40+ Free Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids

A free family outing doesn’t have to mean another lap around the neighborhood playground. Around Indianapolis, families can make art, visit farm animals, explore museum exhibits, climb through indoor playgrounds, wander nature centers and spend an afternoon at parks that feel more like full attractions.

Some of the best free things to do in Indianapolis with kids cost nothing year-round. Others require a free pass, advance registration or a little planning around limited public hours. A few destinations have paid programs or amenities elsewhere on the property, so it’s worth checking the details before promising the kids they can do everything they see.

This guide brings together some of our favorite free places to visit in Indianapolis, plus options around Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Greenwood, Plainfield and other Central Indiana communities.

Related: 101 Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids

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Best Free Things to Do in Indianapolis and Central Indiana

These are the places we’d start with when you want a free outing that feels substantial enough to be the main event. Some can easily fill a couple of hours, while others pair well with another nearby stop.

Holliday Park Nature Center, The Ruins and Playground

Location: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis (Northside)

Holliday Park is really three free Indianapolis outings rolled into one. Families can start inside the Nature Center with hands-on exhibits and live animals, walk over to The Ruins and then let the kids loose on the large playground. There are wooded trails if everyone still has energy left, which is how a quick stop turns into three hours without anyone spending a dollar.

One thing to know: Holliday Park is spread out. It can feel like three smaller outings connected by hills and walking paths, especially when one child wants the playground and another has already committed to a trail.

Indiana War Memorial Museum

Location: 55 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis (Downtown)

The Indiana War Memorial is easy to drive past downtown without realizing there’s a large free museum inside. The three-story museum covers Indiana’s military history with thousands of artifacts, uniforms, equipment and vehicles. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

Kids who like aircraft and vehicles have some big things to see, including a Cobra helicopter, a Desert Storm Humvee and a battle-control center from the USS Indianapolis. Even families who wouldn’t think to put a military museum on the list may be surprised by the scale of it.

Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis

Location: 1125 Cruft St., Indianapolis (Southside)

The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis, or CAMi, is another completely free museum option. The south-side campus includes multiple galleries, artist spaces and outdoor areas, and exhibitions change throughout the year, so it’s a place families can come back to. General admission is free, though some special programs carry a cost.

Tour the Indiana Statehouse

Location: 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis (Downtown)

Families can walk into one of the most recognizable buildings downtown and learn about Indiana government without buying a ticket. Free guided tours cover the building’s history, architecture and the three branches of state government, and self-guided visits are available if you’d rather move at your own pace.

Save this one for kids old enough to care about seeing the chambers and offices they’ve heard about in school. Most preschoolers will probably get more out of another stop on this list.

Before you go: Statehouse tours are a weekday activity, so check the current tour schedule before heading downtown.

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields

Location: 1850 W. 38th St., Indianapolis

The Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is a good answer when the adults want something more interesting than another playground and the kids still need room to move. The 100-acre outdoor park combines trails, lake views, woodlands and large-scale works of art, and nobody has to stand quietly in a gallery. Families wander through the landscape and come across the artwork as part of it.

The park has its own free parking lot at the address above, with the entrance accessible from westbound 38th Street.

Good to know: The Art & Nature Park is always free, but admission doesn’t include the main Newfields museum, gardens or ticketed exhibitions.

Indy Art Center

Location: 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis (Broad Ripple)

The Indy Art Center’s galleries are free and open to the public, which makes this an easy way to see contemporary art without committing to a full museum day. Rotating exhibitions feature local, regional and national artists, and visitors can also explore the Michael Graves-designed building and the Ruth Lilly Library. It’s a quieter outing than an indoor playground, and a good fit for school-age kids and teens who like art.

White River State Park and the Downtown Canal Walk

Location: 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis (Downtown)

Downtown Indianapolis has plenty of ticketed attractions, but you don’t have to buy admission to enjoy the area. The Canal Walk forms a three-mile loop along the Central Canal, and nearby White River State Park adds lawns, public spaces and views of some of the city’s biggest attractions.

Walk, bike, look for public art or just see how far the kids make it before somebody asks for a snack. You don’t have to finish the loop for it to count as an outing.

Good to know: Exploring the Canal Walk and park is free. Depending on where you start, parking is not.

Indiana State Police Museum

Location: 8660 E. 21st St., Indianapolis (Eastside)

The Indiana State Police Museum sounds more serious than the visit actually is. Inside, kids can see uniforms, historic equipment, department artifacts and vintage police vehicles while learning how the Indiana State Police has changed since its founding in 1933.

It’s a focused specialty museum rather than a giant interactive attraction, and that works in its favor when you need something that fills an hour without taking over the day.

Good to know: Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Public hours are limited, so check the current museum schedule before making a special trip.

Ignite Studio at Hamilton East Public Library

Location: 5 Municipal Drive, Fishers

Ignite Studio at the Fishers Library is what happens when a library gives its craft table an entire floor and a much better supply closet. The free makerspace includes open work areas, rotating project kits, exhibit space and tools for drawing, sewing, building and experimenting with different materials.

Younger kids can settle in with a grown-up and work on the current drop-in projects. Older children, tweens and teens get access to more advanced equipment and digital media spaces, though some of it requires reservations, appointments or certifications. This isn’t a show-up-and-use-everything situation.

Send the kid who would rather make something than climb something.

Fishers Community Center Indoor Playground

Location: 11400 Johnson Farm Way, Fishers

The Fishers Community Center includes plenty of paid amenities, but families don’t need a membership to use its free indoor playground. The 5,000-square-foot play area includes a two-story structure, tunnel slides, lower climbing features and a toddler zone, which covers a wide age spread in one room.

Every adult and child needs either a paid membership or a free Community Pass to check in. Reservations aren’t required and walk-ins are welcome as space allows, but optional reservations open 48 hours ahead and guarantee a one-hour spot.

Worth remembering: The aquatics center and other membership amenities are separate, so set expectations before your child spots the pool.

Fishers AgriPark

Location: 11171 Florida Road, Fishers

Fishers AgriPark feels more like a farm visit than an afternoon at the park. Families can see animals, walk the grounds, check what’s growing and let kids loose in the mud kitchen and natural play areas. When crops are ready, visitors may also be able to pick a limited amount of produce for free. Produce is first come, first served, so what’s available changes from visit to visit.

Toddlers through elementary-age kids get the most out of it, with enough animals and farm activity to hold older siblings for a while.

Parent reality check: Dust, heat and mud are part of the deal. A child who discovers the mud kitchen will need a change of clothes. Throw an old towel in the car and lower your standards for the ride home.

The Park at Traders Point Christian Church

Location: 6590 S. Indianapolis Road, Whitestown

When the kids need to climb, slide and burn off energy, The Park at Traders Point Christian Church is one of the better free indoor options on the northwest side. The community play space feels more like a dedicated indoor playground than a church playroom, with separate areas for younger and older children, including a space for kids ages 3 and younger. Adults get picnic tables, Wi-Fi and somewhere to sit while supervising.

Good to know: Kids need socks and adults should bring a government-issued ID. First-time registration can be completed before arriving, but it doesn’t reserve a spot, and the play space fills up on busy days.

Cool Creek Park and Nature Center

Location: 2000 E. 151st St., Carmel

Cool Creek gives families several backup plans within the same outing. Start at the Nature Center, where kids can explore woodland exhibits and learn about Indiana wildlife. Head to the playground when they need to move, and add trails or the nature play area if everyone is still holding it together.

The mix works especially well when one child likes exhibits and another considers standing still a personal attack.

Midtown Plaza and the Monon Boulevard Playground

Location: 365 Monon Blvd., Carmel (Midtown)

Midtown Plaza and the Monon Boulevard Playground work best as one combined outing. Midtown gives families seating, lawn games, Monon Trail access and seasonal activities. A short walk away, the playground delivers the climbing tower and giant slides, including a 40-foot tower built to resemble a metronome. It’s ambitious enough to plan a full morning or evening around.

Plan around the sun: The playground is exposed and shade is limited. Summer visits are more comfortable in the morning or later in the evening.

Coxhall Gardens and the Children’s Garden

Location: 11677 Towne Road, Carmel

Coxhall Gardens doesn’t feel like a kid-only park, and that’s part of the appeal. Families can begin in the Children’s Garden and then move on to ponds, paths, open lawns and the larger formal grounds.

The Children’s Garden skips the giant climbing tower in favor of playhouses, tunnels, small hills and village-style features. Preschoolers and younger elementary kids can turn a row of tiny buildings into an entire afternoon’s storyline.

Set expectations: This isn’t a traditional all-ages playground. Families who come for imaginative play and a walk around the grounds will get much more out of it than older kids expecting giant slides.

Treehouses at Flat Fork Creek Park

Location: 16141 E. 101st St., Fishers

Flat Fork Creek Park isn’t a traditional playground destination. Its main kid appeal comes from three wooden treehouses built among the woods, plus trails, a boardwalk, a fishing pond and a 60-foot sledding hill. One treehouse is ADA-accessible, and paved paths and ramps lead to the top of the hill.

Know what you’re getting: The treehouses are interesting, but they aren’t three full playground structures hidden in the woods. The outing works because of the combination of treehouses, trails, views and open-ended outdoor time.

More Free Indoor Things to Do Around Indianapolis

Indiana weather makes a good list of free indoor activities practically a parenting necessity. Beyond the larger attractions above, Central Indiana has church playgrounds, community centers and other indoor spaces where families can get out of the house without paying admission.

The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church

Location: 800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.; Wednesday, 5–7 p.m.

The Treehouse is only open to the public during a few weekly windows, but it’s worth planning around if you live on the west side. The bright, tree-themed indoor play structure is free and gives families a year-round place to climb, play and burn off some energy.

Good to know: The limited public hours are the biggest catch. This is not the place to wing it without checking the day and time first. First-time visitors need to complete a release form, and families enter at Door 5.

Cornerstone Lutheran Church Fishers Play Area

Location: 13450 E. 116th St., Fishers

This free multilevel indoor playground is designed for children 12 and younger, with a separate area for kids ages 3 and under. Bigger kids can climb while the little ones have their own space a few feet away.

The Hideout in Brownsburg

Location: 554 Pit Road, Door 2, Brownsburg

The Hideout is a free indoor community play space in Hendricks County built around climbing, pretend play and sensory activities. It’s especially good for younger kids who need room to move without the chaos of a giant tube maze.

Playzone at The Community Center at AFC

Location: 2301 Meridian St., Anderson

The Playzone in Anderson includes a large multilevel playground with slides, plus creative and preschool-friendly zones during scheduled open-play times. Public hours vary because the space is also used for private rentals, so check before driving up.

The Center at Northview Church

Location: 623 N. State Road 39, Danville

The Center in Danville has a playscape, indoor turf field and walking track, which makes it more useful than a quick playground stop. Weekday evening hours help when you need somewhere to go after dinner.

Want even more options? Our full guide includes 25 Free Indoor Places to Play in Indianapolis (and Nearby), including indoor playgrounds, libraries, nature centers and community spaces.

More Free Outdoor Places to Explore

If everyone would rather be outside, there are even more parks, trails, gardens and public spaces around Indianapolis that don’t require an admission ticket.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Location: Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Downtown Indianapolis (multiple access points)

Walk or bike sections of the Cultural Trail to explore downtown neighborhoods, public art and local landmarks. There’s no need to tackle the entire route. Pick a stretch and turn it into your own family scavenger hunt.

Kawachinagano Japanese Garden

Location: 1 Civic Square, Carmel

A small, quiet garden with a koi pond, winding paths, stone lanterns and benches. It won’t fill an afternoon, but it’s a good picnic stop or add-on to a walk along the nearby Monon Trail.

Grand Junction Plaza

Location: 225 S. Union St., Westfield

Grand Junction Plaza has green space, paths and a children’s play area in the middle of downtown Westfield. The plaza also hosts community programming throughout the year, so check the local events calendar before you go.

Free Libraries and Learning Spaces Around Indianapolis

Libraries around Central Indiana have become family destinations of their own. Many include children’s play areas, interactive technology, makerspaces, sensory-friendly spaces and programming that makes a visit feel like much more than checking out books.

Kid Central at Central Library

Location: 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis (Downtown)

Kid Central occupies the third floor of Central Library and gives families their own space for books, interactive technology, hands-on learning and programs, including early learning stations and family technology areas. Teen Central sits on the second floor, which makes the building useful when you’re visiting with kids at different stages.

Indiana Young Readers Center

Location: 315 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis (Downtown)

Inside the Indiana State Library, this space is devoted to Indiana authors, illustrators and children’s books. Kids can browse, explore activities and climb into the giant Clifford the Big Red Dog doghouse. Easy to combine with the Statehouse or Canal Walk.

Carmel Clay Public Library Main Library

Location: 425 E. Main St., Carmel

Carmel Clay Public Library’s Main Library has a large children’s area, public computers, programming and an Exploration Lab. Check the library calendar first because activities change throughout the week.

Fort Ben Branch Library

Location: 9330 E. 56th St., Indianapolis (Lawrence)

Fort Ben is a standout for families who need a calm, inclusive indoor option. The branch is a Certified Autism Center and offers sensory guides, a low-sensory Comfort Room and sensory kits families can borrow during a visit.

Zionsville Nature Center

Location: 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville

The Nature Center is located inside the Youth Services Department at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, which makes it a two-for-one. Exhibits cover local Indiana habitats and wildlife, with educational animals including turtles, snakes and amphibians, and you can pair the animal visit with books or a library program without moving the car.

More Libraries Worth Visiting

• Michigan Road Branch: 6201 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Children’s spaces, teen areas, computers and a large community room.
• Greenwood Public Library: 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood. A first-floor Kids Department designed for children from birth through grade 5.
• Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library: 1120 Stafford Road, Plainfield. Children’s programs, early literacy resources and family reading spaces.
• Hancock County Public Library: 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield. A large Kids Space with books and resources for younger visitors.

Best Free Playgrounds Around Indianapolis

Central Indiana has gotten very good at building playgrounds that are worth driving across town for. Some have giant climbing towers, ziplines, splash pads, nature play and enough space to turn an ordinary park trip into the main event. And unlike a lot of kid attractions, these are completely free.

A few of our favorites include:

• Colts Canal Playspace, a free downtown Indianapolis play stop right along the Canal.
• Frederick Douglass Park, where the major park improvements give families even more reasons to make a trip to the east side.
• Washington Park Playground and Splash Pad, which combines a destination playground with free water play during the warmer months.
• Holliday Park Playground, a large Northside playground that can easily be combined with The Ruins, Nature Center and wooded trails.
• Monon Boulevard Playground, with its giant music-themed climbing structure and slides in the middle of Carmel’s Midtown area.
• Meadowlark Park, one of Carmel’s standout parks for creative and imaginative play.
• Lawrence W. Inlow Park, where families can combine playground time with a splash pad during the summer.
• Old City Park, a destination-style playground with plenty to keep kids climbing, exploring and playing.
• Blast Off Playground at Williams Park, a longtime Central Indiana favorite with the kind of play equipment kids remember.
• Kephart Park, a Bargersville playground that’s worth the drive when you’re looking for somewhere new to explore south of Indianapolis.

And that’s only a starting point. We’ve visited playgrounds all over Central Indiana, from neighborhood parks to the giant destination playgrounds we’d happily drive across town for. Find even more in our guide to the Best Playgrounds in Indianapolis and Central Indiana.

Free Museum Days in Indianapolis

Many of Indianapolis’ biggest museums and attractions aren’t free every day, but they offer free admission on select dates throughout the year.

Free admission opportunities may be available at attractions including:

• Conner Prairie
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
• Indiana Historical Society
• Indiana State Museum
• Newfields
• NCAA Hall of Champions
• Indianapolis Zoo
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Because free-admission dates and reservation requirements change throughout the year, we keep those details in a separate guide. See the complete 2026 Free Museum Days in Indianapolis calendar before planning your visit.

Families who qualify may also want to learn about the Indiana Access Pass, which offers reduced admission at participating attractions across Indiana.

Free Events in Indianapolis

Some of the best free things to do around Indianapolis aren’t permanent attractions at all. Libraries, parks, cities and community organizations host free events throughout the year.

Depending on the season, families may find festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, craft activities, storytimes, community celebrations and special park programs.

For current ideas, check our regularly updated guide to Free Things to Do in Indianapolis This Month.

Free Summer Concerts

Summer makes it especially easy to find free entertainment around Central Indiana. Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Noblesville, Westfield and other communities host outdoor concert series where families can bring lawn chairs or a blanket and listen to live music without buying a ticket.

See the current lineup in our 2026 Free Summer Concerts Around Indianapolis guide.

More Free Things to Do Around Indianapolis

Still looking for somewhere new? These guides can help narrow things down based on the kind of outing your family needs:

• 11 Free Places Near Indianapolis That Feel Like Paid Attractions
• Free Things to Do in Indianapolis This Month
• 25 Free Indoor Places to Play in Indianapolis (and Nearby)
• 2026 Free Museum Days in Indianapolis
• 2026 Free Summer Concerts Around Indianapolis
• 105 Cheap Things to Do Under $5 in Indianapolis with Kids

Free admission doesn’t always mean every part of a property is free. Food, classes, memberships, special programs and ticketed areas may cost extra even when the main family attraction doesn’t charge admission. Hours, reservation requirements and access rules can also change, so check the destination’s current information before loading everyone into the car.