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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Indiana

Museums and Parks

Made for those who want to spend their entire day alternating between quiet gallery halls and open green spaces.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated June 2026
01
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park image 1
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park image 2
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park image 3
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Park combines interactive art installations with natural landscapes including a lake and woods. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm despite urban surroundings, with graveled flat paths and plenty of seating for relaxation. Visitors enjoy open fields, picnic areas, and a beer and wine garden that adds a social touch.

Exhibitions show a social consciousness and a good variety of work. The museum includes an art and nature park that offers a well-created experience.

Free access and well maintained trails make this park easy to enjoy. It features unique art structures and pollinator flower gardens, offering a mix of nature and creativity for hiking and relaxing.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids to run around and explore."

"I found interesting art installations and nature along the trail."

"I loved the beautiful nature and unique sculptures in this park."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at the park.

2

The park is free to access for all visitors.

3

Harvest Nights is a popular family-friendly event.

02
Fort Harrison State Park image 1

Large park with paved trails and lush greenery offers a peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet walks and relaxation. Multiple playgrounds and picnic areas accommodate families, while unique features like Saddle Barns add character. The environment stays clean and serene, supporting solitude and outdoor activities.

A small but nice museum sits inside the visitor center, featuring exhibits related to World War 2. The museum and nature center offer a compact, informative experience worth checking out.

Scenic trails wind through forests and along a peaceful creek, offering great spots for hiking and cycling. The park features clean picnic areas and a visitors center with informative displays about local history, making it a relaxing and family-friendly outdoor space.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful and perfect for hiking."

"The scenery here is beautiful, especially from the dock at sunset."

"The museums here are a great discovery and worth visiting."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm.

2

All picnic areas can be rented in advance for events.

3

Check the online calendar for special events at the park.

03
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis image 1

Large museum with three levels and a huge outdoor arena offers interactive exhibits and a dinosaur area that appeals to all ages. Atmosphere varies from quiet rooms for breaks to noisy, lively spaces filled with family activity. Outdoor sports fields and a ferris wheel add to the energetic, fun environment.

The museum offers immersive exhibits that engage kids in activities like hockey, baseball, and climbing. It focuses on being a kid-friendly space with interactive outdoor sports areas and hands-on experiences for children under 7.

Playzone features a small water park, an air-driven ball contraption, and a building block area with soft sand tables. Outdoor science park offers hands-on nature and science activities, while interactive options include comic book creation, old school video games, checkers, playground, waterway, and fossil digging.

People are saying

"It's so kid-friendly with tons of hands-on activities for a whole day."

"I loved interacting with the exhibits at the museum."

"You'll find so many interactive exhibits and outdoor sports areas here."

Good to know

1

On the first Thursday of each month from 4 PM to 8 PM, tickets are $6 per person for ages 2 and up.

2

Parking is available in a garage with skywalk access, making it convenient, especially in bad weather.

3

The food court closes at 2:30 PM, so plan meals accordingly.

04
White River State Park image 1

Large urban park offers scenic river views, spacious lawns, and serene water features. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with families and individuals enjoying open spaces and live music events. Amenities include bike and paddle boat rentals, picnic areas, and well-spaced seating for concerts.

Indiana pioneer exhibition hall offers a deep dive into local history. Museums sit along a walkway layout that makes all areas easily accessible with river views enhancing the visit.

Lush green space surrounds scenic trails that offer peaceful walks and great photo views. An amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts, making it a popular spot for music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful, with lush greenery and nice water views."

"I found so many fun things to do and see here."

"I found the museums here to be awesome and family friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking in the parking garage costs a minimum of $10 for up to 2 hours.

2

The park hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year.

3

Concerts typically start around 7pm, so arrive early for good seating.

05
Indianapolis Canal Walk image 1

Canal pathways offer peaceful, car-free walking with beautiful views including fountains, murals, and memorials. Families gather around playgrounds and water activities like paddle boats and gondolas. The atmosphere stays calm and serene, ideal for quiet strolls and relaxation.

Offers a family-friendly layout with stroller-accessible ramps, nearby bathrooms, and changing areas. Located conveniently at one end of the park, it makes for an easy and full day visit.

Family-friendly playgrounds and gathering spots make the area welcoming for kids and parents. The park offers beautiful scenery and easy access to nearby museums, with plenty of walkable spaces and spots for dogs.

People are saying

"I found the walk here so peaceful and refreshing."

"I found the canal walk to be a really lovely park."

"I saw art all around the canal walk."

Good to know

1

The Indianapolis Canal Walk is free of charge for all visitors.

2

The area is family-friendly with playgrounds and gathering spots.

3

The Indianapolis Canal Walk is wheelchair accessible.

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