What was once a small movement of pioneering families has grown into a full-fledged educational phenomenon. Since 2020, homeschooling has exploded throughout the United States and Indiana is no exception. According to Census data, the number of school-age children whose families report that they are being homeschooled has doubled from 5% to 10% in the post-pandemic years.
Are you one of these families in Central Indiana? Are you looking for “homeschool activities near me?” Community organizations and businesses are responding to the growth of the homeschooling movement and have added programs, activities, and classes during normal school hours that cater specifically to home-educated children and their families. If you’re searching for extra-curricular classes or supplementary daytime programs to attend with your kids, this list is for you!
Despite its name, homeschooling doesn’t always mean staying home! Claim one of the biggest joys of homeschooling for your family by spending some of that extra time together exploring the world around you.
Educational and Extracurricular Homeschool Activities Near Me
Parks, libraries, and other community organizations are offering more and more educational opportunities for homeschoolers. Most are free or very low-cost. Let our list get you started, but keep an eye on seasonal program guides in your area for more detailed information on “homeschool activities near me.”
If you’re looking for daytime extracurricular classes, there are a growing number of options for these as well! Your kids will benefit from social time with other homeschooled children and you’ll pay fees similar to those charged for the venue’s typical classes. We’ve found homeschool sports, art, music, dance, and more popping up around Indy. We expect our list to grow over time, right along with the Central Indiana homeschool community!
*Please note that programs and events mentioned represent opportunities available at the time of publishing. These often change seasonally or may be canceled for a variety of reasons by their host organization. As always, Indy with Kids recommends verifying information with the venue directly.
Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Public Library offers occasional programs for homeschoolers. At the time of publishing, we found a social Homeschool Meet-Up at the Haughville Branch on the calendar, as well as an educational program on Renewable Energy at the Glendale Branch. The library also has a growing collection of homeschool curricula and resources available to borrow. Search “Homeschool” in the Library’s event calendar for current opportunities.
Indianapolis Parks and Recreation hosts Homeschool Explorers programs at Holliday Park. These events are recommended for ages 5-12 and their “tagalong siblings.” There is a small fee charged.
Homeschool Jamboree is held twice each year at Eagle Creek Park. Kids rotate between four environmental education classes during these events. Registration is required and fills up quickly! A quick search for “Homeschool” in the online activity guide can lead you to more information about upcoming events through Indy Parks.
The Indiana State Museum has a strong roster of homeschool programs you’ll want to check out. Choose from 2-hour family classes and half-day drop-off programs for kids ages 6-13, and activities just for homeschooled teens. Each is offered monthly, with a new theme for each class. Fees range from $15-30 per child.
The museum’s inaugural Homeschool Day is scheduled for August 21, 2024. You can also find homeschool programs planned at State Historic Sites across Indiana – perfect for a field trip!
Homeschool groups of 10 or more participants can qualify for free field trips at the State Museum. Members of the Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE) also receive free admission every day.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has monthly homeschool classes, focusing on a new topic each month. Topics range from robotics to chemistry to biology to art. Members receive a discount on registration! You’ll also find lesson plans and experiment ideas, including free downloadable unit studies based on exhibits at the Children’s Museum.
North of Indy | Homeschool Activities Near Me
The Fishers YMCA has developed a daytime PE class just for homeschooled students. Kids can learn the basics of a variety of games and recreational activities in these 45-minute, weekly sessions. Members receive a discount on registration fees.
The Westfield Washington Public Library is championing the homeschool community by providing an impressive list of supplemental classes and resources for all ages. Classes are affordably priced and include subjects such as Drama, Language Arts, Chess, Math, Social Studies, and more. The Homeschool Packet compiled by the Westfield Library is packed full of info about local homeschool groups, clubs, sports teams, and more.
Conner Prairie’s Homeschool Days are popular and book up early! Scheduled 3-4 times throughout the school year, these events allow homeschool families to visit the living history museum for a deeply discounted rate. One “teacher” attends free with each student.
In addition to Homeschool Days, Conner Prairie has a growing roster of homeschool activities. Try the Wheel Thrown Pottery class, Curious By Nature monthly outdoor programs, or Stay & Play winter activity time.
Both the Noblesville and Fishers branches of the Hamilton East Public Library frequently feature homeschool-specific activities on their calendar. Board game enthusiasts can find their people at monthly gatherings and families can register for educational programming like Living Wax Museums and Mad Scientists classes.
At DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics, daytime homeschool “Co-op at DeVeau’s” classes are available a few times a week. Learn more about tuition and specific skills taught in these multi-age classes on DeVeau’s website.
uPaint Pottery has Homeschool Art Day once per month during the school year. Each month features a new project and art skill. At the time of publishing, the cost is $15 per student which includes everything for the class from instruction to supplies to firing fees. uPaint Pottery has locations in Greenwood, Plainfield, and Noblesville, and all participate in Homeschool Art Day.
Mountain Martial Arts and Wellness Center is located in the Village of West Clay in Carmel. Homeschool students ages 8-14 can register for daytime classes. Learn self-defense while also building confidence, respect, discipline, and concentration.
Pearson Automotive Tennis Club in Zionsville provides youth tennis classes for students ages 6-17 with daytime availability. Each class has a minimum of 4 students and is grouped by age and playing level, giving your child a chance to learn alongside peers. All are welcome to register, but discounts are available for members of the tennis club.
South | Homeschool Activities Near Me
uPaint Pottery has Homeschool Art Day once per month during the school year. Each month features a new project and art skill. At the time of publishing, the cost is $15 per student which includes everything for the class from instruction to supplies to firing fees. uPaint Pottery has locations in Greenwood, Plainfield, and Noblesville, and all participate in Homeschool Art Day.
The Johnson County Public Library system holds regular Homeschool Hangouts and other events at multiple branches, including Clark Pleasant, White River, Trafalgar, and Franklin. While many of the library’s homeschool programs are primarily social, some have an educational focus and most are centered around a fun activity or story. Search “Homeschool” on the library events calendar to see upcoming opportunities.
East | Homeschool Activities Near Me
Tuttle Orchards incorporates a lot of homeschool classes into their events calendar. Throughout the year, homeschool families can register individually for events designed for groups with a mixed age range. In the fall, you can find Apple and Pumpkin Tours, while springtime brings programs focused on agriculture and gardening. If you want to bring your group of 15 or more students, you can schedule a private tour at Tuttles for your group or co-op.
The New Palestine Branch of the Hancock County Library hosts Teen Storymakers, a creative writing club that meets monthly on Tuesday afternoons. Currently, these drop-in events are the only homeschool programs on the calendar, but keep an eye out for future offerings!
West | Homeschool Activities Near Me
uPaint Pottery has Homeschool Art Day once per month during the school year. Each month features a new project and art skill. At the time of publishing, the cost is $15 per student which includes everything for the class from instruction to supplies to firing fees. uPaint Pottery has locations in Greenwood, Plainfield, and Noblesville, and all participate in Homeschool Art Day.
Washington Township Parks and Recreation hosts a seasonally-inspired “Homeschool Series” of programs. Keep an eye on their activity guide for current offerings. As a sample, Fall 2024 features programs for ages 5-14 on pollinators, isopods, mushrooms, fall colors, and wilderness survival. Events are held multiple times each month for two hours at Pecar Nature Center.
Watch the program guide for Hendricks County Parks and Recreation for daytime educational programs for homeschoolers. For example, during the summer of 2024, McCloud Nature Park hosted the Homeschool Ecology series. Each 2-hour event for school-aged kids had a unique, nature-themed topic. Be aware that there may be a small fee associated. Be sure to register early for upcoming events!
We’re on the lookout for more great “homeschool activities near me!” Check back here for updates as we discover new options and let us know in the comments where you’ve found cool events for homeschoolers in Indy.
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