Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? You’re in the right place. For Memorial Day weekend, May 22–25, we rounded up our top picks for family events across Indy and the surrounding suburbs, from the Indianapolis 500 and the opening of The Waterpark in Carmel to strawberry shortcakes in Franklin, a youth ballet production of Swan Lake and the start of Mallow Run’s summer concert series. 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 22–25, 2026
All Weekend
Opening Weekend of The Waterpark | May 23–25 | The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center, Carmel | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. daily
The Waterpark in Carmel opens for the season on Saturday and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Memorial Day weekend. Features include the FlowRider surf simulator, The Wall, two adventure slides, the lazy river, an activity pool, plunge slides and a kiddie pool. Private cabanas and concessions are available on-site.
Friday, May 22
Strawberries on the Square | Johnson County Courthouse, Franklin | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | FREE
The 22nd annual Strawberries on the Square kicks off Franklin’s summer festival season with fresh-made strawberry shortcakes, live music all day, balloon art and glitter tattoos (noon to 6 p.m.), a JCPL Family Fun Zone and games at Toodleydoo Toys. Ten food trucks will be on-site, and Back to the Future plays at The Historic Artcraft Theatre.
Saturday, May 23
Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade | Downtown Indianapolis | 11:45 a.m.–2 p.m.
The 500 Festival Parade is one of the biggest race weekend traditions in the city, with extravagant floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and all 33 Indy 500 drivers moving through downtown. Festivities start at 11:45 a.m. and the parade kicks off at noon. If you can’t make it in person, it airs live on WTHR Channel 13.
Fishers Farmers Market: Thrift-A-Thon | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers | 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | FREE
The Fishers Farmers Market hosts its first Thrift-A-Thon of the season alongside the usual lineup of more than 80 vendors offering food, plants and locally made goods. Look for free yoga or fitness classes, live music and hands-on activities for kids at the Fishers Parks tent. The market is dog-friendly.
Peanut Butter & Jam: Todd Williams Trio | The Studio Theater at The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel | 10:30 a.m. | $10/child
The Todd Williams Trio leads young audiences through “All Aboard the Short Track Shuffle,” a jazz program built around music and movement. Designed for ages 1–7, the informal Saturday concert encourages kids to participate. Each ticket includes two free adult admissions.
Opening Day of The Waterpark | The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center, Carmel | 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
The Waterpark in Carmel opens for the season with the FlowRider surf simulator, The Wall, two adventure slides, the lazy river, an activity pool, plunge slides and a kiddie pool. Private cabanas and concessions are available on-site.
2026 Stutz Block Party | Stutz Business and Arts Center | 12–6 p.m. | FREE
The Stutz Block Party opens the iconic building to families for a day of live music, open studios, live painting and hands-on activities. Local makers and artists will be on-site, along with food from Cafe Patachou, Amelia’s and Julieta’s, plus face painting, live caricatures and workshops in the SPACE Lounge.
Mallow Run Picnic Concert Series: Tastes Like Chicken | Mallow Run Winery, Bargersville | 12–9 p.m. | FREE
Mallow Run’s free Saturday concert series kicks off the summer with Tastes Like Chicken on the lawn. Bring blankets and chairs and plan to settle in. Wine is available by the glass or bottle from the tasting room, and food trucks are on-site. No outside alcohol.
Swan Lake | STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, Zionsville | 7:30–9:45 p.m.
Metropolitan Youth Ballet of Indiana presents Swan Lake, with the company’s pre-professional dancers joined by guest artists from Louisville Ballet and Grand Rapids Ballet. The lobby features a Ballet Boutique, a Swans’ Sweets Bake Sale and a cast meet and greet before and after the show. This is a sensory-friendly production.
Sunday, May 24
Indianapolis 500 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | All Day
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 brings fans back to the Brickyard for race day. Even if you’re not heading to the track, the city is full of race-day energy. Tickets are required for entry.
Sunday on the Patio at Mallow Run Winery: Davis & Devitt | Mallow Run Winery, Bargersville | 12–6 p.m. | FREE
Davis & Devitt kicks off Mallow Run’s Sunday patio series with live music on the lawn. Grab a glass or bottle from the tasting room and spread out at a picnic table, on the patio or on the grass with blankets and chairs. Food trucks are scheduled. No outside alcohol.
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 22–25, 2026):
