Sandra MillerFinding the perfect spot to keep the kids entertained in Indianapolis can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to beat the unpredictable Indiana weather. The good news is that Indianapolis is home to some of the best indoor playgrounds!
If you’re looking for a quiet moment with a good cup of coffee while the kids burn off energy or a rain-proof family outing, you’ll want to stick around to know the perfect fit for you and your kids.
As someone who appreciates an active, screen-free afternoon just as much as a good cup of coffee, I’ve scoured the city for the most engaging and parent-friendly play zones.
Let’s dive into the top spots where your kids can climb, jump, and slide to their hearts’ content.
How much do indoor playgrounds cost in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, indoor playgrounds typically charge about $15 to $30 per child, depending on whether you choose a quick jump session or an all-day adventure.
| Facility Type | Estimated Cost |
| Kids Empire | ~$19.90–$20 per child (All-day access) |
| Slick City Action Park | $26.99 (90 mins) – $31.99 (120 mins) |
| Funland | Under $20 per child |
| Community Centers (e.g., Fishers, The Park) | Free |
1. Kids Empire Hardegan
Website: https://www.kidsempire.com/park/hardegan
Address: 8707 Hardegan Street
Contact: (317) 883-7885 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00AM-8:00PM | Friday to Sunday 10:00AM-10:00PM
Keeping the kids active away from screens is a top priority for many parents, and securing an all-day admission pass makes that goal incredibly easy at Kids Empire Hardegan.
With the option to leave for a quick lunch and return later at no extra cost, Kids Empire Hardegan provides unparalleled flexibility for busy families.
I also love that general admission automatically includes free entry for two adults per child, encouraging everyone to tackle the massive climbing structures together.
You do need to plan slightly, as outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited, meaning you will be relying on their concession stand for snacks.
Furthermore, every single guest is required to purchase and wear their specific non-slip socks, which adds a minor hidden fee at the door.
Despite those small hurdles, the multi-level mazes and dedicated infant zones keep kids of all ages thoroughly exhausted by bedtime.
Kids Empire Hardegan is an absolute haven for children and parents alike. From the moment you step inside, the vibrant atmosphere and plethora of activities cater to every child’s imagination and energy levels. The indoor playground boasts a diverse range of play structures, ensuring endless hours of fun and exploration for children of all ages.
- Reed Trisler | Google Reviews
Such a fun place to bring kids to get energy out when it’s too cold to play outside. Nice and clean and not too much overwhelming noises like some indoor places have. We’ll definitely be back.
- Emily Perez | Google Reviews
2. Smiley Ocean Themed Adventure Park
Website: https://www.smileyindianapolis.com/
Address: 5729 E. 86th St.
Contact: (317) 997-5437 | (317) 997-5526
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00AM–8:00PM | Friday and Sunday 11:00AM–9:00PM | Saturday 10:00AM–10:00PM
Discovering a venue that seamlessly blends physical activity with rare, interactive digital games feels like striking gold for a weekend outing.
Smiley Ocean-Themed Adventure Park caters to diverse interests, and the free spectator entry is a massive bonus for parents wanting to save cash while relaxing.
My friend recently took her ten-year-old to, and she raved about how the unique environment pit and expansive play zones kept him engaged for hours.
While an outdoor sport with a dedicated golf coach is great for discipline, this ocean-themed spot rules for chaotic indoor fun.
Just be aware that if you want to actively climb the structures with your toddlers, you must pay an extra adult admission fee. Furthermore, their strict policy against outside food means you cannot bring your own snacks.
Incredible and massive indoor playground. From two large play areas for both older kids and one dedicated for smaller kids, the digging pit, a second large ball pit with interactive screens, decent size arcade and cafe, we absolutely loved this place. Most importantly it was clean! We travel a lot and this is by far the best indoor playground we’ve experienced.
- Christina Danley | Google Reviews
Great for kids of all ages! We bring our 2 1/2-year-old son here all the time when the weather outside is rainy or cold. We love that we can just sit there and trust he’s going to be OK in the play area. He has so much fun in the indoor playground area and running around the arcade! Highly recommend if you have small kids looking to get some energy out.
- Angela Brauer | Google Reviews
3. The Busy Bee Play Cafe
Website: https://www.thebusybeeplaycafe.com/
Address: 5635 W. 96th St. Suite 200
Contact: (317) 456-7898
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9:00AM–5:00PM | Thursday to Saturday 9:00AM–7:00PM
Working remotely while keeping a toddler safely entertained is a notorious struggle for stressed professionals.
Thankfully, the deliberately uncrowded, relaxing cafe atmosphere at The Busy Bee Play Cafe is designed specifically with adult comfort in mind.
Here, you can expect completely open sightlines, allowing you to sip a latte and answer emails while keeping a watchful eye on your little one from the sidelines.
Unlike larger corporate chains, this location actually allows you to bring in outside food for your kids, making lunchtime a total breeze!
The only major catch is that they strictly prohibit bringing in your own outside coffee, so you’ll have to purchase your caffeine fix directly from their in-house menu.
You also must remember to bring regular socks for yourself, even if you never plan on leaving your comfortable cafe chair.
Very welcoming and fun place for kids playing. There is an indoor playground, area for imagination play, and section off area for infants to play without bigger kids. Lots of seating areas for adults to be comfortable while kids play with in sight. The cafe is amazing and fully equipped with all your coffee needs as well as plant based alternative energy drinks. Everything is well worth the price and a great way to get out of the house during the cold.
- Samantha bonet | Google Reviews
Pleasantly surprised. Kind of like a coffee shop with a 90s indoor playground. Went with my family and was a great way for me to work remotely but still be with family. Very novel idea. Wifi worked well enough for video calls but was far too loud though, but great place to knock out emails while family plays.
- Ben Davidson | Google Reviews
4. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Website: skyzone.com/northindianapolis
Address: 8356 Masters Road
Contact: (317) 520-5030
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00AM–8:00PM | Friday 11:00AM–10:00PM | Saturday 9:00AM–10:00PM | Sunday 9:00AM–9:00PM
Finding an energetic outlet that older kids, teenagers, and even parents can enjoy together is surprisingly difficult in Sky Zone Trampoline Park.
I love how this indoor space allows an incredibly wide age access, and a single ticket unlocks multiple varied attractions to keep the whole family moving.
But if your family prefers tactical indoor games over bouncing, a nearby laser tag arena might be a more fitting choice for the afternoon.
During my last visit, I actually tested out the harness-free bouldering wall myself, and I can confidently say it provides a fantastic workout for wellness enthusiasts.
For those ready to jump, keep in mind that the mandatory liability waivers required for every single participant can create a tedious bottleneck at the front entrance.
Additionally, if you buy a monthly membership for the discounts, you can’t use those perks at any other franchise locations.
DEFY is the best. Ever since we discovered it, we have been regulars. There is no better place for fun, fitness and learning to challenge yourself nearby, or anywhere I’ve ever lived. It is better than any other indoor trampoline park I’ve experienced – more challenging, more open and more activities. Moreover, the facility is well designed and handles crowds very well. The staff is exceptional and ensures a positive experience.
- Clinton Vranian | Google Reviews
This place is so much better than a trampoline park alone. It has slack lines, climbing walls, an obstacle course, zip line and Dodge ball court on top of plenty of trampolines. I wish we had something like that near Grand rapids, MI.
- Cheryl DeKruyter | Google Reviews
5. McDonald’s PlayPlace
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/location/in/indianapolis/7229-e-washington/17041.html
Address: 7229 E Washington St
Contact: (317) 353-2771
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00AM–7:00PM
Grabbing a quick, familiar meal while the kids blow off some steam is an absolute lifesaver for busy parents.
The McDonald’s PlayPlace on Washington Street offers a convenient time for the family, where you can order ahead before letting the children loose in the digital entertainment hub.
For special events, this place even goes beyond the classic slides by offering turnkey party packages that take the logistical stress off parents’ shoulders.
Their complimentary WiFi is also incredibly helpful if you need to catch up on work while monitoring your family.
However, families dealing with severe allergies should be cautious, as the fast-paced kitchen environment carries a significant risk of cross-contamination.
Moreover, if you accidentally select the wrong restaurant in the mobile app, the system annoyingly locks your pickup location without allowing a transfer.
