Best Free Activities for Kids in Indianapolis

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This nature center offers hands-on discovery activities for all ages and hosts classes on nature, after-school activities and arts and crafts with an environmental theme. Other features are the bird and wildlife observation center, library, wildflower gardens, playground, hiking trails and the recently renovated Habitat Hall which includes live animal enclosures, costumes, games and interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about nature.

Beth Wood said:  Holcomb Gardens is located on the Butler University campus and covers twenty acres of lawn that overlooks a small lake. The gardens are accessible by a pedestrian bridge and feature waterfalls, a garden house, gazebo, poets' corner, a 500-foot long grass mall, and a fountain adorned with a statue of Persephone. Hundreds of seasonal flowers including Tulips, Daffodils, Lilacs and Daylilies bloom in the gardens and thousands of trees, shrubs and other native Central Indiana flora can be seen on the grounds as well.

Dawn Denning said:  Quaker Park offers water features galore for your kiddos to get soaked on a hot summer day! You can rest and watch on nearby benches and sheltered seating while they splash and play the afternoon away. Adjacent to the pad is a playground with soft cushioning for softer landings and a swing hammock that can hold a few kiddos. There is even a separate area for kids 6-24 months old!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The EcoLab is located on the Marian University campus. Staff and volunteers lead activities for the general public such as weekly bird walks, natural and cultural history programs, and activities to get involved in an on-going historical and ecological restoration project. Also a popular site for bird and beaver-watching as well as walking trails that features vibrant blooms particularly in late summer. Dogs on a leash are allowed, but no bikes or swimming in the ponds.

West Park was reimagined with a brand new playground and splash pad in 2022, and the centerpiece is an enormous tube slide accessed from a climbing tower.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  West park in Carmel Indiana rests on 120 acres and the play space is newer. In the front of the park is a pond with a boardwalk. There are multiple trails one of which zigzags up the hill which is perfect for bikes and is paved for strollers. There is a ton of open space for frisbees and the trails also lead to a wooded/marsh space that my kids love throughout the year. All of the trails are stroller friendly.

Dawn Denning said:  Located in Zionsville, this public library has a lot of events to keep your teen involved. They can spend an evening watching a movie or playing games on the Xbox or Wii. If that isn’t enough, they can join the library council to impact their local community. Smaller kiddos have a discovery area where they can climb, crawl and jump around! There is also a train table and a tree to climb in to read a book or simply relax. The library hosts multiple reading events, story time, Lego building events and Paws to Read, which lets your child practice reading aloud to a furry friend.

Dawn Denning said:  Do your kids love milk? Do you these often ask you where does milk come from or how milk gets made? Well if so, come to Traders Point Creamery and watch farmers as they milk the cows. Before the event starts, come a little early to grab a fresh milk product. The farm has ice cream, smoothies or milkshakes!

Tuesday-Sunday; 7:30 pm

Whether you attend Traders Point Christian Church or are just dropping by to help your kids burn off some energy, you are invited to enjoy The Park. The Park has two main play spaces. One for ages three and below, and another more prominent area for older kids to have fun.

The Link Observatory houses a large 36-inch telescope and was built as the private observatory of Dr. Goethe Link back in 1939. The building is now partnered with the IU School of Astronomy, and their mission is to inspire students in STEM.

Dawn R said:  The Link Observatory houses a large 36-inch telescope and was built as the private observatory of Dr. Goethe Link back in 1939. The building is also now partnered with the IU School of Astronomy, and their mission is to inspire students in STEM.

The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church is a beautiful indoor play structure modeled after a tree, bathed in natural light. It has tons of space for kids to climb and play until they are ready to ride a slide.

Williams Park includes the enormous Blast Off Playground which is a space-themed wooden playground containing tons of areas to climb, slide and hide. The Watermill splash pad is open seasonally and a great stop to cool off and get wet.

Dawn R said:  While visiting the beautiful Indiana University campus in Bloomington, make sure to stop by the historic Kirkwood Observatory to view the Hoosier night sky. The observatory has open houses scheduled throughout the year in which the public is invited, but can change based on weather.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Columbian Park Zoo fosters an appreciation for wildlife and encourages learning and discovery in a family-friendly environment. See animals from all over the world and don't forget to catch a ride on the Zoo Express.