Looking for things to do with children in Indianapolis this summer? We have thousands of ideas on our summer bucket list and we’re sharing them over the next 101 days of summer in Indy.
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Indianapolis Summer Bucket List
Each day we’ll share our ideas for things to do with your kids. There are activities and events for all schedules. Some are free, some are cheap, and all are fun! For the past decade, we’ve published this list spanning from Memorial day through Labor day and it’s still our favorite thing to do!
While enjoying all your summer activities, tag your photos #PLAYindy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, check out our free mobile app for even more summer fun!
Summer Fun Ideas in Indy
- □ Take a Ride on a Miniature Railroad
- □ Go flower picking at these u-pick flower farms
- □ Find fresh fruit when you go Strawberry Picking
- □ Creek Stomping is tons of fun
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Indianapolis Area Favorites
These summer fun staples are favorites for families living near Indy or visiting Indianapolis on summer vacation
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- □ Spend some time exploring The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, especially the outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience
- □ Step back in time at Conner Prairie and explore their acres of history and fun
- □ Do all of the things at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis
- □ Visit the Indianapolis Zoo to see the newest residents: Alligators & Crocodiles
- □ See Indianapolis from the highest points and the best views
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- □ Explore all of the family fun in Carmel
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- □ Build a Fort or a Fairy House in the Woods
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Places to Play Inside in Indy
Indoor activities are plenty this summer, even if your typical favorites still haven’t re-opened.
- □ Visit the theater for $1 Summer Movies
- □ Shop at a Farmers’ Market for fresh food
- □ Summer Reading Programs at the libraries are in full swing
- □ Take a cooking class for kids or as a family
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- □ Indulge in one of these best Indy milkshakes
- □ Have a Tea Party
- □ Visit a children’s bookstore or local toy store
- □ Paint Pottery/Canvas
- □ Visit this DIY Tie Dye Lab
- □ Ride a Real Train
Where to Play Outside in Indy
- □ Outdoor Movies in Indy
Touch trucks and see giant equipment at these Indy Touch a Truck events - □ Drive In to These Movie Theaters
- □ Summer Concerts in Indianapolis
- □ Pools, Splash Parks, & Water Slides
- □ Sailing in Indy
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- □ Go Fishing
- □ Spend the Day at the Beach
- □ Blueberry Picking
- □ Visit an Amazing Garden
- □ Go on a Nighttime Adventure
- □ Visit a Farm Near Indy
- □ Watch the Stars
- □ Go Innertubing
- □ See Baby Animals
- □ Try a New Park
- □ Horse Around with Horses
- □ Rent a rowboat at a State Park
- □ Have a Picnic
- □ Visit a Nature Center/Park
- □ Mini Golf with Kids
- □ Cruise the Cultural Trail
- □ Experience a Balloon Glow
- □ Watch Fireworks
- □ Geocaching with Kids
- □ Take a Hike
- □ Art Parks & Sculpture Gardens
- □ Eat on the Roof/Up High
- □ Apple Picking
- □ Ride a Bike
- □ Go Fly a Kite in Indy
- □ Visit the Story Walk
Sports Events and Recreation in Indy
- □ Colts Training Camp
- □ Archery with Kids
- □ Summer Sports
- □ Free Bowling for Kids
- □ Indoor Swimming
- □ Try Duckpin Bowling
- □ AlleyCats Ultimate Disc Team
- □ Roller Skating
- □ Kids Gyms
- □ Ice Skating
- □ Places to Climb Something
- □ Have a Yummy Treat
- □ Vacation Bible School
- □ Play late at the Sports Legends Experience
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Day Trip or Take a Road Trip Near Indy
Swim in the quarry and camp at Natural Springs Resort
Spend the weekend in Santa Claus, Indiana and play at Holiday World
Visit Kings Island amusement park
Hit the road for a weekend of family fun in St. Louis
Go waterfall chasing at these waterfalls in Indiana
Play all day or all weekend at these family friendly places in Richmond
Spend a day at the beach at Indiana Dunes
Explore and adventure in French Lick
Road trip to Chicago for family fun and the American Girl store
Join the pack at Wolf Park
Go caving in southern Indiana
Take a ranch tour and wagon ride at a bison farm
Rent a cabin and play at the Abe Martin Lodge Aquatic Center
Take a safari at the Wilds wild animal park
Plan a weekend getaway to the Petoskey area
