2026 Summer Fun Near Indianapolis

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

Indy Art Center 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 skill levels there is something for everybody! Check out our 7 galleries that are ALWAYS FREE and open to the public.

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


The Children's Museum of Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis Zoo promotional imageThe Indianapolis Zoo

Located along the scenic White River, the Indianapolis Zoo is an inspirational stop for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the underwater dolphin dome,  come face-to-face with orangutans and chimpanzees, watch colorful macaws soar and discover wildlife from all corners of the globe.

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


Indiana State Fair promotional imageIndiana State Fair

Batter Up, Indiana! From home runs to hometown fun, the Indiana State Fair is knocking summer out of the park. Step up to the plate at as we celebrate baseball in true Hoosier style, in partnership with our friends from the Indianapolis Indians. Keep your eye on the ball and get ready to soak in summer’s BIGGEST hit August 7-23, closed Mondays.

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


Kroger Symphony on the Prairie promotional imageKroger Symphony on the Prairie

Now through Labor Day weekend, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie is the perfect family-friendly spot to enjoy live music under the stars! The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 11 concerts, including the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, the patriotic Star-Spangled Symphony, Disney in Concert, 80s nostalgia, yacht rock, and more. In August, choose from 13 top-quality tribute acts like Boy Band Night, the music of Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter, Adele, the Eagles, and many more. Pack your picnics, gather your friends and family, and we’ll see you on the Prairie this summer!

Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038


Gen Con promotional imageGen Con

The Best Four Days in Gaming™ returns to downtown Indy this July 30—August 2! From board games to puzzles, crafting, costumes, food trucks, live music, escape rooms, arcade games and so much more— the whole family will enjoy a weekend of playful adventure at Gen Con. 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, paint a community mural, and shop from 500+ vendors and explore 20,000+ ticketed events. Kids 10 and under get free admission with an adult badge. Be on the lookout for Genevieve, the friendly Gen Con dragon, for fun photo ops and giveaways!

Phone: (206) 385-1967
Address: 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225


Conner Prairie promotional imageConner Prairie

At the all-new Museum Experience Center at Conner Prairie, the Wellspring interactive Artscape holds surprise and inspiration at every turn. Power of Place takes you on an epic White River journey. TORN: A Family Portrait illuminates life-changing choices. And Spark!Lab fosters hand-on invention. Dive in!

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


Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad promotional imageNickel Plate Heritage Railroad

Pedal into summer fun with Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad’s Railbike Adventures! Cruise the historic tracks on a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience perfect for families, friends, or date day. Easy to ride and packed with views, it’s the ultimate Central Indiana adventure. Book your railbike ride now before spots fill up!

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


Summer IN Westfield promotional imageSummer IN Westfield

Splash into a summer of FUN with Creek Stomps, Kids Summer Series, Movies in the Plaza, Jams at the Junction, Fishing with Friends, and more in Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza. These free and open to the public programs are the perfect outing for the whole family! Hope to see you there!

Address: 225 S. Union Street, Westfield


Stage I Dance Academy promotional imageStage I Dance Academy

Summer Fun Alert! Ready to twirl, tumble or dance your way through summer? Dive into our exciting lineup of dance camps, classes and tumbling sessions for 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


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

The Hamilton County 4-H Fair returns, July 16-20, 2026 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


Carmel Swim Academy promotional imageCarmel Swim Academy

Make a splash this summer with swim lessons for all ages at the Carmel Swim Academy! With weekly or daily class options, we have the right swim lesson for your family! We put safety first, alongside excellence, in our engaging and fun learn-to-swim programs for children between 3 months and 14 years old.

Phone: (317) 669-6480
Address: 830 City Center Drive, Carmel, IN


Pinheads promotional imagePinheads

Eat. Drink. Bowl. Play. 🎳 Pinheads is an all-in-one entertainment destination for bowling, arcade, and scratch eats at Alley’s Alehouse!

Phone: (317) 773-9988
Address: 13825 Britton Park Rd, Fishers | 18 Whittington Dr, Brownsburg


Handel's Homemade Ice Cream promotional imageHandel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Since 1945 Handel’s award-winning homemade ice cream is made fresh daily on the premises. We use products, equipment, methods, and recipes exclusive only to Handel’s. Our philosophy is to use the best ingredients available and always in abundance.

Locations:
Carmel: 2466 E. 146th St. | (317) 705-1855
Fishers: 8760 E. 116th St. | (317) 585-8065
Noblesville: 14165 Cabela Parkway | (317) 343-9857
Greenwood: 902 N State Rd. 135 | (317) 559-3552


MCL Restaurant & Bakery promotional imageMCL Restaurant & Bakery

This summer enjoy more family time (and savings!) with this special offer—kids eat free at MCL Restaurant & Bakery. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, up to two kids under 12 can enjoy a free meal with the purchase of an adult entré (dine-in only), making it the perfect excuse to bring everyone together for a delicious, stress-free outing. Great food, great value, and something for the whole family to smile about! Multiple MCL locations are throughout the Indy area. Learn more at https://www.mclhomemade.com/

Address: Various locations throughout Central Indiana


French Lick Resort promotional imageFrench Lick Resort

It’s the perfect 1-tank trip this summer. Enjoy everything from tee times to tea times. Sporting range thrills to poolside chill. Spa days to carriage ride evenings. And, summer’s biggest party for July 4th weekend. Time to kick back, relax and savor French Lick Resort’s 100 Days of Summer.

Phone: (888) 936-9360
Address: 8670 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN


Visit Fort Wayne promotional imageVisit Fort Wayne

Located two hours north of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne is a city that has it all! Fill your next family adventure with outdoor exploration along 8-miles of riverfront in downtown Fort Wayne, the vibrancy of Fort Wayne’s art scene, and discover you wild side at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and their new Red Panda Ridge!

Phone: (260) 424-3700
Address: 927 South Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802


SoIN Tourism promotional imageSoIN Tourism

Take your Southern Indiana experience to the next level with SoIN’s digital passports. Earn prizes while exploring Southern Indiana’s family-friendly attractions, murals, scenic locations and strange or haunted places. New this year, trek through Hoosier history with mascot Billie the Bison. Sign up and plan your SoIN road trip today!

Phone: (812) 280-5566
Address: 228 Spring St., Suite 106, Jeffersonville, IN


Visit Lafayette - West Lafayette promotional imageVisit Lafayette – West Lafayette

Explore Columbian Park, where you can feed goats at the zoo, splash at Tropicanoe Cove, and catch a Lafayette Aviators game. Howl with the wolves at Wolf Park, enjoy hands-on learning at Imagination Station, and meet farm animals at The Farm at Prophetstown in Prophetstown State Park.

Phone: (765) 447-9999
Address: 3309 S. 10th Street, Lafayette, IN


Harrison County CVB promotional imageHarrison County CVB

With three breathtaking caverns, over 50 miles of nature trails, more than 60 miles of waterways, historic downtown & a one-of-a-kind playground, visitors can unplug and reconnect with the people who matter most. Visit Corydon, conveniently located at the intersection of I-64 and I-65, two hours south of Indianapolis.

Phone: (812) 738-2137
Address: 310 N. Elm St., Corydon, IN


Crown Point promotional imageCrown Point

Spend the summer at Bulldog Park, an award-winning entertainment facility located two blocks from downtown Crown Point. Bulldog Park is your go-to venue for events year round. Join us for a weekly farmers market, weekly car cruise, free festivals, summer concerts and more! For a calendar of events, visit www.crownpoint.in.gov.

Phone: (219) 661-2271
Address: 183 S. West St., Crown Point, IN


Indiana Dinosaur Museum promotional imageIndiana Dinosaur Museum

The Indiana Dinosaur Museum and The South Bend Chocolate Company in South Bend offers an exciting, family-friendly adventure featuring life-size skeletons, rare fossils, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can dig for fossils and explore prehistoric history hands-on. Located just a couple of hours from Indianapolis, it’s a convenient and fun destination for families seeking education and entertainment.

Phone: (317) 630-2001
Address: 7102 LincolnWay W.,South Bend, IN


Enjoy White County promotional imageEnjoy White County

With three breathtaking caverns, over 50 miles of nature trails, more than 60 miles of waterways, historic downtown & a one-of-a-kind playground, visitors can unplug and reconnect with the people who matter most. Visit Corydon, conveniently located at the intersection of I-64 and I-65, two hours south of Indianapolis.

Phone: (574) 583-6557
Address: 124 N Main St, Suite A, Monticello, IN


Whitewater Valley Rail Road promotional imageWhitewater Valley Rail Road

Voted as Indiana’s most Scenic Railroad, the Whitewater Valley Railroad is dedicated to preserving the history and equipment of a former New York Central branch line. We offer a variety of excursions throughout the year and invite you to come ride the train with us.

Phone: (765) 825-2054
Address: 455 Market St., Connersville, IN


S & H Campgrounds promotional imageS & H Campgrounds

Located just 20 minutes from Indianapolis, S&H Campground in Greenfield is the ideal place to spend some quality time together as a family — and some quality time in the great outdoors. The campground offers a variety of camping styles, from primitive plots to set up a tent, to motorhome and cabin rentals, to spots to hook up your RV or camper and settle in. There’s something for every type of camper at S&H Campground.

Phone: (317) 326-3208
Address: 2573 W 100 N., Greenfield, IN


Kiwanis Balloon Festival - Presented by Daviess County Indiana Visitors Bureau promotional imageKiwanis Balloon Festival – Presented by Daviess County Indiana Visitors Bureau

Save the date for the award winning Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest taking place August 28th & 29th at West Boggs Park in Loogootee. Enjoy fun shaped hot air balloons, pony rides, golf scramble for Riley, bungee trampoline, train rides, fireworks, adult egg hunt, bands, Jeep show, food, beer garden and MORE!

Location: West Boggs Park – Loogootee

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.

Related Articles

Comments

ON STANDS NOW

From our Sponsors