Looking for things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? September 25–27 brings free fall festivals, an apple-picking outing, a glow party in Fishers and the return of Harvest Nights at Newfields. Whether you have a few hours between games or a whole afternoon to explore, these family-friendly picks give you plenty of ways to welcome fall.
Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis: September 25–27, 2026
All Weekend
Carmel International Arts Festival | Carmel Arts & Design District | Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, 10 am-5 pm | FREE admission
Take a stroll through the Arts & Design District, where artist booths and food vendors fill the festival route. Let everyone choose a favorite piece along the way, then stop for a snack. On Saturday, the Main Stage stays open until 7:30 pm if you want to extend your outing.
Apple Festival & Craft Show | Anderson Orchard, Mooresville | Saturday-Sunday, craft fair 9 am-5 pm | FREE admission; purchases extra
Combine apple picking with a browse through the craft vendors at Anderson Orchard. Kids can tackle the giant straw pile while the grown-ups work an apple cobbler stop into the plan. Food trucks and live music from noon-4 pm both days round out the outing.
Atlanta New Earth Festival | Downtown Atlanta, Indiana | Saturday, 9 am-6 pm; Sunday, 9 am-5 pm | FREE admission
Head north for a small-town festival with handmade crafts, baked goods, food vendors and antique tractor displays. The free Kids Zone near the stage gives children their own place to play, and live entertainment in the park offers a break between shopping stops.
Festival of the Turning Leaves | Downtown Thorntown and town parks | Friday-Sunday; activity times vary | FREE admission
Thorntown’s three-day festival mixes live music, food and family activities. Friday’s schedule includes a foam party from 6:30-7:30 pm at Tom Johnson Memorial Park, followed by an 8 pm showing of Toy Story 5 with free popcorn. Bring chairs and check the schedule before choosing your day.
Harvest Nights | Newfields | Friday-Sunday, timed evening entry | Advance tickets required; public adult tickets start at $25, plus a processing fee; ages 5 and under FREE
Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, foggy paths and Mischief Manor turn a walk through Newfields into a Halloween outing. Follow the Pumpkin Path of Peril, feel the Ghost Train rumble and look for the new interactive Boo Shoo experience. Allow about 90 minutes to two hours to explore.
Runs September 25-November 1; select your date and entry time when booking.
ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo | Indianapolis Zoo | Friday-Saturday, 2-9 pm; Sunday, 2-7 pm | Included with Admission; FREE for members
Give those Halloween costumes an early outing! ZooBoo pairs animal visits with trick-or-treating, potions classes and the silly-not-spooky Leeward Sisters. Check the day’s schedule for the Elephant Pumpkin Smash, when the Zoo’s biggest pumpkin fans stomp, smash and snack on their seasonal treats.
Runs Wednesday-Sunday, September 23-November 1.
Related Article: The Ultimate Fall Fun in Indianapolis Bucket List
Saturday, September 26
Fall Fest at Wasson in Fishers | Wasson Garden Center, Fishers | 10 am-2 pm | FREE
Paint a pumpkin, play fall games and catch a wild animal presentation from Barnyard Party Pals at 10:30 am or 1 pm. Chalk art, coloring and fall-themed tattoos give kids more to try between presentations. Food trucks will be on-site, and children should attend with a parent or guardian.
Teddy Bear Concert Series: The Runaway Strings | Indianapolis Public Library, Wayne Branch | 11-11:45 am | FREE
Bring a favorite teddy bear for a musical adventure with five Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians. In The Runaway Strings, instruments become different kinds of transportation as young children listen to a story and move along with the music. This is a good pick for toddlers and preschoolers; space is limited.
Rocky Ripple Festival | Hohlt Park | 11 am-6 pm | FREE admission
Just across the canal from Butler University, Rocky Ripple’s neighborhood festival brings together more than 80 artists, local bands and food vendors. Kids’ activities are set up near the playground, and the community garden is open for exploring. Bike parking is available if you want to pedal over.
Garfield Park Art and Music Festival | Garfield Park MacAllister Amphitheater | 4-9 pm | FREE
Spend a late afternoon listening to local bands and browsing work from more than 50 artists around the amphitheater. The Kids Zone includes free crafts and activities, with food and drinks available to buy. Friendly leashed dogs can come along, too.
Glow in the Park: Family Hours | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers | 6-8 pm | $5 per person
This is the pick for kids who would love to finish Saturday covered in neon paint. Dance to live DJs, play in the foam, splash down inflatable water slides and try the glow activities. Wear clothes that can get messy and bring a towel or change of clothes for the ride home.
Still deciding? Browse our full Indianapolis family events calendar for more options, or plan a farm outing with our guide to pumpkin patches near Indianapolis. Check event pages before heading out for weather updates and ticket availability.
Things to do near Indianapolis this weekend (September 25–27, 2026):
