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Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | October 23-25, 2026

Indy's Child Staff
Written By: Indy's Child Staff
Last updated on:

Updated Oct. 19, 2026

Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? For October 23-25, 2026, the lineup includes the final weekend of Conner Prairie’s Headless Horseman Festival, Trail & Treat on the Downtown Canal, the Eiteljorg’s free Día de Muertos celebration, Greenwood’s Halloween parade, Halloweekend at Beasley’s Orchard and more than a dozen free trick-or-treat events across the metro. Browse our picks below, then scroll down for free events, rainy-day ideas and every family event on our calendar this weekend.

Our Top Picks This Weekend

All Weekend

Headless Horseman Festival | October 23-25 | Conner Prairie, Fishers | 5-10 p.m. | $26; free for members; $10 with Access Pass; hayride $10 extra

It’s the final weekend for carnival games, the Perilous Plunge dry tubing hill, corn mazes, magic and Sleepy Hollow shows, and a barrel train ride through a musical pumpkin patch for riders under 48 inches tall. The Haunted Trail and the separately ticketed hayride are designed to be spooky. Attendance is limited, and ticket sales end at 9 p.m. each night.

The festival ends Sunday, October 25.

Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie

Halloweekend at Beasley’s Orchard | October 24-25 | Beasley’s Orchard, Danville | Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-6 p.m. | $15; ages 2 and under free

This weekend’s theme brings candy giveaways, a kids costume contest and a family pumpkin carving contest. Admission also covers the corn maze, hayride to the pumpkin patch, apple cannons and jumping pillow; pick-your-own apples and pumpkins cost extra.

The last festival weekend, Dia de los Muertos, is October 31-November 1.

Hauntless Halloween | October 23-24 | Holliday Park, Indianapolis | Friday 5:30-8 p.m.; Saturday 5-8 p.m. | $10; ages 2 and under free

Walk a candlelit forest trail where actors from Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre play talking forest creatures, then warm up at the Nature Center with a campfire, refreshments and activities. Register in advance for a hike time; slots fill quickly.

Maplelawn Farmstead Fright Nights | October 23-24 | Mulberry Fields, Zionsville | 7-10 p.m. | $12 in advance; $15 at the event

For older kids and tweens who want a real scare: a haunted hayride carries guests through the park to the Fright Barn, a haunted house with jump scares, fog, strobes and live actors. It’s recommended for ages 8 and older, children under 12 need an adult in the barn, and entry is timed, so buy tickets for the right day and time.

Friday, October 23

Trick or Treating in the Plaza | Grand Junction Plaza, Westfield | 4:30-8 p.m. | FREE

More than 60 local vendors hand out candy around the plaza, with a magician in the amphitheater, face painting, the Circle City Ghostbusters, a silent disco and “Goosebumps” on the big screen at 6:15 p.m. Bring a canned food or cleaning-supply donation for Family Promise of Hamilton County.

Halloween at Forest Park | Forest Park, Noblesville | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | FREE; $15 priority parking optional

Trick-or-treat along a decorated trail of city departments and local groups, then enjoy hayrides, inflatables, games, a costume contest and a spooky DJ. Preregister with Noblesville Parks for the free wristbands needed for hayrides and inflatables, and use the free shuttle from Noblesville High School.

A family in costume with a decorated wagon at Halloween at Forest Park in Noblesville

Hendricks Regional Health YMCA Fall Fest | Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, Avon | 6:30-9 p.m. | FREE

Come in costume for trunk-or-treating, hayrides, campfires, face painting and crafts, with a haunted hayride at 7:30 p.m. and a sensory-friendly space for kids who need a break. It’s free for members and nonmembers, but everyone must register.

Saturday, October 24

Trail & Treat on the Canal | Downtown Canal, Indianapolis | 5-7 p.m. | FREE

The Downtown Canal becomes a car-free, well-lit trick-or-treat route with treat stops, a kids concert with Mr. Daniel, free mini “Eerie” Canal boat rides, balloon animals and yard games. Go at your own pace; registration is strongly encouraged, and the information tent by the Orange Bridge has maps and extra bags.

Families in Halloween costumes trick-or-treating along the Downtown Canal

Día de Muertos Community Celebration | Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | FREE with a free ticket

Learn about the holiday’s Indigenous roots through music, folklórico dancing, a Catrina parade, mariachi, artist demonstrations, a mercado and art to take home, plus the community altars. Reserve free tickets online, check the full Día de Muertos schedule and pair it with Trail & Treat on the Canal just outside.

Día de Muertos Community Celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum

Greenwood Halloween Parade & Halloween Fest | Downtown Greenwood and Greenwood Amphitheater | Parade at noon | FREE

Line the route in costume to collect candy from the trick-or-treat parade, then head to the amphitheater for a Toy Factory concert at 1 p.m., a kid zone, food trucks and costume contests for every age group. Spectators stand on the north side of Main Street only.

Fall Colors Festival | McCloud Nature Park, North Salem | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | FREE

Ride a hay wagon through the fall foliage, then try axe throwing, butter making and candle dipping, with a campfire, vendors and food trucks.

Families ride a hay wagon at the Fall Colors Festival at McCloud Nature Park

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail | Anson Acres Park, Whitestown | 4-8 p.m. | FREE

Collect candy from local businesses along a paved trail that works for strollers, wagons and wheelchairs, then ride a hayride, roast s’mores at the bonfire while supplies last and play fall games. A free Sensory Hour from 3-4 p.m. turns off flashing lights, loud sounds and animatronics; it requires preregistration and is limited to 30 registrations.

Trail & Treat at Williams Park | Williams Park, Brownsburg | 5-7 p.m. | FREE

Stroll the park’s paved trail in costume to collect candy and prizes from local businesses, with face painting and games along the way.

Franklin Halloween Town | DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park, Franklin | Trick Your Trunk and Trick the Town 5:30-7:30 p.m. | FREE

Franklin’s Halloween day includes kids activities from 3-5 p.m., an appearance by Sammy Terry from 2-5 p.m. and a pet costume contest at 4 p.m. It ends with trunk-or-treating at the amphitheater and trick-or-treating at shops throughout downtown Franklin.

Sensory Friendly Trick-or-Treat Trail | River Heritage Park, Carmel | 1-3 p.m. | $7 per trick-or-treater; family members free

Carmel Clay Parks offers a calmer Halloween for individuals with disabilities and their families, with no loud music, frightening decorations or spooky surprises. Volunteers in non-threatening costumes hand out treats along fully accessible trails. Preregistration is required.

Haunted Hayride at Eagle Creek Park | Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis | Rides at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. | $15 per person; park admission extra

The park’s 40-minute wagon ride gets spookier sights for two nights only. As of October 12, Friday’s rides were full and Saturday still had openings. It’s for ages 5 and older, there are no seats, so bring blankets, and online registration closes at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Twilight Fright | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis | 6:30-9 p.m. | $30 per person; member discount

A Halloween night for kids and tweens ages 7 to 14 includes a trip through the Fright Academy haunted house during Frightening Hours, laser tag, a silent disco, glow golf, School of Rock performances and pizza. Every adult and youth needs a ticket.

Halloween Weekend at Turkey Run State Park | Turkey Run State Park, Marshall | 1-9 p.m. | Included with park entrance fee

Make holiday crafts at the Nature Center from 1-3 p.m., then hunt for monster eggs by flashlight at 8 p.m. and trade them in for candy and prizes. Pair it with a fall hike for a worth-the-drive day trip; the campground events are for campers only.

Sunday, October 25

Sensory Sensitive Halloween at Chuck E. Cheese | Chuck E. Cheese, 82nd Street, Indianapolis | 9-11 a.m.

Costumes, candy, games and characters come with dimmed lights, reduced sound and no flashing effects. No reservation is needed, and character visits are optional.

Festival of Jack-o’-Lanterns | Riley Home Museum, Greenfield | 7-9 p.m. | FREE

Glowing pumpkins fill the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home gardens for a free evening garden walk, and families can vote for their favorite painted or carved pumpkin.

Runs nightly through October 31.

Still going this weekend: ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo, Fright Academy at The Children’s Museum, Harvest Nights at Newfields and the Phantoms of the Canal Road motorcar ride in Metamora.

Free Things to Do This Weekend

Beyond the free picks above:

See all free events this weekend →

Rainy-Day Ideas: Indoor Things to Do This Weekend

See all indoor events this weekend →

This Weekend in Carmel, Fishers and Noblesville

See all Hamilton County events this weekend →

Planning for Halloween night? Check our list of Indianapolis-area trick-or-treat times and our guide to hayrides near Indianapolis. For more ideas, browse our full calendar of Indianapolis family events, free things to do this month and fall fun bucket list, or plan ahead with our guides to fairs and festivals around Indianapolis and Indiana hot air balloon festivals.

Every Family Event This Weekend (Oct. 23–25, 2026)

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About the Author:

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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