Worth a Visit: The Holliday Park Nature Center

Holliday Park is one of Indianapolis’ oldest existing parks and is a great place to visit all year long. The Nature Center, located in the middle of the park, is an ideal indoor destination for all ages to learn and explore.

The Holliday Park Nature Center | Parks in Indianapolis

Habitat Hall at Holliday Park 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 learn about natural and environmental history through hands-on, discovery-based activities.

The White River Water Table offers an actual water exhibit that kids can touch. The Music of the Wetlands exhibit is an auditory experience where kids learn about local animals’ calls and noises. There are spaces to play and observe, as well as games and puzzles for little ones.

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Additionally, the Nature Center has an exhibit that appears to be an indoor treehouse. Here, visitors can view the forest canopy from an elevated observation platform. There are feeding stations and a sound system for guests to hear the birds and wildlife observed in the observation area.  

There are two classrooms next to the Nature Center that host classes on nature, after-school activities, and arts and crafts with an environmental theme.

The Holliday Park Nature Center | Parks in Indianapolis

Holliday Park Outdoor Spaces

The Nature Center is just one of the many features of Holliday Park. The park sits on 94 acres and includes a playground with a rock-climbing wall, large slide towers, and bridges. Following a renovation, The Ruins reopened in 2016 with a children’s water table, fountains, and new seating areas for concerts, festivals, and weddings.

The Holliday Park Pavilion provides large groups with shaded, open-air seating space. The pavilion is near the playground, including three single-stall restrooms. Families now have a space to relax all day. The pavilion is available for rent for larger gatherings. If not reserved, then the area is open for all visitors throughout their time at the park. 

Nature lovers can fish in the west fork of the White River at Holliday Park or hike the park’s 3.5 miles of trails. Visitors can also spot deer, foxes, beavers, rabbits, and other wildlife along the trails and river. 

Holliday Park

What’s Next for the Nature Center

Susan Bayh Outdoor Classroom

The Holliday Park Foundation is currently building a learning space behind the Nature Center to expand learning. The Susan Bayh Outdoor Classroom will honor the former First Lady of Indiana, Susan Bayh. Once complete, the outdoor classroom will accommodate 50 people and will have a fireplace, water element, native plants and a learning laboratory. 

Upcoming Events at The Holliday Park Nature Center:

202409apr11:30 am12:00 pmBeastly Brunch11:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryFree,Homeschool Event,Outdoors,Park EventFilterFree

202416apr10:00 am11:00 amSmall Wonders Preschool Program: Winter Wonderland10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event,Preschoolers

202418apr1:00 pm2:30 pmHomeschool Explorers1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event

202420apr10:00 am10:30 amCreature Feature10:00 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryFree,Outdoors,Park EventFilterFree

202408may11:30 am12:00 pmBeastly Brunch11:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryFree,Homeschool Event,Outdoors,Park EventFilterFree

202409may11:30 am12:00 pmBeastly Brunch11:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryFree,Homeschool Event,Outdoors,Park EventFilterFree

202416may1:00 pm2:30 pmHomeschool Explorers1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event

202418may10:00 am10:30 amCreature Feature10:00 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryFree,Outdoors,Park EventFilterFree

202421may10:00 am11:00 amSmall Wonders Preschool Program10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill RdCategoryHomeschool Event,Park Event,Preschoolers

More Info

Holliday Park Nature Center (website) is at 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis. Admission to the Nature Center is free and open to the public. Explore the space on Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1–5 p.m.

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Comments

  1. […] What makes it special: The dynamic new exhibits in Habitat Hall include the White River Water Table, Music of the Wetlands Exhibit, and an elevated Hardwood Forest viewing area allowing visitors to experience the forest canopy. Address: 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260 More Info: (317) 327-7180 and [email protected] Read More: Worth a visit: The Holliday Park Nature Center […]

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