HomeThings To DoThings to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | October 16-18,...

Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | October 16-18, 2026

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

Updated Oct. 12, 2026

Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Indianapolis with kids? For October 16-18, 2026, the lineup includes the final weekend of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, the October Owl Festival at Eagle Creek Park, the first Downtown Fall Fest on Lugar Plaza, Boo ‘N Brew at Clay Terrace, Monster Mash in Greenwood and a haunted motorcar ride in Metamora. 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

October Owl Festival | October 17-18 | Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, Indianapolis | Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. | Included with park entrance ($6 per vehicle Marion County, $8 out of county)

The 11th annual festival brings the Ornithology Center’s raptor ambassadors, owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, scavenger hunts and a migration obstacle course. Activities move indoors if it rains, and Indy Parks annual passes are accepted.

A barn owl spreading its wings at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival | October 9-18 | Courthouse lawn, Rockville | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | FREE

It’s the final weekend to tour Parke County’s 31 historic covered bridges and browse arts and crafts and festival food across 10 towns and sites. Rockville is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, and most other sites close at 5 p.m., so start early on this worth-the-drive day trip.

The festival ends Sunday, October 18.

Phantoms of the Canal Road Motorcar Ride | October 16-17 | Whitewater Valley Railroad, Metamora | Rides every 30 minutes, 6-9 p.m. | $10 per person ages 2 and up

This 20-minute, open-air motorcar ride rolls through the haunted village of Metamora with gentle spooks and fun surprises but no blood or gore. Rides run rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and buy tickets online early because rides are expected to sell out.

Runs Fridays and Saturdays through October 31.

Yellow Whitewater Valley Railroad motorcar beside the covered depot in Metamora, Indiana

Dog Days at the Maze at Beasley’s Orchard | October 17-18 | Beasley’s Orchard, Danville | Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-6 p.m. | $16; ages 2 and under free

Bring the family dog this weekend for a pet costume contest, a pet talent show and adoptable dogs from local rescue groups. Admission also covers the corn maze, hayride to the pumpkin patch, apple cannons and jumping pillow; pick-your-own apples and pumpkins cost extra.

Themed festival weekends continue through November 1.

Prime’s Haunted Car Wash | October 16-18 | Prime Car Wash, Fishers | Friday and Saturday 7:30-10 p.m.; Sunday 7-9 p.m. | $25 per car

Roll through thick fog and flashing lights past zombie greeters, a graveyard and clowns, witches and other creatures inside the wash tunnel at Hamilton Town Center. Admission includes a basic exterior wash, and cars that make it through leave with a goodie bag and a coupon for a free wash.

Runs select nights through October 31.

Collectors Palooza | October 17-18 | Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis | Early bird entry 9 a.m.; general admission 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Tickets through Eventbrite; parking $10

Formerly Pokepalooza, this all-ages show fills the Ag/Hort Building with more than 250 dealer tables of Pokémon, One Piece and Lorcana trading cards, plus plushies and other merchandise. Guests include Coop’s Collection, Beard Dad Cardz and PokeBeard.

The Addams Family Musical | October 16-18 | Broadway United Methodist Church, Indianapolis | Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m. | $22 adults; $15 students and seniors

Epsilon Theatrical Company stages the musical comedy in which a grown-up Wednesday Addams falls for a young man from a respectable family, and everything comes to a head when the Addamses host his parents for dinner.

Runs through October 25.

Still going this weekend: ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo, Fright Academy at The Children’s Museum, the Fall Foliage Express in Noblesville and Harvest Nights at Newfields.

Friday, October 16

Monster Mash at Craig Park | Craig Park, Greenwood | 6-8:30 p.m. | FREE; $10 VIP wristbands optional

Trick-or-treat by the event lawn and along a trail with stops from the police, parks and fire departments, then take a hayride and visit the bounce zone and food trucks. VIP wristbands add early entry from 4:30-6 p.m. and a food voucher, but they aren’t sold the day of the event.

A child in an astronaut costume at Monster Mash at Craig Park

Family Night Hike | Carpenter Nature Preserve, Zionsville | 7-8 p.m. | $5 residents; $7 nonresidents

Explore the preserve after dark, learn how nocturnal animals find their way at night and test your own senses along the trail. The hike is for ages 5 and older, meets at the Prairie Pavilion and requires registration.

Saturday, October 17

Downtown Fall Fest | Lugar Plaza, downtown Indianapolis | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | FREE

The first Downtown Fall Fest brings pumpkin carving, bouquet making, flower and pumpkin fields, yard games and a Kids Corner with face painting, pumpkin decorating and balloon art. The Indiana Fever, Pacers and Indians, IMPD and IFD all take part. Registration is optional.

Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest | Indianapolis Art Center | Noon-5 p.m. | FREE

More than 50 artists and artisans fill ARTSPARK with one-of-a-kind artwork and handmade goods, and families can try art activities for all ages and free pumpkin painting. Food trucks are on site.

Locally Made: Indy's Fall Fest at the Indianapolis Art Center

Boo ‘N Brew Fall Festival | Clay Terrace, Carmel | 2-6 p.m. | FREE

Kids trick-or-treat along Clay Terrace Boulevard and at shops with a pumpkin sign in the window while candy lasts, so bring a tote. There are also horse-drawn hayrides, a corn maze, a pumpkin decorating station, a bounce house, Silly Safaris animal shows and a live carving demo by pumpkin carver Eric Jones. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.

A band performs on the stage at the Boo 'N Brew Fall Festival

Pioneer Fall Fest | Taylor Center of Natural History, Noblesville | 1-4 p.m. | FREE

Join a quilting bee, make fresh butter and corn husk dolls, and learn about pioneer plants at the Taylor Center’s historic red barn. It’s open to all ages, and no registration is needed.

Indiana Live Steamers Public Rides | Johnson County Park, Nineveh | Noon-4 p.m. | $4 per person, cash only

Ride miniature trains at a leisurely pace through wooded parkland, over bridges and alongside cattail-lined creeks. This is the last public run day of the season, and the last tickets are sold at 4 p.m.

Monster Bash at Borgmann Family Farm | Borgmann Family Farm, New Palestine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | FREE; lunch tickets $1 ages 14 and under, $5 ages 15 and older

This fall celebration welcomes families and individuals of all abilities with pumpkin painting, hayrides, trunk-or-treating, a petting zoo, a costume contest, crafts and games. Lunch tickets are limited, so buy them early.

Autism Community Connection Trunk or Treat | New Hope Church, Greenwood | 10 a.m.-noon | FREE

This trunk-or-treat is designed for individuals of all ages and families touched by autism, with decorated trunks, local resource vendors hosting activities and visits from princesses and superheroes. It’s open to everyone.

Fort Harrison State Park Trunk or Treat | Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis | 4-7 p.m. | Included with park entrance fee

Trunk or treat and pumpkin painting run 4-6 p.m. at the Reddick Shelter, followed by an all-ages story time at 6 p.m. and the Soldier’s Haunt at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 18

Sensory Friendly Afternoon at the Indiana State Museum | Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis | 3-5 p.m. | Included with museum admission; members free

Sensory-based activities are spaced throughout the museum in a calmer setting. Pick up a social narrative at the ticket counter or check out a sensory bag.

Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville | Urban Air, Noblesville | 9-11 a.m.

Urban Air opens early for kids with autism and special needs to enjoy the adventure park without loud music and flashing lights.

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 →

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. 16–18, 2026)

114 events

View by
Train Rides

Fall Foliage Express

Oct 17 · 11:30 a.m.
Select dates
Nickel Plate Express, Noblesville
$28 adults, $26 ages 3-12, under 3 free on a lap; Caboose $20, Diamond Class $35
Train Rides

Fall Foliage Express

Oct 18 · 11:30 a.m.
Select dates
Nickel Plate Express, Noblesville
$28 adults, $26 ages 3-12, under 3 free on a lap; Caboose $20, Diamond Class $35

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.

More Round-Ups

ON STANDS NOW

Indy's Child October 2026 magazine cover featuring the Fall Fun Guide

From our Sponsors

ADVERTISING

Advertising Forms
Media Kits
Camp Advertising

CUSTOMER SERVICE

About Us
Contact Us
Distribution
Privacy Policy
Office Rules for Contests

BEST OF INDY

Kid Friendly Restaurants
Best Playgrounds
Cheap Activities
Fall Fun Bucket List

EVENTS

Camp Fair
Free Events
Weekend Events
Today's Events

Copyright 2024 Midwest Parenting Publications | All Right Reserved