When the weather outside is frightful, it’s time to take the family on a delightful indoor adventure. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 25 incredible, free options that will guarantee hours of fun for the whole family. Get ready to beat the bad weather blues with these indoor activities that will warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Indoor Playgrounds
The Park at Trader’s Point Christian Church
Location: 6590 S Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown, IN 46075
Hours: Wed–Thu: 1 pm – 5 pm; Fri: 8 am – Noon & 1 pm – 5 pm; Sat: 8 am – Noon & 1 pm – 4 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm (Closed Mon–Tue)
The Park is every kid’s dream and feels more like a family entertainment center than a church nursery. The expansive space is separated into zones, including a preschool/toddler play area, a larger play structure for older kids, basketball hoops that keep big kids engaged, a climbing wall, and a quiet zone for kids who need a sensory break.
Good to know: Expect high traffic on weekends. Kids are typically socks-only, and families should plan on completing a waiver/check-in before playing.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Fishers)
Location: 13450 E. 116th Street, Fishers, IN 46037
Hours: Mon–Fri: 9 am – 1 pm and 2:30 pm – 6 pm (Closed Sat; limited Sunday hours may be offered seasonally)
This indoor playground offers plenty of climbing opportunities for older kids plus a separate toddler-friendly area with age-appropriate equipment, making it a safe and inviting space for a wide range of ages. Families love the bright atrium feel and how easy it is to supervise from the seating area.
Good to know: Socks are typically required and the mid-day closure is usually a reset/cleaning window. Check for holiday/event closures before you go.
The Hideout (Brownsburg) — formerly The Well Community Center
Location: 554 Pit Rd, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Hours: Free open play is typically offered on select weekday mornings; private rentals are common. Check the current weekly schedule before you go.
This bright, window-filled indoor play space is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers. Expect an early-childhood-friendly setup with room to move, climb, build and play without the intensity of a mega tube maze.
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
Location: 800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield, IN 46168
Hours: Tue/Thu: 9 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 3 pm; Wed: 5 pm – 7 pm
The Treehouse is only open to the public a few windows each week, but it is well worth the trip. Geared toward kids ages 2 to 12, this beautiful indoor play structure is designed to look like a whimsical tree and is bathed in natural light.
Playzone at The Community Center at AFC (Anderson)
Location: 2301 Meridian St, Anderson, IN 46016
Hours: Vary by month. Check this month’s schedule.
The PLAYZONE is a massive indoor playground designed for serious climbers, with multiple levels of slides and climbing. It’s free to visit during scheduled open-play times.
The Center at Northview Church
Location: 623 IN-39, Danville, IN 46122
Hours: Mon–Thu: 8 am – 8 pm; Fri–Sat: 8 am – 4 pm; Sun: 12 pm – 4 pm
One of the best “after work” free options thanks to evening hours. Families love the modern indoor playscape, plus the indoor turf field and walking track.
Fishers Community Center Indoor Playground
Location: 11400 Johnson Farm Way, Fishers, IN 46037
Cost note: Free with a Community Pass (reservations required)
This is one of the most impressive indoor municipal playgrounds around, with a sculptural play landscape (not just a standard tube maze) and an elevated indoor track.
Nature Centers
Holliday Park Nature Center
Location: 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Hours: Mon–Sat: 9 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
The dynamic exhibit in Habitat Hall includes the White River Water Table, Music of the Wetlands exhibit, and an elevated hardwood forest viewing area.
Cool Creek Park Nature Center
Location: 2000 E 151st St, Carmel, IN 46033
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
This nature center is a great winter outing with indoor exhibits and hands-on learning, often with live animal ambassadors.
Zion Nature Center (Inside Hussey-Mayfield Library)
Location: 250 N 5th Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
Hours: Tue–Sat: 10 am – 5 pm (confirm during holidays and library closures)
Exhibits focus on local habitats and wildlife, with educational animals like turtles, snakes and amphibians.
Eagle Creek Park – Earth Discovery Center
Location: 5901 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Cost note: The center is free, but Eagle Creek Park requires a vehicle entry fee.
If you want an indoor nature center with big “field trip” energy, Eagle Creek delivers: hands-on exhibits, great views, and plenty of learning opportunities.
Museum & Libraries
Indiana State Police Museum
Location: 8660 E 21st St, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Hours: Tue–Thu: 10 am – 3 pm
The Indiana State Police Museum collects, preserves, and presents the history of the Indiana State Police. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
Kid Central at Central Library (formerly The Learning Curve)
Location: 40 E St Clair St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hours: Mon–Tue: 10 am – 8 pm; Wed–Thu: 10 am – 6 pm; Fri–Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
Kid Central is a hands-on learning environment designed for children, with interactive play zones and frequent family programming.
Carmel Clay Public Library
Location: 425 E Main Street, Carmel, IN 46032
Hours: Mon–Thu: 9 am – 8 pm; Fri: 9 am – 6 pm; Sat: 9 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
Carmel Clay’s expanded library remains a top pick for indoor family fun, with great kids’ spaces and programming.
Fort Ben Branch Library
Location: 9330 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46216
Hours: Mon–Tue: 10 am – 8 pm; Wed–Fri: 10 am – 6 pm; Sat: 10 am – 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm – 5 pm
The Fort Ben Branch Library is a standout for imaginative play, plus inclusive features that help families who need calm spaces and sensory supports.
More libraries worth the visit (free indoor play + reading)
- Michigan Road Branch: 6201 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 – Cozy reading tunnels and a kid-friendly layout.
- Greenwood Public Library: 310 S Meridian St, Greenwood, IN 46143 – A popular children’s area with lots of pretend play.
- Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library: 1120 Stafford Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168 – Themed spaces and early literacy stations.
- Hancock County Public Library: 900 W McKenzie Rd, Greenfield, IN 46140 – A family favorite for imaginative “little town” play.
- Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library: 250 N 5th St, Zionsville, IN 46077 – Train tables, plus the nature center inside the building.
Bonus: Retail & Mall Play Stops (free, great for errands)
- The LEGO Store at Castleton Square Mall: 6020 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250 – Building tables with DUPLO and LEGO bricks.
- Castleton Square Mall Play Area: 6020 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250 – Soft play near the food court for toddlers and preschoolers.
- The Fashion Mall at Keystone play spots: 8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240 – Small play pockets along the way.
- IKEA Fishers Småland: 11400 IKEA Way, Fishers, IN 46037 – Free supervised play with requirements and time limits.
- Cabela’s Noblesville: 13725 Cabela Pkwy, Noblesville, IN 46060 – Free “indoor museum” vibes with aquariums and wildlife displays.
