There’s plenty of things happening in Indy to keep you as busy as desired this summer season. From holiday celebrations to outdoor art exhibits and concerts for days, there is no limit to Indy’s offerings of adventure. Here are 50 ideas to get your summer bucket list started — and a free downloadable/printable template to make your own!
1. Write your own summer bucket list to ensure that you complete all the adventures you are planning to go on—we made you a free template!
2. Support your local farmers market and shop for fresh, local produce and delicious treats.
3. Spend a night under the stars watching a drive-in movie at Tibbs Drive-In.
4. Visit the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
5. The Indianapolis Children’s Museum has an exhibit perfect for rainy summer days. Checkout the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Exhibit, open everyday until Aug. 31.
6. SPARK on the Circle is now open! Visit monument circle or fun free games, cafe food and drinks, live local music, and more.
7. The Indianapolis Zoo has plenty of fun-filled summer events including Zoobilation on June 13th, to All That Jazz every Thursday from June 19 – July 31.
8. In need of a spa day? Check out one of these highly rated places for pampering in Indy.
9. Visit Newfields for a day of educational fun, and then stay for the Summer Nights Film Series at the Amphitheater at Newfields June 6 through Aug. 30.
10. Get a free library card with Indianapolis Public Libraries and get back on your reading grind, or get your kids into reading with the Summer Reading Program (for kids, teens, and adults).
11. … or make your own family summer reading challenge with prizes for the whole family.
12. Support the LGBTQ+ community during Indy’s Pride festivities, including the Indy Pride Parade on June 14.
13. Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the summertime household? Make some time for yourself and get in shape with Summer Fitness Classes on the Canal, with weekly Sunrise Yoga on the Canal, or a monthly sound bath.
14. … or try free, beginner-friendly, feel-good yoga, breathing and meditation practice at Garfield Park.
15. Join the fun and design your own Lantern for the Water Lantern Festival with food trucks and live music on July 12.
16. Celebrate Juneteenth at the various events throughout the city in June.
17. Kick off a weekend of celebrations with the Madam Walker Legacy Fest Concert on June 20.
18. Support local farms like Driving Wind Farm or Spencer Farm, by going on a nature adventure and picking berries for the perfect summer snack. Make sure to call or check websites to see what is in season.
19. Participate in another Indy tradition this summer by visiting the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival on June 28 and 29. Shop for jewelry, pottery, paintings, beadwork, and see work from over 150 artists from across the country. There will also be a collection of local food vendors and cultural performances, including music, dance, and storytelling.
20. Shop at the legendary Benton House Used Book Sale from July 18 to 20.
21. Indulge in your favorite fair traditions at the Indiana State Fair (Aug. 1-17).
22. Plan a family camping trip and get your family outside and exploring the outdoors at Mystic Waters Campground or other Indiana camping spots.
23. Celebrate the end of summer at the Feast of Lanterns, a family-friendly festival with artisans, vendors, live music, food trucks, and more on Aug. 23.
24. What’s summer without baseball? Cheer on the Indianapolis Indians in a home game through the end of Sept.
25. Grab a tube, canoe, or kayak, and enjoy a day on the White River.
26. Enjoy music, drinks, and dinner al fresco at The Indianapolis Propylaeum’s Porch Concert Series June 6 – Aug. 1.
27. Running out of things to do and want an extra reason to celebrate? Host a Christmas in July party: watch your favorite Christmas movies, eat your favorite holiday treats, and organize a Secret Santa with your friends and family.
28. Get away from the kids for a night and go on a chocolate tasting date night, girls night, or solo-adventure at SoChatti’s chocolate factory.
29. Try your hand at Axe Throwing at Bad Axe Throwing: perfect for date-nights, birthday, and/or bachelorette parties, or just a fun night out!
30. Explore a new (to you) playground or park.
31. Looking for an all-day adventure? Check out the Indiana Renaissance Faire on June 21 and 22 at Johnson County Park for shopping, food, and the experience of a lifetime.
32. Hungry, but want to make an adventure out of your next meal? Go hunting for a food truck!
33. Royal Pin Woodland doesn’t just have bowling, but multiple other fun attractions — including laser tag and minigolf — to keep kids (and adults) entertained this summer.
34. Looking for a rainy day activity? Get some rocks and paint your own garden decorations!
35. Another fun rainy day activity is to create a fairy garden (this could be for you or your kids).
36. Get outside and explore nature by teaching your kid, or yourself, how to fish. Better yet, take advantage of one of Indiana’s free fishing days this summer (June 7 and 8).
37. Need motivation to get productive? Or just want to explore the city with friends? Make your own coffee shop crawl and explore new sipping spots. Prufrock Coffee is one of my personal favorites (Locations: College Ave. and Carmel).
38. Test your hand at a few new recipes with cooking classes at Cozy Meal.
39. Visit one of the many dog-friendly restaurants with your furry friends in Indy.
40. Celebrate Latin culture — including live music, dancing, and community — at Viernes Cultural, which is the last Friday of each month at Lugar Plaza.
41. Explore Morris Bicentennial Plaza’s free space that includes interactive sculptures, large-scale public art, a basketball court, and community and event spaces that host events throughout the year.
42. Book a private guided farm tour of Traders Point Creamery—they’re affordable and customized for your group.
43. Looking for another activity that won’t break the bank? Every first Thursday of the month, Newfields offers free general admission to view its collection of over 54,000 works.
44. For all of the golfers out there — or people looking to get outside and try something new: find a golf course in your area and spend the day soaking up the summer and hanging out with friends or family.
45. Looking for a deluxe movie-watching experience? See one of your favorite new releases on the big screen at the Indiana State Museum IMAX Theater.
46. Go on an outdoor adventure at Go Ape!, an outdoor aerial ropes course that features five zip lines, obstacles, and more!
47. Check out one of Indy’s many music venues to see what other exciting concerts are coming to Indy this summer.
48. Visit the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library to explore a slice of history and literature all in one place.
49. Head to the Fitness Farm for a walk on the track and a game of Disc Golf, but stay for the chickens and Nigerian Dwarf goats.
50. Enjoy a meal outdoors with one of these spots recommended by Indy Maven staff.
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