Indy in May: 10 Must-Do Activities
Ready to trade rain boots for sunglasses? May is packed with must-do events across Indiana you won’t want to miss!
April brought all the showers (and winter temps), but May is ready to bring on the spring! And nobody does it like Indiana. We’ve rounded up 10 of the absolutely must-do activities for you this month with some help from our friends at the 500 Festival.
Peek this May bucket list for every Indiana family:
1. Start the month right with the Kickoff to May Event, an annual celebration of all things 500! Take a selfie with the 2025 festival cars, hear from surprise guests, and visit with exhibitors. A perfect family outing to build excitement for the month ahead.
2. Join in Indy’s biggest celebration (before the 500), and our number one don’t-miss-it event, the AES 500 Festival Parade!
3. Interactive, outdoors, and featuring everything from live performances to mini-car races, the 500 Festival Kids Day - sponsored by Salesforce & JP Morgan Chase - is a family must. (Bonus: it’s free.)
MAY SHOWER BACK UP PLANS?
4. Looking for something active? Salesforce & JPMorganChase The 500 Festival Rookie Run (ages 3-10) is an energizing opportunity for your little ones to burn fuel during Kids Day. Note: Registration is required!
5. Everyone loves breakfast, but what about Breakfast at the Brickyard - with over 30 of the 500 Festival Princesses in attendance? It’s basically Disney in Indiana.
Photo Courtesy of: 500 Festival
6. “Go Ape” in the treetops of Eagle Creek Park with Indy Parks. If heights aren’t for you, check out the Park’s Bird Fest, which features loads of (free) hikes, crafts, and educational outings.
7. Make Indy Parks a part of your May plans! Get hands-on with one of the many family-friendly programs. There is always something fun happening, and if you want a list of family-friendly locations to explore, we’ve got you covered here.
8. And of course, don’t miss the “reason for the season,” the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500! (First-timer? We’ve got you covered.)
9. The Indianapolis Zoo’s Zoopolis 500 is a fan-favorite event where tortoises take the track in a race like no other (and much slower than the Indy 500 might we add). Complete with racing-themed fun and special guests, it’s a slow and steady celebration of Indy tradition.
10. Even the Children’s Museum is excited for May’s Indy 500 happenings! Explore all there is to do at the museum and plan your visit here.
