Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Indy has 200+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.

Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of the Circle City’s best.

Good for hiking

Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St.
This is one of the nation’s top 10 largest municipal parks + consists of 3,900 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds and 1,300 acres of reservoir. You can hike, fish, go out on the water, visit the bark park, check out the ornithology center, or embark on a Go Ape Treetop Adventure.

Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Rd.
Fort Harrison is a great park to visit year round, and especially in the winter because it has one of the biggest sledding hills in Indy. The 1,700-acre park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access along Fall Creek, and two national historic districts.
Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd.
This park, one of Indy's oldest, is located just six miles north of downtown. It encompasses 94 acres of green space on which visitors can explore the nature center, play on the playgrounds, hike 3.5+ miles of trails, or take a stroll around the Ruins.

Good for the family

White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
With 250 acres, the canal, and multiple attractions like the TCU Amphitheatre, The Indiana State Museum, The Eiteljorg Museum, Victory Field, and the Indianapolis Zoo, this park located in the heart of downtown provides fun for the whole family. It’s known as “America’s only urban cultural State Park” and has made it on USA Today’s list of 10 best city parks.

Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Dr.
Known as the city’s oldest multi-use greenspace, this 128-acre park offers a 10,000-sqft tropical conservatory, three-acre sunken garden, children's garden, art center, aquatic center, and performing arts center. It also has easy access to the Pleasant Run Trail + the Cultural Trail.

Riverside Regional Park, 2420 E. Riverside Dr.
This park was founded in 1898 on six miles of land surrounded by the White River, The Riverside Community, the South Grove golf course, and The Rivers Edge neighborhood. Plus, the new Riverside Promenade, which runs along the east side of the park, is great for walking.

Grassy Creek Regional Park, 10510 E. 30th St.
This east side park made up of three separate parcels totaling 240+ acres received some major improvements in 2025, including an environmental education hub and a new playground that the kiddos are sure to love.

Good for dogs

Broad Ripple Dog Park, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave.
The Broad Ripple bark park is a great place for dogs to get off the leash, run around, and socialize. While you’re there, you can also enjoy activities on the White River, dive into the pool, or visit the Family Center. The annual fee for the dog park is $75 for one dog or $112.50 for two dogs.

Paul Ruster Park, 1313 S. Post Rd.
A large portion of this park is reserved for pups, featuring two large fenced-in areas with benches, ramps, and jump bars. The park also has wooded areas with casual hiking trails. Pro tip: This dog park is part of Indy Parks' “Pooch pass.”

The Dog Park at Immanuel, 382 Prospect St.
This dog park opened in October 2020 as a volunteer-run park created by neighbors and Immanuel United Church of Christ, with support from local businesses. The dog park features separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs. There is a $50 yearly fee.

Nature parks

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, 1850 W. 38th St.
This park, aka 100 Acres at Newfields, is home to untamed woodlands, wetlands, meadows, a 35-acre lake, and art installations including "Funky Bones." Fun fact: The park is one of the largest museum art parks in the country.

Sports parks

Indianapolis Sports Park, 6701 S. Harding St.
This family-owned facility, located near I-465 south and State Road 37, has been around for 35+ years. You’ll find baseball, softball, fastpitch, cornhole, and sand volleyball leagues and tournaments at this park.

Washington Park, 3130 30th St.
This 128-acre community park is where the Indianapolis Indians played their first game in the spring of 1902 and was the site of the first Negro National League game in 1920. Now, the park is a great place to play basketball and soccer.

Major Taylor Skatepark, 3649 Cold Spring Rd.
The skate park is open to skateboarders, in-line skaters, and cyclists and is near the BMX track and Major Taylor Velodrome at the Indy Cycloplex.

Ready to visit these local parks but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find them.

Your park grab bag

Picked your perfect park? Make the most out of your experience with our favorite items for a relaxing day outside:

Is there anything quite like sitting in the shade and enjoying a good book? Check out our guide to books by local authors to help choose your next great read.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight e-reader option that stands up to bright sunlight.
A good water bottle keeps you hydrated — we’re big fans of the best-selling Owala FreeSip + this insulated stackable tumbler from Asheville NC-based retailer Pirani.
Heading to the park with kids? Check out the Owala FreeSip for kids.
Don’t forget the travel-size bug spray and sunscreen.
These sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack are available at discount prices + have a style for everyone.
Keep it all together in a handy tote bag — these adorable tote bags are all crafted by small businesses and local makers.