9 Budget-Friendly Activities

Fun things to do without breaking the bank

It's like a fine art - planning fun and exciting outings while sticking to your budget. Luckily there are some amazing places around the Indianapolis area that you can take your family for free, or nearly free.

KIDS BOWL FREE

Kids Bowl Free has partnered with select bowling centers around the country to offer two free games every day to registered kids. And there are 8 centers in Indianapolis! Register your kids at kidsbowlfree.com.

FLAT FORK CREEK PARK

Climb the day away in one of Flat Fork Creek Park's 3 giant tree houses. The park also features hiking trails, a fishing pond, and a mountain bike course.

THE CARMEL FIRE BUFFS AND FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM

Indulge your child’s love of fire trucks at The Carmel Fire Buffs and Fire Department Museum. Call (317) 370-6437 for hours. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

THE WATERPARK AT THE MONON CENTER

Splash around at the Monon Center’s Waterpark. General admission is reduced to $5 for adults and $4 for youth after 4 p.m. each day.

$1 MOVIE AT LOCAL REGAL CINEMAS

Every Tuesday & Wednesday Regal Cinema will show two movies starting at 10 a.m. This year’s program kicks off on June 5. All movies are rated G or PG, so it’s the perfect activity for rainy days, budgets, or families who love going out to the movies. To find the 2018 Summer Movie Express Line up visit indyschild. com/movie-express.

CONCERTS ON THE CANAL AT THE INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enjoy live music every Thursday night downtown on the canal. The musical entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a variety of styles. Free seating is available on the grassy area on the Canal Walk. See page 28 for concert lineup.

SAXONY LAKE & BEACH

From swimming to sand castle building, there is fun for the entire family at Saxony Lake & Beach. Feeling adventurous? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Looking for something a little more leisurely? Saxony Lake is fully stocked and welcomes anglers. Free for Fishers residents and $1 for nonresidents.

THE LEARNING CURVE AT CENTRAL LIBRARY

The Learning Curve is a high tech, hands-on information environment designed for children. Children and their families can visit “The Curve” to develop the interpretive and critical thinking skills needed to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the information world.

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

Visit at a discount from 4-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Choose from Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience ($5), the museum ($5), or a combo ticket ($7).

Sports Legends Evenings: On select evenings from 5-8 p.m. youth tickets start at just $8. Ticket includes the indoor/outdoor sports experience.