There are several creative summer activities in and around Indy for your children to explore before school is back in session. You can keep your kids enriched and entertained over the summer without breaking the bank by taking advantage of free or low cost events. Whether you have budding writers, animal fanatics, or up-and-coming young artists on your hands, these activities are sure to create a summer full of memories for your little ones.
Attend a wild animal show and learn about animal conservation
The Indianapolis Public Library is hosting several animal shows and animal meet and greets at various library branches and community locations. These events are run by Silly Safaris, a leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana. For dates/times visit attend.indypl.org.
Enjoy arts and crafts at Ujamaa Community Bookstore
Ujamaa Community Bookstore, located at Flanner House Community Center, will host a variety of arts and crafts workshops. Whether your child wants to make wooden cars or terrariums, there is a workshop that might gauge their interest. Follow Ujamaa Community Bookstore on Facebook to stay updated on dates and times of classes. A calendar can be found on Facebook here.
Join the Summer Reading Program and earn prizes for reading
During the Indianapolis Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, kids and teens earn prizes through reading and bonus activities that stop the summer slide by encouraging continued learning when children are away from school. Prizes are earned at milestones of reading for one hour, five hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours, and include toys, Indy Parks pool passes, earbuds, and vouchers for Eiteljorg admission or an Indianapolis Indians game. Young people can earn a mystery bag full of goodies by completing bonus activities such as taking a nature walk or playing a new sport. Learn more at indypl.org/srp.
Enjoy live music at Fort Harrison
This family-friendly outdoor summer concert series will feature a different local band every other week. Join Arts for Lawrence Fridays in June through August for live music, beer, and children’s activities. Learn more at artsforlawrence.com
Meet young entrepreneurs at Biz Kidz Day
Biz Kidz Day at the Fishers Farmers Market gives young entrepreneurs ages 5 through 17 the opportunity to showcase their skills by running their own business for a day! As market vendors for the day and participants in this annual festival, kids may sell products that are handmade, hand-grown, hand-crafted, or hand-produced. This event takes place July 10 from 8 a.m. till 12 p.m. In addition, a group of Biz Kidz vendors will be given space at the Fishers Farmers Market each week to sell their hand-made or homegrown items. Learn more at playfishers.com.
Hone your writing skills at a Young Writers Workshop
Ujamaa Community Bookstore, located at Flanner House community center, will host workshops that allow students to hone their creative writing skills. Follow Ujamaa Community Bookstore on Facebook to stay updated on dates and times of classes. A calendar can be found on Facebook here.
Make bad art at Garfield Park
Garfield Park Arts Center is hosting a free, all-ages arts event. Trophies will be awarded for the worst possible thing created. Skills are frowned upon. Families are invited to come out for some fun, some music, and a time to socialize with other inept artists. This event takes place on July 30, from 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Learn more at gpacarts.org/events.
$1 Summer Movies
If you are looking for a way to beat the summer heat and enjoy time with your family indoors, look into $1 summer movies at select Regal Cinemas. Every summer, Regal Cinemas shows second-run movies on select days of the week for only $1 admission. All movies are rated G or PG, so it’s the perfect activity for rainy or hot summer days. Participating theaters are Regal Village Park, Carmel, Regal Greenwood & RPX, Greenwood, Regal UA Circle Centre, Indianapolis, Regal Shiloh Crossing, Avon, Regal UA Galaxy, Indianapolis, and Regal Noblesville, Noblesville. Movies are shown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Guests need to check the Regal app or go to regmovies.com for showtimes each week.