17 Best Libraries for Kids around Indianapolis

Dawn Denning:  This library consists of two branches. Each branch has a children's area with cool seating where your kiddo can sit and listen to a book being read. There is also a sand/water table, huge blocks to build and toddler-sized stuffed animals at the Anderson location. As for activities, there are all kinds of crafts, guest appearances and storytimes. Older kids and teens have things to do too! There is scheduled tween time which only allows kids in grades 3-6 with different events based on kid's input. Teen movie nights and games nights are also fun events the library holds!

Dawn Denning:  This branch features 2 libraries. A make-believe town with a hospital, store & home will keep your kiddo entertained at these libraries. Your kiddo can play doctor, house and merchant with their friends before participating in one of the many scheduled events. The libraries offer multiple storytimes, Lego/block building events and crafts. The tweens and teens have tons to do too! Your kiddo can read to a dog when Bentley's Buddies visit. They can also participate in a Minecraft club, work on their musical composition and watch movies. The libraries host game nights just for this age group too.

Dawn Denning:  Designed especially for preschoolers, this little library has a lot of charm and fun for your smaller kids. Each week a new theme is presented for your kiddo to enjoy and the activity will be perfect for kids ages 2-3 or 4-5 since the groups are divided into different time slots. Some weeks will be a storytime, while other times they will create a craft or enjoy a sing along. Your child will have social interaction and a great time with you!

Dawn Denning:  This library consists of two branches. Both libraries help maximize reading, music and recording with their "Rock and Reading Studio!" Your kiddo can make music by playing the keyboard, guitar and more. There is also a huge children's area for the kids that includes Legos, puppet shows and reading events. Your teen can be involved by joining the Teen Advisory Board. Members of the board write book reviews, make suggestions on reading materials and participate in the selection of events that happen at the library. It is a great way for a book-loving teen to get involved!

Dawn Denning:  A puzzle wall, kid's craft area, computers and fun blocks are some of the highlights in the kid's area to enjoy at these libraries! The designated play areas allow your kid to be a kid without disturbing adult patrons. Fun events including musical guests, storytimes and clubs are a big hit for the smallest patron. Separate teen areas allow your older students to study, create or hang out with peers of their own. Each library offers events dedicated to your older children including movies, crafts and Harry Potter events.

Dawn Denning:  This library consists of two branches. Your card game loving tween/teen will love spending time at these libraries! They host events multiple times a week for your kiddo to play with their friends. Are your kids not into card games? They can try out retro video games or enjoy the free movie nights.

Your younger children can participate in frequent storytime readings, guest appearances from animal experts and crafts. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with your family!

Dawn Denning:  ***Please note that Main Library service has been relocated to the Merchants' Square shopping center at 2140 E. 116th Street while under construction through 2022***

Bright colors and a fresh environment is the first impression when entering this huge library! The children’s section hosts fun events all year long including concerts, storytimes and games. The Escape Room is a tween/teen area that features guests or themed events for your older kids to enjoy. They can hang out, study or participate in tons of events the library offers throughout the year.

Dawn Denning:  A train table, pretend town and puppet show stage are just some of the things your kiddo can do at this library. After your kiddo is done playing, enjoy some of the great events the library has to offer! There is a ton of guests, storytimes and crafts to keep you and your smallest family members entertained. The tweens and teens have their share of fun as well. The library has a teen section called, The Hangout, where your kiddo can listen to music, study or just hang out in a safe environment and they provide free snacks! In addition, there are teen programs and movies to enjoy!

Dawn Denning:  Tons of great children’s things are going on at Westfield Washington Public Library! Your kiddo can spend time learning how to code with kids their age and read books to dogs with Paws to Read and with Paws & Think. Other events include Lego playing and building, baby storytime and movies!

Teens have their own designated fun. There are weekly Anime clubs and gaming times prescheduled as well as special monthly events. If your kiddo loves to read, they can participate in the Teen Advisory Group to help select the books the library orders.

Dawn Denning:  Located inside of the Children's Museum, this library is the only free library located in a museum! Located on the 2nd floor of the Children's Museum, this library offers a lot of kid-friendly amenities your kiddo can enjoy before entering the museum! Some of these features are a pretend play area, a lemonade stand, drawing area and a reading area. Crafts, movies and guest readers are regularly scheduled events at the library and are free for your family to enjoy!

Dawn Denning:  What makes the Central Library unique among the Indianapolis Public Library locations is The Learning Curve. The Learning Curve is a rounded space divided into different sections that is focused on children. Each location offers a special theme including a baby area, tech center, theatre area and more. Your kiddo can lounge and read in curved chairs or study with friends at a reading cove. Special events are always taking place for your kiddos as well. They can choose from a Minecraft Club, game nights, robots and storytimes. It is a place that everyone can enjoy!

Dawn Denning:  Dedicated to the life's work of Indianapolis native, Kurt Vonnegut, this library is located in the museum that celebrate's him. His mission is to speak the truth, fight censorship and show kindness and the works in his museum/library celebrate his goals. The library includes all of his celebrated works and journals to check out and browse. Events include highlighting banned books, celebrating military veterans and helping those suffering from loneliness.

Cost: Adults: $8; Student: (5-17): $4; Under 4: Free

Dawn Denning:  Located in Zionsville, this public library has a lot of events to keep your teen involved. They can spend an evening watching a movie or playing games on the Xbox or Wii. If that isn’t enough, they can join the library council to impact their local community. Smaller kiddos have a discovery area where they can climb, crawl and jump around! There is also a train table and a tree to climb in to read a book or simply relax. The library hosts multiple reading events, story time, Lego building events and Paws to Read, which lets your child practice reading aloud to a furry friend.

Dawn Denning:  A big tree is a focal point when you walk into the kid's section at this library. Surrounding it is a train table, seating area for kids, Lego table and a game cube. Your early reader can also read to therapy dogs to help build reading confidence. The library offers tons of reading, crafts and other storytime events for your smallest family members to enjoy! Teen/tweens have a place of their own called "Teen Central." This space allows your kids to hang out, play games, study or participate in crafts. Visit during events like movies, guest speakers and trivia geared towards teens.

Dawn Denning:  Kids love to visit the Brownsburg Library because there is always a lot of stuff going on for them to do! There are tons of clubs meetups to connect kids with the same interests including LEGO Club, KidZArt and summer movies. Plus, there are fun storytimes. Have a tentative or struggling reader at home? Your kiddo can read to a canine when Paws to Read comes to visit. A teen book club allows the older kids to have their own time and special interests as well.