Indianapolis is a city that’s bursting with creativity, and you don’t always have to step inside a museum to experience it. All around central Indiana, you’ll find outdoor art parks, sculpture gardens, murals, and hidden gems that make art part of everyday life. Whether your kids love to climb, explore, or just run around, these spaces are perfect for family outings that combine fresh air with a splash of inspiration. So get outside and enjoy a beautiful outdoor activity.
When I first wrote about art parks in Indianapolis, there were only a few to choose from. Now, the list has grown so much that you could fill entire weekends exploring them! From big destinations like Newfields’ 100 Acres Art and Nature Park to local treasures like micro parks in Bates Hendricks and Valentine’s Park on the Near East Side, there’s something new to discover every season.
So grab the kids, pack a snack, and maybe even bring along some crayons or Play-Doh. Here are the best art parks and sculpture gardens in Indianapolis, all family-friendly, interactive, and full of creativity.
Newfields: 100 Acres Art and Nature Park
One of the crown jewels of Indianapolis outdoor art is the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields. At over 100 acres, this is one of the largest museum art parks in the world, and it’s completely free to visit.
The park is filled with interactive sculptures that your kids won’t just look at—they’ll play on, climb, and imagine around. One of my favorites is Free Basket, a massive piece that represents the trajectory of a basketball. Kids often turn it into their own playground game. My children love spotting it from the airplane window as we fly into Indy—it’s that big and colorful!
Other pieces like the whimsical Funky Bones (which you may recognize from The Fault in Our Stars) are Instagram-famous and a hit with kids. Every visit feels new, because exhibits change and evolve over time. If you haven’t been yet, trust me: this is a must for any Indy family.
Indianapolis Art Center: ARTSPARK
Another fantastic spot is the Indianapolis Art Center’s ARTSPARK, a 9.5-acre sculpture garden along the White River in Broad Ripple. With more than 30 interactive installations, this space invites kids to touch, explore, and even climb. One standout is the upside-down house, which will have your little ones giggling and running inside to explore.
The trails wind along the river and connect to the Monon Trail, so you can turn your art outing into a bike ride or walk. ARTSPARK is free and open daily, making it an easy family adventure any time of year.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
If you’re looking for art that’s woven into the city itself, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is perfect. This eight-mile trail winds through downtown, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and cultural districts. Along the way, you’ll see murals, public sculptures, and installations that make every stroll or bike ride more exciting.
White River State Park
Downtown’s White River State Park is more than just a beautiful green space—it’s practically an open-air gallery. As you stroll or bike along the canal, you’ll come across numerous public art pieces that bring color and creativity to the water’s edge. Some of the most recognizable installations include The Tent, a bold geometric structure that doubles as shade on sunny days.
Families will also love stumbling upon the Indiana 92 County Walk outside the Indiana State Museum, where limestone sculptures represent every county in Indiana—a great teaching moment for kids. Add in playful fountains, murals, and smaller sculptures scattered throughout the park, and there’s no shortage of surprises to discover.
Pair your art walk with a canal boat or paddleboat ride, and you’ll see the sculptures from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re picnicking on the grass or wandering the pathways, White River State Park is a perfect spot to combine family fun, outdoor time, and Indianapolis public art all in one place.
Art at Indianapolis Government Buildings
You might not think of government buildings as art destinations, but downtown Indianapolis proves otherwise. The Indiana State House, the Government Center, and the American Legion Mall are filled with sculptures and monuments that tell powerful stories. These spaces blend history and art in a way that’s both educational and visually striking, making them perfect for families who want to mix a little learning into their outing.
One must-see stop is the Indiana Law Enforcement and Firefighters Memorial next to the Government Center. It’s a moving tribute that also provides a meaningful way to talk with kids about service, sacrifice, and community heroes. As you wander the grounds, you’ll be surprised at just how many art pieces and monuments you’ll discover—proof that art in Indy is everywhere, even in the heart of our civic spaces.
Art on Indianapolis College Campuses
Indianapolis’ universities aren’t just places for learning—they’re also home to incredible public art collections that families can explore for free. If you’re looking for something a little different to do with your kids, grab a campus map and take a walk. You’ll be amazed at the creativity tucked between lecture halls and libraries.
Butler University
At Butler University, sculptures and outdoor installations are scattered throughout the grounds. The peaceful campus makes for a beautiful walk, and kids will love spotting works of art tucked between green lawns and historic buildings. It’s a great way to combine fresh air with a little inspiration.
Indiana University Indianapolis and Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
The IUPUI campus is packed with notable pieces of public art, many of which have become local landmarks. Be sure to check out:
- The Plaza at Riley Hospital for Children which includes kid-friendly pieces perfect for young visitors.
- The striking Wood Fountain, a favorite spot for families to enjoy a splash of creativity.
- Mega-Gem, a 20-foot-tall sculpture shaped like a giant gemstone covered in colorful geometric “facets”—kids love it because it looks like a piece of treasure dropped right onto campus.
The mix of whimsical and modern installations makes IUPUI a perfect place to introduce kids to public art in an approachable way.
University of Indianapolis (UIndy)
The University of Indianapolis has embraced art so fully that it even created a sculpture walk map for visitors. With dozens of sculptures scattered throughout campus, you can print the map and let your kids guide the adventure. Turn it into a game to see how many pieces they can spot—just like a scavenger hunt.
Exploring UIndy’s art collection is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and it gives kids the chance to interact with art in a safe, open, and welcoming space.
Carmel Roundabout Art & the Monon Trail
Drive north to Carmel, and you’ll quickly notice something unique: art in the roundabouts! The city has installed sculptures in dozens of traffic circles, turning everyday commutes into opportunities to enjoy creativity. These pieces change regularly, so even if you’ve seen one before, you may spot something new next time.
Carmel is also home to a stretch of the Monon Trail, which features murals, sculptures, and interactive pieces along the way. It’s a fantastic family bike ride, especially if you pair it with a stop for ice cream or a meal in downtown Carmel.
Walking through the Carmel Arts & Design District feels a little like stepping into a storybook, thanks to the life-size realism people statues sprinkled throughout the area. These bronze figures capture everyday moments, like a couple strolling hand-in-hand, kids playing, or someone reading a newspaper. My kids love running up to them and pretending they’ve just joined the scene. It’s a fun, interactive way to experience art, and it makes exploring Carmel’s shops and restaurants even more engaging for families.
Greenwood Art on the Trail
South of Indy, the Greenwood Art Trail offers another fun way to combine exercise and art. This walking trail is lined with sculptures by local artists, and it’s designed to highlight creativity in everyday spaces. It’s stroller-friendly and a nice option for families who want something a little quieter than downtown Indy.
Neighborhood Murals and Micro Parks
One of the best parts of living in Indianapolis is discovering art in unexpected places. Broad Ripple is bursting with colorful murals, from abstract designs to fun backdrops near restaurants and shops. My kids love pointing them out as we walk through the neighborhood.
Neighborhoods are also creating their own micro parks and art spaces. Bates Hendricks has a charming pocket park, while the Near East Side has a Valentine’s-themed micro park that feels like a hidden gem. Even restaurants like Baby’s on the north side are joining in by creating mini art parks on their property.
And don’t forget little surprises like the western-themed murals by Half Leader BBQ or the colorful murals downtown. These spots are perfect for quick stops when you’re out exploring the city.
Art at Pogue’s Run
Pogue’s Run is a hidden gem where nature and creativity meet. This urban waterway is lined with murals and community art projects that celebrate both the history of the area and the neighborhoods it flows through. Walking or biking near Pogue’s Run gives families a chance to spot colorful artwork tucked along the trail, often created by local artists with a strong community story behind them. It’s a great way to mix outdoor time with art discovery—and kids love finding the unexpected bursts of color along the way.
Greenwood & Southside Murals
In addition to the Greenwood Art Trail, you’ll find murals scattered throughout the south side. From large-scale wall paintings to small hidden gems, they add color and fun to everyday errands. It’s worth slowing down and letting your kids point them out—sometimes they notice details that we adults miss.
Eiteljorg Outdoor Sculptures
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is well known for its indoor galleries, but the outdoor sculptures are equally impressive. Pieces like massive bronze horses capture kids’ attention and make for great learning moments about Native American and Western history. Even if you don’t go inside, walking the grounds is a fun way to introduce kids to art in different forms.
Art at Lugar Plaza
Right in the heart of downtown, Lugar Plaza is more than just a public gathering space—it’s also home to vibrant public art. Colorful murals, playful sculptures, and creative seating areas make it a fun spot for families to explore. The plaza often hosts community events and performances, but even on a quiet day, kids can run around while parents enjoy the lively mix of art and architecture.
Creative Ways to Make Art Interactive
One of the best tips for families exploring art parks is to make the experience interactive—even if the art itself isn’t designed for play. Bring along watercolors, crayons, or Play-Doh, and encourage your kids to create their own version of what they see.
If they’re looking at a sculpture, ask them to draw it or sculpt a mini version. Not only does this keep little hands busy, but it also helps kids connect with art in a meaningful way. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from these creative side activities.
Why Indy Families Love Art Parks
Art parks and sculpture gardens aren’t just for art lovers—they’re for everyone. Here’s why families love them:
- Free or low-cost fun: Most of these spaces are free to visit.
- Outdoor time: Fresh air + art = a perfect combo.
- Interactive learning: Kids see art up close, not just in pictures.
- Community connection: Murals and public art show kids how creativity shapes our neighborhoods.
- Flexibility: Visit for a quick 20 minutes or spend an entire afternoon exploring.
Plan Your Art Adventure
Whether you’re visiting Newfields’ 100 Acres, biking along the Cultural Trail, or stumbling upon a tiny micro park, Indianapolis has no shortage of creative spaces. These outdoor art experiences are the perfect way to combine family fun, fresh air, and culture—all without spending a fortune.
So the next time you’re wondering where to take the kids, skip the screens, grab some snacks, and head out to discover the art that’s waiting just beyond your front door.
