2025 Summer Fun Near Indianapolis

Looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out a few of these ideas from our advertising partners.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis logo or promotional imageThe Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis features five floors of educational fun for all ages! Outside, the 7.5-acre Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience encourages movement with interactive exhibits that let visitors play a variety of sports. Visit the museum’s website to learn more.

Phone: (317) 334-4000
Address: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis


The Eiteljorg Museum logo or promotional imageThe Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum has something for everyone. With a captivating collection of art and ever-changing exhibits and events, we know you will fall in love with what the Eiteljorg has to offer.

Phone: (317) 636-9378
Address: 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis


Cool Creek Summer Concerts promotional imageCool Creek Summer Concerts

  • May 31: Mike & Joe
  • June 14: Turn to Stone
  • June 21: The Flying Toasters
  • July 12: BroCountry
  • July 19: Trippin Billies
  • August 2: Der Polkatz (7 p.m.)

Phone: (317) 770-4400
Address: Cool Creek Park | 2000 E. 151st St, Carmel


Gen Con promotional imageGen Con

The Best Four Days in Gaming™ returns to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium August 1–4! From board games to puzzles, arts and crafts, costumes, food trucks, live entertainment, escape rooms, arcade alley, and so much more, the whole family will enjoy a weekend of playful adventure. Browse thousands of free-to-play games in the board game library, try a Pokémon demo, learn to make a puppet, hang out in the Kid Zone, and shop from over 500 exhibitors and explore over 19,000 events. Kids 10 and under get free admission with an adult badge. Be on the lookout for Genevieve, the friendly Gen Con dragon, for a fun photo op and giveaways!

Phone: (206) 385-1967
Address: 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis


Indiana State Fair promotional imageIndiana State Fair

The 2024 Indiana State Fair will be a true Hoosier Masterpiece! Join us to curate & cultivate more memories & traditions as we theme 2024 in a celebration of The Art & Nature of Fun, in partnership with Newfields. Mark your calendars as the 167th Great Indiana State Fair returns August 2–18 (Closed Mondays). More food, more fun, and more memories are made during the Greatest 15 Days of Summer. Down-home artistry. Downright fun.

Phone: (317) 927-7500
Address: 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis


Breakout Games promotional imageBreakout Games

Looking for a family-friendly adventure this summer? Breakout Games offers thrilling escape rooms for every age to enjoy. Break into a museum, escape from a deserted island, or solve the secrets of a mysterious mansion. You’re guaranteed to have a blast. Book your game today!

Phone: (317) 672-6060
Address: 8455 Castlewood Dr, Ste A, Indianapolis


Murphy Aquatic Park promotional imageMurphy Aquatic Park

Make a splash with your family this summer at Murphy Aquatic Park! Dive into summer with swimming, water slides, and the wave pool. Plus, there’s something for everyone with our inclusive playground and ADA-accessible water area. Gates open starting Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Stay updated on all the fun by following us on Facebook and explore the exciting programs we have planned for this summer!

Phone: (317) 289-9675
Address: 753 S County Rd 625 E, Avon


Nickel Plate Express railbike rides promotional imageNickel Plate Express

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Nickel Plate Express’s railbike rides! Perfect for families, our 4-person railbikes offer a unique way to experience the rails. From May to October, join us for summer fun like no other. Book now – the only place in Indiana offering this thrilling experience!

Phone: (317) 674-3840
Address: 825 Forest Park Dr., Noblesville


Indy Art Center classes, camps, and ARTSPARK promotional imageIndy Art Center

The Indy Art Center believes that Art Belongs to Everybody. With a huge selection of classes and camps for all ages and levels, there is something for everybody. Check out our 7 galleries and ARTSPARK that are always free and open to the public.

Phone: (317) 255-2464
Address: 820 E 67th St., Indianapolis


Indiana State Museum promotional imageIndiana State Museum

Unleash summer adventure at the Indiana State Museum! Plunge into the depths of prehistoric times with our newly reimagined “Ancient Seas” exhibit. As night falls, don’t miss the enchanting “Good Night Forest,” where you can follow the nocturnal journeys of forest animals in an immersive, interactive environment. With three floors of galleries showcasing art, culture, and the evolving story of Indiana—from its early roots to its bright future—every visit offers a new adventure. Create unforgettable family memories this summer, exploring together, learning, and having fun!

Phone: (317) 232-1637
Address: 650 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis


CarmelFest promotional imageCarmelFest

CarmelFest is a cherished summer event for families and friends across Indiana. Attendees can experience live entertainment, savor delicious festival food, explore the unique marketplace, gather under the spectacular fireworks, and honor the nation’s independence at the patriotic parade. It’s a perfect occasion for creating special memories! July 3 & 4.

Address: Carmel, IN


Fields of Joy flower u-pick and farm visits promotional imageFields of Joy

Located just 30 minutes from Indianapolis, Fields of Joy is the perfect destination for flower lovers! Wander the 2-acre flower field and cut your own gorgeous bouquet, check the farm stand for fresh produce, and visit the farm animals. Visit our website for more details on flower U-Pick, workshops, and events.

Address: 3840 W. 38th St., Anderson


Newfields gardens and Indianapolis Museum of Art promotional imageNewfields

Indianapolis’ 152-acre cultural playground for kids of all ages. Take a hike around the lake in Fairbanks Park, explore The Garden, or get creative inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Visit discovernewfields.org for a complete list of classes, camps, workshops, and more.

Phone: (317) 923-1331
Address: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis


City of Westfield community events promotional imageCity of Westfield

Are you looking for fun and free community events? Make sure to visit westfieldwelcome.com to see everything we offer. From Movies in the Plaza to Creek Stomps, kids activities, and free festivals, there’s something for everyone!

Address: 2728 E. 171st Street, Westfield


Seize the Summer with Fishers Parks promotional imageSeize the Summer with Fishers Parks

Enjoy a full slate of summer fun with Fishers Parks with return favorites like Glow in the Park, Monsoon Madness, free concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, farm life at the Fishers Agripark, fresh and local food at the Fishers Farmers Market, and so much more. Each moment this summer is an opportunity to celebrate, explore, and connect in Fishers. From parks and trail adventures to the thrills of community events, every day is a chance to seize something spectacular.

Phone: (317) 595-3150
Address: 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 150, Fishers


The Indianapolis Zoo promotional imageThe Indianapolis Zoo

Located along the scenic White River, the Indianapolis Zoo is the perfect place to have Wildly Inspiring moments. Come face-to-face with a sloth, watch bewitchingly beautiful macaws soar, and discover wildlife from all corners of the globe. Prepare for an experience that is indisputably unforgettable.

Phone: (317) 630-2001
Address: 1200 West Washington St., Indianapolis


Carmel Symphony Orchestra Coxhall Gardens summer concert promotional imageCarmel Symphony Orchestra’s Coxhall Gardens Summer Concert Series

Come join us for a delightful evening at Coxhall Gardens as the Carmel Symphony Orchestra performs a beautiful blend of summer music on Friday, June 21. The Centerpiece Amphitheater provides an exceptional venue for creating memories for your family, friends, or associates. The beauty of Coxhall Gardens is a gem of Hamilton County, just south of the Village of West Clay in Carmel. In partnership with Artomobilia and Hamilton County Parks & Recreation.

Phone: (317) 844-9717
Address: 760 3rd Ave SW, Ste. 102, Carmel


Indy Parks and Recreation promotional imageIndy Parks

Indy Parks and Recreation provides parks, greenspaces, trails, and recreation opportunities for Marion County residents and visitors. The agency offers 214 parks, 11,608 acres of greenspace, 130 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 153 miles of trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 20 aquatic centers, 22 spray grounds, 13 golf courses, and four dog parks. Indy Parks also provides a range of sports, art, education, and recreation programs and more than 2,400 programs throughout the year.

Phone: (317) 327-7275
Address: Multiple Locations


Conner Prairie promotional imageConner Prairie

Discover something new this summer at Conner Prairie! Travel back to the 1800s where history comes to life and a new friend awaits you around every corner. Immerse yourself in nature as you climb a 4-story treehouse, then soar hundreds of feet in the air in our balloon voyage experience.

Phone: (317) 776-6000
Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers


Wright’s Gymnastics and NinjaZone promotional imageWright’s Gymnastics & NinjaZone

Turn your summer upside down! With our many Wright’s Gymnastics & NinjaZone facilities located throughout the greater Indianapolis area, one is sure to be convenient for you!

Phone: (317) 888-4805
Address: Multiple Locations


YMCA of Greater Indianapolis promotional imageYMCA of Greater Indianapolis

The YMCA is about families, but we’re also about singles, college students, new couples, and empty-nesters. Above all, we’re about community. From swimming to group exercise, to youth and adult sports, to personal training, to book and garden clubs, our programs build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Phone: (317) 266-9622
Address: 12 Greater Indianapolis locations to serve you


NFL Flag Football promotional imageNFL Flag Football

The 7-practice/6-game season held on Sundays is a 5 vs. 5, non-contact, recreational, co-ed format. We try to limit teams to 10–11 players to maximize playing time. This is an exceptional program for first-time players who want to learn the fundamentals of football. This is also a wonderful opportunity for players who want to continue enhancing their skills before taking the next leap into tackle football. There are no try-outs. Everyone participates!

Phone: (317) 759-2691


Center for Young Children at IU Indianapolis promotional imageCenter for Young Children

The Center for Young Children (CYC), located on the campus of IU Indianapolis in downtown Indianapolis, provides childcare and early childhood education for the University and Indianapolis communities. We offer year-round programs for children ages 6 weeks–5 years. In addition, we are licensed to accept CCDF and On-My-Way Pre-K program vouchers. We believe children learn through play, hands-on activities, experiences, and interaction with their environment. At CYC, we provide a setting in which children can wonder, solve, learn, and grow, and we strive to amplify the potential of all children within our care through the guidance and encouragement of experienced and professional teachers. If you would like to visit the Center for Young Children, you can schedule an appointment by directly contacting us at (317) 274-3508.

Phone: (317) 274-3508
Address: 321 Limestone Street, Indianapolis


Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra promotional imageIndianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Get ready to fill your summer with sound as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra kicks off the 2024 Kroger Symphony on the Prairie season at Conner Prairie! Don’t miss your Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as they perform the music of Queen, Led Zeppelin, a weekend of disco hits, the best of John Williams, and the exciting Star-Spangled Symphony celebration. Buy tickets online at IndianapolisSymphony.org or in person at the box office and select central Indiana Kroger stores. Pack your picnics, gather your friends, and we’ll see you at the Prairie this summer!

Phone: (317) 639-4300
Address: 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis


Hamilton County 4-H Fair promotional imageHamilton County 4-H Fair

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair returns July 18–22, 2024, at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. The 4-H Fair is free to the public and sponsored by the Hamilton County 4-H Council, Inc. Families can enjoy great food, interact with animals, and enjoy hands-on activities and events open for public participation. Admission and parking are free for this family-friendly event. Come join the fun!

Address: 2003 Pleasant St, Noblesville


Stage I Dance Academy summer camps and classes promotional imageStage I Dance Academy

Summer Fun Alert! Ready to twirl, tumble, and dance your way through summer? Dive into our exciting lineup of dance camps, classes, and tumbling sessions for ages 15 months–adults! Mention this ad for 10% off your summer tuition when you register today!

Phone: (317) 881-2021
Address: 740 Fry Rd. Suite D, Greenwood


Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Summer Camp promotional imageGirl Scouts of Central Indiana Summer Camp

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana has five unique camps, each situated on beautiful sprawling acres, and each with their own special touch. Explore our camp page to learn about each one! Activities vary by camp program/event/location, and may include swimming, biking, hiking, jumping on the giant trampoline, horse or pedal car riding, arts and crafts, STEM exploration, cooking over a campfire, singing Girl Scout songs, and of course making new friends and keeping the old. It’s definitely more fun than you’d ever expect for such a great price!

Phone: (317) 924-6800
Address: 7201 Girl Scout Ln., Indianapolis


Carmel Swim Academy swim lessons promotional imageCarmel Swim Academy

Dive into summer with swim lessons at Carmel Swim Academy! We put safety first, alongside excellence, in our engaging and fun learn-to-swim programs for all ages starting at 6+ months. We welcome the entire community to have a better and friendlier experience with water at our new facility!

Phone: (317) 575-8244
Address: 830 City Center Drive, Carmel

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
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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