One of Broad Ripple’s most creative places to spend an afternoon is welcoming families back! ArtsPark at the Indy Art Center will reopen Saturday, October 17, 2026, with a celebration during Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest. Bring the kids for an afternoon of art, outdoor exploring, and free pumpkin painting, then put this free destination back on your list for future family outings.
The 9.5-acre park sits along the White River and Monon Trail, bringing sculpture and nature together in a setting where families can wander, look closely, and discover something around the next bend. With renovations bringing new features and refreshed artwork, even returning visitors have a reason to take another look.
“ArtsPark is a great place for families to enjoy for free every day of the year from dawn to dusk,” said Michelle O’Hollaren, Executive Vice President of Education and Innovation. “Families can experience art and nature in ways that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire creativity. We’re excited to welcome a new generation of young artists and their families to explore, discover, and create memories together.”
What’s New at ArtsPark?
Over approximately two years, ArtsPark has undergone $3.7 million in renovations. The ArtsPark renovation is part of the Indy Art Center’s capital campaign called Building Community Through Art, which raised over $8.8 million. The renovation was nearly complete when the flood hit in August. The opening was delayed about a month while repairs were made, mud and silt removed, and many of the new trees and plants replaced.
In addition to ArtsPark renovations, the campaign supported updates of the main building’s HVAC system, auditorium technology, and studio spaces and equipment, as well as improvements to the Cultural Complex on the west end of the campus. Improvements include a new boardwalk, limestone steps leading toward the riverbank, and the TogetherForever Plaza, created in memory of artists Joe and Will Lawrance.
The plaza adds another dimension to the ArtsPark experience by celebrating the lives of artists and the lasting connections that art creates within our community. The fully accessible boardwalk means everyone can enjoy ArtsPark, including those using strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, or other means. It supports the Indy Art Center’s commitment to making art and creative experiences accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Families can plan to spend time exploring the sculptures, enjoying the natural surroundings, and discussing the nature and artwork they encounter. ArtsPark is a wonderful place to introduce children to public art and encourage curiosity, creativity, and observation.
The reopening also introduces five sculptures by the late Dora Natella, who taught at Indiana University South Bend. The park also refurbished many of the existing outdoor sculptures, so familiar pieces your family loves are likely still there among the collection of 28 sculptures.
A Family Outing Fueled by Curiosity
ArtsPark was designed by architect Michael Graves as an outdoor space connecting art, artists, and the community. Its setting encourages visitors to explore sculpture alongside the surrounding landscape.
For kids, that can mean spotting an unexpected shape between the trees or deciding what a sculpture reminds them of.
One of the wonderful aspects of ArtsPark is that children can experience artwork in an outdoor setting, where art becomes part of their everyday environment. Families are encouraged to explore the sculptures together, talk about what they see, and consider how artists use different materials, shapes, and forms. Don’t forget, the sculptures are works of art, not playground equipment. No one should climb on sculptures, and parents should supervise children throughout the park.
There are many ways parents can help their children connect with art at the outdoor ArtsPark. Try giving everyone a simple challenge: Find a piece that makes you smile, something that reminds you of an animal, and a sculpture you would like to draw. Ask kids what they would name each artwork before reading its title. There are plenty of ways to start a conversation without needing to know anything about sculpture yourself.
Pack a sketchbook and pencils, or let each child choose a favorite piece to photograph. Follow posted guidance about interacting with the artwork, and stay close to young children near the river.
Celebrate at Indy’s Fall Fest
The reopening coincides with Locally Made: Indy’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 5 pm. Admission and pumpkin painting are free.
More than 50 local and regional artists will offer artwork and handmade goods, and the festival includes art activities for all ages. Families can browse the booths, meet artists, and grab something from the food trucks. Food, drinks, and purchases from vendors cost extra. Adult Make-It-Take-It experiences are also advertised separately; check the festival website for current registration details. Make something together, discover local artists, and explore the renewed park during one visit. Kids who love creating can see how many different forms art can take, then bring those ideas home.
Plan Your Visit to The Indy Art Center ArtsPark
The Indy Art Center is located at 820 East 67th Street in Broad Ripple. Beginning October 17, 2026, ArtsPark will be free and open from dawn to dusk, with access from both the Monon Trail and the Art Center parking lot. Check for updated reopening information before heading out.
Come for the reopening celebration, or plan a later visit when your family can explore at its own pace. Bring a picnic, add a stop during a Monon trail outing, or spend an afternoon seeing where the kids’ curiosity takes you. ArtsPark’s return gives Indianapolis families another place to enjoy art and fresh air together without an admission charge.
Visit indyartcenter.org/fallfest for celebration details and indyartcenter.org/artspark for park information.
