Take your kids back to the good ol’ days at this Fountain Square bowling spot. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Heat indexes might be at an all-time high lately, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop for Naptown’s youngest citizens — especially with the 2025-2026 school year starting in just a few days.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the end-of-summer boredom while avoiding the heat (or the rain), check out these kid-friendly activities. Newfields
If you have a toddler or preschooler, bring them to Wee Wonders — a one-hour daytime program that encourages kids to sing songs, go on art hunts, and make their own creations. The next one is tomorrow, Aug. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
A clear crossbody bag to fit all your essentials for summer concerts + future sporting events. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
Lagers & Leaders | 4-6 p.m. | Tinker House Events | $18 | Enjoy a brew and gain insights from Jenny Boyts — CEO of Forty5.
RUN(317) | 7 p.m. | Mass Ave | $52+ | Lace up your shoes and run through downtown to benefit Girls on the Run, then stick around for a post-race street party.
Friday, Aug. 1
Community-Wide Yard Sale | Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | Price of purchase | Dig for treasures and take home new-to-you furniture, electronics, toys, and games.
Porch Concert | 6 p.m. | The Propylaeum | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to relax on the lawn while you listen to a performance by local musician Chad Mills.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Outdoor Yoga | 9-10 a.m. | Gather 22 | Free+ | Come for an all-levels yoga flow, and stay for a cocktail, coffee, or brunch afterward.
Indianapolis All-Pro Dad Experience | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center | $35 | Join Super Bowl champion and former Colts punter Hunter Smith for football drills, interactive stations, and practical parenting workshops.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Cookie Decorating Class | 2-4 p.m. | Scoop Shack | $65 | When life gives you lemons, learn how to decorate a set of six citrus-themed cookies.
Art & Soul Sundays | 3-4 p.m. | Indianapolis Arts Garden | Free | Hear both fresh and familiar tunes from The Gospel of Morris at this family-friendly concert.
The dreaded repair bill is coming... are you covered? | Photo by Choice Home Warranty
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Protect your home (and your wallet) before the next unexpected breakdown.
Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on Devon Creek, its next neighborhood development in northern Indianapolis. Construction on the community of 10 single-family homes is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, and will be Habitat’s first new development in Marion County in 25 years. (WRTV)
Weather
They say, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity that gets you,” and no words could be truer for summer in Indianapolis. Since June 1, the city has maintained an average dew point of 66.2º — the highest on record since 1931. (WISH)
Development
The Crossing at Fishers District — an upcoming $30 million development set to open next year across from Fishers Event Center in Carmel — has announced its anchor tenant. Owner of Prime 47 Steakhouse, Jeremiah Hamman, will open a new concept with a similar menu + a second-floor terrace overlooking the event center. (Indianapolis Business Journal)
Number
71,000. That’s how many people attended GenCon in 2024, and this year’s completely sold-out event is expected to surpass that number + set a new record for the convention. Are you one of the lucky few who rolled a natural 20 and secured a ticket? Let us know. (WISH)
Ranked
No. 53. That’s where Indianapolis’ Fitzgerald’s Lunch House ranked on Yelp’s Top 100 Sandwich Shops in the US list based on its amount of five-star reviews. Next time you head to the Otis Avenue spot, try reviewer Lindy V.’s recommendation: the Cubano with a side of baked potato casserole. (CBS 4)
Pets
Animal welfare-focused nonprofit, Operation Indy Animals, will keep making a paws-itive impact on Indianapolis’ furry friends after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The funding will be used to expand the nonprofit’s low-cost spay and neuter services. (WISH)
Try This
Love is in the air (and maybe a little mud, too). Brownsburg’s Oinking Acres will host Date Night on the Farm on Friday, Aug. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Grab you + your boo tickets for tours, food truck bites + bevs, u-pick flowers, and up-close time with the pigs.
Sports
Hoosiers football has kicked off fall practice — can Curt Cignetti’s squad replicate last season’s College Football Playoff success? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Hoosierswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Shop
Could your feet be comfier right now? We’ve got two summer shoe recommendations: these ultra-cushioned pillow slides and tried and true classic Crocs.*
Gamers at the ready — it’s officially GenCon weekend, and even local businesses are getting in on the fun. Ash and Elm Cider Co. is rolling out a limited-time label for its fan-favorite Fleeting Youth Cider flavor inspired by the Convention Center’s iconic former carpet.
Pro tip: Show your GenCon badge at one of Ash and Elm’s taprooms today through Sunday, Aug. 3 to get 10% off your order.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Where did the Indianapolis flag rank out of 150 city flags in 2004?
The correct answer was No. 8, guessed correctly by ~48% of respondents. Shoutout to the North American Vexillological Association for recognizing just how great Indy is.
With the Indiana State Fair opening tomorrow, I’m reflecting on all the great memories I’ve made at fairs over the years. Having grown up in New England with a sister who showed horses, fair season was practically a way of life. Do you have a favorite fair memory? Let me know.
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