Looking for the best places to go hiking with kids in Indianapolis? Whether you want a stroller-friendly loop, a short nature walk for little legs or a more adventurous trail for older kids, these local parks make it easy to get outside as a family.
Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs have plenty of places to hike with kids. Some parks work best for easy walks with younger children, while others offer wooded trails, creek views, boardwalks and hills that turn a walk into an adventure. Here are some of our favorite spots.
Where to Go Hiking with Kids in Indianapolis
Flat Fork Creek Park
Recommended: Hike to the treehouses at Flat Fork Creek Park
Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers has a mix of paved and natural-surface trails, a boardwalk, wooded areas and plenty of open space. Families can stick to an easier route with younger kids or tackle hillier sections with older hikers. The biggest draw is the park’s three treehouses, including accessible features that make this a fun stop for more families.
100 Acres at Newfields
Recommended: Landscape Journeys Trail around the lake
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres is one of the most unique outdoor spots for families in Indianapolis. Enter from 38th Street for an easier stroller-friendly route. Once inside, kids can mix walking with art stops along the way. Funky Bones, the Chopstick swings and the lakeside loop are the highlights. Leashed dogs are welcome. View the campus map here.
Cool Creek Park
Recommended: Tulip/Pawpaw Trail (1.5 miles)
Beyond the playground and nature center, Cool Creek Park has wooded trails that feel tucked away from the busier parts of the park. The Tulip/Pawpaw Trail is a solid choice for families who want a manageable hike with creek views and shade. After your walk, kids can head to the nature play area or spend time near the creek. See map.
Marott Woods Nature Preserve
Recommended: Trails leading down to Williams Creek for creek stomping
Marott Woods Nature Preserve feels surprisingly secluded for a spot right in the city. The preserve has unpaved trails, wooded hills and access to Williams Creek. If your kids love bridges, winding paths and creekside exploring, this is one to keep in regular rotation.
River Heritage Park
Recommended: The accessible 0.75-mile looping nature trail
River Heritage Park stands out for families with strollers and wheelchairs. The 0.75-mile looping trail winds through the woods and along the White River on a hard rubberized surface that feels more natural than standard pavement. Pair your walk with time at the inclusive playground and river overlooks.
Holliday Park
Holliday Park is one of the best places in Indianapolis for a family hike, with more than 3.5 miles of trails. Paths wind through wooded ravines, past wetlands and springs, and down toward the White River. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, birds and other wildlife along the way. After your hike, stop by the nature center or let the kids burn off more energy at the playground. See trail info.
Eagle Creek Park
Recommended: Edesess Trail or Orange Trail
Eagle Creek Park is packed with hiking options for families who want more variety. The Edesess Trail connects several nature areas and passes through wooded sections near the bird sanctuary, while the Orange Trail offers a scenic loop through the lower half of the park. Expect stairs and hills on some routes, so this park works best for families with older kids or younger children in carriers. Admission is required. See park info.
Fort Harrison State Park
Recommended: Harrison Trace Trail or Camp Creek Trail
Fort Harrison State Park, often called Fort Ben, is a reliable family hiking pick. The paved Harrison Trace Trail is an easy option, while Camp Creek Trail adds more challenge and scenery through the valley. Families can look for wildlife around Delaware Lake and Duck Pond. Playgrounds, picnic areas and other add-ons nearby make it easy to turn a hike into a full outing. Admission is required. See map.
Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
Recommended: Mix and match the easy loop trails
Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is a great option for families with younger hikers. Open to the public from dawn to dusk, the EcoLab has more than 3 miles of trails through wetlands and riparian forest. The shorter loop system makes it easy to build a walk that fits your kids’ ages and attention spans. Plan your visit.
Southwestway Park
Recommended: Explore the wooded trails near the White River
Where Southport Road meets the White River, Southwestway Park offers a more rugged outdoor feel without leaving Indianapolis. The park spans nearly 205 acres and includes wooded trails, river views and plenty of room to roam. Some trails are shared with mountain bikers, so this park works best for families comfortable with a less structured hiking experience. Wrap up your visit at the playground or in the open fields.
