Game On: Your Family Guide to Fall Sports in Indy
Fall in Indy means football Sundays, the last few innings at Victory Field, hockey season firing back up — and, apparently, charcuterie while watching the US Open. We’re very into this.
Whether your kids already have a favorite jersey or you're simply looking for something different to put on the family calendar, Indianapolis makes it ridiculously easy to be a sports fan. And this fall, there’s a little bit of everything happening around town.
Here’s what’s on our radar…
Here are 7 family-friendly sporting events in Indianapolis to check out this fall:
1. Start Fall With a Free US Open Party
USTA Midwest US Open Party | FREE
This one gets our vote for the most unexpectedly fun way to kick off fall sports season.
USTA Midwest is bringing a little taste of the US Open to Indy with a free, family-friendly viewing party that works whether your family can name every player in the draw or your tennis knowledge begins and ends with Challengers.
The US Open will be playing on the big screen, but this isn't a sit-and-watch situation. Families can get onto the courts for tennis games designed for all ages, snag free tennis giveaways and stop for plenty of photo ops along the way.
And for the grown-ups? USTA Midwest understood the assignment: expect charcuterie, tea-time sandwiches and a prosecco truck serving bubbles and beer.
Why we're into it: It's free, it's interactive and it's an easy way to introduce kids to tennis without committing to lessons, equipment or an entire Saturday tournament schedule.
Location: USTA Midwest Tennis Center, 1300 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN
Cost: Free
Good to know: Pre-registration is encouraged.
WHILE WE’RE TALKING FALL
Let’s also talk about Lunch Ideas for Picky Teens
More family-friendly sporting events in Indianapolis to check out this fall:
2. Catch One Last Indianapolis Indians Game
The Indians' 2026 season runs through September 13, giving families a few more chances for an evening at Victory Field. The final homestand, September 11–13, is Fan Appreciation Weekend, with fireworks Friday and Saturday nights.
If you've been saying “we need to get to an Indians game” since May, consider this your reminder. Grab a lawn spot and soak up one of those early-September nights that still feels like summer.
3. Make It a Colts Sunday
There is football season, and then there is football season in Indianapolis. The Colts open at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13, with home games continuing throughout fall.
Make a game the whole experience — jerseys, downtown early and plenty of snacks. Not ready for four quarters in the stadium? Football food + everyone in blue at home absolutely counts.
4. Cheer on the Indiana Fever — and the Next Generation of Girls
The Indiana Fever have helped make Gainbridge Fieldhouse one of the city's most exciting sports destinations. This season, they're also spotlighting The Court Is Hers, a partnership with Eli Lilly and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis designed to get more girls playing basketball by removing cost barriers.
The initiative will be highlighted during a Fever game this season — a pretty great reason to bring the girls in your life and remind them there's room for them on the court, too.
LOOKING FOR A FUN FALL GETAWAY?
More family-friendly sporting events in Indianapolis to check out this fall:
5. Welcome Hockey Season Back With the Indy Fuel
Hockey season has entered the chat. The Indy Fuel return to Fishers Event Center October 16, with 36 home games on the schedule.
Keep an eye on Sundays, when kids eat free, plus family-themed games including ZOOperstars!, Toy Story and Nitro's Birthday Bash. An easy cold-weather weekend save.
6. Catch an Indy Eleven Match
Soccer season rolls right into fall, with Indy Eleven home matches at Carroll Stadium throughout September and a final regular-season home match October 10. If you want an extra family-friendly hook, Pups at the Pitch is September 20 — bring the kids and the dog.
7. Try Something Different at the IU Natatorium
Not every fall sports outing needs a ball. IU Indy Swim & Dive opens its home season September 11–12 at the IU Natatorium, with more home meets throughout fall — including the three-day House of Champions Invitational November 19–21.
It's an easy way to introduce kids to a sport they may not have watched live before, inside one of Indy's most iconic competition venues.
