Fall Festivals Near Indianapolis That Your Kids Will Love (And So Will You)
There’s something magical about fall in Indiana—the crunch of leaves under your feet, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and the sound of kids laughing as they race through corn mazes. If you’re looking for family events in Carmel and around Indy, you’re in luck. Fall brings some of the most charming, kid-approved festivals to Central Indiana.
Here are our top picks for fall festivals Indiana families will love—complete with pumpkins, apple cider, hayrides, and all the cozy vibes. Bonus: most are under an hour from home.
1. Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival – Sheridan, IN
When: Weekends in September & October
Distance from Carmel: ~25 minutes
Website: stuckeyfarm.com
This is the classic fall experience. Families come from all over Central Indiana for their 15-acre corn maze, massive U-pick apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and family fun zone.
Highlights:
Wagon rides around the farm
Apple cider slushies (trust me—get two)
Bee line zip track and pedal cars for kids
Live bluegrass music and fresh donuts on weekends
This is one of those events where the kids have a blast—and you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.
2. Harvest Nights at Newfields – Indianapolis, IN
When: Late September through October
Distance from Fishers/Carmel: ~30 minutes
Website: discovernewfields.org
More magical than spooky, Harvest Nights is a nighttime spectacle with thousands of glowing pumpkins lighting up the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Highlights:
Pumpkin pathway through spooky trees
Light shows and whimsical displays
Ghoulish treats and warm drinks
Non-scary Halloween atmosphere for younger kids
It’s ideal for littles who don’t love jump scares but still want a dose of Halloween fun.
3. Russell Farms Fall Festival – Noblesville, IN
When: Weekends, late September through October
Distance from Carmel: ~20 minutes
Website: russell-farms.com
This is a true hometown favorite and a must-visit for families who love hands-on fun.
Highlights:
Multiple corn mazes (by age level)
Giant tube slide and straw mountain
Pony rides and petting zoo
Delicious food trucks and apple cider
If you’ve got both toddlers and big kids, this festival strikes the perfect balance of safe exploration and high-energy play.
Bonus Tip: Make your yard as fall-ready as your weekend plans. We always schedule a Blue Duck Lawn Care cleanup in October so the leaves don’t take over!
4. Apple Store Fall Festival at Conner Prairie – Fishers, IN
When: Weekends in September & October
Distance from Carmel/Noblesville: ~15 minutes
Website: connerprairie.org
Indiana’s most iconic living history park turns into a fall wonderland, and the Apple Store serves some of the best cider and caramel apples around.
Highlights:
Pumpkin bowling and games
Historical craft demos and animals
Apple cider slushies and baked goods
Great for history-loving parents and curious kids
Go early for fewer crowds and more time to explore the beautiful walking paths and exhibits.
5. ZooBoo at Indianapolis Zoo – Indianapolis, IN
When: Weekends in October
Distance from Carmel/Fishers: ~35 minutes
Website: indianapoliszoo.com
ZooBoo is a great “starter Halloween” event for younger kids who want to dress up without the scares. Costumes are encouraged!
Highlights:
Trick-or-treating along zoo paths
Pumpkin carving demos and crafts
Halloween-themed dolphin show
Spooktacular rides and bounce houses
And yes, the animals still steal the show—even the elephants get festive.
Takeaway: Fall Is the Season for Family Magic
Whether you’re carving pumpkins in Noblesville, sipping cider in Sheridan, or chasing your kid through a corn maze in Carmel, fall festivals in Indiana are about more than just pumpkins—they’re about memories.
So pull out the flannel, charge your phone for photos, and hit one of these family events near Carmel. The kids may come for the games, but you’ll stay for the togetherness.
And when the fun is over? Head home to a leaf-free, mosquito-free lawn where you can roast marshmallows and plan your next adventure. Blue Duck’s got your back there.
