A home show is not always the obvious choice for a family outing, but the Suburban Indy Fall Home & Outdoor Living Show has enough kid-friendly extras built into the weekend to make this one worth putting on parents’ radar.
The 10th annual show runs Sept. 18–20 at Grand Park Events Center in Westfield, bringing together local home improvement companies, outdoor living displays, shopping and fall activities. Kids ages 12 and younger get in free, and families will find free bounce houses and games throughout the weekend, with even more children’s entertainment planned for Sunday.
Advance tickets are $7, admission at the door is $10 and parking is free.
Home projects, outdoor spaces and fall shopping
For parents who have a home project lingering somewhere on the list, the show brings together local companies covering both indoor and outdoor improvements. Exhibitors will showcase landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and other projects that can help families get more use out of their outdoor spaces into fall.
There is also a practical reason to tackle those projects in September. Families hoping to finish improvements before holiday hosting can meet with home experts while there is still some time on the calendar before Thanksgiving and Christmas arrive.
The show’s Fall Marketplace adds a shopping component with independent vendors selling handcrafted décor, specialty foods, gifts and other locally made or small-business finds. It also gives early holiday shoppers a chance to start checking names off the list before the December crowds arrive.
Watch a master pumpkin carver at work
One of the biggest additions for the show’s 10th anniversary comes from master pumpkin carver Sean Fitzpatrick of Fitzysnowman Studios. Fitzpatrick will turn pumpkins into detailed jack-o’-lanterns during live carving demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Visitors can also try the craft themselves during a free pumpkin carving class each day at 2 p.m. Tools are provided. Classes are open to ages 10 and older, with participants ages 10–17 required to attend with a parent.
Space is limited to 20 people per class, so advance registration is required. Families can reserve a spot by emailing [email protected].
Sunday is the big family day
Free bounce houses and games will be available throughout all three days of the show, but Sunday, Sept. 20, has the largest lineup specifically for kids.
Princesses and K-pop performers will take the stage for singing and dancing, followed by opportunities for photos with guests. Silly Safaris will also present animal shows where children can learn about and get an up-close look at a variety of animals.
Additional Sunday entertainment includes magic and balloon-twisting performances. That makes Sunday the strongest choice for families who want time to browse home and marketplace exhibitors without expecting kids to spend several hours admiring countertops and patio pavers.
Plan your visit to the Suburban Indy Fall Home & Outdoor Living Show
Dates and hours:
Friday, Sept. 18: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location:
Grand Park Events Center
19000 Grand Park Blvd.
Westfield, IN 46074
Admission:
$7 advance
$10 at the door
Kids ages 12 and younger: FREE
Parking: FREE
Tickets and additional show information are available at suburbanindyshows.com.
