9 Free and Affordable Things to Do in Indianapolis

June 28, 2024

Situated along the west fork of Indiana’s White River, the city of Indianapolis is full of great things to see and do – with plenty of budget-friendly options among them.

An exterior view of Indiana State Capitol

The state capital, known colloquially as Indy, is perhaps best known for hosting some of the world’s most prestigious racing events. But the city’s appeal extends far beyond its taste for speed, with a wide number of cultural and entertainment attractions, as well as several notable monuments dedicated to US veterans and war casualties. If you’re coming to Indy and would like to ensure your itinerary packs in plenty of top landmarks and attractions while staying within your budget, we’ve picked out several free or cheap things to do that you might consider for inclusion.

Indiana State Capitol

Located in Downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Capitol is not only visually arresting from the outside but also a goldmine of historical treasures for those who venture inside its grand confines. Built in the late 19th century, the Renaissance Revival-style statehouse draws large numbers of visitors throughout the year who join one of the free guided tours that are offered on weekdays. Tours pass through large portions of the building, with opportunities to stop for photos of its famous stained glass dome and ornately decorated rotunda, while expert guides provide fascinating facts about the history of the building.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am–5pm / Sat 10am–2pm / Closed Sun

Indiana State Fair

Bright lights at Indiana State Fair

One of America’s largest and most well-attended state fairs, tens of thousands of revellers flock to the Indiana State Fair each year to enjoy the glut of amusement park rides, farm animals, music concerts, and circus acts on offer. Some of the fair’s regular stand-out attractions include Super City, a hands-on interactive exhibit that allows kids to look and feel like a superhero; the Wine Garden, which serves up award-winning regional wines; and the Animal Town interactive experience featuring multiple barnyard animals.

Admission: $13 per person
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis / August each year

White River State Park

Nestled along the eastern and western banks of its namesake White River, White River State Park offers the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. Spanning some 267 acres, the vast urban park is packed with attractions including an amphitheatre hosting regular concerts, an IMAX theatre, a baseball arena, several zoos and a museum. While most of these sights require admission fees, the park also features miles of free-access walking and biking trails as well as public spaces dotted with striking artwork, making it one of the city’s best spots for a cheap and fun-packed afternoon.

Address: 801 West Washington Street
Hours: Tues–Sat & Mon 11am–5pm / Sun 12pm–4pm

Water Lantern Festival

Floating lanterns at the Water Lantern Festival

Held in over 100 American cities throughout the year, the Indianapolis edition of this dazzling – and, for many, emotionally moving – festival comes to Military Park each July. During the event, hundreds of lit lanterns are released into the park’s canal, creating a mesmerising spectacle with the lanterns generating light and reflections on the water.

Lanterns can be personalised before being set free, with participants encouraged to include messages of hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. As well as the water display, there are also food trucks, games and activities, local vendors and live music.

Tickets: Adult tickets start at $28
Location: Military Park / July each year

Indiana War Memorial Military Museum

Among Indianapolis’s distinguishing characteristics is the full-throated way in which the city celebrates and honours its past – and that is very much the approach of the Indiana War Memorial Military Museum. The free-to-enter museum is dedicated to the USS Indianapolis heavy cruiser, which played a crucial role in American naval history before it sank after being torpedoed during World War II.

Through an assortment of exhibits and artefacts, visitors can learn all about the story of the ship and those who served on board.

Address: 55 East Michigan Street
Hours: Weds–Sun 9am–5pm / Closed Mon–Tues

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

If you’re visiting the city with kids, you may want to spare time to visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, widely considered the largest children’s museum in the world. Spread over five floors of exhibition space, the museum is packed full of exhibits and hands-on activities designed to entertain and educate children and their families.

Themes covered include dinosaurs, pirate ships, space exploration, ancient Egypt, sports, and toys from past generations. One of the highlights is the Power of Children exhibition which tells uplifting stories of children who have made a difference to the world.

Address: 3000 North Meridian Street
Hours: Mon–Sun 10am–5pm

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Connecting several public spaces in Downtown Indianapolis, this sprawling 8-mile path offers visitors a street-level view of the people and places that define the city. First opened in 2013, the trail meanders through six different districts and past a variety of landmarks, gardens, and public artworks.

Guided tours of the trail are available, or you can explore it independently for free.

Indianapolis Art Center

A quirky art installation at Indianapolis Art Center

Indianapolis has a thriving arts scene and at its heart is the Indianapolis Art Center. Founded in 1934 on the banks of the White River, the 12-acre campus includes studios and event spaces that host affordable art classes for children and adults, along with a busy programme of exhibitions and community events.

Address: 820 East 67th Street
Hours: Tues–Fri 9am–10pm / Mon & Sat 9am–6pm / Sun 12pm–6pm

Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

Another highlight of the city’s arts scene is the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, a 100-acre oasis located in the heart of Indianapolis. Free to enter year-round, the park features contemporary sculptures and installations designed to encourage visitors to connect with nature.

One of the highlights is an immersive installation where visitors pass through a concrete tunnel before emerging into an open space filled with native plants.

Address: 1850 West 38th Street
Hours: Mon–Sun 8:30am–7:30pm

Indianapolis City Market

Inside the Indianapolis City Market

There are few better ways to experience a city than by exploring a local market. Operating since 1866, Indianapolis City Market features more than 30 artisan vendors, a farmer’s market, and a craft beer bar that attract locals and visitors alike.

The market is also the starting point for guided tours of underground catacombs hidden beneath the historic structure.

Address: 222 East Market Street
Hours: Mon–Tues 7am–4pm / Fri 7am–9pm / Sat 8am–6pm / Closed Sun

By Paul Joseph