Indianapolis Canal Family Friendly Activities


The Canal in downtown Indianapolis is a great place to explore and find fun things to do. Our family has fallen in love with the Canal and White River State Park as a whole! Several warm summer nights we’ve loaded up the stroller, a water bottle, some snacks for Lulu and the dog in the back of the car and taken the 15 minute drive downtown to Ohio and West Street/MLK  where we’ve scaled the green grass hill (stairs are also available always and ramp/wheelchair access are available during business hours in the Government Center) and walked along the canal on the nice sidewalks. There’s even an Indianapolis Canal Scavenger Hunt. My husband and I have also been known to enjoy a date night on the Indianapolis canal.

The Indianapolis Canal

There is so much to see along the path. If you head south on the canal path, you’ll run into some colorful art work and more green spaces than you could ever really explore. Children can see the river, sculptures, buildings, museums, a community garden, waterfalls, fountains and so much more on a short walk or an extended walk. For free! No cost and a lot to see and do! There’s even the Colts Canal Playground to play on.

Colts Canal Playground

Downtown Indy Canal Playground and Park

The Colts park at the Canal is an awesome playground for kids who love to climb, jump, hang, and be daring. This gorgeous Colts Canal Playspace was funded through the 50/50 drawings at Indianapolis Colts football games!

Hammock Rentals in Indianapolis at the Canal

“Hammock Time” is a fun opportunity for anyone to rent a hammock and enjoy a relaxing visit to White River State Park. You can rent a hammock at the Visitor Center for a time period of up to four hours. There are some designated areas throughout White River State Park where you can hang your hammock. Indy hammock rentals are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hanging out.

Indianapolis Canal Memorials

The USS Indianapolis CA35 Memorial and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial are located on the Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis.

Visit a Museum on the Canal in Indy

Some of your favorite museums are right on the canal in downtown Indy: the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg, and the Indiana History Center. Even more are right off of the canal. There are several days throughout the year that these Indianapolis museums offer free admission. While you’re walking, the steam clock in front of the Indiana State Museum is a nice event to witness every hour.

Indianapolis Canal Art

One of our favorite things to do is look at the art along the canal. We’ve gotten used to a few fun favorite pieces and it’s always a treat when a new installment appears.

Bike Rides Along the Indy Canal

Does your family like to ride bikes? Bring your own bikes or rent surrey bikes on the canal, or even paddle boats!  There’s even a scavenger hunt that will help you explore the canal/White River State Park area. Let’s all run into each other at the canal sometime.

What are your favorite things to do along the Indianapolis Canal? My friend Patricia swears by the Indianapolis Helicopter Tour.

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