Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? You’re in the right place. For May 15–17, 2026, we rounded up our top picks for family events across Indy and the surrounding suburbs, from Panda Fest’s debut at Military Park to the 54th annual Broad Ripple Art Fair, a peony-filled Saturday in Noblesville and Blue’s Birthday Bash returning to The Children’s Museum. Start with our curated picks below, then check out the full Indy family events calendar for even more options.
Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | May 15–17, 2026
All Weekend
Panda Fest | May 15–17 | Military Park | $14 general admission, kids under 6 free, Saturday tickets $2 more
Panda Fest brings one of the country’s largest outdoor Asian food festivals to downtown Indianapolis for its first year here, with more than 90 food vendors, 200-plus street food dishes and a marketplace of artisan goods. Panda-themed activities include a 15-foot inflatable, a bounce ring and face painting. Hours are Friday 4–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Admission includes a customized panda pin and a headband.
Broad Ripple Art Fair | May 16–17 | Indianapolis Art Center | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | $15 presale, $18 at the gate, $5 for ages 3 to 12, under 3 free
The Indy Art Center’s largest annual fundraiser returns with more than 180 local, regional and national artists, live music, food, Bier Brewery products and hands-on art activities for kids. Wristbands are back, so a Saturday ticket gets visitors in free on Sunday. Make-it-take-it workshops inside the center require advance registration.
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble’s Peter Pan | May 16–17 | The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel
Central Indiana Dance Ensemble brings the Neverland adventure to the stage through dance, with Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys, Princess Tiger Lily and Captain Hook all making appearances. Showtimes are Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m.
Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience | May 16–17 | Hilbert Circle Theatre
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs music from 23 Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Avengers, Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy, with live orchestra accompanying scenes on screen. Performances are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Story Time on the Reservoir | Eagle Creek Park Earth Discovery Center | 10–11 a.m. | Included with park admission
A short nature-themed story is followed by hands-on stations families can move through at their own pace. Activities rotate week to week and may include puppets, simple art projects or animal encounters. Best for preschool and kindergarten ages. Meeting location is either the Earth Discovery Center or the shelter behind the Go Ape Cabin, depending on weather.
After-Hours Laser Tag Party | Noblesville Library | 5:45–7:30 p.m. | FREE
Teens in grades 6 through 12 take over the library after closing for laser tag, video games, board games and pizza. Registration is required, and arrival is between 5:45 and 6 p.m. only. Doors lock at 6 p.m. and do not reopen.
Blue’s Birthday Bash | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | $5 adults, kids 17 and under free
The Indianapolis Colts bring back Blue’s Birthday Bash after a year off, with the four-time NFL Mascot of the Year celebrating at the museum’s Sports Legends Experience. Activities include a parade, home run derby, dodgeball and visits from mascot friends across professional sports. Tickets must be downloaded in advance at Colts.com/BluesBirthday, and capacity is limited.
Saturday, May 16
Touch A Truck at Craig Park | Craig Park, Greenwood | 9 a.m.–noon | $2 per child
Local departments and companies fill the new Department of Public Works parking lot with vehicles kids can climb in and explore. The event is accessed through Craig Park.
Lowe’s DIY Workshop: Garden Basket | Participating Lowe’s stores | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | FREE
Kids build a garden basket as part of Lowe’s monthly DIY Workshop. Attend 12 qualifying workshops and your kid earns Jr. Builder status. Check with your local store for supplies and registration details.
Indiana Peony Festival | Seminary Park, Noblesville | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE
The festival celebrates Indiana’s state flower with more than 150 vendors selling cut flowers, bouquets, plants, art, food and drinks. The main event is in Seminary Park with peony displays, live music and photo backdrops, and continues through downtown Noblesville and the courthouse lawn.
Indiana Live Steamers Public Rides | Johnson County Park, Nineveh | noon–4 p.m. | $4 per person, cash only
A ride-on miniature railroad runs through wooded parkland, over bridges and alongside cattail-lined creeks. Boarding is at the platform near the McClain Cabin, with additional stops at Nebo Station, Whistle Stop Station and The Woodlands Station. May 16 is the first public ride day of the season.
Foam PAW-ty | Crate Escapes, Westfield | noon family-friendly session | FREE
Crate Escapes hosts a foam party where kids and parents can get in the foam alongside family-friendly pups during the noon session. The 3 and 6 p.m. sessions are dogs-only in the foam, though kids are welcome at the park. A signed waiver is required for children, and kids under 13 must stay within arm’s reach.
Westfield International Festival | Grand Junction Plaza, Westfield | noon–4 p.m. | FREE
Cultural performances, food trucks and crafts from around the world fill Grand Junction Plaza. Featured cuisines include Thai, Venezuelan, Greek, Polish, Jamaican, American BBQ and Puerto Rican, with a Savor & Snack Pass available for five tastings. The main stage runs from noon to 3:40 p.m. Free parking and a shuttle are available at the Westfield Washington Public Library.
No matter what you choose, there’s plenty of fun to be had this weekend. For even more options, check out our full calendar of Indianapolis family events and our guide to free things to do in Indianapolis this month.
Things to do near Indianapolis this weekend (May 15–17, 2026):
