Indy Parks’ Arts for All program continues to be a cornerstone of accessible creativity in Indianapolis. In 2026, the program has expanded its footprint to ensure that families in every corner of Marion County have a local venue to explore the arts without the burden of high tuition or expensive supplies.
Here is the updated and verified guide to the program for the 2026 season.
What Arts for All Offers
Arts for All is a flexible, "self-directed" art program where youth can engage in creative, hands-on activities. Each month features a new theme or medium, ensuring repeat visitors always have a fresh project to tackle.
Activities: Sessions cover a broad spectrum including drawing fundamentals, watercolor, mixed media, and unique projects like "flow painting."
Age Ranges: While activities are primarily geared toward children aged 5–12, the program is officially open to all ages. Most park facilities welcome older siblings and teens (up to 18) to participate alongside younger children.
Format: Participants can typically drop in at any point during the scheduled hour, complete their project, and take it home the same day. All materials—from canvases and brushes to specialty beads and clay—are provided by Indy Parks.
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2026 Locations and Schedule
In 2026, the program rotates through more than a dozen park facilities. The following locations have confirmed Arts for All sessions for the Winter/Spring and Summer seasons:
| Side of Town | Participating Park Locations |
| North | Broad Ripple Park, Riverside Adventure Park |
| South | Garfield Park Arts Center, Southeastway Park, Pride Park |
| East | Ellenberger Park, Christian Park, Grassy Creek, Indianapolis World Sports Park |
| West | Krannert Park, Thatcher Park, Rhodius Park, Brookside Park |
| Indoor/Water | Indy Island Aquatic Center (Raymond Park) |
Typical Session Times: Most sessions are held on weekday evenings (e.g., Tuesdays at 5:30 PM) or Saturday afternoons (e.g., Noon – 1:00 PM), making them highly accessible for school-aged children.
Cost and Registration
Cost: The program remains completely free for participants. There are no supply fees or hidden costs for the standard Arts for All drop-in sessions.
Registration: For most locations, no registration is required. You can simply show up at the designated time and location (often the park's Family Center lobby or Activity Room).
Note: A few select high-demand sites (like Garfield Park Arts Center) may occasionally use a free "sign-up" sheet to manage capacity, but the vast majority remain true "drop-in" programs.
Arts for All — The Details
Address: Rotates by site (see table above).
Hours: Vary by location; usually 1-hour sessions weekly or monthly.
Cost: Free.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available at all participating Indy Parks facilities.
Official Schedule: Indy Parks Program Search (Search "Arts for All").
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Where to Check the Schedule
Because the schedule varies significantly by month, it is essential to check the Indy Parks & Recreation online portal before you go. You can also find consolidated monthly guides on the Indy with Kids directory, which tracks specific dates for these sessions alongside other family-friendly programming.
Who It's For
Arts for All is built for families with younger children, but older kids are generally welcome. The drop-in format means there's no commitment required, and parents can stay and participate alongside their kids. It's a practical option for a low-cost weekend activity that isn't a screen.
Check the current Indy Parks schedule for session dates and locations before you go. If your kids have been asking to take an art class, this is a reasonable first step before committing to anything paid.
