Summer is here and the kids are out of school! No more homework or packed lunches – HOORAY. It also means hours of time with your beloved kiddos. If you are looking for affordable and fun ways to stay busy and explore our city, look no further! Our team has created the frugal and free summer guide for you and your family.
Free Summer Meals – Make sure to check out our Free Summer Meal Guide for information on where and when school districts and organizations in Indianapolis are providing free meals for children 18 and younger.
Garfield Park Conservatory – General admission to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory is $4 per person, with kids two and under free. Some free upcoming events include Critter Chat and Garden Storytime!
Summer Concerts – If you haven’t experienced a free park concert, check out our lineup of concert series hosted all around Indianapolis!
Fun Factory – It costs $2-$10 a person to skate at Fun Factory (depending on the day), a roller and inline skating facility located on the southside of Indianapolis. They’ve also got $2 Tuesdays and Pizza Wednesdays!
Indy Parks Pools & Splash Pads – There is water fun in every part of our wonderful city and surrounding areas. Make it an adventure, try them all! Also, make sure to check out our Splash Pad Guide for a full list of splash pads and water fun in Indy and surrounding areas.
Indianapolis Public Library – The Library is a great first stop for free summer fun! Check out their events and activities page for ideas. Also, check out their kids & teens summer reading program as well as their adults summer reading program.
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park – Also known as the 100 Acres Art Park, this public interactive art park located along Newfields is completely free and has art projects and exhibitions galore.
Carousel Corner – This year, Carousel Corner opened May 4th. Don’t miss out! Located in Noblesville, you can celebrate summer with carousel rides for $2, and mini golf for $3.
Farmers’ Markets – Our list has all the local farmers’ markets listed for you and your family to enjoy.
The Treehouse Children’s Center – Located in Plainfield at the Plainfield Christian Church, the Treehouse is an indoor playground, perfect for the hottest summer days, for all the families in the community to enjoy.
Holliday Park – What’s not to love about this place? They have their awesome nature center, the ruins, trails, and the playground is a favorite of the kids.
Roots Burger Bar – Kids 12 and younger eat free on Tuesdays at Roots Burger Bar, located on Gray Road in Carmel. Enjoy their burgers!
The Park at Traders Point Christian Church – Bring “socks and smiles” to this indoor playground. They just extended their summer hours and there is no cost to play!
Indiana State Museum Canal Nights – Once a month during summer, the Indiana State Museum offers a fun themed program on the canal. “Stop by to play games, decorate your very own solar oven, make beaded UV bracelets, paint with water and explore a water sensory table.” The event is free with $4 parking.
Daniel’s Vineyard Trivia Wednesdays – A fun, free event (that’s also family-friendly!) is trivia night at Daniel’s Vineyard. Trivia starts at 6:00, so gather your friends and have a great time.
Lowe’s Kids Workshops – The Noblesville location hosts a fun kids workshop, and they have one coming up soon! Check back to the link in case you missed it for upcoming workshops.
Indianapolis Indians games – Take your family out to a ballgame with this great deal! Check out their Daily Deals here – there is no shortage of fun daily deals at Victory Field.
The Roller Cave – Located on the eastside of Indianapolis, The Roller Cave is another fun local skating facility offering free admission to kiddos. Check out their website to confirm what days they offer Kidz FunSkate.
Goodrich Quality Theaters – This chain of theaters is hosting a Summer Family Flicks movie series through mid-August, and they’re completely free!
Ignite Studio at the Fishers Library – If you haven’t experienced Ignite Studio, you must. They have 3D printing, clay, jewelry making, and more. It’s all free and you don’t need a library card.
Traders Point Creamery – I want to take my family on a self-guided tour of Traders Point Creamery (including watching cows get milked!) and last I heard, they were only $2 per person. You get a pass and a map to explore their beautiful grounds.
Kids Bowl Free – When the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans, head indoors and go bowling, for free at select bowling alleys!
Midtown Plaza Carmel – Surrounded by shops in the old industrial area in Carmel, Midtown Plaza has free activities, too. There is an interactive play area with outdoor billiards, ping-pongs, and cornhole.
Indiana State Fair – We LOVE the fair! Take advantage of this deal and purchase your tickets early.
Summer Movie Express at Regal Theaters – The tickets for 2024 Summer Movie Express are just $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check the link for select locations.
Creek Stomping – If you haven’t checked out our round-up of the best places to creek stomp, what are you waiting for? It’s free and so much fun.
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre – For $12 and under, you can enjoy a movie from your car! Check the link for movies and showtimes.
CR Heroes Family Pub – Kids eat FREE every Tuesday night at CR Heroes, located in Fishers (with each adult meal purchase of $10 or more). Bonus, they have face painting and balloon animals!
The Well Community Center – Located at the Well Community Church in Brownsburg, the Well Center was created for family fun time. You can go during their hours open to the public, or reserve a private play time.
Share with us! Where do you go for frugal and free fun in Indianapolis?
