Looking for winter activities in Indy? Explore our guide to family-friendly adventures that strengthen connection, from ice skating to cozy indoor exhibits.
As the winter season blankets Indianapolis in sparkling snow and twinkling lights, the city transforms into a playground of possibilities for families looking to grow closer.
For foster families especially, these holiday moments offer precious opportunities to create shared memories, build trust, and enjoy being together.We've gathered 14 favorite winter activities that enrich connections through fun, creativity, and adventure. From racing down snowy slopes to exploring magical museums, each experience offers something special for families at any stage of their journey together.
Many of these activities are budget-friendly or free, and all of them are chosen with making festive and happy memories in mind.
Whether you're newly welcomed into each other's lives or have already shared many seasons together, these winter adventures provide natural moments for bonding, conversation, and discovery.
Bundle up, bring your sense of wonder, and explore the magic Indianapolis has to offer this holiday season!
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Newfields, where three million twinkling lights transform everyday gardens into an enchanted escape!
For foster families seeking a special evening out, this dazzling display offers the perfect blend of wonder and togetherness. Watch your children's eyes light up as they discover illuminated pathways set to festive music, or share quiet moments of connection beneath canopies of sparkling lights.
Winterlights is more than just a light show. It's an opportunity to build beautiful memories together.
Escape the winter chill and discover a miniature world of wonder at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Here, model trains chug through charming landscapes while hundreds of vibrant poinsettias add splashes of holiday color. Foster families will appreciate the conservatory's cozy, intimate setting – perfect for younger children who might feel overwhelmed by larger venues.
Take your time exploring together, pointing out tiny details in the train displays, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature's beauty.
Friday-Sunday, plus select Holiday weeks: $14 Admission, $4 Skate Rental
Nothing brings out laughter quite like wobbling together on ice skates!
The Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza offers foster families a chance to try something new — or show off their existing skating skills — in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
Don't worry if you're all beginners. Skate rentals and plenty of learning space make this NHL-sized rink welcoming for everyone. Some of the best family bonding happens when we're a little bit out of our comfort zone!
Looking for an adventure that will have everyone cheering?
Head to Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes, where a 700-foot snow tubing run promises excitement for all ages. This winter activity naturally creates opportunities for encouragement and celebration.
Whether you're racing down side by side or linking tubes for a family train, there's something magical about sharing thrills together. Thanks to dedicated snow-making equipment, you can count on great conditions throughout the season.
Watch faces light up with wonder at Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum, where miniature trains wind through stunning replicas of American landmarks.
This beloved holiday exhibit combines artistry and engineering to create pure magic. Foster families will especially love how the intricate scenes spark natural conversations – from spotting tiny details in snowy mountain passes to sharing stories about places they'd love to visit together.
It's a delightful blend of education and enchantment that captures imaginations of all ages!
Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds in Magical Winter Wonderland at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
This interactive experience brings mythical winter creatures to life through hands-on activities that foster families can enjoy together. Whether you're crafting alongside dragons or getting lost in snowy stories, every corner offers a new opportunity for shared discovery and joy.
It's the ideal adventure that brings families closer!
All aboard for holiday fun!
Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum delights families with its perfect mix of entertainment and education. Foster families will appreciate how the interactive displays naturally encourage teamwork and shared exploration.
From riding the whimsical train to engaging with hands-on exhibits, every activity is designed to create those precious "remember when" moments that strengthen family bonds.
This event will take place from November 16th until January 5th — don’t miss out!
When the snow falls, Holliday Park becomes your family's winter playground!
Build towering snow forts, stage friendly snowball battles, or work together to create a family of snowpeople — the possibilities are endless. Foster families will love this activity because it naturally brings out everyone's playful side while building trust through teamwork.
This memory-making adventure is completely free, proving that sometimes the simplest activities create the strongest bonds.
Experience the peaceful beauty of winter at Fort Harrison State Park.
Crisp air, crunching snow, and serene trails create the perfect setting for foster families to slow down and reconnect. Whether you're following animal tracks, spotting winter birds, or simply enjoying the quiet together, these moments in nature have a way of opening hearts and minds.
Bundle up, bring some hot chocolate, and discover how a simple winter walk can become a cherished family tradition.
Journey back in time through an ice tunnel at Frozen Reign, where Indiana's Ice Age history comes dramatically to life.
Foster families are transported to an era when mammoths and mastodons roamed our familiar landscape, making this exhibit particularly special for building shared moments of discovery.
Crawl through a jaguar's den together, marvel at the size of prehistoric creatures, and let your children's imaginations run wild as they compare their own weight to that of a giant sloth!
Watch as your family member's eyes light up while exploring the frozen lake, or share in their excitement as they learn how ancient glaciers carved the very ground beneath our feet. It's an adventure through time that brings families closer through shared exploration and discovery.
Warm up your winter morning at the Winter Farmers Market at the AMP.
This isn't just any market — it's a festive gathering where foster families can explore together, sample local treats, and enjoy live music in a cozy indoor setting. Watch your children’s interest in colorful produce displays, chat with friendly local artisans, or simply soak in the community atmosphere.
It's a delightful way to spend quality time together while supporting local vendors and maybe even discovering a new favorite family snack!
For a day filled with squeals of delight and rosy cheeks, head to Snow Tubing at Perfect North Slopes.
This winter playground makes adventure accessible for everyone — no experience needed! Families will love how the conveyor lift takes the work out of winter fun, letting you focus on racing down the slopes together, sharing high-fives at the bottom, and making memories.
This is the kind of activity that will have everyone asking, "When can we come back?"
Why not have some fun at home this winter?
Whether you're discovering how polar bears stay warm with homemade blubber gloves, or creating magical snow paint to decorate your backyard, these science activities naturally blend learning with family fun.
Transform snow into sweet treats with snow ice cream, grow stunning borax crystal "snowflakes" indoors, or craft gingerbread-scented slime that fills your home with holiday cheer.
Each experiment offers opportunities for connection through shared discovery – from predicting what will happen to celebrating successful results.
Many of these activities use simple household items, making science adventures accessible for everyone. Gather your junior scientists and get ready for winter experiments that'll have everyone asking, "What happens next?"
Find all the activities you’ll need on the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis website!
When snowflakes start falling, Paul Ruster Park becomes the perfect playground for winter thrills!
This local favorite offers gentle slopes that are just right for family sledding adventures. This simple activity naturally creates opportunities for encouragement, laughter, and teamwork.
Whether you're sailing down the hill together or helping each other trek back up, every run builds confidence and connection.
It’s heartwarming to hear stories from other foster parents who know what it’s like — especially with the holiday season coming.
Hear stories from parents who have been there with Letters Written with Love, a collection of letters from foster parents to the children in their care.
Access your free copy now, and experience the love, hope, and joy of foster parents just before the holidays!
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