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Holliday Park: An Insider’s Guide to 94-Acres of Nature and Fun

One of Indianapolis' oldest and most beloved parks

Holliday Park, one of Indianapolis’ oldest and most beloved parks, is situated just six miles north of downtown Indy. The park spans 94 acres and features a world-class playground, a nature center, and 3.5 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, the one-of-a-kind Holliday Park Ruins can be found within the park. Whether you’re seeking an adventure, a learning opportunity, or just a peaceful escape, Holliday Park has something for the whole family.

Things to do at Holliday Park

Playground

The playground at Holliday Park in Indianapolis is one that can’t be missed. The spacious playground accommodates kids of all ages, offering various equipment for running, jumping, climbing, swinging, and sliding.

Playground at Holliday Park Indianapolis

The playground is divided into three parts: two big-kid playgrounds, and a younger-kid playground in between both. It features a wide range of play equipment, including swings, slides, rope jungle gym, tunnels, a fort, stairs, bridges, and more.

Older kids will enjoy the large playground structure, boasting a tall tower with two of Indy’s longest tube slides. Furthermore, they’ll love the rock climbing wall, fireman poles, monkey bars, bridges, and numerous play areas. Toddlers have their own dedicated space within the enclosed toddler playground, complete with pint-sized slides, bridges, and places to explore. Finally, everyone can appreciate the swings, spider web, climbing wall, and multi-activity structure at the playground’s heart.

Playground at Holliday Park
Holliday Park6

The playground is equipped with numerous benches and picnic tables, all conveniently located beneath shady trees. This provides a comfortable spot for parents and caregivers to relax while keeping an eye on their children as they play.

Nature Center

The 13,000-square-foot Habitat Hall at Holliday Park Nature Center focuses on the history of Marion County and Holliday Park. Visitors of all ages can engage in hands-on, discovery-based activities to learn about natural and environmental history.

Holliday Park

In 2015, the Friends of Holliday Park  renovated Habitat Hall, introducing dynamic new exhibits. Some of the highlighted exhibits include the White River Water Table, the Music of the Wetlands Exhibit, and a raised Hardwood Forest viewing platform. These exhibits collectively provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the forest canopy. Furthermore, live animal enclosures, costumes, games, and interactive exhibits help guests learn about nature and inspire them to explore the park grounds.

White River Water Table at the Holliday Park Nature Center
White River Water Table

Habitat Hall is free and open to the public. Visitors can explore the space from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hall remains closed on Sundays.

The Ruins

The Ruins, a unique architectural attraction, serve as a stunning centerpiece within Holliday Park. Originally part of New York City’s St. Paul Building, these historic limestone sculptures were relocated to Indianapolis in the 1950s. Today, The Ruins have been beautifully restored and transformed into a vibrant gathering space.

The Ruins at Holliday Park

The revamped Ruins now offers a splash pad water area, a fountain, benches, an allee of trees, and several new gardens. This space is perfect for family fun, concerts (such as Rock the Ruins), festivals, and even weddings.

The fountains and Ruins restrooms are open from March to October.

Holliday Park Runis
Splash Pad at Holliday Park

Hiking Trails

Holliday Park features over 3.5 miles of trails, guiding hikers through its densely wooded ravines, past natural springs, and wetlands. The trails also lead along a stunning section of the White River. While exploring, visitors should be on the lookout for wildflowers and wildlife.

Hiking in Indianapolis
Hiking trails at Holliday Park

The park is home to over 200 bird species. Additionally, the park hosts deer, fox, beaver, rabbits, squirrels, and numerous other species that thrive in this natural sanctuary. The park’s variety of plants and animals provides an engaging and immersive experience for those who wander the park’s pathways.

Annual Events at Holliday Park

Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park

Rock the Ruins is a family-friendly festival that features live music, food and serves as a fundraiser for the park. It takes place against the backdrop of The Ruins at Holliday Park, one of Indy’s most iconic destinations. Proceeds from the Rock the Ruins summer concert series support Holliday Park and its Foundation.

Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park
Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park; Photo Credit: facebook.com/RockTheRuins

2024 Rock the Ruins Concert Lineup:

  • May 23 – The Decemberists
  • June 8 – Greensky Bluegrass
  • June 9 – Orville Peck
  • June 22 – Amos Lee
  • June 30 – Band of Horses
  • July 11 – Elle King
  • July 18 – Hippo Campus
  • July 19 – De La Soul
  • July 20 – moe.
  • Aug. 8 – Andrew Bird with Amadou & Mariam
  • Aug. 15 – Switchfoot, Blue October, and Matt Nathanson
  • Aug. 16 – The Struts
  • Aug. 17 – The Mavericks
  • Aug. 18 – Charley Crockett
  • Sept. 20 – Manchester Orchestra

Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park

Ice Skating at Holliday Park

In 2022, Holliday Park unveiled a brand new outdoor ice skating rink, just in time for the winter season. This exciting feature lets visitors enjoy the cold weather while having fun and staying active. The rink welcomes skaters of all abilities, making it a great place for families and friends to create lasting memories together.

2024 opening date: TBD

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Yoga at the Ruins

Salute the sun with teachers from Invoke Studio at the historic Ruins at Holliday Park. This class is for people of all experience levels! Please bring your own yoga mat. Classes are $20 each or $75 for a 5-pack. Classes take place from May 28 to September 30, 2023. Pre-registration REQUIRED at invokestudio.com/group-classes.

  • Tuesdays | 7-7:45 a.m.
  • Wednesdays | 6-7 p.m.
  • Sundays | 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where is Holliday Park located? 

Holliday Park Indianapolis is located at 6363 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.

Upcoming Events at Holliday Park: 

Current Month

202421nov1:00 pm2:30 pmHomeschool Explorers1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event

202422nov6:30 pm8:00 pmFriday Campfire6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Holliday Park, Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryOutdoors,Park Event

202419dec1:00 pm2:30 pmHomeschool Explorers1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event

 

 

 

Indy's Child
Indy's Child
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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