The toy everyone wants sells out by Thanksgiving, and the gadget is outdated by spring. An experience holds up better. Below are classes, memberships, shows and seasonal outings from Indy’s Child advertisers, all of them local and none of them stuck on a delivery truck. For more ways to fill the season, see our guide to holiday fun in Indianapolis.
Gift ideas for local classes and experiences around Indianapolis
A Zoo membership provides wild fun all year long. With options to fit any household, members receive free Zoo parking and admission, special event invitations, discounts and more. Membership also includes entry to Christmas at the Zoo, running through Jan. 3, 2027.
Phone: (317) 630-2001
Address: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Give the gift of health and fun at Indianapolis Healthplex. From swim lessons and youth sports to fitness classes and family-friendly activities, the Healthplex inspires active, healthy living for all ages in a welcoming, energetic community. There’s something for kids, teens and adults alike.
Phone: (317) 920-7400
Address: 3660 Guion Road, Indianapolis
Through Jan. 31, buy four Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts for $99 plus fees. Mix and match four performances from the classical, pops and film series. It makes a great holiday gift, and the ISO calls it the best deal of the season.
Phone: (317) 639-4300
Address: 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The Indiana State Museum transforms into a winter wonderland with the 92 County Tree, visits and photos with Santa and hands-on fun for all ages. Ride the Snowfall Express and enjoy special family events like the Snowflake Pajama Party for young children. It’s holiday joy under one roof.
Phone: (317) 232-1637
Address: 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Give a gift that’s guaranteed to get applause. From gift certificates and season packages to theatre camp and other programs, the Indiana Repertory Theatre offers a variety of ways for families to enjoy the magic of live theatre. Onstage now: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Phone: (317) 635-5252
Address: 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Give a class, give a gift card, give a workshop, give an art adventure. Let them explore their curiosity, creativity and imagination at the Indy Art Center. With options from two hours to 15 weeks, there’s something for everybody. Spots fill fast, so register at IndyArtCenter.org.
Phone: (317) 255-2464
Address: 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis
Enjoy Christmas nostalgia at Glimmer Lights. Board the Piney Acres Express or the Holly Jolly Tractor for a ride through a glimmering wonderland of twinkle light displays on our 73-acre Christmas tree farm. Runs Nov. 16–Dec. 21, with Santa on select nights.
Phone: (317) 326-1700
Address: 1115 E. 1000 N., Fortville
Give the gift of song with the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. The ICC has provided quality music education and inspired the community with music for 40 years. Find a class, camp or weekly choir for your child, or find a concert to attend at icchoir.org.
Phone: (317) 940-9640
Address: Various locations; headquarters at 9111 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis
Enjoy ice skating on our outdoor rink, day and night, in the heart of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. It works as a day out with the family, a date night for two or a festive outing with friends. Give the gift of experience and make this holiday season unforgettable.
Phone: (317) 402-1309
Address: 10 Carter Green, Carmel
Jan. 21–25, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Celebrate Disney magic at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party. Experience memorable moments from Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story and more, and watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises. It’s nonstop fun for the whole family.
Phone: (317) 917-2500
Address: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis
The best gift you can give is a lifesaving one. Carmel Swim Academy offers exceptional swim lessons for all ages, year-round. With session-based enrollment that fits your family’s schedule, CSA has options that work for you. Swimming is for everyone, and everyone belongs at CSA.
Phone: (317) 669-6480
Address: 830 City Center Drive, Carmel
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre provides live entertainment served with dinner, an experience for the entire family. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella takes the stage for a new generation starting May 28, 2026, with $10 discounts on tickets for kids ages 3–15.
Phone: (317) 872-9664
Address: 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis
Give the gift of experience this winter at the Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza. Skate on the synthetic Glice rink, which suits all ages, meet characters on the ice and celebrate the season in downtown Westfield from November through January.
Address: 225 S. Union St., Westfield
Give the gift of dance with Metropolitan Youth Ballet. Dance builds creativity, focus and strength in your child while nurturing confidence and joy. MYB offers professional instruction and performance opportunities in a supportive learning environment. Schedule a free trial class.
Phone: (317) 798-2133
Address: 6210 Technology Center Drive, Suite 200, Indianapolis
This winter wonderland sits atop every wish list. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, see the gingerbread house and a half-million twinkling lights, take in the holiday light show or make a wish under the 40-foot tree. The season shines a little brighter here.
Phone: (888) 936-9360
Address: 8670 W. State Road 56, French Lick
Celebrate the season at the 2 p.m. family matinee Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium. Enjoy holiday favorites with Don Farrell, children’s activities including instrument caroling and a visit from St. Nick. Student tickets are $15 at TheCenterPresents.org.
Phone: (317) 843-3800
Address: 1 Carter Green, Carmel
Big Ten Football Championship weekend kicks off at Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper in the Indiana Convention Center Friday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Expect interactive games, entertainment, giveaways and more.
Phone: (317) 262-3400
Address: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Celebrate the gift of dance at the Indianapolis School of Ballet, where dancers of all ages, from early childhood through advanced pre-professional and adult levels, train in the Balanchine tradition. With ballet, jazz, modern and more, it’s a community that moves, inspires and builds confidence.
Phone: (317) 955-7525
Address: 502 N. Capitol Ave., Suite B, Indianapolis
Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Anderson. A famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. This glow-in-the-dark adventure has been praised for its blend of puppetry, technology and dance.
Phone: (765) 642-1234
Address: 1124 Meridian St., Anderson
Load up the family this holiday season and head to Reindeer Ridge. During your visit, you can meet and learn about reindeer, visit with Santa, ride the Christmas train and browse festive treasures in the holiday barn. Reservations are required, so book your visit early.
Phone: (513) 379-4510
Address: 7621 N. Dearborn Road, Guilford
Looking for a fun, safe space for your child to learn dance and make new friends? Elevation Dance Refinery is a dance studio for all genders and dance levels, ages 2–18. We offer high-quality training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling and more, with performance and competition opportunities.
Phone: (463) 209-3132
Address: 3156 N. Shadeland Ave., Indianapolis
Be our guest at Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in more than 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. It comes to the Old National Centre May 5–10, 2026.
Phone: (614) 302-8597
Address: 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis
Give a gift that builds strong minds and strong muscles. Gift a membership for gymnastics, NinjaZone, dance, camp or even a birthday party. Programs are designed to encourage progression through levels, connection with peers and coaches, and fun. Six locations around Greater Indianapolis, including Southeast Greenwood, Center Grove, Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers.
Phone: (317) 888-4805
Address: Six locations around Greater Indianapolis
Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Anderson. Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and new baby sister Evie, come to Anderson for Peppa Pig: My First Concert, an interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older.
Phone: (765) 642-1234
Address: 1124 Meridian St., Anderson
