24 Indianapolis Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Beth Wood said:  Beckenholdt Park in Greenfield includes a 1.5 acre pond, fishing pier, .95 loop trail through a native grass prairie setting, wetlands, observation deck, 2 acre dog park, walking paths, interpretive signs, a picnic shelter, and much more to keep your family entertained while enjoying the outdoors.

Beth Wood said:  Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers includes five miles of trails winding around ponds, three tree houses connected by a paved trail system, a sledding hill, stocked fishing pond and a 2 mile mountain bike trail. The mountain bike trails include single track and a progressive trail with a variety of ramps and technical features. Fun for the whole family!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Fort Harrison State Park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts. There are several easy and moderate level hiking trails.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This state nature preserve has ten different trails totaling 2.25 miles. The Creek Ridge Trail offers views of the Cheeney Creek. Guided hikes and hands-on programs are available for children and families. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are available.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This quiet park offers a paved trail as well as dirt trails. Be sure to visit in the autumn for beautiful foliage.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This stroller-friendly and beginner trail is fully paved and is open in three segments.

There is a 1.2 mile section links the neighborhood of Irvington with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Also east of Indianapolis is the second section of paved trail. The trail spans 3 miles by industrial properties, open farmland, railroad bridges and a wooded corridor. The final segment starts in Greenfield and spans nearly 6 miles long. It passes through farmland and the Greenfield golf course. The trail also goes across the famous Brandywine Creek.

Dawn Denning said:  This is a family favorite for us! Located next to a renovated house from 1826 and surrounded by beautiful landscape, these nature trails truly come to life. Take a walk on the large circular paved path that leads to the nature trails and then stroll along the White River and through the woods. It is a beautiful place to be year round!

Dawn Denning said:  A favorite backdrop for photographers provides a beautiful place to hike with your family. Follow the paved walkways to the dirt paths that will lead to bodies of water for fishing throughout the park. Tons of nature brush keep the areas shaded in the hottest summers and the wind from blowing on the coldest winter days. Our family loves to walk and explore throughout the park!

Beth Wood said:  Flowing Well Park in Carmel has 1 ½ miles of walking trails that are paved and handicapped accessible at the beginning and then turns into dirt/grass paths. Enjoy native wildflowers, wetland growth and wildlife along the path. Park benches and overlooks with park benches allow one to enjoy the diversity of this park. Fishing is also allowed in the small ponds.

This park is most known for the natural spring that the park is named for. People come from miles away to fill their water jugs for free (donations are accepted).

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Unique park in the heart of the city. Features ponds, gravel trails and some art installations to enjoy along your hike.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Fall Creek Trail connects northeast Marion County and downtown Indianapolis through a winding path with a 1.5 mile loop trail popular for walking and jogging. Along the trail are communal checkerboards and benches if you want to take a rest. There are wetlands in the northern section of the trail which connects to the Skiles Test Park. The southern section of the trail connects to the Monon Trail.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  This stroller-friendly trail starts in Garfield Park which offers hiking opportunities as well as a swimming pool, playgrounds, a conservatory, gardens, a family center and even an amphitheater. The trail also crosses the Kin Hubbard Memorial and Christian Park, one of the most popular and oldest parks in the city. Several amenities can be found at Christian Park, including grills, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports fields. The northern part of the trail starts in Ellenberger Park, which also offers a swimming pool, hiking trails, and special events for families.

Beth Wood said:  Our family loves hiking and creek stomping at Cool Creek Park in the Carmel/Westfield area! Your entire family are sure to enjoy this beautiful 90-acre park year round. The park includes 4 miles of wooded trails, perfect for hiking, jogging and bird watching. You can also check out the playground, softball diamonds, soccer fields, or basketball court. Enjoy nature trails, wetlands, prairies and benches along the trails, installed by Eagle Scouts. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy a family lunch or snack while on your adventure. The Nature Center and restrooms are open daily for use.

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Holliday Park is one of Indianapolis' oldest parks, offering 94-acres of green space. More than 3.5 miles of trails wind through the park and along the White River. There are plenty of opportunities for exploring and spotting wildlife including many species of birds as well as deer, fox, beaver, rabbits and squirrels. Other attractions at the park include a playground, nature center and very cool ruins area.

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.

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  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.