The start of school in August can shift our focus to the season changing and fall activities. However, the weather in August and September can often make us feel like it’s still summertime! Below is a list of activities to try out in and around Carmel as we transition into the fall season.
Scheduled Events
Stuckey Farms Sunflower Festival
September 2-5th and 9-11th
19975 Hamilton Boone Rd Sheridan, IN
A great event if you are looking to get outside and do something a little different than your normal summer activities! Stuckey Farms is located just north of Carmel and their Sunflower Festival kicks off their event season at the start of fall.
A tractor ride will take you out to the sunflower field where you can explore rows and rows of different sunflowers. Multiple food vendors and the Stuckey Farm concession stand will be open on site during the festival days.
FYI for parents–if you have been to the Stuckey Farm Harvest Festival in years past, the “Activity Acres” where they have had the giant slide, etc will not be open during the sunflower festival.
Tickets and more information can be found, here.
Zionsville Fall Festival
Lions Park, 11053 Sycamore St, Zionsville, IN. September 9-11.
This fall festival is comparable to a carnival on a slightly smaller scale and is fun for all ages! There is a section of giant bounce houses, a midway with carnival rides + games, a parade on Saturday morning, and lots of different food vendors. Entry is free, but different areas and activities have entry prices.
Carmel Oktoberfest
Carmel City Center, September 30th 6 - 10pm.
This event is FUN. Live Polka music really keeps the party going. Kids are dancing, people are dressed in lederhosen, and everyone is having a good time. Free to attend, no tickets required. This event is a staple fall transition activity for our family – grab some friends and check it out!
Reoccurring Events
Putt Putt @ Birdies
632 E, IN-32 Westfield, IN
The hottest putt putt place on the north side, Birdies is a fun activity for both the kids and parents. With multiple courses available to play, even if it’s crowded you can usually get in quickly. They also have a walk-up bar adjacent to the course where you can order drinks and appetizers. Kids 2 and under putt for free!
High School Football Game
Multiple Locations
There is nothing like those Friday night lights! Pick your favorite local high school and take your kids to go watch a game. Here are the schedules for Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, and North Central.
Drive-in Movie at Tibbs
480 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
A short drive into Indianapolis will take you to Tibbs Drive-In. One of the only Drive-In’s left in the area, an early fall night curled up in blankets watching a double feature (or just one movie) is a super fun activity for the whole family!
Kids movies usually start the earliest of all the screens, and as the sunset timing gets earlier later into September–the movie start times will get earlier too! Movie schedule can be found, here.
Colts Football Game
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Our local professional football team has put a lot of work into making games kid-friendly. From placing Mamava nursing pods throughout the stadium, to affordable kids meals at concession stands, to giving away free gifts to kids at guest services – the Colts have been intentional about building a game day experience for families. Find out more about what a game day could look like for your family, here.