I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting places to take my kids, and I think I’ve found one of the best-kept secrets in the area: The Portico at College Park Church. This isn’t just any playground; it’s a true community space designed for connection and fun, and it’s free and open to everyone.
Parking is easy. A large lot behind the church makes finding a spot stress-free. Once parked, you’ll see paved paths winding around the property. Both the playground and Pavilion are just steps away from the lot. Even on our first visit, everything was easy to find.
The Playground: Tall Slides, Ropes, and Room to Run
The playground may look compact at first, but it packs in plenty of features. The main play structure rises impressively tall—my five-year-old’s eyes lit up when she spotted the three big slides. To reach the tallest slide, kids climb a rope ladder. My daughter felt nervous at first, but with encouragement, she gave it a try and ended up climbing it several more times. For kids who find the rope ladder challenging, two lower slides are easy to reach using the playground’s stairs.
Related Article: 25 Best Playgrounds in Indianapolis
At ground level, there’s a spider web style climbing net with little platforms so kids can pause and rest as they go. My daughter loved that she could choose her own adventure: stairs, bridge, or the climbing net. The whole setup encourages kids to explore and try new things, but it never feels overwhelming.
For younger kids, or anyone who just needs a break from the “big kid” equipment, there are two adorable playhouses nearby. One even has a picnic table attached, perfect for snacks or playing restaurant. I was also really impressed by the thoughtful sensory features throughout the playground, which makes it feel welcoming for kids of all abilities.
Swings, Shade, and Open Spaces
The swing set is pretty awesome: three regular swings, two toddler swings, and—best of all—an ADA-accessible swing. I wish more playgrounds included one! Even though the playground isn’t huge, it sits right at the edge of a giant grassy field. So, if your kids need to burn off extra energy, there’s plenty of room to run, kick a ball, or just sprawl out on a blanket.
Related Article: 13 Coolest Playgrounds in the Indianapolis Area
Parents can use the benches and picnic tables, shaded by large umbrellas. Although we didn’t bring a picnic on our visit, I can imagine it would be a great spot to enjoy lunch while watching the playground action.
The Portico The Pavilion
What really sets The Portico apart is the Pavilion. It’s about 100 feet from the playground—close enough to watch the kids, far enough to give older kids a little bit of independence. The Pavilion is open to everyone (check their website for hours), and it’s honestly the kind of place where you want to linger. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, giant garage doors that open when the weather’s nice, and even rocking chairs and fire pits for chillier days. And yes, there’s free Wi-Fi. I’ve seen people working on laptops, reading books, or just chatting with friends while their kids play nearby.
Restrooms and drinking fountains are inside the Pavilion during open hours—a big win for families. It’s clear the goal here is to create a space that feels welcoming for the whole community. Whether you’re looking to meet up with friends, let the kids burn off energy, or just enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, The Portico has you covered.
A Space Built for Community
The church’s mission is to make The Portico “a place of rest and connection for our community,” and it genuinely feels that way.
If you’re searching for a spot that goes beyond the usual playground, I highly recommend The Portico. The designers put thoughtful care into creating a space where every family member can find something to love.
The Portico at College Park Church is located at 2606 W 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
