Holliday Park, one of Indianapolis’ oldest and most beloved parks, is located about six miles north of downtown. The park includes 94 acres of green space, a newly reimagined playground, a nature center, more than 3.5 miles of trails and the iconic Holliday Park Ruins. Whether you’re looking for a playground outing, a nature walk or a peaceful place to explore, this northside park offers plenty for families in every season.
Things to Do at Holliday Park
Playground
Holliday Park’s playground was completely reimagined and officially reopened in November 2025. The new nature-inspired space was designed to feel more connected to the park’s wooded setting while creating a more versatile and welcoming place for families to gather and play.
The updated playground includes age-appropriate play zones, nature-themed climbing and exploration areas, a redesigned entry court, improved gathering spaces and updated parking for easier access. Holliday Park Foundation also highlights several distinct areas within the playground, including toddler play, a timber tower and climbing structures, nature exploration features, a central lawn and shelter, and a hillside ravine area with climbing and slides that use the site’s natural topography.
Parking is available in three lots: near the playground, west of The Ruins and near the Nature Center. Families should note that only one bathroom in the nearby pavilion stays open during the winter months, while additional restrooms are available inside the Nature Center during open hours.
Nature Center
The 13,000-square-foot Habitat Hall at Holliday Park Nature Center gives families a hands-on way to learn more about the natural world. The exhibit hall reopened in 2015 with updated interactive displays, including the White River Water Table, Music of the Wetlands exhibit and an elevated Hardwood Forest viewing area.
Live animal enclosures, games, costumes and discovery-based exhibits make this an easy stop with kids before or after time on the trails. Habitat Hall is free and currently open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
The Ruins
The Ruins are one of the most recognizable features in Holliday Park. These historic limestone sculptures originally came from New York City’s St. Paul Building and were relocated to Indianapolis in the 1950s. After years behind a fence, the revitalized Ruins reopened in 2016 as a public gathering space.
Today, the area includes a children’s water table, shimmer fountain, benches, an allee of trees and gardens. It is a popular backdrop for family visits, concerts, festivals and special events. According to Holliday Park Foundation, the fountains and Ruins restrooms are open from May through October.
Hiking Trails
Holliday Park offers more than 3.5 miles of trails through wooded ravines, wetlands and natural areas along the White River. It is one of the most environmentally diverse parks in Marion County, with natural springs, a beech-maple forest and a wide range of native plant life.
Bird watchers have spotted more than 200 species here, and visitors may also see deer, fox, beaver, rabbits, squirrels and other wildlife while exploring the trails.
Annual and Seasonal Events at Holliday Park
Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park
Rock the Ruins is Holliday Park’s outdoor summer concert series, staged at The Ruins. The series is now in its sixth season and includes concerts at both Holliday Park and Broad Ripple Park.
2026 Rock the Ruins concerts currently announced at Holliday Park include:
- June 6, 2026 – Greensky Bluegrass
- June 13, 2026 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Tank and The Bangas
- July 17, 2026 – Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
- August 4, 2026 – Jesse Welles with Steph Strings
- August 11, 2026 – Big Thief
More 2026 shows may still be added, so it is worth checking the official Rock the Ruins schedule before making plans.
Ice Skating at Holliday Park
Holliday Park’s seasonal outdoor ice rink returns near the Nature Center during the winter months. The official rink page currently lists the season as running from November 28, 2025 through March 1, 2026, with admission priced at $14 per session, including skate rental. Children ages 4 and under are free.
Skate aids are available to rent for an additional fee, and the rink page notes that guests needing accommodations are encouraged to contact rink staff before visiting.
Yoga at the Ruins
Outdoor yoga at The Ruins is offered through Invoke Studio. As of March 2026, Invoke’s website says 2026 dates and times have not yet been posted. The site currently lists the prior outdoor schedule as Tuesdays at 7 a.m., Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., with advance registration required.
If you want to attend, it is best to check Invoke Studio’s outdoor classes page for the latest seasonal schedule before heading out.
Where Is Holliday Park Located?
Holliday Park is located at 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Park Hours and Visitor Info
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center is currently open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.
[…] Holliday Park Foundation recently announced plans for a new skating rink at Holliday Park. This new attraction will allow people to enjoy the park during the cold months and make it a new […]