Family events in Marion, IN

A support group focused on breastfeeding gathers at South Marion Medical Park.

Boundless Bags, formerly Blessings in a Backpack, presents a fall ice cream social at Oh Five Scoop Shop featuring the debut of Bumblesnoot, the Boundless Dragon. Say hello to the new mascot, snap a photo, and enjoy family friendly fun while learning about the organization and the children it supports. Admission is free. The first 100 guests receive a complimentary Bumblesnoot kid size scoop courtesy of First Merchants, and additional ice cream will be available for purchase. Expect a simple, community focused gathering with plenty of sweet treats and an enthusiastic blue dragon.

In Fort Wayne, this monthly Family Nights series creates a welcoming space for families to learn, connect, and share meaningful moments together. Each gathering highlights a different theme or guest presenter, and light refreshments are provided. Topics across the series include Galecki Financial Management, a trivia night, The League of the Blind, bingo, the Fort Wayne Coroner’s Office, outdoor courtyard games, Aging and In-Home Services, card games, ombudsmen, a Virtual Dementia Tour, Luminary Hospice, and Christmas games. For more information or to RSVP, call (260) 435-2100.

Enjoy snacks and prizes, plus a free make and take magnet limited to one per person, while checking out the new studio. Learn about the new price structure, memberships, and group rates. No reservations are required, and guests may drop in at any time during the event.

Wheel of Fortune LIVE brings the TV favorite to Fort Wayne in an interactive stage show for all ages. Audience members are randomly chosen to step onstage with the host, spin a replica of the famous wheel, solve word puzzles, and compete for prizes that can include trips to Paris or Hawaii and cash up to $10,000. Reserved seating is available, and tickets start at $20. Expect a high energy night where the excitement of the game fills the room and the crowd shares every big moment.

Settle in for a relaxed, do‑it‑yourself art session where you choose your own creative path. Work from written guides for more than 200 painting options, or create freely at your own pace. Project choices include canvases, wood shapes, wine glasses, paint pouring, and candles. All materials are provided along with written instructions, so you only need your imagination. The format suits individuals, families, and work groups with different tastes since everyone can pick something unique. Most paintings take about two hours to finish. Candles require roughly an hour and a half to set up, and finished candles can be picked up later. The experience is open to ages 5 and up, and children must stay actively involved in a project while in the studio. Plan to start early enough to wrap up before closing. Reservations are appreciated. Staff are available to answer questions and provide materials, but step by step tutorials are not offered. Outside beverages are not permitted, beverages are available for purchase in the studio, and snacks are welcome.

At Paradise Spring Historic Park in Wabash, the Treaty Festival commemorates the 200th anniversary of the October 23, 1826 treaty, a milestone tied to the beginnings of the town. Visitors can experience a treaty reenactment, a pioneer encampment, and displays from the Miami Nation, along with vendors and music. This celebration of local history invites the community to learn more about the people and events that shaped Wabash.

Get into the spirit with a Halloween-themed planetarium laser show packed with sing-along fun. During this approximately 40-minute program, colorful laser art brings friendly Halloween creatures to life while classic tracks like Monster Mash, Thriller, Purple People Eater, and Ghostbusters play. The atmosphere is playful, not scary, making it a good fit for children and families. A brief segment also shines a light on how lasers work so there is a learning moment alongside the entertainment. Tickets cost $5 for the general public and $3 for members, and a separate general admission ticket is required to attend.

Experience the forest during its most beautiful time of day at Golden Hour at Go Ape, an adventure timed to capture the magic as the sun begins to set. Take in sunset views from the treetops, pause at the Golden Hour selfie station to capture memories, and make the most of the flattering light for photos after finishing the course. Every reservation is automatically entered in the Nationwide Golden Hour Sweepstakes for a chance to win a one-year Go Ape Membership, free Go Ape merchandise, or free tickets for another adventure. Share your photos by tagging @GoApeUSA for a chance to be featured on social media channels. Reservations are required, and space is limited.

Hosted by One Fellowship Church and the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, this free, family friendly community celebration is now in its fifth year. Activities include Trunk or Treat, games with prizes, face painting, a pumpkin patch, slides and bounce attractions, a hayride, and s’mores, along with food, coffee, and hot cocoa. Advance registration is requested, and check-in will take place upon arrival.

A weekly tournament for Disney Lorcana players welcomes both veterans and first-timers. The event offers friendly matchups in a supportive environment for all experience levels.

Epsilon Theatrical Company presents the musical comedy about the delightfully odd Addams clan. Wednesday has grown up and fallen for a kind, bright young man from a traditional family, and she confides in Gomez while asking him to keep it from Morticia. That secret sparks a swirl of comic complications, especially when the Addamses host a dinner for the boyfriend and his parents, bringing two very different families face to face and turning their world upside down.

Classroom Connections of ECI organizes a sixth annual literacy-focused float in the Ball State Homecoming Parade at Muncie Central High School in Muncie, IN. Volunteers and partner organizations participate to distribute 5,000 children's books to children and families along the parade route to promote a love of reading. Over the past five years, the effort has shared 25,000 books with paradegoers.

Trunk or Treat returns to Lakefront at Keystone with Indianapolis Cars & Coffee, hosted by Model 1 and Lakefront at Keystone. Costumes, candy, and Halloween themed car decorations are encouraged to add festive flair. Admission is free and welcoming to families, and everyone is invited, whether bringing a vehicle or stopping by to see the cars. These gatherings are made possible by hosts, volunteers, and sponsors. All donations collected at the event go entirely to Folds of Honor Indiana. Plans call for the event to proceed in normal weather, with only unsafe conditions prompting changes. For safety, please avoid revving, burnouts, and speeding, and be aware that law enforcement will be on site.

Kick off a spooky celebration with a festive buffet shared with friendly witches, setting the tone for a lighthearted Halloween gathering. Guests can enjoy entry to The Fright Academy haunted house during its Friendly Hours, Halloween-themed games and activities, a hands-on craft provided by Gymboree, face painting, and a live show by Abracadabra Magic. Every child will head home with a goody bag. Presented by Dentons.

Transportation fans gather at GAM for the annual Warbird Cruise-in, showcased amid an impressive aircraft collection. Expect cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more from across the state and beyond on display, plus the chance to explore the museum, enjoy a variety of food trucks, and keep kids engaged with activities. A 50-50 raffle is planned, and a new addition introduces a vendor alley and swap meet. Drivers bringing a vehicle can register on the day for a $20 fee per vehicle, which covers all occupants. The first 250 registered vehicles receive an America 250 themed dash plaque, and participation is open to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and similar rides. Details on classes, prizes, and awards will be announced, and harvest-themed activities for families and auto owners are planned with more information to come.

Science Central hosts a day devoted to exploring chemistry, featuring special table-based activities and demonstrations centered on the subject. Visitors can take part in the activities at the tables and watch the demonstrations.

Take in the rich colors of autumn at Crown Hill on a guided walk led by a staff arborist. The tour highlights notable trees throughout the cemetery, pairing beautiful views with insights into how and why leaves change during this season of letting go. Participants of all ages may collect leaves from select specimens along the route. Dress for the weather and for walking on surfaces that are not paved. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there are no sales at the gate. Meet inside the gate in front of the Waiting Station, and plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trick or treating will be available throughout the day. Vendors and food trucks of all types are invited to participate, and registration is open for those interested in securing a spot.

The Golden Rule Store marks 100 years with a Customer Appreciation Day featuring a head-to-toe workwear grand prize giveaway with Red Wing and Blaklader. Red Wing and Blaklader will be on hand during the celebration, and there will be additional giveaways, anniversary merchandise, and in-store specials. The day is dedicated to thanking the Muncie community for a century of support.

A weekly Beyblade X tournament welcomes players of all experience levels for fast paced battles. Competitors assemble a 3 on 3 deck with no repeated parts and bring three Beyblade X blades to compete. Matches are played as best of three and use a four point scoring system. The entry fee is $10. All entry fees are returned as prize support in store credit for the top three finishers, with 60 percent to first place, 25 percent to second, and 15 percent to third. Get your lineup ready and prepare for head to head action in the arena.

Enjoy casual HeroScape open play in a friendly drop-in format. All experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to long-time veterans. HeroScape is an expandable, turn-based miniatures battle game that debuted in 2004 through Hasbro subsidiaries and ended production in 2010. Players use pre-painted figures and assemble battlefields from interlocking hex tiles to create modular three-dimensional terrain. Originally aimed at younger players, its quality and design built a devoted following that helped bring the game back in 2024.

Everyone is welcome at this free community Fall Festival in Indianapolis. Enjoy live music alongside game booths, a hayride, face painting, a mechanical bull ride, archery, and vendors. Families will find bounce houses and a soft play area for toddlers. Friendly competition includes cornhole and pickleball tournaments and a chili-cooking competition. Expect gift card giveaways, a concession stand, and plenty of candy, plus more.

This dinner supports the Youth Group at Mercy Church and features Hawg Heaven. Each meal includes fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and a drink. Dine in or carry out. Pricing is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 5 to 11, and free for children 4 and under. Advance tickets are available.

Celebrating its eighth year, this charity dodgeball tournament pairs fast-paced play with a coat and hoodie drive that supports neighbors preparing for colder weather. Framed as both a fundraiser and a community gathering, it focuses on meeting urgent needs while strengthening a sense of togetherness. The competition is co-ed with teams of up to six players. Participants must be 15 or older, and those younger may take part with a parent-signed waiver. The top team earns a cash prize. Organizers are also welcoming support in the form of sponsorships, volunteers, players, vendors, and collaborative partners, all contributing to the impact of the drive and the event’s community goals.

Discover a wide range of exotic animals in Fort Wayne, including reptiles, amphibians, tropical birds, and other small exotics, presented in a spacious layout with wide aisles for relaxed browsing. Attendees can see, touch, and learn about many species, with animal experts available to answer questions and help prospective owners choose the right pet. The expo features new and used tanks and enclosures, along with care essentials such as heat, light, filters, substrate, and more, providing what is needed to set up a habitat and bring a new companion home. The focus is on easy movement through the space, a broad selection, and friendly guidance throughout.

Blessings in a Backpack and The Fairfield present Fantastical Fort 2026, a free, all-ages community celebration that transforms The Fairfield into four floors of immersive fantasy. Local small businesses host themed vendor booths and area nonprofits offer interactive activities, all set within imaginative realms. Explore wizard-inspired settings and playful fantasy spaces, step into shadowy, arcane atmospheres, and discover magical food and drinks along the way. Wizards, witches, mermaids, vampires, faeries, and other fantastical beings are welcome, as are fans of magic in every form. Costumes and characters are encouraged, though not required, so everyone can enjoy a realm that reflects the stories they love, the games they play, and the wands they wave.

Explore the Haunted Castle with the lights turned up for a gentler take on the usual nighttime scares. This all-ages experience is ideal for young visitors and for adults who prefer a milder thrill. Admission is $5, and tickets are available online or in person.

Co-hosted with Vessel Refillery, this annual boo-tique fest blends shopping and seasonal fun with music from a DJ and special savings. Browse vendors, take part in crafts, and sample treats at a candy bar. Find hair sparkle, face painting, and henna, and grab something tasty from a food and coffee truck.

BEAT Ensemble offers musical play for children ages 5 to 12 in a supportive group setting. This monthly program centers on rhythm, collaboration, and creativity, giving young musicians a chance to explore sound with boomwhackers, Orff instruments, and a range of percussion. Each session features a playful theme that helps participants keep the beat, make music as a team, and build confidence through self-expression. The environment is inclusive and welcoming so kids of all abilities can connect and make music together, including families who may have limited access to music opportunities. Class size is limited to 10 participants. Children may attend independently or with a parent or support staff. Registration closes 48 hours before the session begins. If accommodations are needed, share those details during registration. Sweetwater and the instructor will provide reasonable accommodations, except for one-on-one support, which must be supplied by the participant’s own support person. Pricing starts at $10.

A family-friendly Trunk or Treat and kids costume dance party brings decorated trunks, candy, costumes, music, and dancing to The Hub of Grant County, Inc., creating an evening focused on community fun. Organized in partnership with God’s House Church and Drug Court Alumni, the celebration features a Trunk or Treat competition where individuals, families, businesses, groups, and organizations can decorate a trunk, with guests voting for their favorite and a prize awarded to the top choice. Candy donations are being accepted to help ensure plenty of treats for young visitors. Highlights include Trunk or Treat, a best trunk competition, a kids costume and dance party, and activities centered on family and community. Everyone is welcome.

Compete in a Pokemon Standard tournament at Next Level Games. Entry is $10. Matches are best of one in the Standard format. For each entry, three booster packs are added to the prize pool. The top three finishers split the pool, with first place receiving 60 percent, second 25 percent, and third 15 percent. Every participant receives at least one pack.