Having your children spend time with their grandparents is so beneficial to their development. They gain independence, learn all kinds of new things, and get close to somebody else who loves them. Grandparents also cherish this time with their grandchildren. If you’re trying to think of ideas for activities to do, we’ve got 20 Awesome Things To Do With Grandchildren Indianapolis Edition right here for you. Explore Indianapolis and the grandparent-grandchild bond!
20 Awesome Things To Do With Grandchildren Indianapolis Edition
Grandparent’s Guide to Indianapolis with Toddlers and Preschoolers
Toddlers, preschoolers, and even the littlest ones love spending time with grandparents. The toddler/preschool set will love showing off to Grandma and Grandpa while playing in these escape-free zones.
Catch a Barnes & Noble Storytime
Head to the kid’s section at Barnes & Noble for storytime followed by a craft. Children love the reading stage and exploring the children’s train table and toys afterward. Barnes & Noble storytimes are free!
Visit the World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery
Do you want to visit the World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery, as certified by Guinness World Records? Check out amazing art by local students in the cute little house on Main Street in Carmel.
Dive Into the Largest Ball Pit Around at Smiley’s
Smiley Indoor Playground & Arcade is all-day fun for the little ones! Besides the giant ball pit, there are trampolines, slides, interactive wall-screen games, a sand pit, virtual reality, ball cannons, a designated toddler area, and an arcade.
Pet Animals at a Local Farm
Have a magical animal encounter at a local petting zoo. Ride a horse, pet a goat, go bird watching, or visit a local nature center.
Dig up Some Sand
I bet you didn’t know there are lots of places to play in the sand in Indiana! From beaches to sand play spots, you’ll have a blast digging!
Play at The Best Parks in Indianapolis
Check out our list of the Top 12 Parks In & Near Indy and explore one or all of them! Central Indiana has so many amazing parks to choose from!
Make Something Together at Home Depot
Put together a bird feeder or a pencil holder at Home Depot. They offer Free Workshops on Saturday mornings and provide the supplies, aprons, and tools!
Grandparent’s Guide to Indianapolis with Kids
Older kids in the house? Never fear, send them out with the grandparents to these cool enough-to-tell-your-friends-about spots. Animal lover or party animal, the choice is yours.
Hang Out With Cats at Nine Lives Cat Café
Nine Lives Cat Café is home to many adoptable cats in Indy. Make a reservation to snuggle, cuddle, and play with them. Enjoy a beverage or snack from the café. Or just come out and observe from the window.
Exotic Feline Rescue Center
This is no zoo. The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) is a working big-cat rescue environment that houses tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, bobcats, and more. While all ages are welcome, they require children under 5 to be held or in a stroller at all times and a visit to the rescue includes an hour-long walking tour outside. Plan ahead for food – the only refreshments offered are water and soda.
Go Retro at Boss Battle Games and Pinball
Pay one fee and stay all day to play Nintendo, racing, pinball, hoops, and more at Boss Battle Games in the Castleton Square Mall.
All Aboard!
Central Indiana has many train rides, train-themed events, train car hotel rooms, train activities, museums, exhibits, and more. Hop aboard a real working train for an unforgettable ride.
Hang With Kangaroos
Head to the Indianapolis Zoo for a day of adventure! Don’t miss Kangaroo Crossing where you can hang out with and feed red kangaroos!
Watch a Drive-In Movie
Grandparents probably know the ins and outs of drive-in theaters! Find your nearest drive-in and have an outdoor adventure.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Who doesn’t love bonding over delicious donuts? At Pana Donuts Coffee & Boba Tea, you have your choice of dozens of donuts, boba tea, coffee, tea, smoothies, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and more. There are several locations in Central Indiana.
Catch Sunfish
Take the kids fishing! Kids love casting a line into a pond and reeling in their catch! There are some great places to go fishing in Central Indiana!
Swim Time at an Indoor Swimming Pool
Get to an Indy-area indoor water park or pool. Everything from school pools with open swim times to full-on water parks are available year-round in our great city. Be sure to call ahead or check the website for updated operation times and prices.
Kids Eat Free
Take the kids to dinner somewhere where Kids Eat Free! We’ve got a whole list of restaurants offering free meals for kids by day and location. Check it out!
Go Duckpin Bowling
Spend a day at The Bottleworks District and go duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical. The balls are small and light, unlike traditional bowling balls and you don’t have to wear special shoes. It’s a ton of fun!
Game Day
Cheer on the home team by taking in a game. No matter your sport, Indy has something to offer your family. Bulldog fan? Make time for a men’s or women’s tournament basketball game at Butler University. Catch some baseball at Victory Field watching the Indianapolis Indians. Big-time soccer gets underway in April when the Indy Eleven take the field. Like hockey? The Indy Fuel is on the ice for chilly family fun. See team websites for schedules and ticket information.
Shuffleboard at Midtown Plaza Carmel
There’s so much to do at Midtown Plaza Carmel. On top of the restaurants, shops, and outdoor seating, there are lots of games to play as a family. Play shuffleboard, bocce ball, ping pong, or play at the playground along the Monon Trail.
FREE SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES IN INDY
Are you planning on spending time with your grandchildren soon? What are your favorite things to do with grandchildren Indianapolis? Share your comments and photos 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!
