Rainy day places to play near Indianapolis
Editor’s Note: This list has been compiled with kids aged 10 and under in mind.
Unpredictable spring weather calls for creativity if we want to keep younger kids busy during a downpour. And while puddle-jumping is fun, the mess is not. Thankfully the Indianapolis area is chock-full of exciting options like trampoline parks, rock climbing, and of course museums!
Peek this list of fresh ideas for indoor fun so you can make memories no matter the forecast:
Garfield Park Conservatory ($3/person; ages 2 and under free)
Garfield Park Conservatory contains 10,000 square feet of indoor botanical gardens featuring hundreds of tropical plants, all enclosed in a temperature-regulated environment that is warm and welcoming year-round. Be sure to check their website for special events as they frequently host kid-friendly activities and programming.
Hours: Mon-Closed; Tues-Sat 10 am – 5 pm; Sun 1 – 5 pm
Website: https://www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org/
BONUS: Another great feature within the park is the Garfield Park Arts Center. They offer rotating art and photography exhibitions on the second floor as well as “Arts for All” monthly activities for free every Saturday.
Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am – 5 pm; Closed Sun-Mon
Website: https://www.gpacarts.org/
Holliday Park Nature Center (Free)
In addition to playgrounds and hiking trails, Holliday Park offers a 13,000-square-foot Nature Center with indoor activities for all ages. The newly renovated Habitat Hall features hands-on activities such as a White River Water Table, an upper-level Hardwood Forest viewing area, and Music of the Wetlands Exhibit. The space includes interactive exhibits, live animals, and even costumes for kids to dress up as their favorite animals!
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am – 5 pm; Sun-Closed
Website: https://www.hollidaypark.org/plan-your-visit/nature-center/
Rhythm! Discovery Center (Free/ages 5 and under; $6/ages 6-16; $12/adult)
Featuring the world’s only interactive percussion museum, Rhythm! Discovery Center offers hands-on activities for kids (and mamas) of all ages to join in on the fun and learn about the history of drums and percussion through special exhibits throughout. Check out their website for a calendar of special events and live performances that occur frequently throughout the year.
Hours: TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to a flood at their facility, stay updated here.
Website: https://rhythmdiscoverycenter.org/
Kid’s Planet in Brownsburg ($12 ages 2 and under; $16 ages 2-14 Wed-Fri; $18 ages 2-14 Sat-Sun; adults are free)
This massive indoor playground features four stories of fun for kids of all ages including a special area just for toddlers. The playground is enclosed for safety and offers seating to keep an eye on little ones. (Tip: Check their website beforehand as they sometimes adjust hours for private events.)
Hours: Wed-Thurs 10 am – 8 pm; Fri-Sat 10 am – 9 pm; Sun 10 am – 7 pm; Closed Mon-Tues
Website: https://kidsplanetfun.com/
LOOKING FOR MORE FUN?
Boss Battle Games Indoor Arcade ($15/person for all-day admission including all games)
This retro arcade in Castleton Square Mall offers unlimited play for one admission fee. In addition to giving mamas major nostalgia with the old-school games offered, you can avoid the inevitable groans from kids when they use up all their tokens. Kids can play as many games as they desire, and you may want to get in on the action too! (Bonus: check their website before leaving home for a live cam to see how busy they are.)
Hours: Mon-Thurs 12 pm – 8 pm; Fri-Sat 12 pm – 9 pm; Sun 12 pm – 6 pm
Kid City at Greenwood Community Center ($5/ages 1-15 day pass; free/12 months and younger; adults free)
The recently renovated Greenwood Community Center includes a two-story indoor play area offering STEAM-based features as well as a Lucky Climber, a three-dimensional climbing structure for kids. As a bonus, adults are free when accompanying a minor to Kid City. Plus, if you plan on visiting frequently, they offer punch cards for sale which include 10-day passes at a reduced rate.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am – 6 pm; Fri 9 am – 4 pm; Sat-Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Website: https://www.greenwood.in.gov/topic/blocks.php?topicid=135&structureid=23
North Mass Boulder (Prices vary for memberships and day passes)
North Mass Boulder is not just a climbing gym. They have programs for all ages, a cafe, space to work while the kids play, and somehow - more! For smaller climbers, there is a low wall, and play space, all surrounded by thick mats for safety. Your bigger kids will enjoy larger, more challenging climbing spaces to explore at their own pace.
Hours: Daily 6 am-11 pm
Website: https://www.northmassboulder.com/
Day Trip from Indy
James A. Henderson Playground at The Commons Columbus, IN (Free)
We had to include this free indoor playground a little over an hour south of Indianapolis. In addition to separate infant and toddler areas, this 5,000-square-foot playground features a two-story climbing sculpture, interactive play experiences, slides, and more. This great location in downtown Columbus is within walking distance of a vintage ice cream parlor and several restaurants if you want to make a day of it while you’re there.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am – 9 pm; Fri-Sat 7 am – 9 pm; Sun 10 am – 8 pm (closed for annual maintenance April 23-28, 2023)
Website: https://thecommonscolumbus.com/james-a-henderson-playground/
