Is Holliday Park free?

Yes, Holliday Park and the nature center are completely free and open to the public year-round.

What are the Ruins at Holliday Park?

The Ruins are a dramatic outdoor sculpture made from carved limestone elements salvaged from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New York City, installed in the park as a public art installation.

Is Holliday Park good for young children?

Yes — the playground, paved paths, and accessible nature center make it suitable for all ages including infants and toddlers.

Does Holliday Park have trails?

Yes, the park has a trail system through the arboretum, forest, and creek areas. Trail maps are available at the nature center.

Holliday Park

Name: Holliday Park
Address: Indianapolis, IN, US
Telephone: (317) 327-7180
Rating: 4.8

Rating

4.8(4,002)

Family of 4

USD 0

Duration

2–4 hours

Best Ages

0–13

About

Holliday Park is one of Indianapolis's crown jewel outdoor destinations, a stunning 94-acre urban park on the north side of the city that combines natural beauty, cultural art, nature education, and family-friendly recreation in a single remarkable package — all completely free of charge. With a 4. 8 Google rating from hundreds of visitors, Holliday Park is consistently ranked among the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids.

The park's most famous feature is the Ruins, a dramatic outdoor sculpture consisting of carved limestone columns, arches, and relief figures salvaged from historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New York City. Kids are immediately drawn to this magical, otherworldly installation that invites imaginative play and exploration.

It's one of those rare outdoor art experiences that both children and adults find genuinely fascinating.

Beyond the Ruins, Holliday Park delivers on every front. The nature center (rated separately on KidPaths) provides free indoor nature education programming, while the trail system winds through mature hardwood forest, creek corridors, and the park's beautiful arboretum. The playground is well-maintained and appropriate for younger children, and picnic areas throughout the park make lingering easy and pleasant.

The park hosts seasonal events including outdoor concerts and nature programming that attract the full community.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

Yes — restrooms with changing facilities at the nature center

Kid Meals

No on-site dining; picnic tables and grills available throughout

Setting

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Year-round; spring for wildflowers and fall for foliage are especially beautiful

Wait Times

No wait

Nearby Food

Spring Mill Road has several family-friendly restaurants; North Meridian Street corridor is about 5 minutes east with additional dining options

Why Kids Love It

Kids are captivated by the iconic Ruins sculpture, the nature trails, and the welcoming playground in this beautiful 94-acre park that feels like a true nature escape inside Indianapolis.

Pro Tips from Parents

Don't miss the Ruins sculpture — a giant outdoor art installation with carved columns and figures that kids find endlessly fascinating
The nature center inside the park is free and excellent for rainy days
Trail maps are available at the nature center entrance for self-guided hikes through the wooded grounds