Best Nature Centers for Kids Around Indianapolis

Beth Wood:  The Nature Center at Mounds State Park in Anderson includes animal displays, interactive games, a wildlife viewing room and more. Naturalist-led hikes, special events and other educational programs are offered throughout the year. Mounds State Park features Native American heritage and 10 unique earthworks built by prehistoric Indians. Park guests will also find hiking trails, an outdoor pool, green spaces, picnic areas, fishing in the White River, campgrounds and more.

Beth Wood:  The Taylor Center of Natural History located within Strawtown Koteewi Park is a great place for park guests to see artifacts, educational displays and learn about archaeological discoveries that have been found at the park. The Taylor Center hosts educational and nature inspired special events and classes for the public throughout the year. Strawtown Koteewi Park is an 800 acre park featuring 8 miles of trails, archery range, horseback riding, aerial adventure trail, canoe launch, fishing, greenspace and more.

Jaclyn Keifer:  The natural play space that is just past the nature center is beautifully put together and an awesome space for open ended play!

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This nature center offers hands-on discovery activities for all ages and hosts classes on nature, after-school activities and arts and crafts with an environmental theme. Other features are the bird and wildlife observation center, library, wildflower gardens, playground, hiking trails and the recently renovated Habitat Hall which includes live animal enclosures, costumes, games and interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about nature.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The EcoLab is located on the Marian University campus. Staff and volunteers lead activities for the general public such as weekly bird walks, natural and cultural history programs, and activities to get involved in an on-going historical and ecological restoration project. Also a popular site for bird and beaver-watching as well as walking trails that features vibrant blooms particularly in late summer. Dogs on a leash are allowed, but no bikes or swimming in the ponds.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The Zionsville Nature Center is located at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Exhibits focus on local Indiana habitats and wildlife, and educational turtles, snakes and amphibians are on display.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Courtesy of the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, this nature center promotes environmental education through nature-based interactive classes and activities for visitors of all ages. An exhibit hall features a variety of native amphibians, reptiles, and fish that call Eagle Creek Park their home. Weekly offerings include a nature discovery class and feeding times for the park’s educational critters.

Beth Wood:  The Hilltop Garden & Nature Center is located on the Indiana University Campus in Bloomington. Hilltop primarily focuses on family and youth gardening as well as educational opportunities about nature. Gardening classes are available for youth, adults and families. Greenhouses, outdoor gardens and the main nature center building make up Hilltop's campus. Tours of Hilltop's demonstration gardens are available daily.

Beth Wood:  The McCormick Creek State Park Nature Center features games, quizzes, a wildlife observation room, natural history exhibits, interactive displays and naturalist-led activities offered throughout the year. McCormick Creek State Park is Indiana's oldest state park that features hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing, horseback riding, picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds, pool, canoeing, kayaking and more.