Quick Summary:

  • Many of the museums in Indianapolis are open to the public on select days for free, including the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art and the museums of the landmark Indiana War Memorial Plaza.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Lockerbie Square Historic District ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Lockerbie Square Historic District | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of Sergey - Fotolia.com

2. The Antique Fan Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Antique Fan Museum | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© The Antique Fan Museum

3. The Indiana State Police Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Indiana State Police Museum | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© The Indiana State Police Museum

4. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park

Category: Activities
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of skymoon13 - Fotolia.com

5. Indianapolis Artsgarden

Category: Museums & Culture
Indianapolis Artsgarden | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Indianapolis Artsgarden

6. The Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Category: Activities
The Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of f11photo - Fotolia.com

7. Indiana War Memorial Museum

Category: Attractions
Indiana War Memorial Museum | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of simonwhitehurst - Fotolia.com

8. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Category: Activities
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of petunyia - Fotolia.com

9. Indy Reads Books

Category: Shopping
Indy Reads Books | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Indy Reads Books

10. Concerts on the Canal

Category: Entertainment
Concerts on the Canal | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of Astarot - Fotolia.com

11. Indianapolis City Market

Category: Shopping
Indianapolis City Market | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Indianapolis City Market

12. The Downtown Indy Canal Walk

Category: Activities
The Downtown Indy Canal Walk | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of Alexey Stiop - Fotolia.com

13. The Indiana State Library

Category: Kids & Family
The Indiana State Library | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© The Indiana State Library

14. The Talbot Street Art Fair

Category: Museums & Culture
The Talbot Street Art Fair | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of chaolik - Fotolia.com

15. Indy LaborFest

Indy LaborFest | Free & Affordable Vacation Activities in Indianapolis
© Courtesy of tpap8228 - Fotolia.com

Summary & FAQ Lockerbie Square Historic District The Antique Fan Museum The Indiana State Police Museum The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park Indianapolis Artsgarden The Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument Indiana War Memorial Museum The Indianapolis Cultural Trail Indy Reads Books Concerts on the Canal Indianapolis City Market The Downtown Indy Canal Walk The Indiana State Library The Talbot Street Art Fair Indy LaborFest

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