Summer Fun Without the Sun

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities, but when it’s time to cool off, head to one of these local venues for some indoor fun!

See it on the big screen 

Take in a very big movie at the Indiana State Museum IMAX Theatre. With selections like Pandas: The Journey Home 3D and Jean-Michael Cousteau’s Secret Ocean 3D, the films shown here are sure to make an impact that’s both educational and entertaining on a very large scale.

Several movie theaters around town are offering free or very inexpensive kid-friendly movies this summer. Check out the flicks at Georgetown Cinemas on Wednesdays (free), Canary Creek on Wednesdays (free), Studio Movie Grill Monday through Friday ($3), Regal Shiloh Crossing Stadium 18 on Tuesdays ($1), Cinemark Movies 8 in Greenwood on Wednesdays ($1), and Hamilton 16 IMAX in Noblesville Monday through Friday ($1). Discounted movie selections and times vary by location.

Sneak in some STEM

SpaceQuest at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a 130-seat, full-dome planetarium that provides several space education programs every day for a variety of ages. The exhibit is free with museum admission.

Another immersive, STEM-centered Children’s Museum exhibit, ScienceWorks offers kids the chance to explore science up close. The exhibit features a 30-foot winding creek, a real freshwater pond, a 20-foot rock climbing wall and a construction site where kids can load and move rocks.

Go back in history 

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art features a wide array of family-friendly activities.Check out the Second Saturday Family Studios program, where families can work together to create folk art related to the museum’s expansive collection..

The Indiana Experience at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center is especially kid-friendly, featuring interactive exhibits like a 3D photography re-creation that visitors can actually step into.

Find a creative outlet

The Indianapolis Museum of Art offers a variety of family events all summer. Check out Star Studio on floor 2 and the African Art Activity space on floor 3 for art making and other drop-in activities.

The Art Lab features opportunities for family art collaboration and open studio time and classroom instruction. Activities throughout the summer are aimed at keeping kids’ creative juices flowing.

The Indianapolis Art Center gives preschoolers to highschoolers a chance to create. Classes range from traditional drawing and painting to printmaking and jewelry crafting.

Find a fun freebie 

Kids can bowl for free this summer at Expo Bowl, Sunshine Bowling Center, Western Bowl, Woodland Bowl and other local bowling alleys! Sign up online at kidsbowlfree.com (search for Indiana).

Another activity to beat the heat? Burn off some energy at the free indoor playground at Traders Point Christian Church where the public is welcome to join the fun.

If you’re near the Indiana University Health system buildings, take a free ride on the People Mover! Kids get a big kick out of riding Indy’s very own monorail, even without a destination in mind.

Whatever the temperature climbs to, there’s plenty of Indianapolis indoor summer activities to help everyone keep their cool!

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