Summer Youth Programs, Camps & Activities Guide (2026)

We've gathered a collection of free and low-cost summer programs, camps, and activities available throughout Indianapolis.

From STEM camps and library programs to outdoor recreation and community resources, there are plenty of opportunities for students to stay engaged, active, and learning throughout the summer.

Browse the opportunities below to find programs that fit your family's interests and schedule.

• Ivy Tech STEM & Biotech Youth Camps:
  ⁠Ivy Tech Indianapolis hosts entirely free, hands-on four-day summer camps on their campus for older students, including a STEM Youth Camp (July 13–16, 2026) and a Biotechnology Camp (July 27–31, 2026) [Ivy Tech]. 
• Indy Summer Learning Labs: This free program run by The Mind Trust operates at local community centers, churches, and nonprofits across Indianapolis, offering high-quality enrichment activities for students rising into 1st through 9th grade [The Mind Trust]. 
• Indianapolis Public Library Teen Central: The
  ⁠Indianapolis Public Library Teen Services provides free daily refuge from the heat. The Central Library and local branches feature drop-in gaming, Magic: The Gathering workshops, Lego builds, and free movie matinees all summer long [Indianapolis Public Library]. 
• Kids Bowl Free Program: Middle and high schoolers can get two completely free games of bowling every single day at participating Indianapolis lanes by registering online through the Kids Bowl Free Program [Indys Child, Krazy Coupon Lady].

• Indy Parks Teen Hikes & Clubs:
  ⁠Indy Parks and Recreation offers free structured outdoor programs, such as the Bird Buddies club at Municipal Gardens, which hosts free guided nature hikes for youth [
   
  ⁠Mirror Indy]. 
• Local State and Metro Parks: Exploring local parks is free or nearly free [Mirror Indy]. Hiking the miles of shaded trails at Holliday Park is completely free [Indys Child, Indy Parks & Recreation], while vehicle entry into the massive Eagle Creek Park is only $6 [Mirror Indy]. 
• Community Pools & Splash Pads: Indy Parks operates dozens of splash pads (which are 100% free) and outdoor community pools [Mirror Indy, Indy Parks & Recreation]. General pool admission is very budget-friendly at $3 to $6 per visit [Mirror Indy]. 
• Military Kids Resilience Day Camp: For families connected to the military, the state hosts a free
  ⁠Youth Resilience Day Camp at Jameson Camp in Indianapolis (June 15–18, 2026) featuring outdoor rock climbing, archery, swimming, and zip-lining [IN.gov]

• Flashlight Tag & Dusk Games: Organize a classic game of flashlight tag, ghost in the graveyard, or a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt at local parks once the sun goes down [Teach Beside Me, Macaroni Kid].
• Water Relay Olympics: Buy reusable water sponges instead of balloons to set up obstacle courses, backyard water launches, or a DIY mini-golf course in the yard using recycled cardboard boxes [Teach Beside Me].
• PowerPoint Nights: Have teens gather indoors with a group of friends where everyone has to create and present a hilarious, 5-minute slideshow on a highly specific, niche topic of their choice [Best of This Life].

1. Register Your Camper First: You cannot simply fill out a scholarship form; you must register your child for their specific camp weeks first. Registration must be done over the phone via Indy Parks Customer Service at (317) 327-PARK (7275) or directly at the specific park facility. 
2. Pay the Required Deposit: You are required to pay a $5 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per camper, per week of camp at the time of registration to lock in their spot. 
3. Request & Submit the Application: Once your deposit is processed, request the physical
   ⁠Indy Parks Day Camp Financial Aid Application from customer service or the park desk. 
4. Mail In Documentation: Fill out the form, mark it "CONFIDENTIAL", and mail it along with your financial/income documentation to:
• Indy Parks Customer Service, Day Camp Financial Aid Program, 1720 Burdsal Parkway, Indianapolis, IN 46208