8 Family-Friendly Outings to Have in Central Indiana This Fall
Happy fall, y'all! As the leaves change, the Hoosier State comes alive, and there are countless chances for fun for everyone.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in Central Indiana. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors before the temperatures drop too much. If you’re looking for some fun fall-themed activities for the whole family in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, look no further.
In This Article
1. The Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie
The Conner Prairie Living History Museum offers a glimpse into life in Indiana in the 1800s. In the fall, the Fishers-based museum shines through its annual Headless Horseman Festival. For more than 40 years, visitors of all ages have been able to experience the thrills and chills of this Halloween haunt, including a themed hayride, carnival, shows and corn mazes. The hayride takes visitors through the haunted woods, where they may encounter the Headless Horseman himself. The festival features rides, games, food and shows that offer a variety of entertainment, including magic shows and musical performances.
2. Fall Foliage Train Rides
The Nickel Plate Express provides fall-themed train rides from October to November and offers stunning countryside views. The 1950s Santa Fe Railway Hi-Level passenger train cars depart from Forest Park in Noblesville and travel through scenic areas of northern Hamilton County. Passengers can enjoy live music, food and drinks along the way. The train ride is an excellent activity for families and friends of all ages. Even better? Nickel Plate offers a variety of locomotive experiences throughout the year.
3. Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Orchards
Fall is the perfect time to visit a family-friendly orchard. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and there’s nothing quite like picking your apples or pumpkins. No matter what you’re looking for in a fall orchard, corn maze, or pumpkin patch, you will find it in Central Indiana. So get out there and enjoy the season!
- Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch in Noblesville offers a pumpkin patch, mini-golf, corn mazes, a petting zoo, a snack shack, pedal cars, play areas and hayrides. And if all of that fun leaves you feeling hungry, the snack shack has apple cider, burgers, hot dogs, pumpkin treats and caramel apples.
- Piney Acres Farm in Fortville is a 73-acre farm with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, an apple canyon, fall decor, a scream park, a Kids Zone, a Farm Store and a Snack Bar all waiting to be explored.
- Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield is a family-friendly farm with activities like pumpkin and apple picking and gorgeous sunflower trails. The farm store sells local products and fall decor. And while you’re there? Enjoy a caramel apple or apple cider slushie!
- Keslay Farms in Whiteland has a month-long Fall Festival with a corn maze, hayrides, farm animals and pumpkins. Visitors can enjoy the Jump Pad, Straw Bale Mountain and Moo-Choo Express rides. Plus, there is a corn crib for playing and pumpkin painting for your littles.
4. Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival is a mainstay during the fall in the Irvington Historic District of Indianapolis. Since 1946, this annual festival has hosted a variety of activities for all ages, including a masquerade ball, street fair, parade, movie night, Zombie bike ride, contests and so much more. The festival also features live music, food trucks and a variety of vendors.
The Irvington Historic District is a beautiful neighborhood just north of downtown Indianapolis. It’s a community with historic homes and businesses decorated for the festival. The festival is a great way to celebrate Halloween in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere; it is free to attend and open to the public.
5. PumpkinTown at Sullivan Hardware and Garden’s Allisonville
Hop on the PumpkinTown Sullivan Express at Sullivan Hardware and Garden for a Halloween-themed train ride filled with fun. The 15-minute train ride takes you through an enchanted forest with friendly creatures and a local circus. After the ride, disembark at PumpkinTown Station and meet the mayor of PumpkinTown. While in this festive city, partake in a number of on-theme activities, like magic shows, dance parties and trick-or-treating at mini houses. Know before you go: a typical car holds four adults and two children.
6. ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland with a variety of activities, amazing animals and pumpkins galore! ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and with regular admission. PumpkinTown features dance parties, animal interactions and a Mirror Maze. There are also fun, spooky rides, meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and different Trick-or-Treat trails. After you’ve taken in ZooBoo, stick around to explore the rest of the Indianapolis Zoo, as it is one of the best zoos in the country.
7. The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis hosts an annual family-friendly haunted house. Two tours are available: a lights-on and a lights-off walk-through of the haunted house. You can check out their list of events for frightful games, special events and member-only parties. For younger children, the lights-on tour is perfect for those who may be a little scared of the dark, while the lights-off session is more challenging and recommended for older children and adults.
In addition to the haunted house, the Children’s Museum hosts various other frightful events, including games, special events and member-only parties.
8. Harvest Nights at Newfields
A spectacular, not-so-scary night of magical lights and wonder happens every fall at Harvest Nights at Newfields. In the Pumpkin Path of Peril, you can explore foggy forests with jack-o-lanterns galore, feel the Ghost Train rumble and see The Three Graces dance at the party of the century at Mischief Manor. Enjoy live music, food and drinks and participate in family-friendly activities. For the adults, hand-crafted themed cocktails at Garden Terrace and the Elder Greenhouse are available; light snacks and apple cider or hot cocoa are also available.
