When the sun shines and the temps are tolerable, there are so many playground options around central Indiana. But as we all know here in the Midwest, our weather can be unpredictable and outdoor play is not always an option. Around Indianapolis, we are fortunate that we have so many places in our community that provide free indoor play spaces for families. If you’re looking for an “indoor playground near me,” we’ve rounded up all your Indy-area options!
Tips for Visiting Indoor Playgrounds
- Most of these indoor playgrounds have large climbing structures. Plan to bring socks, as venues may request or require that participants wear them.
- Some, but not all, indoor playgrounds require adults to sign a waiver and show ID before their kids can play. Don’t forget your ID, just in case!
- Particularly on days with inclement weather, there might be times when the playgrounds are at capacity and you’ll have to wait for others to leave. Some facilities offer small toys or coloring to keep waiting kiddos entertained. Mentally prepare your kids to be patient by letting them know of this possibility.
- Be courteous to other families by always supervising your children and cleaning up after yourselves, especially if you bring snacks.
- Keep in mind that most of these facilities are staffed by volunteers! Please understand that hours may change due to staffing shortages. Host churches and community centers tend to notify the public of these changes, as well as closures due to weather and special events, on their websites or through social media. We always recommend calling ahead to be safe.
Ready to spend a too-hot, too-cold, or rainy day at an exciting indoor playground? Here’s a list of 9 totally free options for your family to enjoy in central Indiana.
Central Indiana Free Indoor Playground Near Me
The Park at Traders Point Church
6590 S. Indianapolis Road, Whitestown
The Park at Traders Point Church is HUGE! Big kids will love the multilevel play structure with slides, obstacles, and a mini zip-line. There is a separate, smaller play area designated for children 3 and younger. The Park also has free WIFI and plenty of picnic tables where families can relax and eat snacks. Adults do need to bring a government-issued ID and complete a registration for entry.
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church is a popular spot for families in Hendricks County. The centerpiece of the play space is a large tree-inspired structure with slides. The space also offers a separate area for infants and young toddlers. Ride-on toys and trikes are available for children to use.
There is plenty of seating available for adults watching their little ones play, as well as a kitchen area that provides refreshments for families to enjoy. At publishing, this playground is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Well Community Center
554 Pit Rd, Brownsburg
The Well Community Church in Brownsburg offers a play space made entirely of repurposed materials. Children will love playing on the multi-level climbing structure and going down the slides. They also have riding toys, games, and lots of other playthings for children. There are tables available for those who bring snacks or lunch.
The space can be rented for parties and events and Thursdays are Private Family Fun Days when the Center can be reserved for 2 hours for just $30.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church – Fishers
13450 E. 116th St, Fishers
The vibrant indoor playground at Cornerstone Lutheran Church features separate climbing structures for big kids and toddlers. Both have slides and age-appropriate obstacles and activities.
In addition to the fun indoor play space, the church also has family-friendly events including a weekly kid’s story time on Fridays in their Education Hallway. These story hours consist of songs, crafts, and a Bible story. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for monthly Donuts with Dad events, typically held on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Cornerstone Lutheran Church – Indianapolis
2837 E. New York St., Indianapolis
Twice a week, the Indy Cornerstone Lutheran Church location opens up its large gymnasium filled with activities including ride-on toys, games, a wooden playset, a kitchen set, and foam blocks for kids to enjoy. At publishing, this space is open to the public only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Center at Northview Christian Church
623 N. State Road 39, Danville
Opened in April 2023, this indoor playground in Hendricks County is unlike anything else you will find in the area. The huge, wide-open space at The Center at Northview boasts a large indoor turf field, a 3 lane walking track, and a large multi-level climbing structure for children. All are free to the community during open hours.
The playground has so many different elements for kids to explore including a swing, slide, and bouncing seats. A wooden perimeter with bench seating surrounds the climbing structure. Kids are welcome to bring their own balls or use those that are provided on the turf field. Adults will find plenty of space to sit and there is a coffee shop on-site that offers refreshments and snacks for purchase.
Christ Community Church Play Area
4770 E. Main Street, Carmel
The play area at Carmel’s Christ Community Church is specifically designed for kids ages 10 and under. The play space features a big kid climbing structure, a toddler area with play mats and large foam shapes to climb on, and animal sensory boards on the wall.
There is also an outdoor playground for kids to enjoy when the weather is appropriate. At publishing, the play area is available on Monday and Tuesday mornings. This playground is on the smaller side and can only accommodate 20 kids at a time.
The Commons Indoor Playground
300 Washington St., Columbus
The Commons is an indoor playground located in downtown Columbus near the kidscommons children’s museum and Zaharakos, an antique ice cream parlor. What makes this indoor playground so popular is the 35-foot-tall Luckey Climber comprised of 50 platforms that kids climb from the floor to the ceiling.
There are separate areas for different age groups. You can find age-appropriate play apparatus for toddlers from 6 months to 2 years old, preschoolers 2 to 5 years old, and school-age kids from ages 5 to 12. Kids can also explore a light tunnel, musical interactives, foam climbing structures, and slides throughout the space.
No food or drinks are allowed in the playground area and shoes are required to be worn at all times.
The Playzone at the Community Center at AFC
2301 Meridian Street, Anderson
The Playzone is designed for children 2 to 12 years of age and it is located at Anderson First Church of the Nazarene. The giant jungle gym is 40 feet long, 27 feet wide, and 24 feet high with five levels of fun. You’ll find slides, climbing features, tunnels, bridges, and a rock wall. Younger kids can retreat to a preschool zone just for them.
The church also has a Creative Space, which is a fully ADA-accessible arts and crafts area with an art desk and a Lego table designed for adaptive seating needs. The Community Center also offers refreshments and snacks for purchase at the Luna Coffee Bar. The coffee bar is also where you can check out sporting equipment for the outdoor basketball and pickleball courts.
The Playzone can be rented for private birthday parties. Daily hours seem to vary by month, so make sure to check their website for availability. Adults need to bring a government-issued ID for entry.
Indoor playgrounds are great spaces to bring families and friends together. We are so grateful for the churches and community centers in Central Indiana that have created these safe environments for locals and visitors to enjoy.
If you hear of a new indoor play space opening in your area, be sure to share it with us!
Find even more indoor play places on Indy with Kids.
Looking for a place to hold a children’s birthday party in Indianapolis? Check out our Indy Birthday Party Guide.
6 thoughts on “Free Indoor Playground Near Me | 9 Options For When the Weather Won’t Cooperate”
Main Street at Crossroads isn’t open to the public anymore. They are hosting a daycare there now, and don’t schedule open play days in the summer.
THanks for letting me know!
Pingback: 31 Things to do in May in Indy
Pingback: Places to Play Inside in Indianapolis | Indy Indoor Play Places
Pingback: 101 Days of Summer in Indy | 101 Things to do with your kids
Pingback: Indy with Kids | Start Here