100 Free Things to do in Indianapolis With Kids This Fall

Fall in Indianapolis is one of the best times of year to get outside, explore, and make memories as a family, and the best part is that so much of it is free! From colorful hikes through crisp autumn leaves and free pumpkin festivals to kids’ fall events like storytimes, art workshops, and community parades, there’s no shortage of free fall activities in Indianapolis. Whether you’re planning a fun afternoon with toddlers, looking for weekend adventures with teens, or just searching for free things to do in Indianapolis this fall, this guide has more than 100 ideas to keep everyone busy.

This year, my kids and I have a huge fall bucket list: visiting local harvest festivals, checking out free outdoor concerts, and exploring new playgrounds while the weather is perfect. Indianapolis families will find so many free fall events and activities happening all season long, and with each changing leaf, there’s something new to discover. If you’re ready to soak up autumn without spending a dime, these free family-friendly activities in Indianapolis (and nearby) will help you make the most of the season.

Free Fall Events Near Indianapolis

☑️ Wander through the Indianapolis Art Museum at Newfields for free on the first Thursday of each month. The gardens will be full of pumpkins and gourds in October!
☑️ See a free movie at Midtown Plaza in Carmel every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of October.
☑️ Cars & Coffee is a free monthly event for car enthusiasts on September 27 and October 25.
☑️  Celebrate Science at a giant festival dedicated to STEM at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This year’s event will be held in the Exposition Hall on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
☑️ Take a hike at the Fall Colors Festival at McCloud Nature Park on October 11, 2025.
☑️ Celebrate Diwali in Fishers, October 11, 2025.
☑️ Doctoberfest is a Doctor Who-centric fall Festival. This free event in Camby is on October 18, 2025.
☑️ Clay Terrace’s annual Boo & Brew is on October 18, 2025.
☑️ Trail & Treat on the Indianapolis Canal October 18, 2025.
☑️ Celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights in Carmel October 18, 2025.
☑️ Snuggle up for the Spooky Organ Concert on October 19, 2025.
☑️ Free family movie night showing of E.T. on October 22, 2025.
☑️ There’s a storytelling event about Sleepy Hollow on October 23, 2025.
☑️ If you have a bike, a helmet, and a bike light, ride for free in the Zombie Bike Ride on October 24, 2025!
☑️ The Irvington Halloween Parade is free to attend on October 25, 2025.
☑️ Boo Bash is taking place in Fishers on October 25, 2025.
☑️ The Greenwood Halloween Parade is on October 25, 2025.
☑️ See the stars at a free monthly telescope viewing at McCloud Nature Park September 27 and October 25.
☑️ Get free admission to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for Fiesta de la Familia on September 28, 2025.
☑️  Science Fest is a free day of fun at Indiana University. Head to Bloomington on November 1, 2025.
☑️ Trunk-or-Treat your way around Indy!
☑️ Smashin’ Pumpkins Pumpkin Smash Bash at Mulberry Fields Park
☑️ Honor local veterans at a Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11.
☑️ Meet artists, experience art, and enjoy art every first Friday of the month.
☑️ Check the Indy with Kids Calendar for free events.

Free Museums, Storytimes & Fall Library Programs

☑️ Visit one of these free museums.
☑️ See all of the Dr. Who paraphernalia at the only Dr. Who Museum in the world!
☑️ Climb 331 steps to the observation level of the Soldiers and Sailors’ Monument.
☑️ Visit the Carmel Clay Public Library, The Greenwood Public Library, or the Westfield Washington Public Library.
☑️ Hancock County Library has an adorable mini city with playhouses and fun play areas.
☑️ Explore the natural and human history of Strawtown Koteewi Park at the Taylor Center of Natural History and Koteewi Trace.
☑️ Visit the Indiana War Memorial and its grounds.
☑️ On weekend late afternoons, check out the World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery.
☑️ Check out the Indiana Young Readers Center and get to know Indiana authors.

Free Indoor Play & Learning Activities (Great for Fall Rainy Days)

☑️ The Well Community Indoor Playground is a fun place for many ages.
☑️ The Treehouse Indoor Play Place in Plainfield is so much fun!
☑️ Explore IKEA. Don’t forget – kids play free in the childcare area!
☑️ Meet up with friends at Traders Point Indoor Playground.
☑️ The Center at Northview in Danville is a welcoming play space with something for everyone.
☑️ Visit Mr. Muffin’s Trains to see an epic train collection.
☑️ Spend some time at Habitat Hall, the nature playscape at Holliday Park.
☑️ Visit the axolotl at the Earth Discovery Center and get familiar with the birds at the Ornithology Center at Eagle Creek.

Free Fall Outdoor Adventures

☑️ Watch traffic in the middle of the highway at Idle Park.
☑️ Explore the grounds of the RH Gallery.
☑️ Go fly a kite in Indy at one of these spots that are perfect for kite flying.
☑️As the sun starts to set earlier, hang out downtown until dusk to see the nightly Signature Salute on Monument Circle.
☑️Play at SPARK on the Circle before it closes in November!
☑️ Set off on a bike ride on one of these bike routes.
☑️ Explore the Sky Farm rooftop garden at Eskenazi Health.
☑️ Visit the campus of Butler University and explore Holcomb Gardens and the entire campus.
☑️ Stroll along with these stroller-friendly hikes.
☑️ Go creek stomping during these final warm days.
☑️ Watch a local BMX bike race.
☑️ Pick produce at the Fisher’s Agripark.
☑️ Feed and visit the animals at Natural Valley Ranch.
☑️ Walk around and pose with the people statues in the Carmel Arts & Design District and City Center.
☑️ Grab a water bottle fill at Flowing Well Park.
☑️ Interact with the art at the Indianapolis Art Center ARTSPARK.
☑️ Bring a can of spray paint and make your mark on the Graffiti Trail.
☑️ Sign up for the Indy Rides Free Program with the Pacers Bikeshare and get unlimited free 30-minute rides all year.
☑️ Play games or climb the Luckey Climber on the playground in Carmel’s Midtown Plaza area.
☑️ Pose with the floral display and try a bit of putt-putt on the single-element, 4-hole putting park at Naturescape in Carmel.
☑️ Visit a Farmers’ Market and walk around.

Fall Nature Fun

☑️ Take a walk, explore, and enjoy the view at Crown Hill Cemetery.
☑️ Find your way through the McCloud Prairie Grass Maze.
☑️ Visit an Indiana State Park for free when you borrow a pass from the library.
☑️ Stroll and play at the FREE Anne Frank Peace Park and see the 7 Wonders of the World at The Children’s Museum 365 days a year!
☑️ Stroll along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and see art, gardens, and important places.
☑️ Stroll through the 100 Acres at Newfields and see the sculptures.
☑️ Daubenspeck Community Nature Park is a fun adventure.
☑️ Pogues Run Art and Nature Park or one of these other family-friendly hiking trails.
☑️ Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
☑️ Explore the Marion University Eco-Lab.
☑️ Take a drive on one of our favorite routes to see the changing leaves.
☑️ Go on a nature scavenger hunt at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve.
☑️ Go fishing.
☑️ Walk or ride the Monon Trail.
☑️ Visit the IU Indianapolis Campus (Formerly IUPUI) and explore.
☑️ Learn about Indiana hardwood and see the trees growing at the Urban Forest.

Best Parks to Visit in the Fall Around Indianapolis

☑️ Find a new favorite park to explore.
☑️ Picnic at your favorite park, or one of ours!
☑️ Play in the tree houses at Flat Fork Creek Park.
☑️ Climb something at one of these fun places.
☑️ Now that the beach is closed, visit the epic Geist Waterfront playground.

Free Crafts, Workshops & Family Activities

☑️ Home Depot offers free woodworking workshops for kids on the first Saturday of each month.
☑️ Drop in at the Fishers Ignite studio for daily self-guided craft opportunities.
☑️ The Indianapolis Public Library has storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout each week.
☑️ Lowes’ monthly DIY-U Kids Workshops are free — but register in advance!
☑️ Drive around and look at all of the decorated Halloween houses.
☑️ Arts for All is a free drop-in art program through Indy Parks. Find out when Arts for All will be at a park near you!
☑️ Volunteer somewhere with your kids.
☑️ Barnes & Noble’s Carmel, Noblesville, and Greenwood locations all host free weekly storytimes.
☑️ Attend Free Friday Story Time at ToodleyDoo Toys.
☑️ Lakeshore Learning has free make-and-take crafts on select Saturdays

Free Fall Things to Do Just Beyond Indy

☑️ Visit the Joseph Moore Museum at Earlham College.
☑️ Trek the free fossil trail in Richmond, Indiana.
☑️ Explore the fairy trail and chocolate (free samples) trail in Richmond.
☑️ Paint a layer on the World’s Largest Ball of Paint.
☑️ Go chasing Indiana waterfalls (use your Indiana State Parks Pass).
☑️ Find all of the Strawbale Art in Shipshewana, Indiana.
☑️ Head to Grant County and find all of the Garfield statues.
☑️ Every other year during the fall, you can explore interactive exhibits that are a part of Exhibit Columbus.

Some are free and some have a fee, but all of these fall festivals are fabulous!

For fall vibes and sweet treats, pick your pumpkins at one of these local farms.