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Arts & Theater

🎭 Arts & Theater for Kids in Indianapolis, IN

12 children's theater, art studios, and performing arts rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Indianapolis

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Newfields art museum in Indianapolis, IN🎨 Museum
Photo: Stephen S.
4.7(6,559)$$

Newfields is a spectacular 152-acre art campus that brilliantly combines world-class art with outdoor exploration, making it one of Indianapolis's most family-friendly cultural destinations. The free Family Studio lets kids unleash their creativity with hands-on art projects, while the expansive gardens provide plenty of space for little ones to run and explore between gallery visits.

🕑 3-4 hours
Square Cat Vinyl coffee shop in Fountain Square, IN Cafe
Photo: Square Cat Vinyl
4.7(719)Free1 mi · Fountain Square

Square Cat Vinyl is a vibrant independent record shop in Indianapolis's artsy Fountain Square neighborhood that offers a unique sensory experience for kids and music-loving parents alike. This welcoming space combines a vintage vinyl collection with a café atmosphere, making it perfect for introducing children to the joy of physical music and the ritual of browsing records together.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater amphitheatre in Fishers, IN🎮 Entertainment
Photo: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
4.7(667)Free15 mi · Fishers

The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater is Fishers' premier outdoor entertainment hub, offering free family-friendly concerts, movie nights under the stars, and seasonal festivals in a beautiful downtown setting. Kids can spread out blankets on the lawn, dance to live music, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere that makes summer evenings magical for families.

🕑 2-3 hours for most concerts and events, though families often arrive early to picnic and stay through the entire performance
Southside Art League art gallery in Greenwood, IN Activity
Photo: Jacqueline Zahnow
4.9(31)$11 mi · Greenwood

Southside Art League is a welcoming community art center in Greenwood that sparks creativity in kids of all ages. With rotating exhibitions showcasing local artists and hands-on art classes designed specifically for children and families, it's the perfect spot to introduce little ones to the world of visual arts in a friendly, non-intimidating environment.

🕑 1-2 hours for gallery browsing; 1.5-3 hours for workshops and classes
SullivanMunce Cultural Center cultural center in Zionsville, IN🎨 Museum
Photo: SullivanMunce Cultural Center
4.8(52)$14 mi · Zionsville

The SullivanMunce Cultural Center offers families a delightful blend of art, history, and culture in charming Zionsville's brick-street village. Kids can explore rotating art exhibits and local history displays in this beautifully preserved historic building, then enjoy the quaint downtown atmosphere with unique shops and those magical horse-drawn carriage rides right outside.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Tibbs Drive-In movie theater in Indianapolis, IN🎮 Entertainment
Photo: Roxanne Bussell
4.6(3,257)$

Tibbs Drive-In offers a nostalgic movie experience that kids absolutely love,watching films from the comfort of your own car under the stars! With four screens showing double features for one admission price, families get incredible value while creating memories that blend classic Americana with modern entertainment. The onsite concessions serve family favorites like pizza and popcorn, making it a complete evening out.

🕑 4-5 hours (full double feature), though many families with younger kids leave after the first movie around 10:30-11 PM
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art art museum in Indianapolis, IN🎨 Museum
Photo: Lebu Ayiga

The Eiteljorg Museum offers families an immersive journey through Native American culture and the American West with interactive exhibits that bring history to art. Kids are captivated by the authentic artifacts, colorful artwork, and hands-on activities that make learning about diverse cultures engaging and memorable. The museum's family-friendly layout and dedicated children's programming make it an educational adventure that doesn't feel like a classroom.

🕑 2-3 hours
Fountain Square Theatre wedding venue in Fountain Square, IN Activity
Photo: Fountain Square Theatre
4.6(284)$2 mi · Fountain Square

Fountain Square Theatre is a historic entertainment hub that offers families a unique mix of activities all under one roof. The standout attraction is Duckpin Bowling,a vintage, kid-friendly version of bowling with smaller balls and pins that's perfect for little hands. Beyond bowling, families can explore local shops, catch live performances, and soak in the vibrant, quirky atmosphere of this beloved Fountain Square landmark.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
White Rabbit Cabaret event venue in Fountain Square, IN🎭 Theater
Photo: White Rabbit Cabaret
4.6(221)$$1 mi · Fountain Square

White Rabbit Cabaret brings live entertainment to life for families in Indianapolis's artsy Fountain Square neighborhood. This intimate theater venue specializes in family-friendly afternoon performances that include comedy shows, theatrical productions, and unique entertainment experiences that engage older kids and teens in ways that traditional children's theater often doesn't.

🕑 1-2 hours for most shows
The Murphy Art Center art gallery in Fountain Square, IN🎨 Museum
Photo: The Murphy Art Center
4.9(12)$1 mi · Fountain Square

The Murphy Art Center in historic Fountain Square is a welcoming community arts hub where families can explore creativity together through hands-on classes, workshops, and rotating exhibitions. With programming designed for all ages and skill levels, this highly-rated center makes art accessible and fun, encouraging kids to experiment with different mediums in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.

🕑 1-2 hours for most workshops and classes; 30-45 minutes for gallery browsing
AMC Castleton Square 14 movie theater in Castleton, IN🎭 Theater
Photo: Amba Mohan
4.3(3,011)$11 mi · Castleton

AMC Castleton Square 14 offers families a classic movie theater experience with comfortable seating and a wide selection of family-friendly films throughout the year. With matinee showings that are easier on the wallet and a full concession stand to keep kids happy, it's a reliable rainy-day activity or special weekend treat that works for the whole family.

🕑 2-3 hours (including previews, the film, and concession stop)
Irving Theater performing arts theater in Irvington, IN🎭 Theater
Photo: Jared Bowers
4.3(520)$5 mi · Irvington

The Irving Theater is a charming historic neighborhood cinema in Irvington that's become a beloved family destination for affordable movie nights and community events. This classic single-screen theater offers a nostalgic movie-going experience with modern family-friendly film selections, creating special memories without breaking the bank.

🕑 2-3 hours including the movie and concession time

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