Hiking in White River State Park promises a good time, as the park is one of the few located in a downtown area. While you'll surely see other hikers, there are also some secluded spots. The White River Trail traces the water's edge, the Cultural Trail offers a peek at some art, and the Central Canal Towpath is a piece of serenity in the city.
Walk along this sprawling, 6-mile asphalt trail and hear the river nearby. Keep an eye out for the sometimes-fascinating debris left over after the river overflows its banks.
This cultural trail, open to hikers and cyclists, is wheelchair accessible. Winding through five districts, it showcases local art commissioned by each district. There is also a beautiful 1-mile canal below a scenic bridge.
Hear the limestone crunch beneath your feet as you walk this trail, accompanied by the sound of geese, herons, and other wildlife. Pay particular attention to the two 19th-century bridges, which have been designated as American Water Landmarks.
White River State Park is ripe for you and your children to explore. See excellent exhibitions in the Indianapolis Zoo and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and plant life in White River Gardens. Afterward, stay at one of the many cabins by White River State Park.
Bring your children to see orangutans, dolphins, and other animals, as well as desert, forest, and ocean life exhibits. There's also an overnight adventure your family can join. Visit the biomes, which feature different ecologies and their native wildlife.
Find out about Native American basketry and other art forms from all over the continent, from Alaska to Mexico.
Head to the gardens during summer to see the "Butterfly Kaleidoscope," as well as over 1,000 different types of plants.
Celebrate Indiana's history on the museum's 92 County Walk, which features art from all of the state's counties.
Bring your kids to this 6,000-square-foot garden and join the fun, helping to cultivate plants or finding a quiet spot to relax.
