things to do this weekend

It's a long weekend in Indy, and MLK Day brings a wave of free museum admissions on Monday. For Jan. 16–19, 2026, we rounded up kid-friendly things to do this weekend around Indianapolis. To keep planning simple this week, all multi-day picks are grouped first, followed by single-day events for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Start with our editor's picks below, then browse the full events calendar for more ideas. Editor's picks for Jan. 16–19, 2026 All Weekend Festival of Ice Fri–Sat, Jan. 16–17 | Carmel Arts & Design District and The Ice at Carter Green | Free Watch professional ice carvers transform blocks of ice into detailed sculptures during this free winter festival. Friday features live carving demonstrations along Main Street in the Arts & Design District from 4–8 pm. Saturday continues at The Ice at Carter Green with more demonstrations, a People's Choice sculpture vote, the Carmel Fire Department's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off, ice skating, food, and a live DJ. Bundle up and enjoy one of Carmel's signature winter events. Friday, Jan. 16 Homeschool Hikers: All About Owls Fri, Jan. 16 | 1:00–2:30 pm | Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, 2000 E 151st St, Carmel | Free Plan a break from the books to learn about nature and get your kids outside. This month's topic is all about owls. Kids will discuss the subject and then explore the outdoors. Best for school-aged children. Hamilton County Sports Complex Preschool Open Gym Fri, Jan. 16 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Hamilton County Sports Complex, 9625 E 150th St, Noblesville Little ones ages 5 and under can burn off energy in the gymnastics room, which features a trampoline with foam pit, balance beams, bars, vault mats, and small slides. Sessions run 10–11 am and 11 am–noon. Adult supervision required. Phoebe & Jay Preschool Workshop with WFYI Fri, Jan. 16 | 11:00 am–11:45 am | Indianapolis Public Library – Central Library, 40 E St. Clair St, Indianapolis | Free Families are invited to a special workshop featuring the new PBS KIDS series Phoebe & Jay. Kids will get a sneak peek of the show before it airs, followed by preschool-friendly activities and games. Best for ages 3–5. Saturday, Jan. 17 Mario Kart World Tournament Sat, Jan. 17 | 1:00–3:00 pm | Johnson County Public Library – White River Branch, 1664 Library Blvd, Greenwood | Free Teens and gamers ages 12 and up can compete in a Mario Kart tournament on the big screen. First and second place prizes will be awarded, and snacks and drinks are provided. Registration is required to compete; parents and spectators are welcome to watch. Family Bingo Night at Books & Brews Sat, Jan. 17 | 7:00 pm | Books & Brews, 9402 Uptown Dr, Indianapolis | Free All ages are welcome to join in a few easy rounds of bingo at this casual, family-friendly brewery. Cards are provided, and every bingo wins a prize—most winners receive a $20 voucher. Two rounds of play give everyone more than one chance to win. Sunday, Jan. 18 Hamilton County Saxophone Quartet Sun, Jan. 18 | 3:00–4:00 pm | Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E Main St, Carmel | Free Families and music lovers are invited to a free concert featuring the Hamilton County Saxophone Quartet. The program spans classical chorales, overtures, jazz, and pop standards—all reimagined for a four-voice saxophone ensemble. Registration is recommended. Sensory Friendly Afternoon at Indiana State Museum Sun, Jan. 18 | 3:00–5:00 pm | Indiana State Museum, 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis Visit the Indiana State Museum during this afternoon tailored for individuals with sensory processing needs. Enjoy adjusted lighting, reduced noise, and designated sensory-friendly spaces throughout the museum. Social narratives and sensory bags are available at the ticket counter. MLK Day – Monday, Jan. 19 Take advantage of free admission at several Indianapolis museums and attractions in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Free Admission: Indianapolis Zoo Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis Free Admission: Newfields Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis Free Admission: Eiteljorg Museum Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis Free Admission: Indiana Historical Society Indiana Historical Society, 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis Free Admission: NCAA Hall of Champions NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W Washington St, Indianapolis Free Ice Skating at Bicentennial Unity Plaza Bicentennial Unity Plaza, 117 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis Martin Luther King Jr. Day at The Children's Museum The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Indiana State Museum Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis All Weekend Events: Looking for more events? Check out our monthly calendar and the free events calendar.

things to do this weekend

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