Free Indianapolis Fun

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. This program will be held in the Arena. Free. 

Adults and families are invited to experience the dynamic world of chamber music with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. This program will be held in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium. This program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Free.

Children ages two and three years old and an adult are invited for a storytime with exciting books, songs, movement and crafts focusing on early literacy skills. Free.

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month at the 8th Annual HANDS in Autism® Art Expo!
Meet the featured artists during the “An Evening of the Arts” event from 6:30-8:00 PM on April 26 or visit the expo on April 27 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Annual Art Expo is designed to provide a glimpse into the perspectives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who utilize art as a means of expression given some of the social and communicative challenges that ASD presents.
Artists with ASD are encouraged to submit artwork of any medium to be displayed at the event using the link below. Artists, classrooms, teams, community groups, and clubs are also invited to submit a special collaborative piece to celebrate autism! For more details about community submissions, email hands@iupui.edu.

This event is free and open to the public.
Submit your artwork today by following the Learn More link!

Give your toddler a fun and interactive introduction to nature in our Mommy & Me classes! Each month we will focus on a different topic and will feature live animal encounters, stories, crafts and nature exploration. Due to school being in session, parking is not available at the Zion Nature Center. They will meet at the elementary school gates at 9:30 a.m. and walk to the Nature Center together. Ages: 1 – 3 years with an adult. Free.

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. Free.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a powerful method that can be used for treating children and adults who have autism. However, it is often misunderstood and mis-applied. In this presentation, Dr. Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, will talk about the key components of a good ABA program (What ABA is and what ABA isn’t) along with some common misconceptions, and examples of “what not to do.” The attendee will also learn about the importance of incorporating B.F. Skinners’ analysis of verbal behavior into language programs and how we do it at the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism. Dr. Sundberg will also talk about the importance of conducting a language and skills assessment and what to do with the results.

In partnership with Reach Out and Read Indiana, IndyPL invites families and children of all ages for a celebration of language and learning throughout the Learning Curve. Guest celebrities will read stories aloud to children. 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 include Grammy-nominated artist José-Luis Orozco who will present a family concert at 11 a.m. in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium. Meet a character from PBS Kids and enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and more. Reach Out and Read is a non-profit organization that supports medical providers who give books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud at well-child exams. This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

Every week brings new wildflower blooms along our forest trails. Join Park Naturalist Mindy Murdock as we discover what’s blooming this week. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture their beauty.

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. This program will be held in the Arena. Free. 

The 500 Festival welcomes the magical month of May with the annual 500 Festival Kickoff to May event at Monument Circle. The celebration starts with the arrival of the Chevy Festical Cars, Mayor Hogsett, along with executives from the 500 Festival and Indianapolis Motor Speedway welcome attendees in a brief ceremony. Then the Month of May is officially kicked off, like only Indianapolis could do.

School-age children are invited to learn the basics of running a business – their own lemonade stand! All participants who successfully complete Lemonade University will be prepared to participate in Lemonade Day 2018. The Library will also have a drawing for a limited number of participants to open their own Lemonade Cafe in the College Avenue Branch! This program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Call 317-275-4320 to register.

Babies and toddlers up to 36 months and an adult are invited to listen to stories, sing, clap and stomp their way to reading readiness! Playtime will follow the storytime.

Homeschooled children ages 6 – 12 are invited for activities designed to entertain and educate as a supplement to their homeschool curricula. Parent educators are encouraged to attend and collaborate as Miss Karen and Miss Kasey will present activities for ages 6 – 12.

Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear, pack up a blanket, and join us for Pajama-Rama! Families looking for a fun program to enjoy with their toddlers and preschoolers will love the music educator from Moriah Music, who will lead us in songs and stories about some of our favorite animals. FREE.

Families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in and select from 17 free comic book titles provided by Comic Book University. This event has something for everyone, for the young and young at heart!

McCloud Nature Park turns 15 years old in May! Join us for a celebration of 15 great years at McCloud — any many more ahead! Learn the history of the area that is now McCloud Nature Park, see all of the new features in the park, and learn what’s planned for the future. Family-friendly games, activities, exhibits, and more! FREE.

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. Children under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult. This program will be held in the Arena.

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. This program will be held in the Arena. Free. 

Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays and rhymes following by playtime at the library.

Preschoolers ages 3 – 6 are invited to an interactive presentation that is ideal for exposing them to the art of dance. Those attending will learn how they can create dance all the time in every situation. This program is presented by Phoenix Rising Dance Company and made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Call 317-275-4460 to register.

Kid scientists ages 6 – 12 are invited to explore outer space science through books, experiments, games and more. Call 317-275-4410 to register

Preschool through 2nd graders and their families are invited as the Marian University Theatre presents “How Zebra Got Her Stripes and Other African Folktales” by K.D. Steege, a 35-minute production based on tales from Africa.

. Preschoolers ages 3 – 6 and an adult are invited to uncover knowledge about worms, bugs, dirt and plants through stories, songs, puppets and dance. This program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Call 317-275-4420 to register.

They hope all our preschool friends will join the for our monthly preschool story hour. Story hour includes a craft, activity and of course a story. Theme: Birds. Ages: Older preschoolers ages 3 -5. FREE.

Babies up to 18 months and an adult are invited to rock out during this music activity that will focus on tempo, beat, rhythm and dynamics. Each session will feature instruments, songs and a story. Call 317-275-4430 to register.

Family Fun Ride (2-5 miles with stops; on paths & trails)

Registration: 10 a.m.; Ride rolls out at 11 a.m.

Location TBD

Visit bikecarmel.com for more information

Fun family activities after the ride

Pre-registration encouraged; Free for all

Children ages 6 and older are invited to make a greenhouse with recycled plastic jugs for Mother’s Day. A representative from Felege Hiywot Center will explain the science of plants, what makes them grow, and how to start a garden. Call 317-275-4310 to register.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’re bringing the stores to you! Get great ideas when you shop at nearly 200 vendor booths, enjoy music from a DJ, kids’ activities, face painting, and more.

Families and children ages 2 and older are invited to drop in any time to learn to play and play to learn by using a variety of building items. Lego bricks, Duplo bricks, gears and bristle blocks will be provided.

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. Children under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult. This program will be held in the Arena.

Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays and rhymes following by playtime at the library.

Plan a break from the books to learn about nature and get your kids outside. They will discuss a nature topic and then explore the woods and prairie. Kids that spend time in nature are happier, healthier and smarter! Pre-registration: Preferred. FREE.  

The animals at the nature center eat some rather disgusting food! Join Beastly Brunch to watch the animals eat crickets, worms, and mice, and even learn about their diets. Meets in the nature center lobby. Suggested donation of $2. Proceeds go toward the animals’ care.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) invites you to a free seminar and panel discussion about managing your child’s food allergies in school. Speakers include:
Jennifer Bute, parent of student with food allergies
Jolene Bracale, MSN, RN, Student Health Services Specialist, Indiana Dept. of Education
Nabeel Farooqui, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, Allergy Partners of Central Indiana
Ann Lagges, PhD, Clinical Child Psychologist, Riley Hospital for Children
Kelly Mullen, RN, Nursing Supervisor, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
This event is open to all parents and educators (please, no children). There is no fee. Space is limited and registration is required.

Marty Davis, a local photographer and naturalist, has raised thousands of monarch butterflies over the last thirty years. She will share the metamorphosis process through her close-up photography and share her methods for raising butterflies at home.  FREE.

The Canal is turning yellow! Come watch as we turn the canal yellow in support of Lemonade Day and youth entrepreneurship.

Join them in Danville for our 5th Annual Mayberry in the Midwest! All weekend will be full of free family fun for all ages! The festivities will kick off on Saturday with a Mayberry themed parade and continue with a free stage show of zany antics by those Andy Griffith Show Tribute Artists, contests, free music acts, free Opie’s World Kids Zone, arts & crafts vendors, and so much more! FREE.

. Families and individuals of all ages are invited to spend an afternoon playing board games and card games. There will be games for all ages.

Families are invited to try a variety of the Learning Curve’s robotics technology and practice programming. With various types of robots and games available each week, participants can try something new or dive deeper into a favorite. Children under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult. This program will be held in the Arena.

Preschoolers and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays and rhymes following by playtime at the library.

Families with children ages 3 – 8 are invited for a fun-filled storytime featuring music, stories and a craft. Children can wear their pajamas!

Preschoolers ages 3 – 6 and an adult are invited to uncover knowledge about worms, bugs, dirt and plants through stories, songs, puppets and dance. This program is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Call 317-275-4310 to register.

Babies up to 18 months and an adult are invited to rock out during this music activity that will focus on tempo, beat, rhythm and dynamics. Each session will feature instruments, songs and a story. Call 317-275-4430 to register.