Looking for things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? For Sept. 11–13, 2026, the lineup includes carnival rides in Zionsville, sunflower picking at Stuckey Farm, hands-on art at Penrod and a free outdoor showing of Back to the Future in Fishers. There’s also French Market food, live music and a pajama-friendly Friday outing for little ones. Start with our picks below, then check the full Indy family events calendar for more options.
Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | September 11–13, 2026
All Weekend
Zionsville Lions Club Fall Festival | Sept. 11–13 | Lions Park, Zionsville | FREE admission
Carnival rides, bounce houses, festival food and a Saturday morning parade give families plenty of reasons to spend time at Lions Park. The parade starts at Zionsville Community High School at 10 a.m. Saturday, while Sunday brings the American Dream Car Show. Leave time for the Pet Pavilion and Safety Zone shows, too. Parking inside Lions Park is $8 per vehicle; budget separately for rides and food.
Stuckey Farm Sunflower Festival | Sept. 12–13 | Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill, Sheridan | $16.50 online, $18.50 at the gate; ages 2 and younger free
This is the festival’s final weekend to wander a 7-acre sunflower field, stop for photos and cut a bloom to bring home. Admission includes one U-cut sunflower, plus three zinnia stems while supplies last. Families can also visit Adventure Acres for the slides and stop at the Country Market for cider, apples and apple cider donuts.
Festival dates: Sept. 5–7 and Sept. 12–13.
Fair on the Square | Sept. 12–13 | Downtown Danville Courthouse Square | Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | FREE admission
Browse more than 100 shopping booths around the courthouse square, grab something from a food truck and make time for downtown Danville’s shops and restaurants. This two-day fair is a good pick for families who like an outing built around wandering, browsing and deciding what to eat next.
Whale of a Sale | Sept. 11–13 | Grand Park Events Center, Westfield | FREE public shopping Saturday and Sunday; Friday adult ticket required
Shop children’s clothing, toys, strollers, sporting goods and more from over 800 local families. Public shopping runs Friday 4–7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with half-price shopping on Sunday. Children are welcome throughout the weekend; Friday has additional ticketed shopping windows, and Saturday afternoon’s early half-price session requires a ticket. Bring a shopping bag and a credit card, since cash and checks are not accepted.
Full sale dates: Sept. 10–13.
Friday, September 11
Pajama-Rama | Cool Creek Park and Nature Center | 7–7:45 p.m. | FREE
Pajamas, a favorite teddy bear and a blanket are welcome at this evening program for families with children ages 1–7. A music educator from Moriah Music leads songs and animal-themed stories, making this an easy Friday outing for kids who aren’t quite ready for bed.
Saturday, September 12
Penrod Arts Fair | Newfields | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Ticketed admission; children 10 and younger free with an adult
Browse artists’ booths across the Newfields grounds, catch live music and make the Children’s Area part of your route. That section has hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and entertainment for young visitors, including puppet shows, magic and music. Strollers and wagons are welcome, which helps when little legs have had enough art browsing.
Michaels In-Store Craft: Quilted Foam Art | Participating Michaels stores | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | FREE
Kids can make their own quilted foam collages during this hands-on craft session. It’s a short, free creative stop to fit into a Saturday morning.
Critter Chat | Blake’s Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory | 12 p.m. | FREE
Meet one of Garfield Park’s resident critters up close during this drop-in program. No registration is required, and the program moves into the classroom if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
St. Joan of Arc French Market | St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4217 Central Ave. | 12–10 p.m. | FREE admission
Come hungry for French food prepared on-site, then spend time listening to live music and browsing artisan vendors. A children’s area gives kids their own place to play, and the festival also includes a French-language Mass inside the historic church. Food and drinks are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting St. Joan of Arc School.
Blues in the ’Burg | Arbuckle Acres Park, Brownsburg | 4–9:30 p.m. | FREE
Hear blues performers from around the country at this family-friendly music festival. Between sets, families can visit the kids’ zone and buy dinner from local food trucks. A beer and wine garden is also part of the evening.
Fishers Movies in the Plaza: Back to the Future | FORUM Credit Union Plaza at Fishers Event Center | Gates 6 p.m.; movie 7 p.m. | FREE admission and surface parking
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for an outdoor showing of Back to the Future. No tickets or advance registration are needed. Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted, but food and beverages will be available to purchase inside Fishers Event Center.
Concert at the Commons: Hyryder | Federal Hill Commons, Noblesville | 7–10 p.m. | FREE
Hyryder takes the stage for the final scheduled concert in this year’s Concerts at the Commons series. Spread out on the lawn for an evening of live music in downtown Noblesville, with food vendors and a beer garden available.
For more ways to fill the weekend, browse 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 (September 11–13, 2026):
