Find a Creek Near Me | Creek Stomping is a Summertime Splash

A few summers ago, my husband introduced us to “creek stomping” and we’ve had a lot of fun going every summer since. We asked Indy parents where they love taking their children creek stomping and they were willing to spill their favorite parks and hidden spots! If you’re wracking your brain, trying to think where to find an awesome “creek near me,” try a suggestion from our list.

Find a Creek Stomping Creek Near Me

Disclaimer: This list is compiled with information gathered from local parents. Please check local rules, regulations, and laws before visiting. Indy with Kids is not responsible for any unlawful behavior or incidents that may occur during these activities.

What is Creek Stomping?

Well, you find a creek, and you stomp in it. You can wear rain boots, water shoes, strap-on sandals, or even go barefoot in some cases. My daughter wears an old pair of tennis shoes. We toss sticks in the water, build dams with rocks, skip stones, and search for crawdads. This year, Lulu wants a net so she can try to capture small fish.

Places to Creek Stomp in Indianapolis

Blickman Educational Trail Park

6399 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis

A short hiking trail connects to the White River Trail with access to explore the White River.

Juan Solomon Park

6100 Grandview Dr, Indianapolis

Crooked Creek runs through Juan Solomon Park and kids love this creek. Watch for poison ivy along the trails.

Holliday Park

6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis

Holliday Park is large and has many activities to enjoy but the hiking and creek stomping are a can’t-miss activity! The trails are beautiful and it is hard to believe you are in the city. This park is located next to the White River, but because of the size, many small pools of water often form along the banks. We have seen plenty of large birds, frogs, turtles, and even a snake. For days when it’s too cold or rainy for real creek stomping, check out the creek-themed water feature in Habitat Hall!

Southeastway Park

5624 S Carroll Road, New Palestine

Buck Creek runs along the edge of this park and provides ample opportunities for creek stomping. A paved path lines the entire perimeter of park with trails running off of it. Many of these trails lead directly to the creek. There are muddy spaces to stomp in and rocky patches just perfect for finding skipping stones. There is also a pond at this park where many a frog and turtle have been seen. Bring a net to scoop up small creatures for the kids to get a closer look.

Fall Creek Trail

Various access points, runs from Skiles Test Nature Park to the Monon Trail

The access point just West of Shadeland Ave off Fall Creek Blvd is a great spot to take little ones. You will find varying degrees of water depth based on recent rainfall but there is usually a large shallow area perfect for the littles’. Venture out further and there is a deeper area great for swimming. Find shells and pretty rocks during your visit.

Creek Stomping in Hamilton County

Potter’s Bridge Park

19401 N Allisonville Rd, Noblesville

There are a few places at Potter’s Bridge you can access the river to splash around but wear good hiking water shoes. The entry points are challenging to the average hiker. Good shoes with traction and finding exposed roots to hold onto for stability may be necessary, but once you get there the water feels great and it is a nice break for the kids to splash around and cool off. You can also check out the access points for kayaks and inner tubes.

Cool Creek Park

2000 E 151st Street, Carmel

There are several ways to get to creek stomping spots at Cool Creek. Our favorite place to splash around is a short distance down the trail from the trailhead between the Nature Center and the restrooms. There’s even a paved trail for those who need it!

Strawtown Koteewi Park

12308 Strawtown Avenue, Noblesville

There are three miles of the White River running through Strawtown Koteewi Park. Local parents recommend creek stomping near the blue bridge. Wear appropriate footwear, the rocks are slippery.

Flowing Well Park

5100 E 116th Street, Carmel

An artesian well is the centerpiece of Flowing Well Park. Fill your water bottles and then take a hike. You’ll find marshland leading up to several areas with easy access to the creek!

Hauge Road Nature Haven

9 South 8th Street, Noblesville

This hidden gem is easy to get to and easy to navigate. Kids of all ages love exploring and learning at Hague Road Nature Haven!

Dillon Park

6001 Edenshall Ln, Noblesville

Kirkendall Creek runs through Dillon Park. You may find minnows, wildlife, or even snakes! Most of the creek is easy to maneuver through, but deeper pockets may appear after a good rain. You will find fallen trees and plenty of rocks to trek across.

Access to the creek is not really marked. Just find the dirt trail, running next to the paved trail near the playground, and find a clearing to enter the water. If you stick to the paved trail and head towards the skate park from the playground, you will find a little bridge going over the creek. This is a popular spot to creek stomp.

Flat Fork Creek

16141 E 101st St, Fishers

Pass up the sledding hill at Flat Fork Creek Park and take the nature trails into the woods to find the creek. As you walk along the banks, you’ll find several points where you can easily access the creek below. Don’t forget to explore the treehouses while you’re there!

Cheeney Creek Natural Area

11030 Fishers Pointe Blvd, Fishers

Cheeney Creek offers a creek that runs alongside their paved trail. It’s a great option if your entire group doesn’t want to get wet. The creek bank is fairly rocky so bigger kids would be more apt to scale the incline to get in the creek. Keep heading South and you come to an old railway bridge that leads to a wider, deeper body of water.

Bee Camp Creek Trailhead

13870 Ambria Dr, Fishers

This park is a hidden gem. Follow the paved trail from the Bee Creek Camp playground and just behind the bench at the second pond you will come across a trail leading into the woods. A wooden bridge led across the creek. It is the perfect spot to splash and play.

Geist Park

10979 Florida Rd, Fortville

The playground is fun and they have seasonal bathrooms which are really nice. You can’t miss the creek. It’s a great canoe launch onto Fall Creek and the zero entry makes it a great spot for littles’ to splash around.

Creek Stomping in Johnson County

Northwest Park Annex

1600 Fry Road, Greenwood

At this park, you can find the creek stomping directly from the parking lot. There is a bridge with an old boat ramp next to it perfect for introducing children to creek stomping. A paved trail goes through the woods here and there are many places to easily leave the path and get down to the water. We saw many people fishing here the last time we went. There is also another easy way to access the creek by going behind the large shelter.

Creek Stomping in Hendricks County

Washington Park

115 McClain Place, Avon

This is a large park with many offerings. There are fishing ponds and also some small streams that run throughout the park along the trails. Be sure to find the bridges and explore near them.

Arbuckle Acres Park

200 N. Green Street, Brownsburg

White Lick Creek runs through Arbuckle Acres Park. An elevated bridge takes you across the creek. Park rules indicate that you must stay on the trail.

Big Walnut Creek at McCloud Nature Park

8518 Hughes Road, North Salem

Wear your best water shoes and take a creek hike upstream in Big Walnut Creek. You’ll see fish, birds, insects, and other plant and wildlife.

Creek Stomping in Hancock County

Riley Park

Apple Street & US 40, Greenfield

Brandywine Creek runs through this 40-acre park in Greenfield. Easy access to the creek is available through paths and parking lots. This beautiful park will keep your kids busy for hours!

Creek Stomping in Morgan County

Burkhart Creek Park

N. Duckworth Road & Gray Road Martinsville

Burkhart Creek provides a fantastic space for kids to explore creek life. No public restrooms are available.

Pioneer Park

1101 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville

Pioneer Park is home to many fun activities, including the Soaring Eagle Zip Line Ride. The East Fork White Lick Creek runs through the park and provides many opportunities to explore the creek.

Other creek stomping locations recommended by local parents: Thornwood Preserve, Brandywine Park, Mounds State Park, Sunset Park, Pendleton Falls, Fortville City Park.

Do you have a favorite place to splash and play? Creeks are often a hidden gem for children to explore, so let us know if there are any that have been left off the list!

Creek stomping is a favorite summer activity. Try some of our other top picks!

Splash pads are a perfect way to stay cool in summer for free!

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