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 Indiana with kids. Trust me, there’s plenty more, but this will definitely keep kids of all ages busy and entertained.
Start exploring Hancock County with this list of things to do in Greenfield Indiana with kids.
20 Best Things to Do in Greenfield Indiana with Kids
Riley Splash Pad
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 turf so you don’t have to worry about any mud, and it’s an extra attraction to keep kids busy. This is one of the best things to do in Greenfield Indiana on those hot summer days.
Riley Park
Apple Street & US Highway 40
Riley Park has multiple playgrounds for both older and little kids. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts, a skate park, a 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 are also plenty of parking spaces and restrooms. This park is great for all seasons, but they have 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 two 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.
Brandywine Park
900 E. Davis Road
Brandywine 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 make this park even more enjoyable.
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. This is a favorite spot for fall fun in Central Indiana. Check their website for the weekends they are open and admission fees.
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. You can also catch summer concerts at the Depot Street Park amphitheater along the trail.
Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour
1558 N. State Street
Hitherto is a 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. If you’re looking for things to do in Greenfield Indiana when the weather’s not great, this a perfect rainy-day option or spot to escape the heat.
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 perfect for those with strollers), but there are a couple of dirt trails and boardwalk areas. This spot is perfect for nature observations, as you’ll see 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 your 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. This is one of my kids’ favorite things to do in Greenfield Indiana, and they feel like they are Lewis & Clark trekking through the woods. There is a gravel parking lot, a small picnic area, and a port-a-pot restroom.
Henry B. Wilson Park
2349 Collins Way
Henry B. Wilson Park is a 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.
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 superhero trinkets and souvenirs your 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 for entertainment, but the Greenfield branch is not your typical library. Back in the children’s area, there are two playhouses, chock full of pretend play items. There is a Lego area, too, with plenty of Duplos 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, 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. As far as things to do in Greenfield Indiana, this one is mostly under the radar. 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.
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.
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 1850s. There are admission fees for the house and museum.
Tuttle Orchards
5717 N. 300 W.
Nothing says Fall like picking your own apples from the tree, but Tuttle Orchards 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.
Stroll the Downtown Area
Greenfield Main Street
If your kids are old enough to enjoy a little shopping, spend some time exploring the boutiques and shops on Main Street. Pick up a souvenir, find a local restaurant where you can grab lunch or dinner, and download a walking tour to guide you through the area’s historic landmarks.
VIP Legacy 9 Theater
2347 W. Main St.
Are your kids excited to see the latest blockbuster movie? Legacy 9 is conveniently located on Main Street and offers affordable prices on movie tickets. During the summer, plan to take advantage of free family movies on Wednesdays and Thursdays. These previously released films were kid-approved hits the first time around and the theater brings them back so you can enjoy these stories on the big screen again. Free summer series movies are shown in the mornings and seating is first-come, first-served.
…and more!
For my last item, I’m actually wrapping up a couple of ideas of things to do in Greenfield Indiana with kids into one entry, because I have so many ideas for you! Greenfield has some great businesses that my kids like to visit. PetSmart is like a mini trip to the zoo for them, with its tanks full of glow fish, lizards, snakes, and more. The Home Depot has kids’ workshops on the first Saturday of every month, and they are a do-not-miss event.
There are two farm stores in town that 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.
Greenfield may be a suburb, but it’s certainly not sub-par. Locals know this city as a wonderful place to live, work, and play with their families. Visitors will find no shortage of things to do in Greenfield Indiana with kids. Use this list as inspiration for your next adventure in Greenfield.
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