There is an affliction that strikes homes across the Midwest every winter. It is not the flu. Not the common cold. It’s cabin fever – that point when it is too cold to go outside and the thought of playing one more board game or building yet another blanket fort is enough to drive even the most patient person mad. So what is a parent to do when they find their kids bouncing off the walls this winter? Head to an indoor playground, of course! Thankfully, Indianapolis has plenty of options.
Here are the best indoor playgrounds in Indianapolis:
North
Carter’s Play Place
This is innovative play space is ideal for both children with special needs across all age groups and neurotypical kids from infant to ten years old. The 4,000-square-foot space was designed by individuals with first-hand knowledge of parenting a child with special needs and is filled with everything from swings and slides to a zip line and a spring-free trampoline. Carter’s Play Place also offers classes and birthday party packages.
Location: 17219 Foundation Parkway, Suite 100, Westfield
Cost: Pricing varies and membership packages are available
Hours: Monday – Sunday 10am-6pm
For more information: cartersplayplace.com
Cornerstone Lutheran Church
Newly opened, this indoor playground offers plenty of climbing opportunities for the older kids and a separate area with toddler-friendly equipment, making it a safe and inviting space for all ages.
Location: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 13450 E. 116th Street, Fishers
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-1pm and 4-7pm; Sunday noon-3pm
Discovery Station at Conner Prairie
Open Thursday through Sunday during the winter months, Discovery Station will delight kids through the age of nine. Here they can create, climb, explore, play and pretend. Activities include a Kids Playscape, fort-building zone, craft area, reading nook and more. There is even a special area devoted to infants.
Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers
Cost: Included with admission; free for members
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm
More info: {317} 776-6000
Recreation Unlimited
If you’re looking for an awesome way to burn off energy indoors, this is the place. Children 8 and under are welcome to explore this massive, climate-controlled play space that contains 15 play systems, 3 trampolines, an indoor basketball court and a number of playhouses. Little ones will enjoy the Thomas the Tank Engine play tables. And here is the kicker: Everything is also for sale, so think of your time here as a test run.
Location: 5150 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville
Cost: $8-$12/child {depending on the day}
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9am-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from noon-6pm.
More info: {317} 773-3545 or visit recunlimited.com/playzone/
Recreation Unlimited Nobelsville
West
Lakeview Church
This play area is free to the public for kids ages 1-12, and will easily fill an entire afternoon. There is equipment for both big and little kids, and the cushioned rubber floor is perfect for little ones who are newly mobile. Tip: Bring along a sack lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables nearby.
Location: Lakeview Church, 47 Beachway Drive, Indianapolis
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8-5pm
More info: Call {317} 243-9396
The Center at The Well Community Center
This indoor play area was made by an Earth-friendly community using only re-purposed toys, furniture and even carpet tiles. Best of all, it is free to the public and open to children of all ages. Everyone who comes to play will need to fill out a release form that can be completed out when you arrive, or online beforehand to save time.
Location: Well Community Center, 554 Pit Road, Brownsburg
Cost: Free
Hours: Mornings, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-1pm. Evenings, Monday and Friday 5-8pm
More info: {317} 244-3974
The Park at Trader’s Point Christian Church
The Park at Trader’s Point Christian Church
The Park is every kids dream. The expansive space is separated into zones, including a preschool play structure, a larger play structure for older kids, basketball courts, a rock climbing wall and a quiet zone (perfect for kids with special needs who may become overstimulated). There is also an oasis where you can take a break and have a snack. Whether you’re looking to let your kids work off extra energy, meet new friends or you just want to relax while your kids play in a safe, fun environment, you’ll feel at home here.
Location: Trader’s Point Christian Church, 6590 S Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday to Friday 8pm to 8pm; Saturday 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday – 2 to 8pm
More info: Email park@tpcc.org or visit tpcc.org/the-park-at-traders-point/
The Treehouse at Plainfield Christian Church
The Treehouse is only open to the public two days a week, but it is well worth the trip to see this beautiful indoor play structure that is bathed in natural light. Geared to kids ages 2 to 12, it is designed to look like a whimsical tree with tons of space for kids to climb until they are ready to slide down.
Location: 800 Dan Jones Road, Plainfield
Cost: Free
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-11 am or 1-3pm
More info: Call {317} 839-2384
Central
Playscape at The Children’s Museum
The Playscape at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the perfect place for kids ages 5 and under to learn through sensory exploration. There are separate spots for toddlers and babies, with a climbing pod, sand area, water play and much more. This space is completely family friendly, too, with amenities like private nursing areas, family restrooms, and diaper-changing stations. Really, they’ve thought of everything!
Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
Cost: Entrance is included with paid general admission; free for members
Hours: Children’s Museum hours.
More info: {317} 334-4000 or visit childrensmuseum.org/
East
Playland at Brookville Community Church
This padded playground features slides, tunnels, and a special area for children under two, making it a safe place for tots to tumble and kids to climb. Children up to third grade are welcome. There is an eating are outside the Playland doors that is the perfect place to take a lunch break.
Location: Brookville Community Church, 7480 US-52, New Palestine
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm; Tuesday 1:00-5:00pm; Friday 9:00am-noon
More info: {317} 861-3880
IncrediPlex
This place is intense! It has everything, including massive bounce & climb arenas, a Euro bungy that propels you more than 20 feet in the air, a bowling alley, arcade games, laser tag, sport courts and tons more. Pricing is based on the area you visit in the complex. It is also a great place to host a birthday party!
Location: 6002 Sunnyside Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46236
Cost: Varies depending on the activity
Hours: Monday-Friday noon-10pm; Saturday-Sunday 9am-10pm
More info: Call {317} 823-9555
South
The Commons in Columbus
The Commons in Columbus
All right, this one is a bit of a drive from Indianapolis but well worth it. This HUGE indoor playscape has individual areas for tots, preschoolers and the big kids, plus it’s FREE. And parents, it’s such a blast that before long, you’ll find yourself scaling the 3-story climber.
Location: 300 Washington Street, downtown Columbus
Cost: Free
More info: Call {812} 376-2681
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