Worth a Visit: The Holliday Park Nature Center

Holliday Park is one of Indianapolis’ oldest parks and one of the easiest year-round family outings in the city. With more than 3.5 miles of wooded trails, a nature-inspired playground, river access, and a free indoor Nature Center, it’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour or a whole afternoon.

The park’s Nature Center is a standout for younger kids. Hands-on exhibits, local wildlife displays, and discovery-based activities make it a solid indoor option any time of year, especially on days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Habitat Hall at the Nature Center

Inside the Nature Center, Habitat Hall covers 13,000 square feet of exhibit space focused on Marion County’s natural and environmental history. It’s designed for all ages, with discovery-based activities throughout. Admission is free.

What kids can do inside Habitat Hall

• White River Water Table: Kids can splash, pour, and experiment at this hands-on water exhibit. Expect wet sleeves and big smiles.
• Music of the Wetlands: This interactive audio station lets kids match local animal calls and learn what Indiana’s wetland creatures actually sound like.
• Forest canopy viewing area: An elevated hardwood forest platform gives visitors a treehouse-style view of the canopy above.
• Bird and wildlife observation area: Feeding stations draw birds and other wildlife close enough for kids to watch from inside.

The Nature Center also has two classrooms and an auditorium that host nature programs, after-school activities, and environmental art and learning experiences throughout the year.

Related Page: Free Things to Do in Indianapolis

What to do outside at Holliday Park

The playground

Holliday Park’s playground has been fully reimagined with a nature-inspired design. The play space includes age-appropriate areas for toddlers and older kids, nature-themed climbing and play elements, and inclusive design features that work for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Parking tip: Free parking is available in multiple lots near the playground, The Ruins, and the Nature Center.

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 pavilion

The Holliday Park Pavilion sits near the playground and offers covered, open-air seating for up to 50 people, along with three single-stall restrooms. Families can rent it by the day for larger gatherings. When it’s not reserved, it’s open for general use and is a great spot to set up for lunch or regroup between trail walks.

Trails and wildlife

More than 3.5 miles of trails wind through wooded areas and ravines, with paths that lead down to the White River. Deer sightings are fairly common, especially in the quieter sections of the park. It’s a good place to practice trail walking with younger kids since the paths are generally well-maintained and varied enough to keep things interesting.

Susan Bayh Outdoor Classroom

Part of the park’s Outdoor Learning Lab, the Susan Bayh Outdoor Classroom is a covered gathering space that seats up to 50 people. It’s primarily used for park programs and special events. When it’s not reserved, it’s open to visitors as a shaded spot to sit and take in the surroundings.

Upcoming Events at Holliday Park

Plan your visit

Address: 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260

Park hours: Daily, dawn to dusk

Admission: Free (park and Nature Center)

Nature Center hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.

Parking: Free, with multiple lots throughout the park

Website: hollidaypark.org