The kids are off school for two weeks (or more) for winter break! If you’re staying local, Indianapolis has plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the whole family busy. From snow tubing and ice skating to holiday trains and immersive art experiences, there’s something for everyone. Explore somewhere new or check off a bucket-list activity you’ve been meaning to try!
More Indianapolis Guides to Explore:
- Top 17 Things to Do in Indianapolis with Kids
- Christmas Lights in Indianapolis (Paid + Free)
- Indoor Playgrounds Near Indianapolis
- Free Things to Do in Indianapolis
22 Things to Do This Winter Break in Indianapolis
1. Make it a Newfields day.
Three winter break favorites, all in one place:
- THE LUME Youth Discount Week (Dec. 21–29): Buy one adult ticket and get two free youth tickets (ages 6–17). Kids 5 and under are always free. Get the full details here.
- Winter Open Studio: Hands-on art activities are offered during winter break and included with general admission on select dates. Check the schedule to find the best day for your family.
- Winterlights: Bundle up for a magical evening stroll through nearly two million twinkling lights, nightly through Jan. 4.
2. Lace up the ice skates.
Ready to hit the ice? Head to one of these ice skating locations in Indianapolis for a fun afternoon with family and friends. Most offer skate rentals and beginner-friendly sessions.
Outdoor ice rinks open this winter:
- The Ice at Carter Green – Carmel (at the Christkindlmarkt)
- Ice Rink at Holliday Park – Indianapolis
- Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza – Downtown Indianapolis
- Ice Ribbon at Grand Junction Plaza – Westfield
3. Stay up late to see Christmas lights.
With school out, weeknights are perfect for holiday light adventures. Check out Indy’s best Christmas light displays, or save money with these free Christmas lights around Indianapolis.
4. Go wild at Christmas at the Zoo.
Christmas at the Zoo is a winter break classic. Stroll through sparkling light displays, visit cold-weather animals, warm up with hot cocoa, and snap a photo with Santa.
5. Tube down Koteewi Run.
Central Indiana’s only groomed snow tubing hill is a must-do winter break activity. Sessions sell out fast around the holidays, so book early. Get Koteewi Run details here.
6. See Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum.
Train lovers and tiny-world fans will love Jingle Rails, a detailed holiday model train exhibit that’s become an annual tradition for many Indianapolis families.
7. Walk through the Festival of Trees.
The Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees features beautifully decorated trees, festive displays, and special programming throughout its run.
8. Ride the Snowfall Express at the Indiana State Museum.
The Indiana State Museum is open daily through Jan. 4 (closed Christmas Day) and features Celebration Crossing with the Snowfall Express train ride.
- Grab lunch: The nostalgic L.S. Ayres Tea Room is open during the holidays. Make reservations in advance!
- Winter break camps: Available for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. Register early—they fill up fast!
9. Step into WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum.
WinterFaire is a magical indoor winter world filled with carnival-style games, whimsical characters, and hands-on activities. It runs Nov. 15, 2025, through Feb. 22, 2026, and is included with museum admission.
10. Make a splash at an indoor pool.
Swimming is the perfect activity for any season, and it’s especially fun as a wintertime treat. The Indy area has several indoor pools and aquatic centers with features like zero-depth entry and waterslides.
11. Burn off energy at an indoor playground.
When it’s freezing outside, indoor play spaces save the day. Check out our roundup of indoor playgrounds near Indianapolis and try somewhere new this break.
Free indoor playgrounds to check out:
- Fishers Community Center
- The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
- Traders Point Christian Church Indoor Playground
- The Commons Playground in Columbus
12. Dine in an outdoor igloo.
Want to eat outside without freezing? Try one of Indy’s outdoor igloo dining spots! It’s a cozy, memorable way to enjoy a family meal.
13. Spend the afternoon at the library.
Indianapolis-area libraries are perfect for finding new books, attending free programs, and letting kids explore. Here are a few with standout kids’ zones:
- Central Library – 40 E. Saint Clair St., Indianapolis
- Hancock County Library – 900 W. McKenzie Rd., Greenfield
- Michigan Road Branch – 6201 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis
- Carmel Clay Public Library – 425 E. Main St., Carmel
- Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library – 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville
- Greenwood Public Library – 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood
14. Explore a nature center.
Nature centers are ideal for families who want a mix of outdoor time and indoor exhibits. Most Central Indiana nature centers offer kid-friendly programming like story time, family hikes, and live animal encounters.
15. Play glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
Mini golf is always a hit, and indoor glow-in-the-dark courses make it even more fun. No coat required.
16. Take on the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park.
Worth the drive: Pokagon State Park’s Toboggan Run near Angola is a thrilling winter adventure for older kids and families who love a little speed.
17. Try duckpin bowling.
Indianapolis has great bowling alleys, but Action & Atomic Duckpin Bowling in Fountain Square is one of the most unique. The smaller balls and pins make it perfect for younger kids.
18. Discover a new museum.
Indianapolis is home to world-class museums, many with hands-on exhibits and family programming. Browse our guide to Indianapolis museums and attractions to find your next adventure.
19. Tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Even if racing isn’t your thing, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is surprisingly engaging for families. It’s an easy indoor outing that works well on a cold winter day.
20. Sign up for a winter break camp.
Need childcare or structured fun while school is out? Winter break camps are available across Central Indiana, but they fill up fast. Here are a few to check out:
- Fishers Parks (Fishers Community Center)
- YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
- Indiana State Museum
- Zionsville Parks – Winter Break Nature Camp
- Cathedral High School – Camp Cathedral
- Dana Mannix Gymnastics
- Indy Premier Soccer Club
- Sogility – Westfield
- Wright’s Gymnastics – Frosty Flips Camp
21. Try something a little different.
Looking for something off the beaten path? Explore our roundup of unique activities around Indianapolis for ideas the whole family will remember.
22. Slow down at home (or give back as a family).
Not every winter break day needs to be packed with outings. If you’re looking for easy at-home ideas, start with 70 things to do at home with kids.
Want to make it meaningful? Consider giving back together. Here are volunteer opportunities for Indianapolis families.
Still looking for ideas? Check out the Indy’s Child calendar for family-friendly events happening around Indianapolis all winter long.
