The best things to do in Marion

34 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Marion’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Pets · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Parks & Outdoors · Services

Pinned in Marion today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Marion — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Entertainment · 34 places · showing the latest additions first

At The Busy Bee Play Cafe, kids burn energy in clean, imaginative play zones while you actually sip real coffee from comfy seating with…

5635 W 96th St Ste 200 (Indianapolis) · ✓ checked Sep 12

“At The Busy Bee Play Cafe, kids burn energy in clean, imaginative play zones while you actually sip real coffee from comfy seating with open sightlines. Drop in or reserve, grab flexible passes or memberships, and consider their stress-free birthday parties with room for big family crews.”

From the New Castle newsletter, October 15, 2026

Website ↗

Crest Lanes

Entertainment

Sometimes you just want the simple joy of ten pins, friends, and a scoreboard that tells the truth. Crest Lanes keeps Marion bowling with…

2014 W 2nd St

“Sometimes you just want the simple joy of ten pins, friends, and a scoreboard that tells the truth. Crest Lanes keeps Marion bowling with classic, no-fuss vibes, a friendly crowd, and just enough competition to make that spare feel heroic.”

From the Marion newsletter, October 9, 2026

Website ↗

Arbor Trace Golf Club keeps Marion golfers coming back with a welcoming public layout, weekly specials, junior rates, lessons, and even…

2500 E 550 N

“Arbor Trace Golf Club keeps Marion golfers coming back with a welcoming public layout, weekly specials, junior rates, lessons, and even free range balls. It’s been repeatedly voted Grant County’s Greatest and was a Golf Digest Best Places to Play pick, so book a tee time or plan your next outing.”

From the Marion newsletter, October 3, 2026

Website ↗

River's Edge Family Golf Center is the kind of no-fuss mini-golf spot where friendly trash talk meets actual short-game practice, perfect…

1921 N Huntington Rd · ✓ checked Sep 17

“River's Edge Family Golf Center is the kind of no-fuss mini-golf spot where friendly trash talk meets actual short-game practice, perfect for weeknight boredom or low-stakes date nights. Bring the kids, bring your competitive cousin, and settle bragging rights one colorful obstacle at a time.”

From the Marion newsletter, September 27, 2026

Website ↗
Run a Marion business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

When your weekend needs more fairways than errands, The Fort Golf Resort brings a Golfweek “Best Courses You Can Play” top 10 Indiana…

6002 N Post Rd (Indianapolis)

“When your weekend needs more fairways than errands, The Fort Golf Resort brings a Golfweek “Best Courses You Can Play” top 10 Indiana layout, easy online tee times, a well-stocked pro shop, and PGA professional lessons. Stay-and-play lodging makes a low-stress buddies trip.”

From the Richmond newsletter, September 27, 2026

Website ↗

Built in 1927 with a Bill Diddel designed course, a recently renovated pool and junior swim program, and an event space with real historic…

6098 Fall Creek Rd (Indianapolis)

“Built in 1927 with a Bill Diddel designed course, a recently renovated pool and junior swim program, and an event space with real historic charm, Hillcrest Country Club nails that community feel where you can chase a number, tire out the kids, then actually enjoy dinner.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 8, 2026

Website ↗

Work stressing you out? All the Rage Fort Wayne lets you gear up to smash a roomful of breakables, or switch lanes with a Paint Splatter…

2307 Spy Run Ave (Fort Wayne)

“Work stressing you out? All the Rage Fort Wayne lets you gear up to smash a roomful of breakables, or switch lanes with a Paint Splatter session where you fling color at a canvas and your friends, and you actually get to take your masterpiece home. Fort Wayne therapy, upgraded.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 22, 2026

Website ↗

Whether you’re craving a serene round and those beautiful course views, a relaxed dinner with creative seasonal menus, or winter tennis and…

5221 Covington Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Whether you’re craving a serene round and those beautiful course views, a relaxed dinner with creative seasonal menus, or winter tennis and pickleball, Fort Wayne Country Club brings the social, athletic, and family vibes together.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 26, 2026

Website ↗

3rd Shot Pickleball Indy brings 15 indoor courts with climate control, divider nets, and replay cameras on every court, plus clinics,…

4400 W 96th St (Indianapolis) · ✓ checked Sep 12

“3rd Shot Pickleball Indy brings 15 indoor courts with climate control, divider nets, and replay cameras on every court, plus clinics, leagues, and open play that actually match your level. Reserve your own court, then debrief at the beer and wine tap wall or browse the pro shop curated by real pickleballers.”

From the Westfield newsletter, October 10, 2026

Website ↗

Whether you're in the mood for an indie gem or the latest blockbuster, Living Room Theaters keeps it comfy and relaxed with actual food…

745 E 9th St Ste 810 (Indianapolis)

“Whether you're in the mood for an indie gem or the latest blockbuster, Living Room Theaters keeps it comfy and relaxed with actual food plus wine and beer, so your movie night feels like a night out, not a chore. A solid pick for date night or group hangs.”

From the Anderson newsletter, September 12, 2026

Website ↗

Whispering Hills Golf Course is a nine-hole loop with big greens, elevated tees and greens, bunkers on nearly every hole, and water on six,…

10751 Brookville Rd (Indianapolis)

“Whispering Hills Golf Course is a nine-hole loop with big greens, elevated tees and greens, bunkers on nearly every hole, and water on six, which makes it sneaky-challenging without eating your whole day. Easy pick for a quick after-work round or weekend tune-up.”

From the Greenwood newsletter, August 21, 2026

Website ↗

Autumn Ridge Golf Course Inc is that country club alternative locals actually like, with 18 distinct holes where water keeps you honest on…

11420 Auburn Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Autumn Ridge Golf Course Inc is that country club alternative locals actually like, with 18 distinct holes where water keeps you honest on 15, a tranquil neighborhood backdrop, and relaxed dining after the round. Book it this week, remind your irons who’s boss.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 13, 2026

Website ↗

Sycamore Hills Golf Club pairs a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course, recently refreshed by Nicklaus Design and perennially ranked among…

11836 Covington Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Sycamore Hills Golf Club pairs a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course, recently refreshed by Nicklaus Design and perennially ranked among Golf Digest’s top 200, with a from-scratch, nationally ranked culinary program in a casually elegant clubhouse.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 12, 2026

Website ↗

Combat Ops Entertainment-Fort Wayne packs mission-based laser tag, axe throwing, mini golf, mini bowling, VR, a laser maze, and a beefy…

702 Ley Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Combat Ops Entertainment-Fort Wayne packs mission-based laser tag, axe throwing, mini golf, mini bowling, VR, a laser maze, and a beefy arcade into one spot, plus pizza, craft beer, and wine slushies. Easy pick for birthdays, team outings, or just burning off energy on a Tuesday.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 18, 2026

Website ↗

Riverbend Golf Course delivers a classic 18-hole Ernie Schrock design from 1972 along the St. Joseph River, with fast, well-kept greens and…

7207 St Joe Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Riverbend Golf Course delivers a classic 18-hole Ernie Schrock design from 1972 along the St. Joseph River, with fast, well-kept greens and a mix of holes that actually make you use every club. Sneak in a round this week, then refuel at the full service bar with grilled burgers, dogs and brats.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 10, 2026

Website ↗

Landmark Keystone Art Cinema is a go-to for independent, foreign language, and documentary films, all presented on 7 DLP digital screens.…

219 8702 Keystone Crossing (Indianapolis)

“Landmark Keystone Art Cinema is a go-to for independent, foreign language, and documentary films, all presented on 7 DLP digital screens. Grab something from the full bar, relax in the Indie Lounge, or take your drink into the auditorium and enjoy something off the beaten path.”

From the Kokomo newsletter, September 6, 2026

Website ↗

Cinema Center

Entertainment

If your algorithm keeps serving the same old explosions, Cinema Center shakes things up with indie gems, documentaries, and art-house runs…

437 E Berry St #1 (Fort Wayne)

“If your algorithm keeps serving the same old explosions, Cinema Center shakes things up with indie gems, documentaries, and art-house runs plus thoughtful series, special events, and the homegrown Hobnobben Film Festival.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 5, 2026

Website ↗

Coyote Creek Golf Club is Fort Wayne’s premier private track with 18 holes, a massive practice setup including range, short-game areas, and…

4935 Hillegas Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Coyote Creek Golf Club is Fort Wayne’s premier private track with 18 holes, a massive practice setup including range, short-game areas, and one of Northeast Indiana’s largest putting greens. PGA staff and modern tech make lessons click, plus the course once hosted the PGA TOUR’s Fort Wayne Open.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 4, 2026

Website ↗

Since 1924, Rustic Driving Range and Mini Golf has delivered true mini golf on natural grass with trees, obstacles, and long par-4s and…

5955 Terrace Ave (Indianapolis)

“Since 1924, Rustic Driving Range and Mini Golf has delivered true mini golf on natural grass with trees, obstacles, and long par-4s and par-5s that play like tiny fairways. Rally the crew, chase a low score, then picnic or hit the range for extra swings.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 24, 2026

Website ↗

Turn your friend group or work crew into contestants at Fort Wayne Game Show, a downtown spot where you face off in classics and modern…

327 E Wayne St Ste 169 (Fort Wayne)

“Turn your friend group or work crew into contestants at Fort Wayne Game Show, a downtown spot where you face off in classics and modern mashups inspired by TV favorites. Great for date nights, birthdays, or team building, and honestly, bragging rights taste better than sheet cake.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 15, 2026

Website ↗

Family owned since 1968, Colonial Oaks Golf Club is a mature, walkable public track in Fort Wayne with bent grass from tee to green and…

8218 Huguenard Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Family owned since 1968, Colonial Oaks Golf Club is a mature, walkable public track in Fort Wayne with bent grass from tee to green and grand oaks everywhere. Bogey Creek sneaks across ten times, water and well-placed bunkers keep things honest, and leagues plus tournaments make it easy to jump in.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 2, 2026

Website ↗

Upgrade your weekend with Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park at Eagle Creek Park, where you’ll soar on ziplines up to 305 feet, tackle 40…

5855 Delong Rd (Indianapolis)

“Upgrade your weekend with Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park at Eagle Creek Park, where you’ll soar on ziplines up to 305 feet, tackle 40 high-ropes obstacles, take the leap on Tarzan swings, then cool down with Forest EscAPE, a cryptid-themed, puzzle-filled romp through the woods.”

From the Lawrence newsletter, August 23, 2026

Website ↗

Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.

4530 Speedway Dr (Fort Wayne)

“Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.”

Website ↗

Foster Park Golf Course delivers tree-lined views, greens guarded by the occasional bunker, and a layout that quietly makes you reach for…

3900 Old Mill Rd (Fort Wayne) · ✓ checked Aug 25

“Foster Park Golf Course delivers tree-lined views, greens guarded by the occasional bunker, and a layout that quietly makes you reach for every club. Easy to walk and currently in a restoration groove with a temporary 13th green, it’s a reliable, hometown round.”

From the Marion newsletter, September 26, 2026

Website ↗

Sahm Golf Course

Entertainment

Whether you're tuning up on the driving range or plotting your way through tree-lined fairways, Sahm Golf Course is a par-70 with big,…

6801 E 91st St (Indianapolis)

“Whether you're tuning up on the driving range or plotting your way through tree-lined fairways, Sahm Golf Course is a par-70 with big, well-kept greens that make your short game honest. Lessons, leagues, and a low-key snack bar keep it friendly for regulars.”

From the West Lafayette newsletter, September 9, 2026

Website ↗

Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot has bike rentals, kayak and canoe rentals, and bike service and repair, plus a lineup of road, mountain,…

1004 Cass St (Fort Wayne)

“Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot has bike rentals, kayak and canoe rentals, and bike service and repair, plus a lineup of road, mountain, commuter and electric bikes with helmets, lights, and other gear. Make this the week you ride or paddle for real.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 29, 2026

Website ↗

Pirates Quest at Royal Pin Woodland brings backyard bragging rights with two outdoor 18-hole courses decked out in pirate-y sculptures and…

3421 E 96th St (Indianapolis)

“Pirates Quest at Royal Pin Woodland brings backyard bragging rights with two outdoor 18-hole courses decked out in pirate-y sculptures and splashy water features. It’s an easy win for a low-stress weeknight hang, family smack-talk, or birthday crews, letting you trade errands for treasure-hunting putts.”

From the Marion County newsletter, October 15, 2026

Website ↗

South Grove Golf Course is a 1902, tree-lined public course just two miles from downtown Indy, with sneaky-tight fairways and skyline…

1800 W 18th St (Indianapolis)

“South Grove Golf Course is a 1902, tree-lined public course just two miles from downtown Indy, with sneaky-tight fairways and skyline views. It’s hosted Indy’s amateurs for decades, including the storied Spring Four-Ball that tees off each April... perfect for sharpening the home-course game.”

From the Indianapolis newsletter, September 29, 2026

Website ↗

Mystic arcade

Entertainment

Mystic Arcade is Fort Wayne’s portal to virtual reality, with VR bumper cars that feel delightfully chaotic, a floor of classic and modern…

4224 Coldwater Rd (Fort Wayne)

“Mystic Arcade is Fort Wayne’s portal to virtual reality, with VR bumper cars that feel delightfully chaotic, a floor of classic and modern cabinets, and a wall of claw machines. Planning a birthday or team hangout? Private party rooms, Play Card credit, and VR sessions keep everyone busy while you relax.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 7, 2026

Website ↗

Fort Wayne’s original laser tag spot since 1995, Ultrazone Family Entertainment delivers fast-paced matches in a multi-level arena plus a…

1104 W Coliseum Blvd (Fort Wayne)

“Fort Wayne’s original laser tag spot since 1995, Ultrazone Family Entertainment delivers fast-paced matches in a multi-level arena plus a lobby full of arcade games. This week, grab friends, kids, or coworkers and “Own the Zone” with four party packages that make birthdays and team outings actually fun.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, October 7, 2026

Website ↗

Brookwood Golf Club

Entertainment

If you’re itching to play a classic layout that doesn’t beat you up, Brookwood Golf Club brings an 18-hole regulation course with multiple…

10304 Bluffton Rd (Fort Wayne)

“If you’re itching to play a classic layout that doesn’t beat you up, Brookwood Golf Club brings an 18-hole regulation course with multiple tee boxes, a walkable 9-hole par-3, and a legit practice range, plus a full-service pro shop, restaurant, and bar.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 3, 2026

Website ↗

Unity Mural

Entertainment

Unity Mural by local artists Jared Applegate and Erin Salyers splashes bold color across the railroad underpass between The Landing and…

S Harrison St (Fort Wayne)

“Unity Mural by local artists Jared Applegate and Erin Salyers splashes bold color across the railroad underpass between The Landing and Promenade Park, turning a once skip-it stretch into a quick mood lift. Next time you're walking to the riverfront or grabbing lunch, take the scenic detour.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, September 20, 2026

Website ↗

Fort Wayne Escape Room serves up story-driven challenges that feel like movie sets. Assemble the friend group, pick your poison, from…

327 E Wayne St #200 (Fort Wayne)

“Fort Wayne Escape Room serves up story-driven challenges that feel like movie sets. Assemble the friend group, pick your poison, from dream-hopping Inception to Deep Space rescue to a medieval jailbreak from Queen Lannister to a Taken-style escape, then prove you’re smarter than a countdown.”

From the Fort Wayne newsletter, August 31, 2026

Website ↗

Fort Wayne Pinball

Entertainment

When your flipper fingers need a workout, Fort Wayne Pinball - Wizards World packs 177+ vintage and modern machines and is among the…

14613 Lima Rd (Fort Wayne)

“When your flipper fingers need a workout, Fort Wayne Pinball - Wizards World packs 177+ vintage and modern machines and is among the biggest pinball collections in the country, with weekly tournaments and a laid-back community vibe that makes it dangerously easy to chase one more high score.”

From the Auburn newsletter, October 15, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →