to knock down. Be prepared for the kids to beat you.
Insider tip: This place fills up fast, especially on weekends. Call ahead and book your lane.
The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens
Location: 11677 Towne Road, Carmel
The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens on Carmel’s west side is one of those places that doesn’t get talked about enough. It has winding paths, whimsical structures and hands-on play spaces. It is simple in the best way: paths to wander, places to climb and room for kids to make up their own games.
We bring a picnic and spread out on the lawn. It might be the best picnic spot in Indy. If you want a place where kids can unplug and just be kids for an afternoon, this is it.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Location: 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
The NCAA Hall of Champions has interactive exhibits about all 24 NCAA sports. Trivia challenges, historic artifacts, sports simulators. Sports-obsessed kids can spend a couple of hours here without losing interest.
Insider tip: Don’t skip the second-floor gym. You can shoot hoops in a 1930s-style gym, try a ski simulator and run through sports trivia. Free admission on MLK Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day.
Ticket info: ncaahallofchampions.org/visit-us/
Learning Curve at Central Library
Location: 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis
The Learning Curve at Central Library is a hands-on space for kids on the children’s floor of Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library. It’s not just a play area. The staff runs activities, games and workshops for all ages, and the building itself is worth the trip.
This is a good downtown option when you want something free, indoors and easy to pair with lunch or a walk nearby.
Daniel’s Vineyard
Location: 9061 N. 700 W., McCordsville
Daniel’s Vineyard is in Geist and works as a family stop, not just a vineyard. The front yard has 22 acres of vines and outdoor seating with a view. Grab pizza, wine or beer while the kids play giant chess, bocce, cornhole and run the giant hill. It’s one of the few spots where parents can actually relax for a minute. The winery hosts weekly events too, including concerts, line dancing lessons and karaoke nights.
Insider tip: Watch for free live concerts on weekends. Wine slushies for the grownups and yard games for the kids is a combination that works.
White River State Park
Location: 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
White River State Park sits along the White River downtown, and it does double-duty as a destination and a connector. Walking trails, gardens and waterways, plus the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Indiana State Museum are all in or next to the park. You can easily build a full day around it.
Insider tip: Rent a surrey bike, kayak or pedal boat for a different view of downtown. Free two-hour parking is available on White River Parkway.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Location: 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is the centerpiece of downtown and a tribute to Indiana’s veterans. The observation deck is 231 feet above the ground, and you can reach it by elevator or by taking the stairs.
Insider tip: You can climb 331 steps to the observation level, or take the small old-school elevator most of the way up. In December, the monument lights up as the world’s largest Christmas tree, which is worth the trip downtown on its own. Make it a holiday day out and cut your own tree at one of the Christmas tree farms near Indianapolis.
Flat Fork Creek Park
Location: 16141 E. 101st St., Fishers
When our family needs a break from the everyday, Flat Fork Creek Park is our go-to. It’s on the east side of Fishers and worth visiting in any season. The big draws for kids are three treehouses, a giant sledding hill that works in summer and winter and a fishing pond if you want to slow things down.
Insider tip: End your visit by racing your kids up the sledding hill. You’ll earn a real nap afterward, and bragging rights if you actually win.
Related Article: Top 15 Things to Do in Fishers with Kids
Eagle Creek Park
Location: 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis
If your family loves being outside, Eagle Creek Park should be near the top of your list. It’s one of the largest city parks in the country, and there’s a lot to do. Hiking trails through the woods, kayak and canoe rentals on the water, nature centers with hands-on exhibits and outdoor concerts in summer.
We pack a bag for a full day, spot turtles by the shore and end with a picnic. It’s the kind of place you can visit a hundred times and still find something new.
Insider tip: Check with your local library before you go. Many libraries have free Eagle Creek Park passes you can borrow for the day. It’s the kind of thing not enough parents know about.
ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center
Location: 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis
If you want something different from your usual playground, check out ArtsPark, an outdoor space where art and nature meet. It’s part park, part open-air art gallery, and it’s hands-on. Kids can climb, touch and interact with the sculptures. Finally, a place where you don’t have to say “don’t touch.”
ArtsPark changes with the seasons, from spring flowers to fall colors. It’s right off the Monon Trail, so it’s easy to reach by bike, stroller or on foot. And it’s free. Bring a snack, wander the trails and let the kids explore.
Downtown Canal Walk
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
The Downtown Canal Walk is an easy family walk with city views. Rent a paddleboat or kayak, stop by the Colts Canal PlaySpace or take a Pacers Bikeshare bike out for a ride. It’s the kind of outing that doesn’t take a lot of planning and works for almost any age.
- Colts Canal PlaySpace
- Paddleboat or kayak rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals
- Pacers Bikeshare Rentals
Nickel Plate Express
Location: 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville
The Nickel Plate Express runs themed train rides all year out of Noblesville, one of the stops in our guide to things to do in Noblesville with kids. Kid favorites include the Ice Cream Express, The Wizard Express and the most popular of all, the Reindeer Ride Express. In December the Holiday Lights Railbike Adventure sends families pedaling the same rails through a 60-foot light tunnel.
Insider tip: Book early. Theme rides like the Wizard Express and Reindeer Express sell out fast, sometimes weeks in advance. Arrive a little early for photos with costumed characters before you board.
Upcoming schedule: nickelplateexpress.com
Traders Point Creamery
Location: 9101 Moore Road, Zionsville
If you want a working farm experience without leaving the metro, Traders Point Creamery is the spot. It’s an organic dairy farm in Zionsville where families can walk a scenic trail, see cows and chickens and maybe spot a blue heron along Eagle Creek. For more in town, see our guide to things to do in Zionsville with kids.
We always stop at the Loft Restaurant for a farm-fresh meal. Everything is organic and sustainably sourced. Don’t skip the homemade ice cream at the Dairy Bar. It’s a tradition for us now.
Insider tip: Plan your visit around 4:30 p.m. to watch the cows being milked. It’s always a hit with kids. Reward yourself with a scoop afterward.
Indoor Play Places in Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas
There are days in Indy when the weather won’t cooperate, or you just need a spot where kids can run while you sit with a coffee. Indoor activities are some of the most-asked-about things to do in Indianapolis with kids, and there are plenty of options for every kind of kid: climbers, bouncers, builders, arcade fans and kids who just need a place to move. The list below covers what my family and local friends keep going back to.
Indoor Playgrounds & Play Cafés
When the weather’s unpredictable, indoor playgrounds are a lifesaver. Indy and the surrounding suburbs have plenty of spots where kids can climb and slide without sunscreen or rain boots. Most of them host parties, too; see our guide to the best kids’ birthday party places in Indianapolis.
- Prana Play (Carmel): A Sensory-Friendly Play Space in Carmel
- Smiley Indoor Playground (Castleton, Indianapolis): 25,000-square-foot playground with slides, trampolines, obstacle courses and VR games.
- The Busy Bee Play Café (NW Indianapolis): Play areas for ages 1 to 11, plus a café for adults.
- Kid’s Planet (Brownsburg): Multi-level indoor playground and arcade for kids up to age 14.
- Kids Empire (South Indianapolis): 15,000-square-foot playground with climbing mazes and a separate Tot Area.
- Sweet Peas Play Café (Kokomo): Indoor playground with two play areas and a coffee shop.
- Dig Dig for Kids (Fishers): Giant indoor sandpit with construction toys for kids 10 and under.
- Kid City at Greenwood Community Center (Greenwood): Two-story indoor play space with STEAM stations; more in our guide to things to do in Greenwood with kids.
- Broad Ripple Park Family Center Playground (Indianapolis): Climbing structure, tube slide, activity tables; $2 per child entry.
- Carter’s Play Place (Westfield): Inclusive indoor playground. More ideas are in our guide to things to do in Westfield with kids.
Free Church & Community Indoor Playgrounds
- The Park at Traders Point Christian Church (Whitestown): Giant play structures, basketball, rock wall and sensory room.
- Cornerstone Lutheran Church Play Area (Fishers): Climbing equipment for all ages, plus a toddler-friendly zone.
- The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church (Plainfield): Two-story whimsical play structure for ages 2 to 12.
- The Center at The Well (Brownsburg): Eco-friendly indoor playroom built with repurposed toys.
- Playzone at Community Center @ AFC (Anderson): Five-level playground structure with regular open hours.
- The Commons Playground (Columbus): Free three-story indoor playground with separate areas for all ages.
- Fishers Community Center Indoor Playground (Fishers).
Trampoline & Adventure Parks
- Sky Zone (multiple locations): Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and Ninja Warrior courses.
- Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (Fishers): Ropes courses, climbing, inflatables and more.
- Urban Air Adventure Park (Noblesville and Franklin): Trampolines, climbing walls and obstacle courses.
- Slick City Indoor Slide Park (Brownsburg): Large dry slides for year-round use. For more in town, see our guide to things to do in Brownsburg with kids.
Family Fun Centers, Arcades and Bowling
- Pinheads (Fishers and Brownsburg): Bowling, arcade, outdoor patio dining, sand volleyball and leagues.
- Rascal’s Fun Zone (Whiteland): Indoor and outdoor fun park with go-karts, mini-golf and arcade.
- Punch Bowl Social (Downtown Indianapolis): Bowling, vintage arcade, shuffleboard and karaoke.
- Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park (Lafayette): Go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, rides and arcade.
- Dave & Buster’s (Castleton and Greenwood): Restaurant and arcade combo for all ages.
- PinVault & Tappers Arcade Bar (Indianapolis): Vintage pinball and classic arcade cabinets, with all-ages hours available.
- Tappers Arcade Bar (Indianapolis): Classic arcade games like Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man and Asteroids, with more than 60 free-to-play games.
- Bowl 32 (Noblesville): Arcade, laser tag, mini-golf and axe-throwing.
- Catch Win Clawade & Arcade (Indianapolis): An arcade with nothing but claw machines.
Climbing, Sports & Action Centers
- North Mass Boulder (Indianapolis): Indoor climbing gym for all ages.
- Ultimate Ninjas Indianapolis (Noblesville): Ninja Warrior style gym for kids and grownups.
- Skip & Alex Lange Innovation Center at Camp Belzer (Lawrence): Climbing, archery, ropes and a robotics lab.
- Wright’s Gymnastics / NinjaZone (multiple locations): Bounce houses, trampolines, gymnastics and ninja fun.
- Skateland Roller Rink (Indianapolis): Classic skating, open skate, games and snacks.
- Ice Skating in Indianapolis.
- Indy Stars Gymnastics Preschool Open Play.
Nature Centers
Nature centers are great places to take kids. They help children connect with nature firsthand, in any weather, and most run special activities like story time, family hikes and campfires. Most are free, which is the other reason they earn a spot on the list.
- Holliday Park Nature Center (Indianapolis): White River Water Table, Music of the Wetlands exhibit and a forest canopy viewing area. Free.
- Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center (Indianapolis): Live creatures, a beehive and hands-on nature exhibits. Free with park admission.
- Cool Creek Nature Center (Carmel): Indiana woodlands, animals and habitats with interactive exhibits. Free.
- Zionsville Nature Center (Zionsville): Inside the library; programs about Indiana’s native environment. Free.
- Pecar Park Nature Center (Avon): Tortoises, snakes, iguanas, turtles and adoptable animals. Free.
- Taylor Center of Natural History (Noblesville): Archaeological finds and local Native American history. Free.
- Mounds State Park Nature Center (Anderson): The story of the Great Mound with animal displays, interactive games and wildlife viewing. Free with park admission.
Unique Indoor Fun
- DIY Jewelry Making at HopeAnchor & Crew (Noblesville).
- DIY Bath Bombs at Bath Junkie (Carmel).
- SoChatti Kids Chocolate Class (Indianapolis).
- Preschool Storytime at The Tie Dye Lab (Avon).
- Board and Brush Creative Studio.
- Ignite Art Studio and Makerspace (Fishers): Free.
- Holcomb Observatory (Indianapolis): Combines science, storytelling and stargazing.
Indoor Pools & Water Parks in Indianapolis
Our guide to Indy’s best indoor pools and water parks covers options for year-round swimming. Whether you want to splash with the kids, swim laps or sit poolside without sunscreen, there’s a spot for it.
- Monon Community Center (Carmel): Indoor lap pool, adventure slides and an activity pool. Free for members; $13 kids 3 to 15, $16 adults 16 and up for nonmembers.
- Carmel Swim Academy (Carmel): Open swim and lap swimming daily. $5 children 4 to 17, free under 3, $10 adults.
- Goldfish Swim School (Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood): Heated 90-degree pool with a parent viewing area.
- Splash Island (Plainfield): Indoor pool with slides, geysers, lazy river, basketball and lap pool. $10 kids 5 to 17, $8 for 4 and under, $11 adults.
- Zionsville Aquatics Center (Zionsville): Three pools, including lap, instructional and diving. Open seven days a week. $7.50 per swimmer; memberships available.
- George Washington Community School Pool (Indianapolis): High school pool with a giant floating obstacle course and rock wall. Free under 2; $2 kids 3 to 17; $3 adults.
- Thatcher Park Indoor Pool (Indianapolis): Speedway-area favorite for family swim time on cold days. Free under 2; $2 kids 2 to 17; $3 adults.
- Krannert Family Center (Indianapolis): Indoor pool with open swim hours Monday through Saturday. $3 youth and seniors; $4 adults; free under 2.
- Indy Island Family Aquatic Center (Indianapolis): Renovated leisure pool with zero-depth entry, slides, spray features and a water playhouse. $5 kids; $6 adults; free under 2.
Libraries That Are Great for Indoor Play
Libraries around Indy are more than books. They’re some of the best free places for indoor play, storytime and creativity when you need to get out of the house. If you’re looking for free things to do in Indianapolis with kids, these library play areas are worth a stop.
- Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library (Zionsville): Large first-floor kids’ zone with toys, play kitchen, dollhouse, trains and a separate baby room.
- Carmel Clay Public Library (Carmel): Colorful play area, giant Lite Brite, pretend house, STEAM lab and an on-site coffee shop.
- Greenwood Public Library (Greenwood): Makerspace, puppet theater, LEGO area, mini town, big tree and a baby play spot.
- Central Library (Downtown Indy): The Learning Curve has tech labs, hands-on activities, a theater, baby zone and green screen.
- Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library (Plainfield): Toys, trains, play kitchen, big tree centerpiece, crafts and lots of natural light.
- Hancock County Public Library (Greenfield): Set up like a little town with pretend play houses, LEGO, a nature corner and animal displays.
- Westfield Washington Public Library (Westfield): Play tables, puppet theater, early literacy stations and a café.
- Hamilton East Public Library (Fishers and Noblesville): Large kids’ areas, murals, creative play, preteen study zones and interactive games.
Favorite Playgrounds Around Indianapolis
Playgrounds are some of the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids, and Central Indiana has options for every type of adventure.
Best All-Around Playgrounds
These parks are destinations. They have features that work for a wide range of ages, from toddlers to adults, with multiple attractions like big play structures, nature trails and water features. Plan a full day.
- Falls Park Playground (Pendleton): A landscaped destination with a massive treehouse play structure, rolling turf hills, a nature play zone and access to Fall Creek.
- Holliday Park (Indianapolis): A 94-acre park with a reimagined playground, trails, a large nature center and views along the White River.
- Hummel Park (Plainfield): A 205-acre park with four distinct playground areas, a splash pad, paved trails and access to White Lick Creek for creek stomping.
- Kephart Park (Bargersville): Giant tube slides, a modern splash pad, pickleball courts and walking trails.
- West Park (Carmel): A large nature-inspired splash pad, a multi-level playground and open space.
For the Big Kids & Adventurers
These parks work well for climbers and thrill seekers who want a challenge.
- Colts Canal PlaySpace (Indianapolis): A climber’s pick with a swirling climbing tower, ladders and twister nets on the Downtown Canal.
- Finch Creek Park (Noblesville): A parkour-style obstacle course suspended above the ground, plus large tube slides.
- Lawrence W. Inlow Park (Carmel): Home of the skywalk, a 32-foot enclosed walkway 16 feet off the ground.
- Meadowlark Park (Carmel): Geometric domes and structures designed for parkour fans, with challenges for many ages.
- Riverside Adventure Park (Indianapolis): A large regional park with climbing structures and a zip line.
- Tarkington Park (Indianapolis): An urban park with a giant climbing orb and a rock-climbing wall.
- Thompson Park (Indianapolis): A new southside playground with what Indy Parks calls one of the tallest play structures in Indianapolis, plus tube slides, swings and rope climbers.
For the Toddlers & Little Ones
These spots have safe, engaging and often fenced-in areas designed for your youngest family members.
- Arbuckle Acres Park (Brownsburg): The Tiny Tots Playground for ages 2-5, with accessible rubber surfacing and interactive features.
- Commons Park (Indianapolis): A bright, fully fenced playground with a dedicated toddler structure.
- Founders Park (Carmel): A large sandbox for digging, plus swings and a toddler play area.
- Quaker Park (Westfield): A large rope climbing dome for big kids and a separate area for babies and toddlers.
- Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (Fishers): A large, separate toddler zone with equipment sized for little ones.
- Simon Moon Park (Westfield): A good pick for toddlers and preschoolers, with lots to do in a manageable 5.5-acre park.
- Youngs Creek Park (Franklin): The city’s largest playground, with a spacious area where toddlers can explore safely.
For more ideas, see our list of the best Indianapolis playgrounds for babies and toddlers.
Best Inclusive & Accessible Playgrounds
These playgrounds are designed so children of all abilities can play together.
- Brooks School Park (Fishers): Fishers’ first inclusive playground, with a tree-like structure and sensory play areas.
- Independence Park (Greenwood): Indiana’s first fully accessible playground, with a soft surface, a sensory-friendly music area and an accessible merry-go-round.
- Main Street Park (Whitestown): An inclusive design with a flat roll-on merry-go-round, wide ramps and activity boards at different heights.
- Possibility Playground (Portage): Known as Indiana’s largest fully accessible playground.
- Rev. Charles R. Williams Park (Indianapolis): A universal express swing for a parent and child to swing together, a sensory cove and musical equipment.
See our full guide to accessible and inclusive playgrounds in Indianapolis.
Best Nature-Themed Playgrounds
Get outdoors at these playgrounds built with natural materials and themes.
- Forest Park South Playground (Noblesville): A tree- and nature-themed tower with a net bridge, set on artificial grass.
- Grassy Creek Environmental Education Center (Indianapolis): A Far East Side park with a treehouse structure, a bird lookout and an on-site nature center.
- Nature Adventure Playground (Carmel): Tucked in the woods, with cargo nets, a rock-climbing wall and a zip line.
- River Road Park (Carmel): Blends play and nature with archaeology-themed play areas in a scenic setting.
- Starkey Nature Park (Zionsville): Playground equipment alongside trails for hiking and exploring.
Most Unique & Imaginative Playgrounds
These one-of-a-kind playgrounds have strong themes and creative designs that spark imagination.
- Firefighter Play Pocket Park (Greenwood): A lookout tower and a replica fire engine built into the structure.
- Gateway Park (Whitestown): Modern climbing structures with a futuristic design.
- Geist Waterfront Park (Fishers): A large modern playground next to a sandy beach and calm water for swimming.
- Old City Park (Greenwood): A signature 20-foot cube tower, with play built into the natural creek landscape.
- River Heritage Park (Carmel): A wheelchair-friendly adventure trail through the woods with several playground stops.
- Sandorf Park (Indianapolis): A giant tree fort play structure with lots of places to climb and explore.
- Westermeier Commons Playground (Carmel): Two 32-foot-tall enclosed towers with a science-fiction look.
- Williams Park (Brownsburg): Home of the Blast-Off Playground, a large space-themed wooden play structure designed with ideas from local children.
FAQs About Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids
What is the best thing to do in Indianapolis with kids?
Start with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It’s the largest children’s museum in the world, and you can spend a full day there without seeing everything. Other longtime family favorites include the Indianapolis Zoo, Conner Prairie and the Indiana State Museum. See our tried-and-true favorites above.
What are some free things to do in Indianapolis with kids?
Most playgrounds, library play areas and nature centers around Indy are free. Favorites from this list include the 100 Acres art and nature park at Newfields, the Learning Curve at Central Library, ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center and free church and community indoor playgrounds. For more, see our list of 40+ free things to do in Indianapolis with kids.
What can kids do in Indianapolis on a rainy or cold day?
Head indoors. Indy has indoor playgrounds and play cafĂ©s, free church and community play spaces, trampoline parks, climbing gyms, arcades, indoor pools and library play areas. The Children’s Museum and the Indiana State Museum work well too. See our indoor play places above or our list of the best indoor playgrounds in Indianapolis.
What is there to do in Indianapolis with toddlers?
The Children’s Museum’s Play Escape has a baby zone where little ones can crawl safely, and library play areas, indoor play cafĂ©s and nature centers work well for toddlers. Outdoors, try a playground built for little ones, like the Tiny Tots Playground at Arbuckle Acres Park in Brownsburg. See our list of places around Indianapolis to take your baby or toddler.
What are the best playgrounds in Indianapolis?
Our all-around favorites are Falls Park in Pendleton, Holliday Park in Indianapolis, Hummel Park in Plainfield, Kephart Park in Bargersville and West Park in Carmel. For climbers, try Colts Canal PlaySpace downtown or the skywalk at Lawrence W. Inlow Park in Carmel. Our guide to Indianapolis playgrounds has many more.
What is there to do in Indianapolis with kids this weekend?
Start with our picks for this month at the top of this guide. For dated events, see the Indy’s Child family event calendar and our weekly list of things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids.
Looking for even more things to do in Indianapolis with kids? Check out the Indy’s Child Calendar for the latest family-friendly events and activities.
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