26 Indianapolis Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  For a more urban experience, this stroller-friendly paved rail trail connects to the Monon Greenway of Carmel. At 10th Street, the trail connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that stretches through five key cultural districts in Indianapolis. Just beyond the Indiana State Fairgrounds, you’ll encounter artwork dispersed along the tree-lined path. At mile 11 (Broad Ripple Avenue), you can access Broad Ripple, a charming village with several galleries, restaurants, shops and breweries.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Nature preserve with hiking trails, bird-watching, and access to the river for creek stomping!

Jaclyn Keifer said:  MacGregor Park in Westfield was our go-to park in 2020. The library does a StoryWalk in the meadow and the trails are perfect for all ages - even those in a stroller. There is a ton of wildlife here and a creek for stomping as well.

Holliday Park has a large and impressive playground surrounded by beautiful nature trails, a nature center, outdoor classroom and The Ruins - a massive sculpture in a recently renovated area including a children’s water table, shimmer fountain, benches, trees and gardens.

Dawn Denning said:  My kids love this park and it has one of the best playgrounds in Indianapolis! The playground is huge and includes a playground for the big kids and a smaller one aimed for the 3 & under crowd. There are wooded trails that lead to the White River & around the park. Near the entrance, the Ruins relocated from New York City has a water table, fountain & benches to relax. The Nature Center offers hands on kids activities.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Originally private land, Glenns Valley Nature Park was originally called Bluff Road Estates. The property owner deeded the land to the City of Indianapolis almost 25 years ago and several improvements were made. This park offer nature trails, a sledding hill for the winter, a picnic shelter and playground.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  One of the largest museum art parks in the country, this 100-acre park is free to explore and features woodlands, wetlands, a lake, bird feeding and viewing stations, wild grass labyrinth and a sculpture garden.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This volunteer-run urban oasis features bridges, boardwalks, trails, an observation deck, prairie, creek, woods, and wetlands to explore with your family (including pets). This park is a popular stop for bird-watchers as well.

West Park was reimagined with a brand new playground and splash pad in 2022, and the centerpiece is an enormous tube slide accessed from a climbing tower.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  West park in Carmel Indiana rests on 120 acres and the play space is newer. In the front of the park is a pond with a boardwalk. There are multiple trails one of which zigzags up the hill which is perfect for bikes and is paved for strollers. There is a ton of open space for frisbees and the trails also lead to a wooded/marsh space that my kids love throughout the year. All of the trails are stroller friendly.

Beth Wood said:  The Zion Nature Sanctuary features 10-acres of wooded areas, wetland areas, nature trails and a shelter that is used for outdoor classes. Different trails include crushed gravel, steps, rustic trails, foot bridges and more. A stream and scenic overlook are ideal spots for exploring during your next nature hike together.

Eagle Creek Park consists of 3,900 acres of woods, meadows and ponds, and 1,300 acres of reservoir — a great resource for both wildlife and recreation. In addition to several hiking trails of varying lengths, the park also features the Earth Discovery Center which promotes environmental education through nature-based interactive classes and activities for visitors of all ages.

Beth Wood said:  Sodalis Nature Park offers visitors 3.5 miles of nature trails that are wonderful for hiking. The nature park is comprised of 210 acres of woodlands. There is also a 5.5 acre pond with an ADA-accessible fishing pier, a wildlife viewing platform, a large pavilion and an ADA-accessible picnic area. The park often hosts nature programs and is a great place to see Indiana wildlife.