Summer opens up a unique opportunity for foster families; more time together, fewer schedules, and a chance to build connection through shared experiences. Whether you’re looking for free options, outdoor adventures, or fun activities at home, we’re sharing it all! These ideas are specific to Indiana foster families, so you can start planning right away.
1. Why Summer Matters for Kids in Foster Care
For children who’ve experienced trauma, routine changes can be hard. When the structured routine of the school year comes to an end, it’s important to find ways to build that structure back in through a new, summer-specific rhythm. Intentional activities can be part of that routine as way to build trust, connection, and fun memories with the children in your home. While summertime most definitely offers more flexibility, make sure to find a balance between structure and spontaneity. A loose daily rhythm (regular wake times, mealtimes, and a few planned activities each week) can give kids the predictability they need while still leaving plenty of room for adventure.
2. Free & Low-Cost options
You don’t need a big budget to make summer memorable. Indiana offers several free and low-cost ways to fill your days. We are sharing a few of the many.
- Local Library Summer Reading Programs. Check with your local library to see if they offer a summer reading program. These programs are a great way to keep kids engaged over the break, offering continued learning, structure, goals to work toward, and often prizes along the way.
- Community Splash Pads & Pools. Who doesn’t love cooling off on a hot summer day? Many Indiana towns and cities have free or low-cost splash pads and public pools. A quick search of your city’s parks department website will usually turn up locations and hours.
- County Fairs & Festivals. Summer is fair season in Indiana. Most county fairs offer free admission and grounds access, with animal exhibits, rides, live music, and local food, making for a low-cost way to spend an entire afternoon or evening together.
- Wabash River Fest – July 11. This free festival focused on nature and conservation is held at Tapawingo Park in Lafayette, Indiana from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. It’s a full day of outdoor fun for every family member, with activities like rock wall climbing, canoe races, art classes, live music, a bike rodeo, and so much more.
3. Indiana-Specific Destinations
Beyond free and low-cost basics, Indiana has a few standout destinations that offer special access for foster families.
- Indiana State Parks Pass. Indiana Foster Families are eligible for a free annual pass to every state park in the state. Fill out the application and email it to permitapplication@dnr.in.gov. Make sure to bring your valid foster care license to the park along with your park pass to park gates.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Foster Family Membership. Licensed Indiana foster parents currently caring for a child in foster care qualify for a free one-year membership. This includes dependent children under the age of 21 in the household. This membership covers general admission, carousel rides, member benefits and member discounts. To apply, email membership@museum.org or visit the museum box office with a valid Indiana foster family license.
- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This theme park in Santa Claus, Indiana offers free admission once per year to eligible children in foster care. Parents and other household members may access discounted tickets through the Online Fun Club. A referral from a DCS representative is required. Once you have your referral, visit Holiday World Guest Relations for ticket pickup when you arrive at the park.
4. At-home connection activities.
Not every great summer memory requires leaving the house. Some of the best bonding happens right in your own backyard or living room.
- Build a Couch or Pillow Fort. Rainy day and the kids are bored? Pillow forts are easy to build and make for hours of fun. Once the fort is built, make some snacks and turn on a movie inside it.
- Have a backyard picnic. Take lunch outside one day this summer. Lay a blanket on the ground and make some simple finger foods for an easy change of scenery.
- Play 4-Square. Use sidewalk chalk and draw a large square, then draw two lines to split the square into quarters. Grab a ball and check the rules if you need a refresher. It’s a classic that’s easy to pick up at any age.
- Have a Car Wash Day. Gather toy cars, a bucket of water, shaving cream or soap, sponges or rags, and a towel for a backyard car wash. If you’re okay with a little mess, add some dirt for extra fun.
- Make Homemade Ice Cream. This ice cream in a bag recipe is easy to make and takes only five minutes! The kids can take pride in shaking up a treat they made themselves.
5. Things to keep in mind as a Foster Family
As you plan your summer, it helps to stay mindful of a few things that can make outings and activities go more smoothly:
- Manage transitions and overstimulation. Prepare kids for outings in advance by talking through what to expect— where you’re going, who will be there, and how long you’ll stay. Knowing what’s coming can ease anxiety, especially for kids who find new or busy environments overwhelming.
- Watch for signs of sensory overload. Crowds, noise, and heat can add up quickly. Build in breaks, bring familiar comfort items, and have a plan for stepping away if a child needs a reset.
- Celebrate the small wins together. Whether it’s trying something new, modeling good behavior, or simply making it through an outing with a smile, take time to notice and celebrate progress, big or small.
Summer won’t look the same in every foster home, and that’s okay. Checking activities off your summer bucket list isn’t what matters the most, it’s the time you spend together, the trust you build along the way, and the small moments of connection that add up. Whether you’re exploring a state park, cheering at a county fair, or building a pillow fort in the living room, you’re giving the children in your home something they’ll remember: a summer where they felt seen, safe, and loved.
For more information on becoming a foster parent, click here.
