If you listen really closely, you can hear the collective sigh that marks the end of December. Parents all around are celebrating the end of another busy holiday season. Things will be a little more low-key in the next couple of months, but we know you still need ideas for things to do with kids. We’ve got a list of 20 Cheap Things to Do in Indianapolis JANUARY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES. As families rebuild savings accounts and recover from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’ll be nice to enjoy some free or cheap activities this month.
In our list of Indianapolis January events & activities, you’ll find awesome ideas for things to do with the family, from a kids’ night out to free museum days and ways to celebrate Chinese New Year and Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Make sure to check Indy With Kids often because we’ll be adding all kinds of events to the calendar as they’re released.
20 Cheap Things to Do with Kids
Indianapolis January Events & Activities
Embrace the Cold at Freezefest 2025
Head south the Bloomington for Freezefest 2025. The FREE event features ice sculptures, a chili cookoff, and delectable treats from vendors.
Cheer on Local Heroes at the Carmel Winter Games
Witness the Carmel Festival of Ice and cheer on local hometown heroes during the Hero Olympics at the Carmel Winter Games. Festivities are FREE to attend.
Make Origami
Drop in at Ignite Studio on January 19th to make origami gift boxes. The FREE activity at the Hamilton East Public Library is available all day.
Enjoy a Free Kids Meal
Head out to a Restaurant Where Kids Eat Free this November! We’ve got a list sorted by day of the week for restaurant locations throughout Central Indiana.
Become a Ninja at Wrights Gymnastics
Do backflips, scale the warped wall, jump on the trampolines, balance on the beams, and get all of your crazy energy out at Wrights Gymnastics & NinjaZone.
Celebrate Chinese New Year
Celebrate Chinese New Year by learning about the tradition with your kids at the library or head to the Indianapolis Central Library for a FREE Lunar Year Festival performance.
Ice Skating Downtown
Hit the ice at the beautiful Elevance Health Rink on Bicentennial Unity Plaza downtown for some outdoor ice skating and ice bocce.
Teeny Tiny Toes Dance Classes
Take your wee little one to the Greenwood Community Center for Teeny Tiny Toes dance classes on Tuesdays.
Join Chess Club
Join Coach C on the first and third Wednesdays of each month to learn and play chess with the Indy Reads Chess Club.
Owl Prowl at Starkey Park
Enjoy a twilight adventure at Starkey Park in Zionsville on January 11th as you look and listen for owls and other nocturnal creatures.
Go Snow Tubing
Head to Koteewi Seasonal Slopes to zoom down snow tubing slopes in Noblesville. There’s even a rope lift to bring you and your tube back up the hill!
Yugioh Tournament
Enter into the Yugioh Tournament on January 22nd at 6:30 pm. For $5, you can battle it out at Hometown Comics & Games in Greenfield!
Visit the Museum for Free
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, visit various Indianapolis museums for free! You probably have the day off of school anyway! Check out the list of participating museums here.
Tot Time at Krannert Family Center
Bring your toddler to Tot Time at Krannert Family Center from 10 am to 12 pm every Tuesday and Friday to play on tumbling mats, foam shapes, and other toddler-friendly equipment.
Bingo Singo! on the Vineyard
Belt out your best Rock and Roll at Bingo Singo! Come on out to Daniel’s Vineyard every Thursday in January at 6 pm to participate! Come early to grab dinner and a glass a wine.
Kids’ Night Out at Wright’s
Drop your children off at Kids’ Night Out at Wright’s Fundamentals on January 11th and enjoy an adult night out. Kids will be entertained, fed, and wiped out by the time you pick them up. There are two themed KNOs per month, per studio and your kids will be dying to attend both!
Sensory Swim at Benjamin Harrison YCMA
Join the Sensory Swim at noon every first and third Sunday at the Benjamin Harrison YMCA. During this session, light and sound will be limited to create a less stressful and calming environment.
Volunteer as a Family
After being showered with gifts for the past couple of months, take some time to volunteer with your kids at a local organization.
Watch the MLK Light Projection Show
Visit Monument Circle to watch the special MLK Light Projection Show and Presentation nightly, followed by the Shining a Light show.
Embark on a StoryWalk
Walk along community paths and trails while you enjoy a visual story with your family. StoryWalks are set up in various places in Central Indiana. Fall in love with a great story this month!
If you’re looking for other winter activity ideas, check out nearby skiing and snowboarding slopes. For an epic adventure closer to home, visit the Koteewi Seasonal Slopes for snow tubing, check out a local sledding hill, pick one of our 100 winter break activity recommendations, or think about all of the possible ways to play in the snow and places to play in the snow in Indianapolis. Need ideas of things to do when snowed in? Take your pick from these 100+ indoor fun ideas to do with kids.
Had a lot of family time throughout the holidays? Plan your next date night with 50 Cheap Winter Date Night Ideas
What are your favorite things to do in January in Indianapolis? Do you have other ideas of cheap things to do or other Indianapolis January events and activities? Share your comments and pictures of your favorite Indianapolis January events and activities with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
