We’re looking forward to springtime walks at White River State Park. | Photo by @bszweda
Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Indy has 200+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of the Circle City’s best.
Eagle Creek Park
This is one of the nation’s top 10 largest municipal parks. You can hike, fish, go out on the water, visit the bark park, check out the ornithology center, or embark on a Go Ape Treetop Adventure.
White River State Park
With 250 acres of attractions like the canal, Everwise Amphitheatre, the Indiana State Museum + access to the Eiteljorg Museum, Victory Field, and the Indianapolis Zoo, this park provides fun for the whole family.
Funky Bones at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
This park, aka 100 Acres at Newfields, is home to Funky Bones + untamed woodlands, wetlands, meadows, a 35-acre lake, and other art installations.
Writings From Her Corner | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gaia Cafe and Botanical | $0-$15 | Join this women’s writing group designed to build community + connection with prompts, sharing, and independent writing time.
Thursday, April 17
Ready, Set, Defend: Self-Defense For Teens | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | IPL Glendale Branch | Free | Learn basic self-defense techniques to promote personal safety + protect yourself in real-life situations.
Third Thursdays in Broad Ripple Village | 6-9 p.m. | Broad Ripple | Cost of purchase | Explore the neighborhood and curate your perfect evening — there’s something for everyone.
Friday, April 18
Frühlingsfest at Guggman | Friday, April 18-Saturday, April 19 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Guggman Haus Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the “spring sister festival” to Oktoberfest with beer, food specials, spring pop-ups, and live music.
Saturday, April 19
Cultural Trail Series | 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Canal Walk | Free | Meet at the north end of the Canal for a one-hour walk, followed by a social ending at Turner’s Bar + Julieta Tacos at The Stutz.
Sunday, April 20
Kountry Kitchen’s Easter Brunch or Dinner | 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | 910 North Event Center | $30+ | Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable experience filled with sweet treats and savory delights.
Claypot Coffee House is bringing the rich flavors of claypot coffee to the south side. The shop at 1551 E. Stop 12 Rd., Ste. G will host a soft opening on Friday, April 25 with its grand opening set for Saturday, May 17.
Community
The City of Westfield is launching a Brave the Barricades campaign to encourage the community to get out + support small businesses during construction on State Road 32. It will offer incentives and giveaways to those who participate and collect stamps at local businesses.
Eat
Easter Sunday is this weekend — which means time to make brunch plans is running out. Check out this list of local spots + chains that still have reservations available (or accept walk-ins) on Sunday, April 20. (IndyStar)
Show
Tickets are on sale for Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 2025-2026 season. The theater will be producing six shows, starting with “The 39 Steps,” a comedic thriller adapted from an Alfred Hitchcock film. See the lineup. (WTHR)
Cause
Still spring cleaning? If you’ve got gently used coats to get rid of, The Salvation Army of Central Indiana is ready to take them off your hands. There are 17 Classic Cleaners locations around Indy where you can drop off donations. (WTHR)
Sports
The Pacers wrapped up the regular season, so who was their MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved? Locked On host Tony East is joined by Will Furr to analyze the choices and pick winners for the entire league.
Job
Small business owners, we know you wear a lot of hats. Let us handle one. Post your job listing on the INDYtoday Job Board for free and get it in front of some of the best local candidates.
Health
Protect your eyes and your wallet when you get personalized coverage with VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Enroll today for as little as $13 a month.*
The Buy
The best pet supply products to simplify at-home care and keep your fur baby happy:
🐾 Pet ear wipes are a quick, one-step solution to make sure pets don’t develop problems caused by build-up.
🐾 This cat + dog steam brush de-sheds better than plain brushes or combs, thanks to hair-attracting steam.
🐾 Eager to avoid expensive teeth cleaning? Once-a-week dental wipes can get you there without tangling with a toothbrush.
🐾 Swapping water bowls for a pet water fountain keeps water filtered and fresh — and pets tend to love drinking from it.
🐾 As seen on TV, Muddy Mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, and sand from paws, keeping entryways clean — no toweling off required.
Another Indy park that I’ve frequented, especially in the warmer months, is Holcomb Gardens at Butler University. It’s a great place to walk around or take pictures. I’ve photographed an engagement and family portraits there before.