Free Family-Friendly Summer Activities in Indianapolis, Indiana
Get the Children Out and About to Indianapolis Events Without Blowing the Budget
Sunday April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
El Dia de los Ninos
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, 46208
Free parking at the museum's garage on the west side of Illinois Street. Find a map here:
www.childrensmuseum.org/generalinfo/directions.htm
This one-day celebration of Latino cultural will feature live music, storytelling, hands-on activities, and a visit from Maya and Miguel, characters from the hit PBS television series.
REGULAR FREEBIE: And if you can't make it on April 26, remember that the museum has free admissions the first Thursday of every month from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. thanks to a sponsorship by Target.
Sunday May 17 from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Chase 500 Festival Kids' Day on Monument Circle
In downtown Indianapolis. For parking suggestions, visit: www.indydt.com
This festival is part of the celebrations leading into the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 and is a great, free way to feel connected to the international race. Kids Day is usually crowded but worth the effort because it's lots of fun for kids and adults. This year, Batman and Robin will perform on the south steps of Monument Circle, which will also be swarmed by clowns, mini racecars, and booths where kids can do arts and crafts. There are also inflatable bounce houses. For more information, visit: www.500festival.com/events/KidsDay.asp
EXTRA: For $5 (if you register by May 10), you can also register your child ages 3 to 12 to run in the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run that starts at 1:00 p.m. The non-competitive, run is meant to inspire kids to be active. Younger kids run two blocks while the course for the older youths is a half mile. Runners get a free goodie bag and a finisher's medial free with registration. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with kids assigned to heats based on age. The starting line is just north of Monument Circle. To register or for more information, visit: www.500festival.com/events/RookieRun.asp
Any Saturday fromMay 9 through July, Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Free Art Projects at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, 46208. For driving directions, visit: http://www.imamuseum.org/connect/maps
The IMA offers a series of free art-making projects inspired by works in its permanent collection. The projects are designed for museum visitors of all ages and levels of experience making art.
The workshop is held at the entrance to Star Studio on the second floor, aka Level 1. For a map of the grounds, visit: http://www.imamuseum.org/connect/buildings-grounds
REGULAR FREEBIE: The IMA always offers free admission and has extensive gardens and walking paths with regular, free guided tours of both the art and the gardens. For helpful tips about planning a visit to the museum for children, visit: www.imamuseum.org/connect/planvisit
The First Wednesday of Every Month, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Indy Parks offers free kayaking lessons for children ages 6 to 16 at Thatcher Park Family Center, 4649 W. Vermont Street, Indianapolis, 46222
The park's Web site doesn't offer a lot of information and I haven't tried this one though it sounds fun. Call beforehand to the center at 317-327-7390 for more information.
ALMOST FREEBIE: Indy Parks also has two concert series at Eagle Creek Park at 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254. You have to pay $5 per vehicle to enter the park if driving, $3 per person to bike or hike into the park. But once inside, the music is free. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. The concerts are held at the marina. The park's Web site isn't so hot but to find a map, try here:
http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/List/Pages/EagleCreekPark.aspx
The concert schedule is:
IN CONCERT WITH NATURE
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
June 13 Tim Grimm
June 20 Wheeler Family
June 27 Rhythm Wreckers
July 11 Wheeler Family
July 18 Buckdancer's Choice
July 25 Blackberry Jam
August 1 Hank FM - Battle of the Bands
August 8 Hank FM - Battle of the Bands
August 15 Hank FM - Battle of the Bands
August 22 Witch Hazel Valley Band
JAZZ ON THE POINT
(Tuesdays; 7-8:30PM)
July 3 Rob Swaynie
July 10 Greg Bacon
July 17 George Middleton
July 24 Brandon Meeks
July 31 Ty Causey
Enjoy the summer and please come back to comment on any of these events you attend!
Published by J.W. Ledesma
I grew up in rural Indiana, roamed the world a bit, studied a bit and now call Indianapolis my home. View profile
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