100 things to do this summer in Indianapolis
Thanks to Indy Parks and Recreation, we present this enormous list of 100 things to do this Summer in Indianapolis.
Skip the Google scroll and bookmark this for all of the “we’re bored” days!
100 things to do this Summer in Indianapolis
...indoors
Sign up for the Kids Bowl Free summer bowling program.
Beat a rainy day indoors with this list of best places to play.
Cool off with ice skating at a local indoor rink.
Race into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Investigate the Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum.
Try a new fitness class (Bonus: Some even have childcare!).
Peek the Indiana State Police Museum.
Visit the Eiteljorg Museum and check out the Family Experience Area.
Rent out a local theatre for friends and family.
Hit up IKEA. With kids.
Save with discounts at select Indy’s favorite attractions thanks to Visit Indy’s Indy Attraction Pass.
Pick up a new plant at a local plant shop (maybe The Botanical Bar!). (Here are some tips.)
Visit North Mass Boulder, a one-of-a-kind climbing gym + co-working space in downtown Indy.
Check out the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Go duckpin bowling in Fountain Square.
Sign up for the Summer Reading Program at your local library.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from Lick ice cream, located inside the Garage Food Hall.
Staycation at Ironworks Hotel.
Join theCityMoms (now free!) and get access to unique indoor events and play dates for the summer!
...outdoors
21. Don't miss the Indiana State Fair.
22. Splash, float the lazy river, or surf the FlowRider at The Monon Waterpark.
23. Grab your catcher's mitt for a night with the Indy Indians.
24. Peek in on the fascinating - and free -Eskenazi Health Sky Farm.
25. Catch a show on the lawn (or amphitheater) at White River State Park.
26. Take a crew for the NASCAR Cup Series 400 at the Brickyard in August.
27. Hit up a local splash park or spray pad (Opening early on May 20th - thanks to Indy Parks!).
28. Sing along to the ISO Symphony on the Prairie at Conner Prairie.
29. Try a new mini-golf course.
30. Scout our 2023-2024 Colts team at the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp.
31. Check out the iconic Holliday Park, and don’t forget to Rock the Ruins.
32. Take to the trees and climb Treetop Outpost at Conner Prairie.
33. Peruse the history inside Crown Hill Cemetery.
34. Take in the sites and sounds of the farm at Traders Point Creamery.
35. Rent bikes from the Indianapolis Pacers Bikeshare and ride the Cultural Trail.
36. Try horseback riding at Fort Harrison State Park.
37. See an Indy Eleven game.
38. Discover The Avenue and its rich Black history on one of Sampson’s Walk and Talk tours.
39. Do a drive-in movie at Tibbs Drive-In.
40. Plan a visit to the Feast of Lanterns on August 26th.
...at Indy Parks
41. Go creek stomping. Marott Park is a fave!
42. Dive into your favorite outdoor pool. (Hint: Indy Parks has plenty worth exploring!)
43. Cool off at one of the 21 splash pads!
44. Check out the skateboard/bike track, junior NBA court, and new playgrounds (pictured above!) at Sandorf Park on the near southeast side of Indy.
45. Try ziplining at Eagle Creek Park's Go Ape!
46. Go geocaching at your favorite Indy park.
47. Enjoy a walk through Holliday Park. (First time? We’re sharing tips.)
48. Plan a night for an Indy Parks Summer Concert or outdoor movie. Here's the lineup.
49. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or bicycle at Eagle Creek.
50. Take a walk through Riverside’s Adventure Park.
...day trips
51. Check a visit to Indiana State Parks off your list.
52. Peek these 12 great day trips for families in Indiana.
53. Visit the Wonderlab in Bloomington.
54. Tour the Miller House and Garden in Columbus.
55. Set up your beach towel at Indiana Dunes National or State Park.
56. Hike Indiana’s newest State Forest, Ravinia Woods.
57. Spend the day discovering Fair Oaks Farms with tours, great food, live music, and more.
58. Peek the caves in Southern Indiana.
59. On your way home, stop in at Holiday World and Splashin Safari.
60. Visit the abandoned Rose Island amusement park at Charlestown State Park.
...at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
61. Explore 7.5 acres of outdoor sports in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®.
62. Take in a live theater show for the whole family at Museum’s Lilly Theater from June 21-July 30. (Bonus: Tickets are included with museum admission!)
63. Step out of this world and into Minecraft: The Exhibition.
64. Be inspired by the stories of four children who changed the world in The Power of Children®.
65. Climb aboard Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit, but don’t wait! The train departs July 30.
…just for grown-ups
66. Explore the photography and work of Dorothea Lange’s “Changing Views” exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum until August 4.
67. Enjoy an adults-only night at The Monon Waterpark Monon Mixers.
68. Treat yourself like the VIP you are with exclusive bites and bevs, air-conditioned restrooms (um, yes, please), and more while you Rock the Ruins with artists like Andy Grammer and Orville Peck.
69. Try something new, from meditation to watercolor painting, at the JCC.
70. Who said The Children’s Museum was just for kids? Snag tickets to Museum by Moonlight on August 26—the biggest and best party in the city for adults 21+.
...eat or drink
71. Visit a local farmers market.
72. Indulge in ice cream from your fave local stop.
73. Dine-in (or out!) at The Garage Food Hall at Bottleworks.
74. Order to your backyard patio from ClusterTruck. They have five area kitchens now.
75. Pick a local standby and visit: Mama Carolla’s, St. Elmo’s, you get the drift.
76. Carry out an iced drink from Provider Coffee.
77. Or try one of the 73 local roasters + crafters featured in Indy Monthly.
78. Finally understand the fuss over The Yard at Fishers District.
79. Enjoy bites on the back patio at Big Lug or Half Liter BBQ.
80. Go berry picking at Spencer Farm.
...with friends
81. Enjoy an outdoor evening of cinema at Newfields.
82. Thrift shop at Lux and Ivy.
83. Book the ultimate spa day at the Conrad Hotel (get a sneak peek of this exclusive space here).
84. Rent a cabana at The Waterpark for a girls’ day out! (They’ve added 10 more this year!)
85. Catch a “pop-show” at the ISO.
86. Hype each other up for a fun photo sesh at SelfieWrld.
87. Pour candles at Penn & Beech downtown or in Carmel.
88. Go for massages at Massage Heights.
89. Let Indy Spot Picnics set up an adults-only picnic.
90. Enjoy vineyard views at Daniel’s Vineyard.
...see what’s new
91. Check out the Reimagined Parks by Carmel Clay Parks & Rec at River Heritage, Meadowlark, Inlow, and West Park.
92. Explore the city and snap a pic at each of the three NDY sculptures!
93. Dance the night away at one of Vogue’s theme nights, from Drag Night and Tiki Silent Disco to an Orchestral Rendition of Dr. Dre 2001.
94. Meet the newest residents of the Indianapolis Zoo at Kangaroo Crossing.
95. Learn about Hoosier Chuck Taylor and his creation of the iconic shoes at the Indiana Historical Society.
96. Stroll the newly finished Nickel Plate Trail, and don’t miss the must-see stops.
97. Visit the Sid and Lois Eskenazi Water Park at the JCC - from slides and lazy rivers to a zero-depth splash zone, there is something for everyone!
98. Day trip with the White River Canoe Co.
99. Peruse the Fishers’ 33-acre urban farm AgriPark.
100. Ride the carousel at Forest Park in Noblesville.
