Looking for something fun to do with the kids today? Thursday has free movies, toddler activities, live music, a farmers market, and a few easy ways to turn an ordinary weekday into something special.
Things to Do in Indianapolis on Thursday, August 27, 2026
🐾 Watch PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie for free in Carmel
🦊 Explore Indiana animals during Toddler Time at the Indiana State Museum
🎨 Pair stories and drawing at Polklore Micro-Museum
🎻 Hear the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for free at Riverside Park
🎸 Catch the final Speedway summer concert of the season
🍅 Shop the last Thursday Whitestown Farmers Market and let the kids hit the splash pad
Here are some fun things to do with kids around Indianapolis today.
Movies at Midtown: PAW Patrol – The Mighty Movie
Thursday, August 27, 2026
12:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Midtown Plaza, 365 Monon Blvd., Carmel
Free
Ages: All ages
Calling all PAW Patrol fans! Midtown Plaza is showing PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie twice today, giving families both a lunchtime and evening option.
Bring blankets or chairs and settle in for a free outdoor movie in Carmel.
Toddler Time: Indiana Animals
Thursday, August 27, 2026
10:00 – 11:00 am
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Included with general admission
Ages: 18–36 months with a caregiver
More Information
Little ones can get hands-on while learning about animals found right here in Indiana. Toddler Time is designed specifically for children ages 18–36 months and their caregivers, with age-appropriate activities and exploration.
Check current museum admission pricing before you go.
Storytelling & Drawing
Thursday, August 27, 2026
1:30 pm
Polklore Micro-Museum at the Harrison Center, Indianapolis
Check current pricing
Ages: Check with venue
Spend part of the afternoon listening, imagining, and creating during this recurring Thursday program at Polklore Micro-Museum. Storytelling and drawing come together for a creative experience in this unique little museum space.
Whitestown Farmers Market
Thursday, August 27, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Main Street Park, 4286 S. Main St., Whitestown
Free to attend
Ages: All ages
This is the final Thursday market of the 2026 season, so it’s a good night to squeeze in one more visit.
Shop local vendors, listen to live music, and let the kids cool off at the splash pad while you’re there.
Speedway Summer Concert Series: The Skids
Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Ziegelmueller Pavilion at Meadowood Park, Speedway
Free
Ages: All ages
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy one last Speedway summer concert. The Skids close out the Town of Speedway’s free 2026 concert series tonight.
Indy Parks Summer Concert Series: Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Thursday, August 27, 2026
7:00 pm
Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre at Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Pkwy., Indianapolis
Free
Ages: All ages
End the day with live music under the summer sky. The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performs at the beautiful Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre as part of Indy Parks’ free summer concert series.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs and make an evening of it.
A Few Easy Anytime Options
If your family needs something flexible rather than a scheduled event, several Indianapolis attractions are open today too.
Indianapolis Zoo
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Check current admission prices
Ages: All ages
Spend a few hours visiting the animals, aquarium, and White River Gardens.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Check current hours
3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Check current admission prices
Ages: All ages
A classic choice when you need an indoor adventure with plenty to keep kids busy for several hours.
Newfields
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis
Check current admission prices
Ages: All ages
The main museum, galleries, and gardens are open. The outdoor Art & Nature Park remains closed for White River flood recovery, with no reopening date announced as of this writing.
Indiana State Museum
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Check current admission prices
Ages: All ages
Explore Indiana history, science, culture, and hands-on exhibits during the museum’s regular Wednesday hours.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
4750 W. 16th St., Indianapolis
Check current admission prices
Ages: All ages
Explore Indy 500 history, racing memorabilia, and iconic cars at the IMS Museum.
Eagle Creek Park
Dawn to dusk
7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis
Vehicle entry fee
Ages: All ages
Spend the day hiking, visiting the nature center, or enjoying the beach and other outdoor spaces.
What Are You Doing in Indianapolis with Kids Today?
Whether you’re watching PAW Patrol outdoors, taking a toddler to the museum, hitting a farmers market, or spreading out a blanket for a free concert, there are some really fun ways to spend this Thursday together.
Indy with Kids is not associated with these events, programs, or attractions unless otherwise noted. Event details, hours, prices, registration requirements, and schedules can change. Please call ahead or check with the event organizer or attraction before you go for schedule changes, cancellations, registration requirements, and other updates. Indy with Kids is not responsible for losses associated with attending an event or attraction.
