A family outing does not have to come with a big admission bill. These cheap things to do in Indianapolis with kids include free indoor playgrounds, nature centers, museum discounts and activities that cost $5 or less. The fall section adds prairie mazes, hayrides, outdoor movies and festivals, with a few day trips beyond the Indianapolis area.
Prices are per person unless noted. Free admission does not necessarily include food, rides, pumpkins or other purchases. A separate section at the bottom covers outings that cost a little more than $5.
For more ideas, browse our free things to do in Indianapolis with kids and free Indianapolis events this month.
Check the venue’s current schedule before leaving home, especially for seasonal attractions, public swim sessions and programs that require registration.
Jump to Section
- Cheap Fall Activities Near Indianapolis
- Cheap Things to Do Throughout the Year
- Discount Days and Admission Programs
- Free Recurring Programs
- Free Places to Play and Explore
- Worth It, But More Than $5
Cheap Fall Activities Near Indianapolis
These seasonal outings include free admission, inexpensive activities and a few places where keeping the total under $5 means choosing which extras to buy.
- Find a free fall festival. Live music, community parades and browsing vendor booths can make a full afternoon. Budget separately for carnival rides, food and purchases, and check our under-the-radar fall festivals guide for more ideas.
- Take a fall-color walk at a free local park, such as Holliday Park or Flat Fork Creek Park. Our Indiana fall foliage guide has more places to explore, although some destinations charge park admission.
- Find your way through the McCloud Prairie Maze at McCloud Nature Park in North Salem. The bald eagle-shaped maze is open Sept. 5 through Oct. 31, from dawn to dusk. The correct route is about a mile long. Free admission to both the park and maze.
- Choose a small pumpkin at Tuttle Orchards. Pumpkin patch admission is free, mini pumpkins are $2 and pie pumpkins are $5. Larger carving pumpkins cost more. The patch is open Sept. 18 through Oct. 31. The orchard is closed Sundays. Other farm attractions have separate charges.
- Visit Fall Harvest Days at Nehemiah Ranch in Avon on Oct. 3, 10 or 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event includes hayrides, games, hot dogs, s’mores and a trip to the pumpkin patch. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation per person.
- Explore small towns and covered bridges during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, Oct. 9 through 18. There is no general admission ticket, but parking, food, shopping and bus tours can add to the cost. Use our family guide to the Covered Bridge Festival to choose a manageable route.
- Catch Movies in the Plaza at Fishers Event Center. The announced lineup is Back to the Future on Sept. 12, Miracle on Oct. 3 and Hocus Pocus on Oct. 10, with free admission and surface parking. Gates open at 6 p.m. and movies begin at 7 p.m.
- Watch a free movie at Midtown Plaza in Carmel. Remaining September screenings are Sept. 15, 17, 22 and 24, with Tuesday movies at 6 p.m. and Thursday movies at noon and 6 p.m. Coco is also scheduled for Oct. 31. Check our Movies at Midtown guide for the lineup and Halloween showtime.
- Make a day trip to Indiana Beach Boardwalk Days in Monticello. Admission is $5 and includes $5 in Crow Cash for rides or games. The event runs Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, with free parking. Select boardwalk rides cost $5 each and Kiddieland rides cost $3 each, so this is a pay-as-you-go outing.
- Walk across the covered bridge and browse the booths at Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival in Noblesville on Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, with live music, arts and crafts vendors and access to the White River Greenway. Food and purchases cost extra.
- Paint a pumpkin at Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest at the Indy Art Center on Oct. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission and pumpkin painting are free. Browse artists’ booths and enjoy the outdoor setting; food, purchases and separate Make It Take It classes cost extra.
- Ride a miniature train with the Indiana Live Steamers at Johnson County Park. Fall public ride days are Sept. 19 and Oct. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. $4 per person.
- Play a round of mini golf at Forest Park in Noblesville. $3 per round. Fall hours are Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 11, weather permitting.
- Meet farm animals and explore the grounds at Fishers AgriPark. Regular visits and available u-pick produce are free. The park operates seasonally from May through October; check the farm’s current hours and harvest availability before visiting.
Cheap Things to Do Throughout the Year
These inexpensive outings are worth keeping in the rotation. Public sessions, tours and shows may require advance reservations.
- Explore the tropical plants at Garfield Park Conservatory. General admission is $5, and children ages 2 and younger are free. Special displays and events can have higher admission prices.
- Go for a swim at George Washington Community School Pool. [Can’t verify: current public swim prices, age brackets and session schedule.]
- Swim at the Krannert Family Center indoor pool. Admission is $4 for children under 18 and $5 for adults; children ages 2 and younger are free. Check the public swim schedule before going.
- Take a self-guided tour at Traders Point Creamery. Admission is $5, with children ages 3 and younger free. Follow the farm’s visitor route at your own pace.
- Play at Kid’s Corner at Broad Ripple Park Family Center. The indoor playground costs $2.
- Take a pony ride at Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg. Rides cost $5 per person, per ride. Call ahead to reserve a time.
- Try the Sensory Room at Rhodius Park. [Can’t verify: current fall availability and admission price.]
- Watch a public show at the Carmel Planetarium. [Can’t verify: current ticket prices and public show schedule.]
Discount Days and Admission Programs
Read the conditions before booking. Some deals require a free rewards account or program eligibility, and rentals or booking fees can put the total over $5.
- Choose $0 admission during First Thursdays at Newfields. General admission is pay-what-you-wish on the first Thursday of the month, including the option to pay nothing. This covers general admission, not separately ticketed events such as Harvest Nights.
- See a movie on $5 Ticket Tuesdays at Emagine Noblesville. The offer is for Emagine Rewards members and applies to qualifying matinee and evening screenings. Premium formats cost extra, and blackout dates apply.
- Bowl on Sunday morning at Royal Pin Expo. Games cost $3.75 per person from opening until noon. Shoe rental is extra, so the total stays under $5 only if you already have suitable bowling shoes.
- Check the current Fun Factory skating schedule for low-admission sessions. Skate rental costs $6 plus tax. [Can’t verify: the former $2 Tuesday admission offer.]
- Stretch an arcade budget at Pinheads in Fishers on Half Price Thursdays. Arcade games are half price. Set a spending limit before the kids start playing.
- Use our free museum days guide to find admission-free visits. Read each museum’s reservation and special-exhibit rules.
- See whether your household qualifies for the Indiana Access Pass. Eligible Indiana families can receive $5 admission per covered family member at participating attractions. Enrollment is required, and a named adult cardholder must visit with the family and bring an Indiana photo ID.
Free Recurring Programs
These programs give families something to put on the calendar without a large admission bill. Schedules vary, so check the next session and reserve a spot when required.
- Build a project at a Lowe’s kids workshop. Choose a session specifically listed as free and register in advance. Some separate Kids Club events may charge a fee.
- Make something at a Michaels in-store craft event. Select a session labeled free and check whether supplies are included; not every class has the same pricing.
- Join a Home Depot Kids Workshop. The free workshops begin at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month, while supplies last. Register for your store’s session.
- Wear pajamas to Pajama-Rama at Cool Creek Nature Center. [Can’t verify: the current fall session details and free admission on an accessible official listing.]
- Look for a free hands-on event at the Lakeshore Learning store. Check the store calendar for the next activity.
- Stretch at Free Yoga Wednesdays in Fishers. Classes are free and do not require registration. Locations change seasonally, and some weeks are skipped.
- Explore a seasonal nature topic during Drop-In Discovery at Zionsville Nature Center. Check the center’s calendar for the next session.
- Watch the resident animals eat during Beastly Brunch at Holliday Park Nature Center. This free animal-feeding program does not require registration. Check the next date on the park’s calendar.
- Meet a resident animal during Critter Chat at Garfield Park Conservatory. This free drop-in program meets in Blake’s Garden, with an indoor classroom alternative for bad weather. It does not include a general conservatory visit.
Free Places to Play and Explore
Keep these parks, play spaces and public places handy for days when you want to get out of the house. Check visitor hours for indoor spaces and current access notices for trails and parks.
- Try a new spot from our list of the coolest playgrounds in Indianapolis.
- Explore Simon Moon Park in Westfield. The playground, walking paths and picnic areas make an easy free outing. Kayak rentals cost extra.
- Climb and slide at Up and Down the Monon, the free outdoor playground along Carmel’s Monon Boulevard. Combine it with a walk along the trail or a stop at Midtown Plaza.
- Take a kid-friendly hike near Indianapolis. Choose a park without an entrance fee, such as Holliday Park or Flat Fork Creek Park.
- Play outdoor games at Midtown Plaza in Carmel.
- Visit a free indoor playground: The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church, The Commons in Columbus, Cornerstone Lutheran Church or The Park at Traders Point Christian Church. Check each location’s public play hours and registration requirements.
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church - Stop by The Hideout in Brownsburg for free open play. Check the current open-play schedule and complete the required registration before visiting.
- Play at the Fishers Community Center indoor playground. Admission is free for members and nonmembers, but every adult and child needs a membership or free Community Pass. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows; reservations are optional.
- Visit Playzone at The Community Center at AFC. [Can’t verify: current free-admission policy; the official site confirms the play space but does not clearly publish a fee.]
- Borrow a Nature Exploration Backpack from Fishers Parks. [Can’t verify: current availability and free-loan policy.]
- Check the Butler Arts and Events Center calendar for free community movie nights. Reserve tickets when required and check parking costs separately.
- Play outside at The Portico at College Park Church. The public space includes a playground and places to sit, eat a packed lunch or meet friends.
- Read, build and play at one of these libraries with children’s play areas.
- Check out the indoor slide at Benge’s Ace Hardware. [Can’t verify: current public access to the slide.]
- Use a free art kit at Ignite Art Studio and Makerspace. Kits are used on site, and an adult or visitor age 13 or older checks them out. Specialized equipment and materials can have separate fees.
- Explore the trails and wetlands at Marian University’s EcoLab.
The EcoLab at Marian University - Play at the Nature Adventure Playground at Jill Perelman Pavilion in Carmel.
- Explore The Learning Curve at Central Library.
- Bring your paddles to a free public court from our Indianapolis-area pickleball guide. Private clubs and some reserved sessions charge fees.
- Learn about Indiana’s woodlands at Cool Creek Nature Center.
- Walk out to the treehouse overlooks at Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers.
Flat Fork Creek Park - Explore the playground and paths at River Road Park in Carmel.
- Bring your bikes for a ride on one of these family bike paths near Indianapolis.
- Check for a kids trading event at Indy Card Exchange. [Can’t verify: current free kids-event schedule.]
- Explore the ruins and walking paths at Holliday Park.
- Walk along downtown Indianapolis’ Canal Walk. Walking is free; boat and bike rentals cost extra.
- See classic cars at the Stutz Car Museum. Public admission is free. Check museum opening times before making a special trip.
- Meet the resident animals at Pecar Park Nature Center in Avon.
- Choose a free option from our Indianapolis scavenger hunt guide, or make your own list of things to spot on a neighborhood walk.
- Exercise together at Colts Fitness Park at Riverside Park.
- Explore the Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel.
The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens - Spend time inside Holliday Park Nature Center. Admission to the center is free. Check the calendar for Critter Tales, a free storytime with songs and a live animal, and Playdate at the Park, free nature play for ages 2 to 6 with a grown-up. Neither requires registration. Other programs may charge a fee.
- Bring your own discs to a free course from our local disc golf guide. Check whether the surrounding park charges an entrance fee.
- Keep ARTSPARK at the Indy Art Center on your fall list. General admission is free, but the official park page currently lists a renovation closure. [Can’t verify: the date regular public access resumes.]
- Walk or bike a section of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
- Visit the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden in Carmel.
- Browse the exhibits at the Indiana State Police Museum. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Check opening hours before visiting.
- Visit James Whitcomb Riley’s tomb at Crown Hill Cemetery and take in the skyline during public cemetery hours. Scheduled guided tours have separate prices.
- Try geocaching using free listings and a park without an admission fee. Paid app features are optional.
- Browse the Indy Art Center’s indoor galleries. General gallery admission is free.
- Watch the traffic from The Idle, a small public space overlooking the interstate.
- Play and explore at Grand Junction Plaza in downtown Westfield.
- Check out the Carmel Fire Buffs Museum. [Can’t verify: current public hours and free-admission policy.]
- Learn about local wildlife at the Zionsville Nature Center.
- Bike, skate or walk the Monon Trail. Bring your own equipment to keep the outing free.
- Explore outdoor art at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields when public access is available. General admission is free. [Can’t verify: current access following the August flooding; confirm with Newfields before visiting.]
Need another idea? Explore our always-free activity guides, browse more free places to play indoors, check this month’s free events or try one of these at-home activities using supplies you already have.
Worth It, But More Than $5
These outings cost more than $5 for at least some visitors. A few charge by the car, which can keep the per-person cost down for a family.
- Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on First Thursday Night. Admission is $6 per person from 4 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. Reserve tickets ahead of time.
- Swim at Indy Island Family Aquatic Center. Admission is $5 for children under 18 and $6 for adults; children ages 2 and younger are free. Check the public swim schedule.
- Start a Saturday with Cereal Cinema. Tickets cost $7 for ages 6 and older, with children ages 5 and younger free. Admission includes the movie and a bowl of cereal; check the location and details for your chosen screening.
- Play at KidCity at Greenwood Community Center. [Can’t verify: current resident and nonresident day-pass prices.]
- Explore Eagle Creek Park. Admission is $6 per resident vehicle or $8 per nonresident vehicle. Walking or biking in costs $1 per person.
- Explore Mounds State Park and borrow an Adventure Backpack from the nature center. The backpack is free to borrow, but park admission is $7 per vehicle with Indiana plates or $15 with out-of-state plates.
- Ice skate at Perry Park. Public skating admission is $5 for ages 17 and younger and $7 for adults. Skate rental costs another $3. The rink operates seasonally from September through April.
- Take a public tour at Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium at Butler University. Admission is $5 for children under 18 and $8 for adults. Check ticket availability and campus event-parking charges before going.
- See a movie on Discount Day at Flix Brewhouse. Tickets for 2D Wednesday screenings cost $6. Check the Carmel showtime and any booking fees before purchasing.
- Play laser tag at Bowl 32. A game costs $5 per person, and a required game card costs $1 if you need one.
- Visit the Suburban Indy Fall Home & Outdoor Living Show at Grand Park Events Center, Sept. 18 through 20. Adult admission is $7 online or $10 at the door; children ages 12 and younger are free. Parking is free, and children’s activities make this an option for families tackling a home project.
