Activities for Older Kids

Teens and tweens can be tough to entertain, especially when it comes to getting them off their devices and out of the house. If you manage to do that, consider it a parenting win. But once they’re out of their room, you still need something they’ll actually want to do. Since playgrounds and playdates are no longer the draw they once were, it helps to have a list of Indianapolis-area ideas that feel a little more grown-up. From go-karts and arcades to duckpin bowling, laser tag, zip lines, food halls, movie theaters, escape rooms and makerspaces, these spots offer plenty of ways to spend time together without everyone staring at a screen in separate rooms. Looking for more all-ages things to do in Indianapolis with kids? Our full guide covers family-friendly outings for every age, while this guide is geared more toward teens and tweens. Jump to Section Go-Karts Arcades and Virtual Reality Duckpin Bowling Laser Tag Zip Lines and Obstacle Courses Trampoline Parks Food Halls Movie Theaters Escape Rooms Libraries, Makerspaces and Community Centers Go-Karts Near Indianapolis For older kids who want something faster paced, go-karting is an easy win. Most locations have height or age requirements, so this category tends to work best for older tweens and teens. Fastimes Indoor Karting 3455 Harper Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240 ftik.com Fastimes offers indoor kart racing in Indianapolis and is a good option for teens who want a racing experience that feels more serious than a typical family fun center. Check racing requirements before you go, especially for younger or first-time drivers. K1 Speed 9998 E. 121st St., Fishers, IN 46037 k1speed.com/indianapolis-location.html K1 Speed in Fishers features electric indoor karts and a track with plenty of turns, making it a strong pick for competitive kids who want to race more than once. Speedway Indoor Karting 1067 N. Main St., Speedway, IN 46224 sikindy.com Speedway Indoor Karting has multiple track experiences and is especially appealing for families with kids who are already into racing and motorsports. Speedway Indoor Karting Arcades and Virtual Reality If your teen loves gaming, these spots give them a reason to leave the couch without giving up the fun part. Sandbox VR 850 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46204 sandboxvr.com/indianapolis Sandbox VR is a group virtual reality experience that works especially well for older kids and teens who want something immersive and a little different from a standard arcade. Sandbox VR PinVault 1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 214B, Indianapolis, IN 46203 pinvaultindy.com PinVault is a fun pick for pinball-loving families and older kids who enjoy something a little more retro. Be sure to check hours before you go, since public access is limited to specific times. Punch Bowl Social 120 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 punchbowlsocial.com/location/indianapolis Punch Bowl Social combines bowling, karaoke, arcade games and other activities in one downtown location, which makes it a solid option when you need something that will appeal to different ages. Check current age policies before visiting later in the evening. Catch Win Clawade & Arcade 6346 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 indyschild.com/catch-win-claw-machine-arcade Catch Win Clawade & Arcade in Castleton is an all-claw-machine arcade that gives teens and tweens something a little different than a typical arcade outing. The space is lined wall to wall with claw machines, and part of the fun is figuring out which prizes look the most winnable. If your kids love the thrill of trying to grab stuffed animals and trading up for bigger prizes, this is a fun indoor option for a rainy day or occasional treat. Duckpin Bowling in Indianapolis Duckpin bowling is a fun, low-pressure activity for teens and tweens. The balls are smaller than traditional bowling balls, which makes the game approachable even for kids who have never bowled before. Pins Mechanical Company 856 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 pinsbar.com/locations/indianapolis Pins Mechanical Company in the Bottleworks District combines duckpin bowling with pinball, arcade games and other old-school activities, so it works well for teens who like to keep moving from one thing to the next. Check the current age policy before going in the evening, since this is also a bar setting. Atomic Bowl 1105 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203 fountainsquareindy.com/atomic-retro-duckpin-bowling-indianapolis Atomic Bowl in Fountain Square has a retro feel and uses 1950s and 1960s duckpin bowling equipment. It is a good pick for a laid-back downtown outing, especially if you want something with more character than a standard bowling alley. Laser Tag for Teens and Tweens Laser tag is one of those activities that still works for a wide age range. It gets kids moving, gives siblings and friends something to do together and feels a little more active than a typical arcade visit. Laser Storm 5261 Elmwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203 royalpin.com Located inside Royal Pin Entertainment, Laser Storm makes it easy to turn a laser tag outing into a longer visit with bowling, arcade games and other attractions in the same complex. Laser Flash 617 3rd Ave. SW, Carmel, IN 46032 laser-flash.com Laser Flash in Carmel features a large laser tag arena, arcade games and party-friendly extras, so it works especially well for groups, birthday parties or rainy-day plans. Laser tag is listed as appropriate for players who are at least 7 years old or 44 inches tall. Laser Flash Zip Lines and Obstacle Courses If your teen wants something active and outdoorsy, these adventure courses offer a good challenge and a little adrenaline. Go Ape 5855 Delong Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46254 goape.com/location/indiana-indianapolis Go Ape at Eagle Creek includes ziplines and treetop obstacles that are ideal for adventurous tweens and teens looking for something beyond the usual indoor attractions. Koteewi Aerial Adventure 11800 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville, IN 46060 koteewiadventures.com Koteewi Aerial Adventure offers tree-based obstacle courses and zipline-style challenges with options for different skill levels. TreeRunner Grand Park Adventure Park 19000 Grand Park Blvd., Westfield, IN 46074 treerunnerparks.com/grandpark TreeRunner Grand Park Adventure Park is located at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, making it an easy add-on for families already in town for a tournament or looking for an active outdoor outing on the north side. The aerial adventure park includes ropes courses, zip lines and treetop challenges, including more than 1,000 feet of ziplines. Good to know: Check current hours, pricing and age guidelines before booking. Course access, supervision rules and other requirements can vary by age and ability level. Koteewi Aerial Adventure Trampoline Parks for Older Kids Trampoline parks are still a solid option for tweens and younger teens, especially when they include obstacle courses, climbing areas and other attractions beyond open jump time. Urban Air 14450 Mundy Dr., Noblesville, IN 46060 392 Plainfield Commons Dr., Plainfield, IN 46168 urbanair.com/geo/united-states/indiana Urban Air combines trampolines with ropes courses, climbing attractions and other active options, making it a good fit for kids who get bored doing just one thing. Adrenaline Action Park 10080 E. 121st St., Suite 182, Fishers, IN 46037 adrenalineactionpark.com Adrenaline Action Park in Fishers includes trampolines, climbing and obstacle-style attractions in a large indoor space. Sky Zone 8356 Masters Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250 4150 Kildeer Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46237 851 S. Columbia Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 skyzone.com/multi/indianapolis With North Indianapolis, Indy South and Plainfield locations, Sky Zone remains an easy choice for families looking for wall-to-wall jumping, dodgeball and other active indoor fun. Related Article: Where to Go Roller Skating in Indianapolis Sky Zone Food Halls Teens Actually Enjoy Food halls are especially useful with older kids because everyone can pick something different without turning the meal into a debate. They also work well when you want to pair food with another nearby activity. The Garage Food Hall 906 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 garageindy.com The Garage Food Hall in the Bottleworks District is one of the easiest places to take a mixed-age group because there are plenty of vendor options and other nearby things to do before or after you eat. The AMP at 16 Tech 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202 theampindy.com The AMP at 16 Tech offers a casual setup with local food vendors, lots of seating and regular events, making it a good option when you want a meal that still feels like an outing. The AMP at 16 Tech Movie Theaters in Indianapolis for Teens and Tweens Going to the movies still works surprisingly well for older kids, especially when you want something easy, low-effort and weather-proof. Living Room Theaters 745 E. 9th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 ind.livingroomtheaters.com Living Room Theaters at Bottleworks is convenient if you want to combine a movie with dinner or dessert nearby. Flix Brewhouse 2206 E. 116th St., Carmel, IN 46032 flixbrewhouse.com/theaters/x0vpq-flix-brewhouse-carmel Flix Brewhouse offers dine-in movie service, which can make the whole outing feel a little more special for older kids. Keystone Art Cinema 8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240 landmarktheatres.com/our-locations/x07m6-landmark-keystone-art-cinema-indianapolis Keystone Art Cinema is a good option for families with older teens who are interested in indie, foreign or specialty screenings. IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 imax.com/theatre/imax-indiana-state-museum The IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum is still one of the most memorable moviegoing experiences in the city thanks to its giant screen and downtown setting. Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie 1258 Windsor St., Indianapolis, IN 46201 kankanindy.com Kan-Kan is a locally owned arthouse cinema with a restaurant and bar, and it works best for older teens who enjoy film and a more independent theater vibe. Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie Escape Rooms in Indianapolis Escape rooms are a good fit for tweens and teens because they make problem-solving feel social. They also work well for birthdays, sibling outings or something to do with visiting friends or cousins. The Escape Room Indianapolis 200 S. Meridian St., Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46225 escaperoomusa.com/in/indianapolis The Escape Room Indianapolis downtown offers a variety of themed rooms and is easy to pair with other downtown plans. Twisted Room Escapes 3145 E. Thompson Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227 twistedroomescapes.com Twisted Room Escapes offers family-friendly private bookings and a good variety of room themes, making it a flexible option for mixed groups. Breakout Games 8455 Castlewood Dr., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46250 breakoutgames.com/indianapolis Breakout Games in Castleton has several themed rooms and is a strong option for older kids who like a challenge. Libraries, Makerspaces and Community Centers for Teens Libraries and community centers make a lot of sense in a teen and tween guide, especially for families who want something useful, low-cost or quieter than an arcade. These spots work well for kids who like art, gaming, STEM projects, studying with friends or having a place to hang out that is not the kitchen table. Teen Central at Central Library 40 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Best for: Teens who want a downtown library space designed for them Teen Central is located on the second floor of Central Library and gives Indianapolis teens a dedicated place to study, read, play games and join programs. The updated space includes computer stations, two study rooms and a program room used for board games, video games, arts and crafts and other teen activities. The collection includes young adult books, nonfiction, graphic novels, Quick Reads for developing and reluctant readers, materials in 17 world languages and Playaway audiobooks. Nintendo Switch 2 games are also available on a regular basis, which is a very practical way to get some teens to admit the library is, in fact, not boring. Good to know: Check the Indianapolis Public Library calendar before going. Teen programming changes by date, and some events are designed for ages 12 to 18. Ignite Makerspaces at Hamilton East Public Library The Hamilton East Public Library system offers two distinct creative makerspaces on the north side, though they cater to slightly different age groups and skill levels. Ignite Studio (Fishers Branch) 5 Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 Best for: Creative tweens and teens who like hands-on projects Ignite Studio at the Fishers Library is an art studio and makerspace with creative work areas, maker kits, equipment, digital media labs and space for hands-on projects. It is a strong option for teens who like art, design, video, audio, 3D printing or trying something new without committing to a long class. The space includes kits and equipment for different kinds of making, along with digital media labs equipped with iMacs and Adobe Creative Cloud. Teens who enjoy creative independence may like this more than a structured activity where an adult tells them exactly what to do every five minutes. Ignite Maker Lab (Noblesville Branch) 1 Library Plaza, Noblesville, IN 46060 Best for: Older tweens and teens ready for more advanced maker equipment The Ignite Maker Lab at the Noblesville Library is geared toward advanced makers ages 13 and older. Equipment reservations are self-directed, with staff available to assist, and some equipment requires certification before use. Available tools include 3D printing, garment and film printing, embroidery, sewing, a book binding station, Cricut equipment and other project-based tools. Good to know: Families should read the equipment rules before making plans, because some tools have training requirements, age rules or material costs. The Noblesville location is strictly for ages 13 and up. The Studio Makerspace at Greenwood Public Library 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 Best for: Southside families looking for a creative library space The Studio Makerspace at Greenwood Public Library gives families room to work on self-guided projects, use creative equipment and try craft or STEM kits. The space includes large work areas, editing computers, a recording studio, kits and community equipment. An active Greenwood Public Library card is required to use The Studio Makerspace. All ages are welcome, but children 14 and younger must have an adult with them. The recording studio can only be reserved by adults, so teens who want to use it will need a parent or guardian involved. Indy Parks Programs and Community Centers Multiple locations throughout Indianapolis Best for: Sports, art, recreation and seasonal programs Indy Parks offers programs throughout the year in areas like sports, art, education, recreation, wellness and nature. For teens and tweens, the useful part is the searchable program calendar, where parents can look for current classes, open gym options, seasonal activities and teen-friendly programs by age or category. Good to know: Programs change often by season and location. Use the official Indy Parks program search before promising anything to a teenager, because they will remember. YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Teen Programs Multiple Indianapolis-area locations Best for: Teen fitness, sports and leadership-style programs The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers teen programs and activities at area branches, with options that may include sports, fitness, leadership programs and seasonal events. This is a good place to check when your teen wants something active but not quite as intense as a full competitive sports season. Availability varies by branch, program and season, so check the current listings before planning around a specific activity. For more ideas beyond the teen years, check out our full guide to things to do in Indianapolis with kids and our roundup of free things to do in Indianapolis.

Activities for Older Kids

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Activities for Older Kids

30 Fun Activities to Do with Teens and Tweens in Indianapolis

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