There's plenty for seniors to do in Indy!
- Jill Hanika Stout
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Active aging is a goal for older adults in the Indianapolis area. There are many exciting and interesting places to explore within the downtown hub. The places and activities I’m going to tell you about will provide countywide social engagement, cultural enrichment, and physical wellness for aging adults. Most seniors will find something to engage their interest for little or no expense.
As many of you know from your own experience, senior community centers provide social connection and wellness opportunities. Typical activities include exercise classes, walking programs, chair fitness and yoga, bingo, card games, health screenings, educational workshops, volunteer opportunities, day trips, and snacks or meals. Benefits include friendship networks, healthy aging, ongoing learning, reduced isolation, and continuing independence.
There are many senior centers in and around downtown Indianapolis, including Heritage Place of Indianapolis at Illinois Street at East 46th Street; Mid-North Shepherd’s Center on North Meridian Street (Wednesdays only); Fletcher Place Community Center, east of Fountain Square; John H. Boner Family Neighborhood Center, near eastside; Hawthorne Senior Center, 24th and West Ohio Street; Flanner House Elders Center, near westside; Perry Senior Citizens Services, Perry Township; southside Indy; Elton Geshwiler Senior Center, Beech Grove; and Crooked Creek Community Center, northwest.
Several of these centers provide hot lunches, a number of them through CICOA (check the Services tab). Other sites include Bethany Village, Nora Commons, and AHEPA West. Check the internet for your neighborhood by name, if it’s not listed here.
The Indianapolis Public Libraries provide lifelong learning for older adults. They host over 10,000 free events every year, including arts and crafts classes, health and wellness seminars, and computer classes. Indy area libraries provide Senior Tech Academy which teaches digital literacy, internet safety, email skills, scam awareness, and provides computer confidence to senior users. The library also partners with the Marion County Public Health
Department and the Indiana Department of Health with local organizations for community health clinics for Covid-19 vaccines and flu vaccines, plus more services. Check with the Marion County Health Department to confirm clinic locations and times.
Other ongoing library programs, events and opportunities include author talks, book discussions, lectures, music programs, wellness presentations, and cooking demonstrations. The cost advantages are wonderful: free programming, easily accessible locations, and programs and events are available year-round.
Performing arts and entertainment in Indianapolis and Marion County are provided for senior adults, and they range from concerts and theater performances to seasonal festivals and community arts events. Indianapolis parks and theaters offer fantastic, free-to-low-cost arts experiences for seniors, from outdoor symphony concerts to steeply discounted theater offerings.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) performs free concerts at local parks like Garfield Park Amphitheater and Ellenberger Park. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket and enjoy the classics outdoors! The ISO offers shorter concerts—Into the Music—for free or a donation, if you’re able, for fantastic preview concerts at the Hilbert Circle Theater downtown.
Senior Musical Theatre inspires adults ages 55+ as lifelong learners and performers, proving that it’s never too late to grow and connect through theater. And the IndyFringe (now known as IF Theatre) Festival is held annually in August on Mass Ave for $12 daily “Rush Tickets” for select performances. Festival info can be found here.
Other seasonal festivals include Polkas Norteña’s Fest held at the Indiana State Museum. It’s completely free for all ages, celebrating polka-inspired Mexican music with dance performances, food and drink vendors, and arts and crafts. This year the Fest will be on Saturday, Aug. 22. 2026.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Garden at Newfields, has a first Thursday policy, which allows the general admission price of $20 for seniors to be flexible — you
choose how much or how little to pay for your admission, including no dollars. This program is supported by donations, as well as are the art collection and garden, and the education programs and community initiatives.
This summer, the Penrod Arts Fair will be held on the grounds of Newfields, on Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission will be $20 per person. There are hundreds of artists displaying and selling their works; booths from more than 50 non-profit organizations displaying their works; live entertainment—local dancers, musicians, and symphonies—across multiple stages; food trucks, the Indiana Craft Beer Garden, and a Wine Terrace; and there is a designated family-friendly area where there will be face-painting and circus performances.
In addition to Newfields Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden, Indy is blessed with other great museums, such as the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. For the major museums, there is an Access Pass available for people who qualify for certain programs, like SNAP or Hoosier Healthwise, that allows you to visit the top museums like those listed above for just $5 per person per visit. Other discounts may be available; always ask.
If you want outdoor activities for seniors; there are many beautiful parks and green spaces in Indy and Marion County. Several walking tours are available in downtown Indy. Two senior-friendly walking tours are the Monument Circle Historic District Tour, a half-mile guided walk operated by Indiana Landmarks; and WalknTours, a smartphone-guided audio that will inform you as you walk to various sites, and you can pause it while you sit in a café or on a bench. You can take the Downtown Canal Walk for all or part of its 3-mile length; it passes memorials, green spaces and beautiful water features. If you focus your walk near the Ohio Street basin entry, that stretch is lined with iron park benches and concrete retaining walls at sitting height where you can watch the passing pedal boats and admire the urban greenery. If you are in fairly good shape, you can walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail with dedicated walking and resting zones near Mass Ave and the Wholesale District.
Your favorite Senior Center may even arrange for walking tour outings as part of their programming. As well as walking adventures, you can find areas with gardening programs, bird-watching, and other outdoor fitness activities. Check the internet for specific activities.
Finally, if you need transportation options (not all of you drive your own cars), there is the public bus system, IndyGo, with some 30 area bus routes. Bus passes can be purchased at over 100 local retail stores throughout Indy; these businesses are well-marked. Many senior centers provide shuttle services; check with your center director and staff to see what options are available there.
So don’t sit at home in front of the TV when you can become involved in the vibrant life of Indianapolis. Stay engaged and connected throughout your years!
Jill Hanika Stout is a retired mental healthcare worker and freelance writer who lives in North Carolina. She was born and raised in Indiana.
