When I sat down to brainstorm a list of ideas for this article, I jotted down some immediate thoughts, and went back up the list to start counting. I had 23 items just like that, and I was just getting warmed up. I jotted down a few more, and decided this list should really be called the 20 BEST things to do in Greenfield with kids. Trust me there’s plenty more, but this will definitely keep kids of all ages busy and entertained.
Riley Park
Apple Street & US Highway 40
Riley Park has multiple playgrounds for both older and little kids. There are tennis courts, pickle ball courts, skate park, basketball court, and baseball fields, as well as a great frisbee golf course, all nestled along the beautiful Brandywine Creek. We love this as a picnic spot because there are plenty of tables and shelters. There is also plenty of parking and restrooms. This park is great for all seasons, but they have a a huge hill perfect for sledding during snowy months.
Riley Pool
300 Apple Street
Adjacent to Riley Park is the city pool. The pool requires admission, but has 2 curvy water slides, a rock wall, and a really nice toddler water play area. There is a concession stand and a cute little playground right outside the entrance of the pool, meaning you can make a whole day out of this stop.
Riley Splashpad
300 Apple Street
The fabulous splash pad is free, and there is plenty of outdoor seating, umbrellas, and nice restrooms. There is also plenty of parking for your convenience. A playground right at the entrance has rubber flooring, so you don’t have to worry about any mud, and it’s an extra attraction to keep kids busy.
Brandywine Park
900 E. Davis Road
This park has lots of soccer field space, so if you are looking for an open and sunny place to run or play ball, this is the place for you. There is also a nice playground with mulch. Restrooms and plenty of parking, and a concession stand during soccer season makes this park even more enjoyable.
Commons Park
856 W. 5th Street
This small neighborhood park with traditional playground equipment and a log cabin playhouse for pretend play. The area is mulched, but plan ahead since there are no restrooms and limited parking.
Pennsy Trail
From County Road 150 W. thru to County Road 400 East, just south of U.S. Highway 40
This 5.6 mile long trail, following an abandoned railroad line, is the perfect place to run, walk or bike. The Pennsy Trail has art along the trails to enhance your walk or run. Stop almost anywhere along the way, since there are several parking locations through the trail. Please note, the trail does cross some busy streets, so adults need to remind children to stop and look both ways when crossing. The city is adding an outdoor amphitheater and playground along the trail in 2021.
Beckenholdt Park
2770 N. Franklin Street
This setting is a native prairie/wetland area, with trails twisting through it. Most trails are paved (which is prefect for those with strollers), but there are a couple dirt trails and boardwalk areas. This spot is perfect for nature observations, seeing birds and wildflowers nestled near some ponds. There is plenty of parking and restrooms are available at the park.
Thornwood Preserve
1597 S. Morristown Pike
If you kids are into creek stomping, this is the place to do it. Put on your mud boots, because all the trails through this 40 acre wooded preserve are natural, with a couple of boardwalks. Trails range in difficulty levels, and there are plenty of areas to play near a bubbling brook. There is even an area called the dry creek. My kids love exploring here, and feel like they are Lewis & Clark trekking through the woods. There is a gravel parking lot, small picnic area, and a port-a-pot restroom.
Henry B. Wilson Park
2349 Collins Way
Henry B. Wilson Park 14 acre park with trails and mountain bike features. There is a floating bridge across the creek, and when the water levels are low it could also be a great creek stomping area. For parking, the city suggests parking in the nearby Kohl’s parking lot.
Evolution VR
1757 Melody Lane
If you have older kids interested in gaming, you should check out Evolution VR. This virtual reality gaming studio has several rooms to check out, and they have a wide selection of games for all ages. Party options are also available.
Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour
1558 N. State Street
Hitherto is coffee shop, with plenty of space for you to spread out and play board games. While the store does sell board games, they also offer sample games for you to try while you’re there. This is a great option to try out a new game to see if your kids will enjoy it, before committing to the price tag. They serve a variety of drinks and snacks, making this a perfect rainy day option or spot to escape the heat.
Hometown Comics
1040 N. State Street
If your kids are superhero fans, this is a store you will want to check out with them. The store offers a huge selection of comic books to peruse, and all the super hero trinkets and souvenirs you heart could want.
Hancock County Public Library
900 W. McKenzie Road
You may not think of a library as the typical place to take kids, but the Greenfield branch is not your typical library. Back in the children’s area, there are two play houses, chock full of pretend play items. There is a Lego area, too, with plenty of Duplo’s and table space to build on. Next is a nature nook, with activities and an open play area. This spot has benches for adults in your party to take a rest, and plenty of puzzle toys to keep your kids busy, as well as a computer area.
Eagles Nest
New Road & Apple Street
Greenfield is home to a nesting pair of eagles, and the nest is located at the corner of New Road and Apple Street. You can easily see the nest from your car as you drive by, and sometimes you can spot one of these birds perched on a limb.
Shekinah Footgolf
871 E. Davis Road
Think soccer combined with golf and you would have FootGolf. It is a new and fun experience, worth checking out with the kids. This is a business, so there are fees to play, but the experience on this beautiful nine-hole course is worth the price.
Riley Boyhood Home & Museum
250 W. Main Street
In downtown Greenfield, you can tour the former home of famous Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. Immerse the family in history here, because you will feel like you are transported back to the 1850’s. There are admission fees for the house and museum.
Tuttle’s
5717 N. 300 W.
Nothing says Fall like picking your own apples from the tree, but Tuttles Orchard has plenty of activities to keep you busy year-round. Tractor town is an adorable outside play area for your kids to explore for an admission fee. The farm store and café are open year round, for all your produce and tasty treat needs.
Lark Ranch
1611 N. Meridian Road
A train ride, giant slide, and treehouse are just a couple of the many attractions at Lark Ranch. It is always a fresh adventure, because every year they add more rides and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Check their website for the weekends they are open and admission fees.
Strike Force Lanes Bowling
1539 W. Main Street
Strike Force Lanes Bowling is a great spot for indoor fun at a small cost. Bowling lanes can have bumpers for younger kids. They serve pizza and snacks, plus there is a room available for hosting birthday parties.
For my last item, I’m actually wrapping up a couple ideas into one entry (because I have soooo many ideas for you). Greenfield has some great businesses that my kids like to go to. PetSmart is like a mini visit to the zoo for them with glowfish, lizards, snakes and more. The Home Depot has kids workshops the first Saturday of every month, and they are a do-not-miss event. (Be sure to register for these in-advance!) There are two farm stores in town which get baby chicks in the early spring, or have toy tractors for children who like to farm. There is also a John Deere dealership, north of town on Hwy. 40. My son loves to drive by here and see the big combines.
