FALL is here and OCTOBER has arrived. Here is our round up of October family events and fun activities happening in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. October is jam packed with events and activities to enjoy as we head into the Halloween season. Grab your jackets – let’s go!
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Ongoing fun activities you and your family can enjoy this month:
Events Around Our City:
September 28th-October 30th
PumpkinTown at Sullivan Hardware & Garden
Kicking off our list of October family events – PumpkinTown! The Sullivan Express is heading to PumpkinTown at the Allisonville location, and you can get your tickets here before they sell out. The train runs every Wednesday through Sunday during the month of October, and you can also enjoy food and drinks, entertainment, and more. Don’t forget to decorate a pumpkin and take family photos!
September 29th-October 31st
Harvest Nights at Newfields
This “spook-tacular spectacle” returns to Newfields for the month of October! Harvest Nights is family friendly and not scary for the little ones. From the Newfields website, “Wander through fog-filled forests filled with glowing jack-o-lanterns galore in the Pumpkin Path of Peril, feel the Ghost Train rumble beneath your feet and witness The Three Graces come to life in the party of the century at Mischief Manor.” You also get to enjoy Campfire Cocoa made with Hotel Tango’s savory and sweet Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon, and snack on some caramel corn from Just Pop In!, or some Cinnamon Bavarian Créme Churros. New this year – the Mischief Manor inside the Lilly House. Get your tickets here.
October (Dates vary based on YMCA location)
Kids Night Out at YMCA
Head to your local YMCA for their KIDS NIGHT OUT EVENT. Parents, this event is perfect to allow yourself a night out on the town and the kids will be having fun too! Program activities include swimming, gym play, arts and crafts, and kid friendly movies. Dinner and snacks provided. Prices and details vary with each YMCA. Call your local YMCA for more details and date information, or click the link here.
October 1st
Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival
Free to the public, the Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival is from 11:00 am-5:00 pm and a great October family event to kick off your month. From the event page, “Listen to live music, visit the 100+ arts, crafts and food booths, take a ride with your little ones aboard the Hamilton County Parks/Ashlin Hadden Insurance Trackless Train, watch the kids play in the Kid Zone or simply experience the history and natural beauty of Potter’s Bridge Park, Noblesville’s most scenic park along the White River Greenway.”
October 1st
Celebrate Science Indiana at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Celebrate Science Indiana is Indiana’s Premier Science Festival, and they will be at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion from 9:30 am-5:00 pm. This event is a public event that “demonstrates the importance of studying science and the joy of discovery, the economic value of science, and its significance to society.” This event is free to the public and this year’s theme is “Protecting Our Earth.” Also, you can bring in old batteries to be recycled!
October 1st-2nd
Indy Jazz Fest at Garfield Park
Head to Garfield Park for the Indy Jazz Fest, Indianapolis’ celebration of jazz featuring the best in world-renowned jazz superstars to Indy’s local jazz heroes! Strollers are allowed, but check out their FAQ page for more information when planning your visit. Musical guests include 4-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper, Tank and the Bangas, Lalah Hathaway, Norman Brown, and more.
October 1st, 8th & 11th
Indy Eleven at the IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium
Support our hometown Indy Eleven team as they take on some tough competitors this month. Click on this link for more game information and to purchase tickets.
October 2nd
Indianapolis Colts versus Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium
Who doesn’t love a midday Colts football game at Lucas Oil Stadium? Our beloved Indianapolis Colts are playing the Tennessee Titans at 1:00 pm on October 2nd. Click here to get your tickets.
October 3rd
Teddy Bear Concert at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library
You can register here for a fun Teddy Bear Concert from 11:00am-12:00 pm at the Avon-Washington Township Public Library. Presented by the Indianapolis Colts and performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, this concert “introduces preschool & kindergarten students (ages 3-7) to the orchestra through story, movement, and live music.”
October 5th-October 31st
Indianapolis Zoo presents ZooBoo
Is regular October too humdrum, but haunted houses to creepy-crawly? One of our favorite October family events to experience is ZooBoo, with super-duper Halloween activities, amazing animals and pumpkins galore! ZooBoo is always a fun family experience for itty-bitty ghouls and goblins, as well as the bigger kids. October weather means active animals, colorful foliage and a new season to explore. Combine that with engaging activities, spooktacular costumes and trick-or-treating — plus the chance to boogie-woogie to a live DJ — and you’ve got an unforgettable family tradition. Woo-hoo! Check out more information on the hours as well as Pumpkin Town, Broomstick Alley, and more HERE.
October 6th
First Thursday Night at The Children’s Museum
On First Thursday Nights, you can pay $6 per person to visit either the museum with their amazing new Dinosphere exhibit or the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. And your ticket also includes access to Ask the Experts Night. This is only between the hours of 4 and 8 pm, the perfect after-hours time for families! Get your First Thursday tickets here.
October 6th
First Free Thursdays at Newfields
Newfields offers special FREE admission on the first Thursday of every month. Head over from 11am-5pm to explore the grounds and enjoy all that the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to offer. Keep an eye out for additional free admission days throughout the summer.
October 6th-30th
Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
Every Thursday through Sunday at Conner Prairie, you can have spooktacular family fun at the Headless Horseman festival, another coveted October family event. Take an adventure on the haunted hayride where you’ll get chased down by the Headless Horseman! Other fun activities include a barrel train ride for the littles, spooky shows and storytelling, carnival rides, and festival games. And don’t forget the Monster Museum. Click here for ticket prices and information.
October 7th
Family Fright Night at the Indiana State Museum
Get ready for a Family Fright Night at the Indiana State Museum! You and your family could conduct experiments that look like magic and watch the astonishing science show. Then, search for hidden clues while exploring creepy creatures of Indiana’s past. Grab a flashlight and wind your way through their chilling galleries. And don’t forget your costumes for the costume contest. Get your tickets here.
October 8th
Monument Circle Art Fair
You can teach your child how to appreciate good art during the Monument Circle Art Fair on October 8th. Local and regional artists will showcase their work around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown Indianapolis. You can enjoy delicious food from food trucks while listening to live music. And a bonus – it’s free to the public.
October 8th
14th Annual GermanFest
Join the Haus Party at the Athenaeum! You and your family can experience the tradition and culture of your German ancestors while you eat delicious food, enjoy drinks, and play games. Kids can enjoy arts & crafts at this family-friendly event. There will also be two stages of live music and entertainment. You can purchase advanced tickets until October 7th on their website.
October 8th-9th
Fall Festival at Urban Vines
Urban Vines, located in Westfield, is hosting a fun Fall Festival and you don’t want to miss it! Come for the tractor rides around the vineyard, Quack Daddy donuts, maple bacon burgers, kettle corn, and live music. Check out their website for the festival hours.
October 15th
Babies and Bumps at Sheraton Indianapolis
Calling all moms to be! Head to the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing for the 1st Bumps and Babies event. From the event website, “Our events are key to preparing for pregnancy, birth, and life with a baby. Learn from experts and tap into a world of resources for every situation you’ll face as a new parent. You’ve got this… with a little help from Babies & Bumps.” Get your tickets here.
October 15th
Twilight Fright at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
From 6:30-9:00 pm, bring your older kiddos (ages 7-14) to play outside the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® to enjoy Halloween fun. There will be a DJ, outdoor games, sports challenges, arcade games, and prizes. Get your tickets here.
October 20th
Little Haunt on the Prairie at Cool Creek Nature Center
For just $5 a person, you can join in during Little Haunt on the Prairie at “Ghoul Creek Park” on October 20th from 5:00-8:30 pm. For preschool aged children and up, the Halloween activities include a hayride, trick-or-treating, craft stations, and even live owls with a wildlife educator! And don’t forget to come in your costume. Get your tickets here.
October 22nd
Sensory Friendly Trick-or-Treat at Central Park
October 22nd-29th
Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
For 76 years, the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival has brought together thousands of residents, dozens of neighborhood organizations, and countless Eastside businesses in a fun-filled celebration of our heritage and community. The festival and its associated events are designed to bring awareness to the community, to bring commerce to local business and sponsors, and to provide fun for the children of Irvington and Indianapolis. The celebration now encompasses a week of events including a Halloween Ball, an art auction, a family movie night, a zombie bike ride, a street fair, battle of the bands, and even a seance! There is so much more, and you don’t want to miss it. Click here for more information and to see a schedule of events.
October 27th-29th
Hauntless Halloween at Holliday Park
Join the staff of Holliday Park and actors from Booth Tarkington Civic Theater for an enchantingly fun fall evening! Families hike along candlelit trails and meet magical talking forest creatures, then return to the back yard of the Nature Center for a campfire, refreshments, and activities. Registration for your time slot required – and they are filling up fast! Click HERE for more info.
October 29th
SoChatti Spooktacular Saturday
Last but not least on our list of October family events – head to SoChatti Chocolate, located at 1125 East Brookside Avenue #D2 in Indianapolis, from 10:00 am-7:00 pm for their Spooktacular Saturday event. There will be fun for all – a costume contest, spooky treats, a free photobooth, and apple cider. It’s free to attend and those wearing a costume receive 10% off chocolate activities. Even if you can’t make it to their event, you can purchase Halloween themed drop candies and chocolate dipped rice krispies from their tasting room. Yum!
Looking to get your event featured on our monthly round up? Submit all community events here to our Community Calendar!
