Reading, Nature, and Exercise: it’s an ideal combination. When it includes picture books, activities, and a playground, your child’s interest will skyrocket! StoryWalks are free, self-guided hikes often on paved trails within parks that encourage reading while you walk. Picture books are displayed in mounted frames with one or two pages per frame. Each frame also features a quick question or activity to build literacy skills while you walk to the next page.
The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark and now appears in each of the 50 states. Looking for a “Story Walk near me?” Here is a list of some of our favorite StoryWalks around town.
Story Walk Near Me: StoryWalk® Locations in Indianapolis
Ruckle Street Park StoryWalk
3025 Ruckle Street, Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Public Library rotates stories monthly on this paved path. Stories are geared towards families with children ages eight and younger.
StoryWalk® Locations South of Indy
Johnson County Public Library StoryWalks
There are 5 StoryWalk locations maintained by the Johnson County Public Library. The Urban Forest is on a mulched path while all the others are on paved paths. Stories are changed seasonally and can be viewed on their website.
Windisch Park StoryWalk®
248 N. West Street, Bargersville
Country Gate Park StoryWalk®
600 Country Gate Boulevard, New Whiteland
Kelsey Anne Devine StoryWalk®
424 S. Tower Drive, Trafalgar
Urban Forest StoryWalk®
308 W. South Street, Franklin
Independence Park StoryWalk®
2100 S. Morgantown Road, Greenwood
Butler Park StoryWalk®
812 W. Ninth Street, Bloomington
The Monroe County Public Library designs this interactive adventure along a paved trail. Visit their website to find the current displayed story.
StoryWalk® Locations North of Indy
Carmel Clay Public Library StoryWalks
The Carmel Clay Public Library regularly maintains StoryWalks in several Carmel parks. Locations and stories change periodically in order to bring these experiences close to a larger number of residents. Wondering where you can find a StoryWalk today? Check the library’s website to stay up-to-date on current locations.
Hamilton East Public Library StoryWalk®
The Hamilton East Public Library rotates monthly the parks at which its StoryWalks take place. Ritchey Woods, Holland Park, and Heritage Park have hosted past stories. To learn where the most current Storywalk® is, visit the Fishers Parks website. Strawtown Koteewi Park also has its own StoryWalk® which changes monthly.
Elm Street Green Park StoryWalk®
165 N Elm Street, Zionsville
This StoryWalk® is open from the end of March through the end of October. There is a corresponding program when the new Storywalk® opens each year. The 2024 opening event is on March 22. During the wintertime, there is a Storywalk® displayed in the windows of the Hussey-Mayfield Public Library for you to enjoy.
StoryWalk® Locations West of Indy
Arbuckle Acres Park StoryWalk®
200 N Green Street, Brownsburg
The Brownsburg Public Library changes the story on this paved trail seasonally.
Hummel Park StoryWalk®
1500 S Center Street, Plainfield
A new title is featured each month by the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library at the Hummel Park StoryWalk® along a paved path beginning at the playground. Stories often connect with seasonal or local themes.
Make your next walk with your kids more exciting by visiting one of these Central Indiana StoryWalks®. Kids love hunting for the next display, physically following the story. Young readers can practice their skills while soaking up some sunshine. With installations at so many parks and an ever-changing assortment of stories, you’ll almost always be able to find a new literary experience on a trail near you.
Don’t forget to register for your library’s annual summer reading program.
Learn about the fascinating plants and animals of Central Indiana at one of these 9 nature centers.
