Free Things To Do in Indianapolis

Your Guide to Exploring on a Budget

Whether you’re planning an affordable weekend away, are in town on a limited business budget, or simply want a staycation the kids will rave about for years to come, Indianapolis is your kind of destination.

On any given day, you are certain to find something fun to do without spending a single cent. Without further ado, here are the top free things to do in Indianapolis.

Daily Light Show on Monument Circle

Shining A Light

Visit Monument Circle for Shining a Light, a seasonally themed light show and a nightly Signature Salute. The show is synchronized with an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra original score that pays tribute to the iconic Soldiers & Sailors Monument.

Contemporary Art Museum Indianapolis [CAMi]

The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) is now open, bringing a bold new creative energy to Indy’s south side. Located in the Garfield Park neighborhood, CAMi is a dynamic five-acre cultural campus featuring contemporary art galleries, artist studios, public green space, and community-driven experiences all in one place. Designed to be welcoming and accessible, CAMi invites visitors to explore art in fresh, engaging ways—and best of all, admission is completely free, making it an easy and inspiring stop for everyone.

Discover Indy Parks

212 Public Parks in the City

Relive your youth and take in the great outdoors at one of Indy's 212 city parks. From Eagle Creek Park on the northwest side of the city, with its expansive reservoir and crisscrossing nature trails, to Highland Park, with one of the most beautiful sunset views of the city, there’s something for everyone with Indy Parks. Pickup takeout from your favorite restaurant for a summer picnic, or dust off your frisbee and take advantage of the wide-open spaces.

Morris Bicentennial Plaza

Discover the pulse of excitement at Morris Bicentennial Plaza, adjacent to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Supported by the Lilly Endowment, experience interactive sculptures, a food court, outdoor seating, and a full size basketball court. The Plaza is a vibrant hub for community events and activities throughout the year.

No Spandex Required Rides

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Join the Indiana Cultural Trail every Saturday afternoon for a FREE beginner-friendly, 4-10 mile group bike ride that highlights how the Indianapolis Cultural Trail serves as the hub of Indianapolis’ trail network. Every week, explore different greenways, destinations and neighborhoods that are accessible by bicycle from the Cultural Trail and the Pacers Bikeshare network.

Crown Hill Cemetery

The Highest Point in the City

Crown Hill Cemetery is a favorite destination for Indianapolis visitors and locals alike, earning Trip Advisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” from visitor reviews! Founded in 1863, it’s the nation’s 3rd largest cemetery with 555 acres of beautiful rolling hills and is located across the street from Newfields. Thousands visit to take an award-winning guided tour, enjoy the peaceful beauty, sculptures, and trees, as well as to exercise, picnic, and study the history of the 200,000+ people buried there. Notables include President Benjamin Harrison, poet James Whitcomb Riley, Col. Eli Lilly, three U.S. Vice Presidents, and numerous others, including the infamous bank robber John Dillinger.

First Fridays

Murphy Arts Center, Harrison Center, and More

There are lots of options for places to visit on First Friday, a monthly celebration of visual arts in Indy. First Fridays at the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square have free monthly shows by up-and-coming bands as well as new visual art installations each month. Or, stroll through historic Old Northside neighborhood and visit the Harrison Center. You'll meet a collection of local artists working with an array of mediums while exploring an expansive and eclectic gallery space. Each month celebrates a different theme - so you will always have a new experience when you tour the center.

Marvel at Monuments & Memorials

Second in Number Behind Washington, DC

Indianapolis devotes more acreage than any other U.S. city to honoring our nation’s fallen, and is second only to Washington, DC, in the number of war memorials. Discover the monuments, memorials, and patriotic spirit of Indy that every visitor should experience.

Newfields First Thursdays

Museum and Gardens Open to Public

On the first Thursday of every month, Newfields offers free general admission to view its collection of over 54,000 works. Newfields is one of the 10 largest and 10 oldest art museums in the nation, featuring a wide variety of pieces spanning over 5,000 years.

Find Your Indiana County at the Indiana State Museum

Surrounding the exterior walls of the Indiana State Museum is a collection of etched designs to represent each county in the state of Indiana. Journey to White River State Park, and see if you can spot each county.

Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

Perfect for the warmer days of the year, these 100 acres of the Newfields campus have surprises around every corner. Outdoor art installations, such as Funky Bones, pair with natural beauty to create the afternoon of a lifetime – completely free.

Credit: Cliff Ritchey Art

Be the "I" in Indy

A Circe City Photo Moment

Declare your love for Indy to the world, and be the “I” in Indy. All you have to do is:

FIND: See the list of NDY sculptures here
STAND: Find the foot prints and become the "I" in Indy.
SNAP: Kindly ask someone to take your picture.
SHARE: Post to your favorite social network with hashtag #LOVEINDY

Ride the Monon Trail

Downtown Indy Up to Westfield

The Monon is the rail trail that started it all. The trail extends out of downtown and runs through Mapleton-Fall Creek, Meridian-Kessler, Broad Ripple, and Nora. The northern stretch is called the Monon Greenway and stretches north to Carmel and Westfield. The Monon is one of the busiest urban greenways in the country and offers connections to the Fall Creek Trail, Canal Towpath, and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

See Larger-Than-Life Murals

Madam Walker, Reggie Miller, Eva Kor and More

Scout for four larger-than-life murals along Massachusetts Avenue, in the first cultural district of the city. Look up to entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker Pacers star Reggie Miller, author Kurt Vonnegut, poet Mari Evans, Holocaust survivor and forgiveness advocate Eva Mozes Kor, and world-renowned cyclist and racial advocate Major Taylor as you stroll along Mass Ave to explore the shops, restaurants, and bars.

Explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

A 10-Mile Trail Through Downtown

Take a walk, run, or bike ride down the internationally acclaimed 10-mile long Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The trail travels from Fountain Square to White River State Park to Mass Ave and connects to the Monon Trail and is perfect for a stroll anytime during the day. Explore the city and learn about the culture of Indy one trail at a time.

Check Out Visit Indy Events

Throughout the year, the city is full of free events for community members and visitors to come together. Watch a free movie on the American Legion Mall or go to a free concert in the park. Explore our Events calendar and keep an eye out for those free activities and events!