Thanksgiving week is here, and a lot of local schools are out for at least part of the week. If you are staying in town and looking for ways to keep kids busy (and maybe burn off some pre–pumpkin pie energy), there is plenty happening around Indianapolis.
Below you will find special events happening this week, plus everyday ideas from some of our most popular guides.
Related Article: 101 Things to do in Indianapolis with Kids
Holiday Fun All Week Long
WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Open every day of Thanksgiving week except Monday and Thanksgiving Day
Step into an indoor winter carnival at WinterFaire, where kids can play carnival-style games, slide down the WinterSlide, “unfreeze” a fountain, and explore colorful, hands-on exhibits. Santa visits, creative play areas and art displays make it an easy all-ages outing, especially on cold or rainy days.
Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society
Open daily, except Thanksgiving Day
Festival of Trees fills the Indiana Historical Society with more than 80 uniquely decorated trees, each with its own theme and story. Families can stroll through the displays, enjoy seasonal programs and special activities, and grab a bite or shop in the museum store for holiday gifts.
Christmas at the Zoo
Evenings throughout the week (closed Thanksgiving Day)
When the sun goes down, the Indianapolis Zoo glows with lights for Christmas at the Zoo. Families can sip hot cocoa, see animals like red pandas, penguins and arctic foxes under the glow of holiday lights, and visit Santa’s Village for simple activities and treats. Santa’s Magic Cottage opens in the evening for visits and photos.
Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week
Free Community Movie Series at Butler
The Butler Arts & Events Center’s Free Community Movie Series is showing a family-friendly film on Tuesday evening at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Admission is free, no tickets are required, and concessions are available for purchase, which makes this an easy weeknight outing.
Gingerbread Architecture Family Workshop
Future designers and bakers will love the Gingerbread Architecture Family Workshop, where families build their own gingerbread structures together. The session includes supplies and guidance, so kids can get creative without you having to prep anything at home.
Wednesday: Lanterns and Tradition
Sankt Martinstag
Celebrate Sankt Martinstag with a family-friendly evening that usually includes storytelling, traditional songs and a lantern walk. Kids can carry handmade lanterns and learn about this European fall tradition in a cozy community setting.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Carmel Christkindlmarkt turns Carter Green into a European-style holiday village, complete with wooden market stalls, traditional German treats, hot drinks and live entertainment. Families can browse for gifts, warm up by the fire and enjoy the festive atmosphere after school or as a midweek outing.
Also on Friday
Black Friday: Big Holiday Kickoff
Preschool Open Gym at Hamilton County Sports Complex
If your little ones need to move after a day at home, Preschool Open Gym is a great Friday morning option. Tots and preschoolers can run, jump and climb in a safe indoor space while grown-ups get a break from entertaining.
Circle of Lights, Monument Circle
One of Indy’s biggest traditions, Circle of Lights, turns Monument Circle into a giant “Christmas tree” with live entertainment and the official lighting in the evening. Plan to arrive early, bundle up, and enjoy the show with thousands of other families downtown.
Celebration Crossing Opening Day: Santa Arrives by Helicopter
At the Indiana State Museum, Celebration Crossing opens for the season with Santa arriving by helicopter, plus holiday exhibits and activities inside the museum. It is a memorable way to kick off the season and get that first Santa sighting.
Conservatory Crossing at Garfield Park
Garfield Park’s Conservatory Crossing fills the conservatory with poinsettias, model trains and twinkle lights, creating a warm and colorful indoor garden for families to explore. It is a slower-paced way to enjoy holiday decor with younger kids.
Clearview Family Christmas Tree Farm Artisans Festival
Head out to Clearview Family Christmas Tree Farm for their Artisans Festival and enjoy shopping from local makers, exploring the farm and soaking up small-town holiday charm. This can be a fun way to pick out a tree and find handmade gifts in one trip.
Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt
The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt brings European-style holiday markets to downtown, with food, drinks, vendors and festive music. Strolling the booths with kids, grabbing a warm treat and enjoying the atmosphere makes for a magical Friday outing.
More Things To Do All Week Long
Beyond the specific events, here are some easy, anytime ideas pulled from popular Indy’s Child guides. Always double-check hours before you head out, since holiday schedules can change.
Let Them Climb at an Indoor Playground
From giant climbing structures to trampolines and ninja courses, indoor playgrounds are perfect for burning energy when it is cold.
A few kid favorites from our indoor playground guide include:
- Smiley Indoor Playground (Castleton)
- The Busy Bee Play Cafe (northwest side)
- Kid’s Planet (Brownsburg)
- Kids Empire (south side of Indianapolis)
- Urban Air, Sky Zone and Adrenaline in Fishers and surrounding suburbs
Indoor Playgrounds near Indianapolis »
Go Ice Skating
Ice skating feels perfectly on theme for Thanksgiving break. Whether you are looking for outdoor rinks with holiday lights or indoor rinks that are open year-round, there are several options around Indy.
Highlights include:
- The Ice at Carter Green (Carmel)
- Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza (downtown Indy)
- Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza (Westfield)
- Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza (Noblesville)
- Carmel Ice Skadium, Arctic Zone (Westfield), Fuel Tank at Fishers and Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion
Ice Skating in Indianapolis: Indoor & Outdoor Rinks »
Visit a Library That Doubles as a Play Space
Many local libraries have dedicated play areas, cozy reading corners and STEM toys that make them perfect for a low-key morning.
Options from our library play guide include:
- Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library
- Branches with strong play areas, like Southport, College Avenue and others
- Hamilton County and surrounding county libraries with kid-focused spaces
Indianapolis Libraries That Are Great for Indoor Play »
Explore a Nature Center
If the weather is nice, a nature center visit is a great way to get outside while still having somewhere warm to duck into.
Our nature center guide highlights spots like Holliday Park Nature Center, Cool Creek Nature Center, Eagle Creek’s Earth Discovery Center and more around Central Indiana.
Best Nature Centers in Central Indiana »
Splash at an Indoor Pool or Water Park
When kids are bouncing off the walls, an indoor pool or small water park can reset everyone’s mood.
The indoor pool guide covers family favorites such as:
- Monon Community Center (indoor offerings)
- Indy Island Aquatic Center
- Krannert Park Indoor Pool
Indoor Pools and Water Parks in Indianapolis »
Visit a Cat Café
For something a little different, cuddle time at a cat café can be a calm break from a busy holiday week. Kids who love animals can enjoy snacks or drinks while watching or visiting with adoptable cats in a relaxed setting.
Our cat café guide features options around Indianapolis and Central Indiana.
Cat Cafes in Indianapolis and Central Indiana »
Plan Your Week
Whether your kids are off school all week or just Wednesday through Friday, there are plenty of ways to fill the days without leaving town. Use this roundup to plug in a couple of bigger outings like WinterFaire or Circle of Lights, then mix in lower-key options like libraries, indoor playgrounds and nature centers.
For even more ideas, keep an eye on our full Indy’s Child event calendar as you plan your Thanksgiving break.
