Snow means one thing to kids – it’s sledding time! If you’re looking for the best places to go sledding in Indianapolis, we’ve rounded up 20+ favorite hills around the city and suburbs, organized by county so you can find the closest sledding hill near you.
Maybe a couple of these spots are new to your family, which makes them perfect for exploring! Keep this list on standby for the next snowy weekend or day when cabin fever settles in, and you’re ready to turn the kids loose on some of the best sledding hills near Indianapolis.
Related Article: Skiing and Snow Tubing Destinations Near Indianapolis
Quick Reference: Best Sledding Hills by Type
| Park Name | County | Best For | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Harrison State Park | Marion | All Ages, Most Popular | $7/car |
| Flat Fork Creek Park | Hamilton | Big Hills (60 ft), ADA Access | Free |
| Heritage Park at White River | Hamilton | Toddlers, Beginners | Free |
| Hummel Park | Hendricks | Close Parking, Easy Access | Free |
| Koteewi Run | Hamilton | Snow Tubing Experience | Ticketed |
| Simon Moon Park | Hamilton | Multiple Slopes, Less Waiting | Free |
Jump to Your County:
Marion County (Indianapolis & Lawrence)
Hamilton County (Fishers, Carmel, Westfield)
Johnson County (Greenwood & Franklin)
Hendricks County (Avon & Plainfield)
Marion County Sledding Hills
Including Indianapolis, Lawrence, and New Palestine/Indy Parks
Fort Harrison State Park
Address: 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN
The only Indianapolis/Lawrence-based state park is located at 59th and Post Road and includes a massive sledding hill with plenty of space for everyone. It’s one of the most popular spots for sledding Indianapolis families return to year after year. $7/car state park admission fee for Indiana vehicles (higher for out-of-state vehicles) required.
Ellenberger Park
Address: 5301 E. St. Clair, Indianapolis, IN
A 42-acre park with rolling hills, Ellenberger Park is a classic choice for winter fun and a longtime favorite for sledding Indianapolis families. This location is one of the approved Indy Parks sledding spots. Check out this vintage sledding photo at Ellenberger Park to see how long locals have been enjoying this hill!
Garfield Park
Address: 2450 S. Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN
Garfield Park, home to the Conservatory, Sunken Gardens and Arts Center, is a quieter sledding spot according to its fans. If you want a smaller crowd while still staying close to downtown, this approved Indy Parks hill is a solid sledding hill in Indianapolis.
Southeastway Park
Address: 5624 South Carroll Road, New Palestine, IN
On the southeast side, Southeastway Park is a favorite for families who want a big, open hill and easy parking. Indy Parks lists this as one of their approved hills for winter fun, making it a reliable choice when you’re mapping out sledding hills near me on the south and southeast side of town.
Lawrence Community Park
Address: 5301 N Franklin Road, Lawrence, IN
As Lawrence’s largest city park, Lawrence Community Park is a vibrant hub for outdoor activities and winter fun. The sledding hill is a great choice for northeast-side families looking for easy, local winter play. In need of a sled? Make sure to check out their FREE Sled Library!
Paul Ruster Park
Address: 11300 E Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN
On the far east side, Paul Ruster Park offers a sledding hill that’s just the right height for all ages to enjoy. No trees or other obstacles allow sledders to pick up speed quickly, and the climb back to the top isn’t so brutal. It’s a nice option if you prefer a slightly quieter hill while still staying within Marion County.
Brookside Park
Address: 3500 Brookside Pkwy S Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Located just northeast of downtown, this park is famous among locals for a hill that offers a bit more speed for older kids. It is often less crowded than the major destinations, making it a great hidden gem for those living near the downtown area.
Rhodius Park
Address: 1720 W Wilkins St, Indianapolis, IN
Located on the near-west side, this is another official Indy Parks sledding hill. The hill is located in the southwest corner of the park and offers a steep run that is popular with neighborhood families.
Park Tudor School
Address: 7200 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Local Secret: While this is a private school campus, it has long been a favorite neighborhood spot for Northside families. Park in the upper lot near the football stadium off 71st Street. You can find smaller hills near the stadium for beginners, or head behind the buildings for steeper, faster runs. Please visit outside of school hours and be respectful of the private property.
Sarah T. Bolton Park
Address: 1300 Churchman Ave, Beech Grove, IN
Local Secret: Known as one of the best “hidden gems” on the southeast side, this park offers rolling hills that are perfect for families who want to avoid the crowds at Southeastway Park. The best runs are usually found near the dog park area.
Hamilton County Sledding Hills
Including Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, and Noblesville
Flat Fork Creek Park
Address: 16141 E. 101st Street, Fishers, IN
In Fishers, Flat Fork Creek Park is a go-to destination for a bigger adventure. This 60-acre park features tons of wide-open spaces to run through the snow, plus a 60-foot, ADA-compliant sledding hill that’s one of the tallest in the area. It’s an excellent choice if you’re on the northeast side and want a longer, faster ride.
West Park
Address: 2700 W. 116th Street, Carmel, IN
At this Carmel Clay park, kids can slide down the two-story sledding hill, then warm up at the nearby playground. A gradual walkway up the hill makes the trek to the top easier for both kids and parents. West Park is a great northside option when you’re planning a day of sledding around Indianapolis.
Simon Moon Park
Address: 2710 E 171st Street, Westfield, IN
Simon Moon Park in Westfield features two designated sledding areas on one massive hill – an East slope and a South slope. More slopes means less waiting in line, which makes this park a great option for Hamilton County families looking for fun sledding hills near Indianapolis.
Koteewi Run
Address: 11800 Koteewi Drive, Noblesville, IN
Looking for more of a snow-tubing experience than traditional sledding? Slide 700 feet down groomed lanes in a snow tube to a soft landing, and then ride the tow line back to the top for another run. Koteewi Run is central Indiana’s only groomed snow tubing hill, making it a must-visit winter destination for families who don’t mind a short drive from Indianapolis.
Related Article: 50 Things To Do This Winter in Indianapolis
Heritage Park at White River
Address: 10595 Eller Rd, Fishers, IN
Pro Tip: This is arguably the best “bunny hill” in the metro area! If Flat Fork Creek is too steep for your toddlers, head here for a gentle, stress-free slope. It’s a fantastic spot for introducing younger kids to sledding without the intimidation of the larger hills.
Northview Church
Address: 12900 Hazel Dell Pkwy, Carmel, IN
While this is private property, the church has historically allowed the community to use their massive hill for sledding. It is widely known as one of the best hills in Hamilton County. Please respect the property and check for any signage restricting access before visiting.
Forest Park
Address: 701 Cicero Rd, Noblesville, IN
Local Secret: Don’t get this confused with the paid tubing at Koteewi! Forest Park offers free traditional sledding on the golf course. The best hill runs from the “Forest Park Lodge” down toward the golf course. It offers a wide, gentle slope that ends in a huge open field—plenty of room to slow down safely.
Johnson County Sledding Hills
Including Greenwood and Franklin
Freedom Park
Address: W. Stop 18 and County Road 100 W, Greenwood, IN
Well known for the Freedom Springs water park, Freedom Park’s sledding hills predate the water fun and are beloved by southside families. Wide hills and plenty of space make this a dependable and easy-to-access spot for sledding in the Indianapolis metro area.
Glenns Valley Nature Park
Address: 8015 Bluff Rd, Indianapolis, IN
Located just on the edge of the southside near Greenwood, Glenns Valley is a favorite for families in the area. The park offers wooded hiking trails and a dedicated sledding hill that is perfect for winter fun.
Province Park
Address: 396 Branigin Blvd, Franklin, IN
Located in downtown Franklin, Province Park offers rolling terrain that becomes a winter playground when the snow falls. While it doesn’t have one massive hill, there are plenty of spots for kids to enjoy a slide.
Hendricks County Sledding Hills
Including Avon and Plainfield
Hummel Park
Address: 1500 S. Center Street, Plainfield, IN
Hummel Park is a big westside destination and a go-to for families in Hendricks County. The parking lot is close enough to the sledding hill that it’s easy to jump in the car, warm up, then head back out for more sledding – a huge win on extra-cold days.
Washington Township Park
Address: 115 S County Road 575 E, Avon, IN 46123
This Avon park has a large sledding hill and a large playground to enjoy afterward. The best spot for sledding at this location is right behind the large shelter, and it’s pretty steep for adventure seekers who like a little more speed.
W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park
Address: 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN
A newer park in Hendricks County, W.S. Gibbs features a dedicated 30-foot sledding hill. Because it is newer than the other parks, it can sometimes be a bit less crowded, making it a great alternative if Washington Township Park is packed.
FAQs About Sledding in Indianapolis
Where can I go sledding near me in Indianapolis?
This guide highlights the best places to go sledding in Indianapolis and nearby communities, including Fort Harrison State Park, Flat Fork Creek Park, Ellenberger Park, Hummel Park, and more than 20 total locations. Use the “Jump to Your County” links at the top of this article to find the sledding hill closest to you in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, or Hendricks County.
Are there kid-friendly sledding hills for younger children?
Yes. Parks like Heritage Park at White River (the best bunny hill), Paul Ruster Park, Garfield Park, and Southeastway Park tend to have approachable slopes and open run-out areas that work well for younger children or beginners. These are good starting points if your kids are new to sledding in the Indianapolis area.
Do I have to pay to use these sledding hills?
Most of the hills listed here are free to visit, especially city and township parks. The main exception is Fort Harrison State Park, which requires a $7 per-vehicle entrance fee for Indiana residents. Koteewi Run is a ticketed snow-tubing attraction, but offers a unique groomed tubing hill experience that many families enjoy as a special winter outing.
What is the best sledding hill in Indianapolis?
Fort Harrison State Park is consistently rated as the most popular sledding destination in Indianapolis, featuring a massive hill with plenty of space. For the tallest hill, Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers offers a 60-foot ADA-compliant sledding hill. For beginners and toddlers, Heritage Park at White River in Fishers is considered the best bunny hill in the metro area.
When is the best time to go sledding in Indianapolis?
The sledding season in Indianapolis typically runs from December through February, depending on snowfall. The best time to go is within 24-48 hours after a fresh snowfall of 3+ inches. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons at popular spots like Fort Harrison State Park.
Sledding Safety Tips for Indianapolis Families
Before heading out to any of these sledding hills near Indianapolis, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Check conditions: Make sure there’s adequate snow coverage (at least 3-4 inches) and that the hill isn’t icy
- Inspect the hill: Look for obstacles like trees, rocks, or fences at the bottom
- Dress appropriately: Layer up with waterproof outer layers, insulated gloves, and warm boots
- Use proper equipment: Avoid makeshift sleds; use actual sleds, tubes, or saucers designed for sledding
- Supervise children: Always watch young children and establish clear boundaries
- Sled feet-first: Going head-first increases injury risk, especially for children
