20 Free Things to Do in Indianapolis

20 Free Things to Do in Indianapolis

Everyone loves free, so why not consider exploring Indianapolis this summer and all of the free activities it has to offer?  Last year we had a chance to explore Indy, and it was totally worth the drive. A vacation in the Midwest is always best, especially when you only have to drive a few hours! The truth is there are so many fun and free things to do in the city of Indianapolis, that you could easily fill your summer calendar no matter how tight of a budget you are on. Take a look below at 20 free things to do in Indianapolis this summer so you can keep the kids active for less.

1. White River State Park. Explore over 250 acres of this magnificent park and take in all of the beauty it has to offer. Enjoy sculptures, water features, and many on-site attractions. Located at 801 W Washington St, it offers all day long fun.

2. Indiana War Memorial. Pay a visit to the Indiana War Memorial at 431 N. Meridian St where a variety of sculptures, memorials, and self-guided attractions created to honor those who have served our country await.

3. Easley Winery. Visit the Easley Winery at 205 North College Street for free wine tours and some beautiful ambiance. You can opt in at a small $5 fee for wine tastings if you wish, but this is not mandatory.

4. Monument Circle. This is one of the most famous spots of the city and located right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the old architecture and famous buildings, or just sit and take it in! On our recent trip to Indy, we hung out for a few hours around this area. We talked about the statues around this circle, the boys played by the water and we snapped a few photos! {it’s a great place to snap photos}

5. Visit the Indiana State Library. This is a wonderful place to explore all sorts of Indiana history, trace your genes, check out a new book, or find an old one. It is worth taking a stroll through this historic library and seeing what it has to offer.

6. The Cultural Trail. Visit the Indiana Culture Trail located in downtown where you can enjoy a variety of sculptures and monuments on this self-guided tour. Enjoy it by foot or by bike at your pace.

7. Military Park. Located near downtown Indianapolis, Military Park is the perfect place for a picnic, for the kids to play, or to enjoy a game of catch. Enjoy acres of green grass and beautiful landscaping.

8. Indy Reads Books. Stop by at Indy Reads Books at 911 Massachusetts Ave where free cultural events are held. Call ahead to get a schedule of events so you don’t miss a thing.

9. Concerts on the Canal. Located outside of the Historical Society once a week, you can find Concerts on the Canal. Call the society to find out when events will be held so you don’t miss anything! You will find a wide variety of free music waiting for you.

10. The Children’s Museum. Enjoy FREE family nights at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. These typically take place on the first Thursday of the month but be sure to call to verify. Can I just say this Museum is AMAZING! When we took the boys, they were 12, 12 and 10. All three of them had a BALL exploring The Children’s Museum. I mean, before you walk into the museum you are greeted by DINOSAURS hanging off the building. This famous scene is enough to make you park the car and head in for more. Inside, everything is hands-on.

11. Indianapolis Art Museum. The museum offers free entrance typically on the first Thursday of each month, but certain hours may apply. Be sure to call and confirm before your visit and enjoy some beautiful art for free.

12. Indiana State Police Museum. If you love old cars, check out the Indiana State Police Museum and see how their vehicles have evolved over the course of the years!

13. Walk the Canal. The Canal is a beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of Indianapolis and is perfect for biking or jogging on. You may also find sculptures, music, and other art forms on display during various times of the year.

14. Glick History Center. Visit the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center for all of your history hunting needs! You will find a wealth of information in a beautiful setting waiting for you.

15. See the Ruins at Holliday Park. Check out Holliday Park for all sorts of ruins that show what Indianapolis once was. Look for the massive limestone monuments and sculptures that are on display there.

16. Browse Mass Avenue. Mass Avenue is located near downtown Indianapolis and is perfect for taking a walk through. There are some gorgeous boutiques and architecture, making it ideal for a stroll.

17. See James Whitcomb Riley’s Home. Check out one of Indianapolis’s oldest neighborhoods, the Lockerbie Square neighborhood, which has the home of Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. It is a beautiful, historical site to see!

18. Movies at Garfield Park. Love a great movie outdoors? Then check out Garfield Park for free movie nights. The Parks host a variety of events, so be sure to call for their full schedule of events.

19. Indianapolis Arts Garden. Enjoy a variety of free cultural activities and concerts at the Arts Garden. Be sure to call ahead of time so you can get a schedule of events. The ambiance at this location is beautiful and well worth a visit.

20. Workout Wednesdays on Georgia Street. Head downtown to Georgia Street where free workouts are held on Wednesdays at noon. This is an excellent way to complete a lunchtime workout.

Be sure to look around town for the Indy sign {use #visitindy or #loveindy to find out its current location} And if you’re on social media, be sure to tag your photos with #visitindy (and also use this as a way to find other things to do in Indy!}

Who knew there were so many FREE things to do in Indy?! Give these 20 free things to do in Indianapolis this summer a try, and see how fun it can be to explore this beautiful city!