The libraries in and around Indianapolis offer so much more than just books! When the weather gets too cold (or too hot!), one of the best things a library can be is a free indoor space for kids to explore and play.
While all library branches offer some kind of children’s section, these libraries have stepped up their children’s area a notch or two. Here are some great libraries with amazing children’s sections when you need a free spot to play inside.
Libraries near Indianapolis That Are Great Spaces for Kids to Play:
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library
- Location: 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville
Tucked away in a small neighborhood is Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library-Zionsville, with a children’s area that takes up the entire first floor of the building. The children’s area has toys, games, blocks, puzzles, a hut, a dollhouse, a pretend kitchen, puppets, and a huge miniature train track — the perfect spot to play I Spy. There’s even a separate room just for babies. Don’t forget to visit the fish in the fish tank that greet you almost as soon as you step through the door.
Carmel Clay Public Library
- Location: 425 E. Main St., Carmel
The colorful and inviting children’s area at the Carmel Clay Public library includes activities for all ages. Babies and toddlers have a big, open space to play pretend in the little play house, create masterpieces with the giant Lite Bright, and lots more. Older kids can try STEAM activities at the Exploration Lab, a drop-in makerspace with games and activities to create and experiment. Adults will love that there’s a coffee shop inside the library (Java House), just steps away from the children’s section!
Greenwood Public Library
- Location: 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood
The Greenwood Public Library is loved by many parents, and for good reason. It has a huge children’s area, with a makerspace, play area for little kids, a mini town where kids can play pretend, a puppet theater, and lots of LEGO. A large wooden tree spreads out across the area and has many places to hold books. Babies have their own separate space to crawl around and explore.
Central Library
- Location: 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis
The largest library in the Indianapolis Public Library system is also one of the coolest for kids. The Learning Curve at Central Library is a high tech, hands-on area designed just for kids, teens, and their families. Of course there are books, but this section for children also has a technology lab, think tanks, a theater, a baby zone, and more. The baby zone has activities like a giant activity wall filled with different gadgets, and the area for the bigger kids has a green screen and hands-on learning experiences.
Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library
- Location: 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield
Toys, trains, a small kitchen with wooden food, puzzles, blocks: The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library library has it all. The children’s wing of the library is a fun place to play. There is a big tree in the middle of the space, lots of windows all around letting in natural light, and a big desk opposite the children’s reference desk with crafts and art projects laid out for kids to try.
Hancock County Public Library
- Location: 900 W. McKenzie Rd., Greenfield
If you’re up for a little drive, the Hancock County Public Library in Greenfield has an amazing children’s department full of fun, educational and interactive things to explore. Set up like a little town, you’ll find play houses, a pretend veterinary office and pretend bakery. There are LEGOs galore, a nature area with wooden blocks and animal displays, plus lots of space to play.
