90 Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis

Looking for fun and cheap things to do in Indianapolis? Get ready to dive into an adventure packed with excitement, discovery, and unforgettable memories! Weโ€™ve gathered 90 incredible things to do in Indianapolis, and the best part? They all cost $5 or less!

These affordable activities are perfect whether you’re an Indy local or just passing through. Why not enjoy your next outing without breaking the bank?

For more free fun, check out our list of free things to do in Indianapolis with kids or free Indianapolis events this month.ย 

The list below offers a wide range of fun budget-friendly activities in Indianapolis for $5 (per person) or less!

*Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are excellent deals, priced at just over $5 per person

Fall Only

  1. Attend a free fall festival. Free
  2. Enjoy the colors of fall at these top spots in Indiana for fall foliage. *Park admissions may apply to some of these spots.

    Indiana Getaways
    Indiana’s Cataract Covered Bridge is photographed with brilliant fall foliage.
  3. Let lost in the McCloud Nature Park Corn Maze. Free
  4. Greenwood Fall Concert Series. Free
  5. Pick a pumpkin from Tuttle Orchard. No charge for admission, small pumpkins range from $2-$5

Cheap Things to Do in Indianapolis

These activities are priced under $5 per person and available every day they’re open, making them perfect for anyone looking for affordable fun:

  1. KidCity Indoor Playground – $5 (Resident), $6 (Nonresident)
  2. Indy Island Family Aquatic Center – $4/child; $5/adult
  3. Garfield Park Conservatory – general admission: $4/person; special events: $6/person or $12 per family
  4. A self-guided tour at Traderโ€™s Point Creamery – $5trader point
  5. George Washington Community School Pool – $3/adults, $2/childrenย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 
  6. Early bird bowling at Royal Pin Bowling – Sunday mornings 9 am-noon – $3/game
  7. First Thursday Night at the Childrenโ€™s Museum of Indianapolis – First Thursday of the month from 4-8 pm – $6/admission*
  8. Ride a miniature train with the Indiana Live Steamers. (May-Oct), $4/ride.INDIANA LIVE STEAMERS PUBLIC RIDES
  9. George Washington Community School Pool. Free for children under 2; $2 for children 3-17; $3 for adults.
  10. Splash around at the Krannert Family Center indoor pool. $3/youth; $4/adults
  11. Rent bikes through the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare. $1 to ride, plus 15 cents per minute. Thatโ€™s almost a half-hour of fun for $5!
  12. Enjoy family swim night at Carmel Swim Academy on select evenings. $5/person. Additionally, community swim sessions are available daily for children 17 and under at $5, and $10 for adults.
  13. Take a ride on the Forest Park Carousel. $2 (Weekend Apr, May, Aug, Sept, Oct.; daily June-July.) Carousel Corner in Noblesville
  14. Enjoy breakfast and a movie once a month with Cereal Cinema. Movie plus cereal bar for $6.*
  15. Indoor playground at the Broad Ripple Family Center – $2
  16. The Sensory Room located inside the family center at Rhodius Park – $3
  17. Enjoy a retro movie at Landmark Keystone Art Cinema. $5
  18. A self-guided tour at Wolf Park –ย  $5/person
  19. Learn about space at the Carmel Planetarium. Once a month, the planetarium is open to the public for evening shows. $3 for children & students, $5/adult.ย  Carmel Planetarium
  20. Laser Lag at Bowl 32 – $5/game
  21. Explore Eagle Creek Park –ย  Park admission is $5/car for Marion County residents; $6/car for out-of-county.
  22. Play a game of mini golf at Forest Park. $3
  23. Attempt the Lazer Maze at Glowgolf $5 for 4 games

    Lazer Maze at Glowgolf
    Lazer Maze at Glowgolf
  24. Weekend public tour at Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium – $5 for children and students under 18 and $8 for adults.ย 
  25. Enjoy family game night on the fourth Friday of every month at Garfield Burrello Family Center. $1
  26. Learn about the best of the best at the NCAA Hall of Fame.ย Admission is $7* for adults and $5 for kids and seniors (kids under 5 are free).ย 

Discount Days

These activities are available at discounted prices on specific days:

  1. Free First Thursday at Newfields โ€“ First Thursday of each month โ€“ Free
  2. Family Fun Night at Skateland โ€“ Tuesday nights, 6-8:30 pm โ€“ $7/admission*
  3. Early bird bowling at Royal Pin Bowling – Sunday mornings 9 am-noon – $3/game
  4. First Thursday Night at the Childrenโ€™s Museum of Indianapolis – First Thursday of the month from 4-8 pm – $6/admission*
  5. Value Day at Reagle Theater โ€“ Every Tuesday, tickets priced $5-7 all day
  6. Roller Skating at Fun Factory โ€“ Tuesdays, 6-8:30 pm โ€“ $2
  7. Sunday Funday at Roller City โ€“ $5 skate sessions, $4 mini golf
  8. Flix Brewhouse Discount Movie Day โ€“ $5.25 all day on Wednesdays
  9. Half-priced games at Pinheads Arcade โ€“ Half-priced games on Thursdays, $10 of games for $5
  10. Check out our Free Museum Days Guide for when to visit local museums without spending a dime.

Everyday Free Activities

These activities are always free!

  1. Have an adventure at one of the 12 coolest playgrounds in Indianapolis.
  2. Catch a family-friendly movie on the lawn at Movies at Midtown. Free screenings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  3. Take in the fresh air on one of Indianapolisโ€™ hiking trails.
  4. Play a family game of ping pong, shuffleboard, corn hole, or bocce ball at Midtown Plaza Carmel.midtown plaza
  5. Free Indoor Playgrounds:
  6. Rent a free Nature Exploration Backpack from Fishers Parks.ย 
  7. Learn about agriculture at AgriPark in Fishers.
  8. Participate in a Loweโ€™s DIY Workshop. Free monthly classes are offered at participating Lowe’s stores.
  9. Borrow an adventure backpack and explore Mounds State Park. Free
  10. Create a masterpiece at Ignite Art Studio and Makerspace in Fishers.
  11. Explore the trails and wetlands at Marian University’s EcoLab.

    Marian University EcoLab
    The EcoLab at Marian University
  12. Ride the zip line at the Nature Adventure Playground at Jill Perelman Pavilion.
  13. Explore The Learning Curve at Central Library.
  14. Play a game of pickleball. Find public pickleball courts here (many are free).
  15. Learn about Indiana’s woodlands at the Cool Creek Nature Center.
  16. Climb away on the Treehouses at Flat Fork Creek.

    Flat Fork Creek Park
    Flat Fork Creek Park
  17. Have an archeologist’s adventure at River Road Park. This one-of-a-kind park includes features youโ€™ll see nowhere else around Indy.
  18. Take a family bike ride on one of our favorite bike paths in Indianapolis.ย 
  19. Learn to exchange sports cards at Indy Card Exchange.
  20. Free DIY kids workshop the first Saturday of every month at Home Depot.
  21. Explore the ruins at Holliday Park.ย 
  22. Meet the live animals that reside at the Pecar Park Nature Center.
  23. Explore Indianapolis in the form of a scavenger hunt.ย 
  24. Work out as a family at the Colts Fitness Park.
  25. Stroll the Childrenโ€™s Garden at Coxhall Gardens, one of Indy’s most beautiful parks.
    The Children's Garden at Coxhall Gardens
    The Childrenโ€™s Garden at Coxhall Gardens.

  26. Visit the interactive and fun Holliday Park Nature Center.
  27. Volunteer together as a family at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
  28. Grab your frisbee and head to one of these local disc golf courses.ย 
  29. Walk around the ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center.ArtsPark at the Indianapolis Art Center - free things to do in indianapolis
  30. Take a stroll along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
  31. Head inside to one of these 10 places to play inside for FREE.
  32. Visit the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden in Carmel.ย 
  33. Enjoy a free family yoga class every Saturday morning at the Colt’s Playspace.
  34. Discover the world of Geocaching as a family and explore Indianapolis in a whole new way.ย 
  35. Browse the galleries at theย Indy Art Center.ย 
  36. Create your own bath bomb at Buff City Soaps. Free with purchase from the shop.ย 
  37. Spend the day watching traffic go by at The Idle. Benches are set up to watch traffic at the intersection of I-65 and I-70.
  38. Discover Grand Junction Plaza, a newly opened space in downtown Westfield.
  39. Scope out The Carmel Fire Buffs and Fire Department Museum. Donations at the door are appreciated.
  40. Discover Indiana flora and fauna at the Zionsville Nature Center.
  41. Did you know the Monon Trail stretches through Indy for 26 miles? Get the family outside on bikes, blades, or by foot and enjoy one of Indy’s local treasures!
  42. ย Climb on Funky Bones at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.

    Funky Bones, Visit for free
    Funky Bones
  43. ย Climb to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the Circle.
  44. Browse our free things to do this month calendar for even more ideas!ย 
  45. Stuck at home? Here are 70 Activities to try anytime!ย 
Indy's Child
Indy's Child
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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