24 Indianapolis Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Beth Wood:  Beckenholdt Park in Greenfield includes a 1.5 acre pond, fishing pier, .95 loop trail through a native grass prairie setting, wetlands, observation deck, 2 acre dog park, walking paths, interpretive signs, a picnic shelter, and much more to keep your family entertained while enjoying the outdoors.

Beth Wood:  Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers includes five miles of trails winding around ponds, three tree houses connected by a paved trail system, a sledding hill, stocked fishing pond and a 2 mile mountain bike trail. The mountain bike trails include single track and a progressive trail with a variety of ramps and technical features. Fun for the whole family!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Fort Harrison State Park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts. There are several easy and moderate level hiking trails.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This state nature preserve has ten different trails totaling 2.25 miles. The Creek Ridge Trail offers views of the Cheeney Creek. Guided hikes and hands-on programs are available for children and families. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are available.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This quiet park offers a paved trail as well as dirt trails. Be sure to visit in the autumn for beautiful foliage.

Dawn Denning:  This is a family favorite for us! Located next to a renovated house from 1826 and surrounded by beautiful landscape, these nature trails truly come to life. Take a walk on the large circular paved path that leads to the nature trails and then stroll along the White River and through the woods. It is a beautiful place to be year round!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This stroller-friendly and beginner trail is fully paved and is open in three segments.

There is a 1.2 mile section links the neighborhood of Irvington with the Indiana Department of Transportation. Also east of Indianapolis is the second section of paved trail. The trail spans 3 miles by industrial properties, open farmland, railroad bridges and a wooded corridor. The final segment starts in Greenfield and spans nearly 6 miles long. It passes through farmland and the Greenfield golf course. The trail also goes across the famous Brandywine Creek.

Dawn Denning:  A favorite backdrop for photographers provides a beautiful place to hike with your family. Follow the paved walkways to the dirt paths that will lead to bodies of water for fishing throughout the park. Tons of nature brush keep the areas shaded in the hottest summers and the wind from blowing on the coldest winter days. Our family loves to walk and explore throughout the park!

Beth Wood:  Flowing Well Park in Carmel has 1 ½ miles of walking trails that are paved and handicapped accessible at the beginning and then turns into dirt/grass paths. Enjoy native wildflowers, wetland growth and wildlife along the path. Park benches and overlooks with park benches allow one to enjoy the diversity of this park. Fishing is also allowed in the small ponds.

This park is most known for the natural spring that the park is named for. People come from miles away to fill their water jugs for free (donations are accepted).

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The Fall Creek Trail connects northeast Marion County and downtown Indianapolis through a winding path with a 1.5 mile loop trail popular for walking and jogging. Along the trail are communal checkerboards and benches if you want to take a rest. There are wetlands in the northern section of the trail which connects to the Skiles Test Park. The southern section of the trail connects to the Monon Trail.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Unique park in the heart of the city. Features ponds, gravel trails and some art installations to enjoy along your hike.

Beth Wood:  Our family loves hiking and creek stomping at Cool Creek Park in the Carmel/Westfield area! Your entire family are sure to enjoy this beautiful 90-acre park year round. The park includes 4 miles of wooded trails, perfect for hiking, jogging and bird watching. You can also check out the playground, softball diamonds, soccer fields, or basketball court. Enjoy nature trails, wetlands, prairies and benches along the trails, installed by Eagle Scouts. You can also pack a picnic and enjoy a family lunch or snack while on your adventure. The Nature Center and restrooms are open daily for use.

Jaclyn Keifer:  MacGregor Park in Westfield was our go-to park in 2020. The library does a StoryWalk in the meadow and the trails are perfect for all ages - even those in a stroller. There is a ton of wildlife here and a creek for stomping as well.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  For a more urban experience, this stroller-friendly paved rail trail connects to the Monon Greenway of Carmel. At 10th Street, the trail connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that stretches through five key cultural districts in Indianapolis. Just beyond the Indiana State Fairgrounds, you’ll encounter artwork dispersed along the tree-lined path. At mile 11 (Broad Ripple Avenue), you can access Broad Ripple, a charming village with several galleries, restaurants, shops and breweries.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Nature preserve with hiking trails, bird-watching, and access to the river for creek stomping!