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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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?Â
Holliday Park Indianapolis is located at 6363 Spring Mill Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46240.
Upcoming Events at Holliday Park:Â
[…] 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 […]