Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? You’re in the right place. For May 8–10, 2026, we rounded up our top picks for family events across Indy and the surrounding suburbs, from the JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day on Monument Circle and Asian Fest at the Indiana Historical Society to a free outdoor movie in Carmel, a sensory-friendly morning at the Indianapolis Zoo and the final weekend of Flowers Forever. 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 8–10, 2026
All Weekend
Flowers Forever | Final Weekend | Indiana State Museum | Included with Admission
Flowers Forever wraps up this weekend at the Indiana State Museum. The exhibit explores how flowers show up in art, fashion, traditions, everyday objects and life’s big moments, with hands-on moments and a look at the meaning people attach to familiar blooms.
It is included with museum admission, which is helpful if your family needs an indoor backup plan and a little less pollen.
Ongoing event, runs Feb. 6–May 10.
Friday, May 8
Animal Ambassador Care | Cool Creek Nature Center, Carmel | 3–4 p.m. | FREE
Kids ages 6 and up can get a behind-the-scenes look at how Cool Creek Nature Center cares for its educational animals. Staff will feed one of the animal ambassadors during the program and talk about the care, nutrition and habitat work that helps keep the animals healthy.
Saturday, May 9
Asian Fest 2026 | Indiana Historical Society | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE
Asian Fest brings families to the Indiana Historical Society for live music, dance and martial arts demonstrations representing Asian cultures from across the region. The festival also includes food, traditional crafts, cultural exhibits, hands-on activities, community booths and games for kids.
Teddy Bear Concert Series: The Garden Symphony | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library, Zionsville | 11 a.m. | FREE
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians and a narrator present The Garden Symphony, the story of a ladybug searching the garden for her own song. Designed for ages 3 to 7, this 30-minute program gives kids a chance to move with the music, try real violins and meet the musicians.
Movies at Midtown: Brave | Midtown Plaza, Carmel | FREE
The 2026 Movies at Midtown season kicks off with a free screening of Brave on the lawn at Midtown Plaza. Families can bring lawn chairs, blankets and food for an outdoor movie setup in the plaza. Food and drinks are also available nearby from Sun King Spirits and Fork + Ale House.
500 Festival Kids’ Day | Monument Circle | Noon–4 p.m. | FREE
The JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day takes over Monument Circle with hands-on activities, interactive displays and a carnival-style atmosphere built for kids. It is one of the largest free outdoor kids’ events in Indiana and a fixture of the lead-up to the Indy 500.
This is one of those May-in-Indy events where the kids burn energy and the adults pretend they planned ahead.
Young Explorers: Trains, Planes and Automobiles | Indiana State Museum | 1–2:30 p.m. | $14 child, $5 with Access Pass
This 90-minute drop-off class at the Indiana State Museum is designed for ages 4 to 6. Children will explore how people move from place to place, test their own planes, make art and explore sensory activities focused on transportation.
Sunday, May 10
Sensory-Friendly Sunday at the Indianapolis Zoo | Indianapolis Zoo | 9 a.m.–noon | Included with Admission
Families can visit the Indianapolis Zoo during a calmer morning with adjusted lighting, reduced noise and designated sensory-friendly spaces. Sensory-Friendly Sundays are designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, though anyone who prefers a less stimulating zoo visit can take advantage of the quieter setup.
The event is included with regular zoo admission and memberships.
Pokémon League at Books & Brews | Books & Brews, Brownsburg | 6–8 p.m. | FREE
Pokémon fans can head to Books & Brews in Brownsburg for an all-ages league night with friendly battles, trading tips and time to meet other players. The event welcomes both longtime players and kids who are just getting started.
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 8–10, 2026):
