| Get Outside and Play: |
The Best Parks in Hendricks County for Family Fun
One of the most common questions we hear from families considering a move to Hendricks County is: “What is there to do for kids?” Our answer is always the same — more than you might expect from a county this size.
From a 232-acre nature preserve where kids can wade in Big Walnut Creek and spot wildlife, to Indiana’s only wave pool, to a historic park that has lit up Christmas nights since the 1800s, Hendricks County has built an impressive network of parks, trails, aquatic facilities, and green spaces that serve as the backbone of family life here.
Whether you’re already a resident looking to discover somewhere new, or you’re exploring the county before a move, this is your complete guide to the best parks and outdoor family destinations Hendricks County has to offer — organized by what you’re in the mood for.
Hendricks County Parks at a Glance
| Park | Location | Best Known For |
| McCloud Nature Park | North Salem | 232 acres, trails, Big Walnut Creek, free nature center |
| W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park | Avon | ADA-accessible playground, disc golf, pollinator garden, ponds |
| Murphy Aquatic Park | Avon | Indiana’s only wave pool, ADA-inclusive, water slides |
| Splash Island Family Waterpark | Plainfield | 4.3-acre tropical water park, slides, leisure river |
| Ellis Park | Danville | Historic swinging bridge, Gill Aquatic Center, Symphony in the Park |
| Hummel Park | Plainfield | Trails, splash pad, disc golf, ball fields, creek stomping |
| Washington Township Park | Avon area | 5 miles of trails, splash pad, two playgrounds, fitness station |
| Williams Park | Brownsburg | Wooden playground, splash pad, pollinator gardens, trails |
| Sodalis Nature Park | Plainfield | 210 acres, mature woodland, wildlife, conservation area |
| Vandalia Trail | SW County | 17 miles of hiking/biking trails through the county |
| Blue Heron Park | Avon | Story walk trail, scenic nature, formerly Avon Town Hall Park |
Nature Parks & Trails: Where the County Shines
| 🌿 | McCloud Nature ParkNorth Salem, IN | Free admission to Nature Center |
If Hendricks County has a crown jewel for outdoor families, McCloud Nature Park is it. At 232 acres of woods, wetlands, and creek corridors, McCloud is widely regarded as the premier nature park in central Indiana — and the fact that it’s free to visit makes it even more remarkable.
| 232 Acres | 6.5 Miles of Trails | Free Nature Center |
What to Do Here
Start at the Nature Center, where interactive exhibits include animal specimens, live reptiles, a greenhouse, computers loaded with educational content, and a rotating art exhibit. There’s also a bird-viewing room where kids can watch local species through a dedicated window — a surprisingly captivating experience for young naturalists.
Outside, the 6.5 miles of marked trails wind through beautiful mature woodland alongside Big Walnut Creek. The creek is the star of the show for families: kids can wade, fish, skip rocks, canoe, or kayak depending on the season and water level. There’s also a 5.5-acre fishing pond for a quieter afternoon with a line in the water.
Bonus: Astronomy Programs
The Indiana Astronomical Society holds monthly astronomy programs at McCloud during the summer — one of the more unique park programs in the county. Field trips are extremely popular with schools, daycares, homeschool groups, and church organizations.
| 🏆 Best ForFamilies with curious kids who love nature, animals, and getting their feet wet. Budget-conscious families — the nature center and trails are completely free. Scout troops, homeschool groups, and school field trips. Photographers — McCloud is a favorite backdrop for family and nature photography in Hendricks County. |
| 🌳 | Sodalis Nature ParkPlainfield, IN | Managed by Plainfield Parks & Recreation |
Sodalis Nature Park is 210 acres of beautiful, mature woodlands and reforestation area on the southwest edge of Plainfield — and it’s one of Hendricks County’s best-kept secrets for nature-loving families. The park was developed in 2010 specifically to help build habitat for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), which is on both the state and federal endangered species lists.
| 210 Acres | 3.5+ Miles of Trails | 5.5-Acre Fishing Pond |
Beyond the ecological mission, Sodalis offers excellent hiking through scenic woodland, a 5.5-acre pond for fishing, picnic areas, and the newer Lake Loop Trail with an accessible boardwalk. Wildlife sightings are common — this is a genuine nature escape just minutes from Plainfield’s commercial corridor.
| 🏆 Best ForNature hikes and wildlife observation. Fishing with the kids. Families who want a quieter, less-crowded outdoor experience. Accessible trail options for strollers and limited mobility. |
| 🚴 | Vandalia TrailSouthwest Hendricks County |
At 17 miles of trails stretching across the southwestern part of the county through Amo, Coatesville, and Plainfield, the Vandalia Trail is one of the most significant outdoor recreation assets in Hendricks County. Whether you’re biking, walking, or jogging, this trail delivers a genuine sense of getting away from it all without going far.
| 17 Miles | Biking & Hiking | SW Hendricks County |
The B&O Trail in Brownsburg complements the Vandalia Trail as another cycling and walking route in the northern part of the county. Together, these trail systems are part of what makes Hendricks County an increasingly attractive destination for active families.
| 🏆 Best ForFamily bike rides and long walks. Runners and cyclists. Families looking to build active outdoor habits. Anyone wanting to explore the county’s quieter, rural western communities. |
Playgrounds & Community Parks: The County’s Family Favorites
| 🛝 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park4521 Gibbs Road, Avon, IN |
W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park is one of the newest and most celebrated additions to the Hendricks County park system, opening in 2021. Designed from the ground up with ADA accessibility as a central priority, Gibbs has quickly become one of the most beloved family destinations in the county.
| ADA-Accessible | Two Playground Areas | 18-Hole Disc Golf |
What Makes It Special
The park features two distinct nature-themed playground areas: one designed for littles ages 2–5, and a larger structure for ages 5–12. The playground surface uses special accessibility mulch throughout, making it navigable for children and adults of all abilities. An accessible fishing pier overlooks one of the two scenic ponds on the property.
Beyond the playground, W.S. Gibbs features an 18-hole disc golf course (the Hendricks County Disc Golf Club uses Gibbs as their headquarters), an 8-acre pollinator garden that’s genuinely stunning in bloom, ADA-accessible picnic shelters available for rent, and a peaceful natural setting that never feels crowded.
| 🏆 Best ForFamilies with younger children who need accessible, age-appropriate play areas. Disc golf enthusiasts. Nature walks alongside the ponds and pollinator garden. Birthday parties and group gatherings with the rentable ADA-accessible shelters. |
| 🛝 | Washington Township ParkAvon / Washington Township Area |
Washington Township Park is a comprehensive family destination that packs an impressive range of amenities into a well-maintained county park. With 5 miles of trails, two playgrounds, a splash pad, sand volleyball, basketball, and an outdoor fitness station, there’s genuinely something for every member of the family regardless of age or interest.
| 5 Miles of Trails | Splash Pad | Two Playgrounds |
The park also features preserved wooded areas that provide shade and a natural feel even on the busiest summer days. For families who want to spend a full afternoon outside without driving to multiple locations, Washington Township Park delivers.
| 🏆 Best ForFull-day family outings. Active families who want multiple recreation options in one place. Kids who want to move between the splash pad and the playground without missing a beat. |
| 🛝 | Williams Park940 S. Locust Lane, Brownsburg, IN |
Williams Park is Brownsburg’s most popular community park — and for good reason. The wooden castle-style playground is a local landmark that kids have been climbing for years, and the splash pad is a summer staple for families across northern Hendricks County.
| Wooden Playground | Splash Pad | Pollinator Gardens |
Beyond the playground and splash pad, Williams Park features walking and biking trails, open picnic areas, and the charming bee sculpture and pollinator gardens that have become a beloved local detail. The park is well-maintained and spacious — one of those parks where you can easily lose a couple of hours on a sunny afternoon.
| 🏆 Best ForBrownsburg families with younger children. Summer splash pad visits. Picnics with the family. Easy, accessible outdoor afternoons in a well-loved community park. |
| 🌳 | Hummel ParkPlainfield, IN | Guilford Township |
Hummel Park is one of Plainfield’s most beloved outdoor spaces — a spacious, well-rounded park that manages to appeal to nearly every age group in a single visit. The park stretches over significant acreage along a creek corridor, offering trails, open fields, and some of the best creek-stomping terrain in the county.
| Trails & Creek | Splash Pad | Ball Fields & More |
Amenities include a splash pad right next to the traditional playground (perfect for summer days), disc golf, basketball and volleyball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, a soccer field, and miles of paved walking and biking trails. The creek access is a perennial favorite — kids love hunting for turtles and crawdads along the bank.
| 🏆 Best ForFamilies who want a variety of activities in one location. Older kids who want courts, fields, and disc golf. Creek exploration and nature discovery. Summer splash pad visits for all ages. |
Water Parks & Aquatic Fun: Summer in Hendricks County
| 🌊 | Murphy Aquatic ParkWashington Township (Avon area) |
Murphy Aquatic Park is the headline water destination in Hendricks County, and it earned that status immediately upon opening in 2022. Home to the only wave pool in central Indiana, Murphy was designed from the start with inclusivity and accessibility as core values — and the result is a water park that genuinely works for families of all abilities.
| Central IN’s Only Wave Pool | ADA-Inclusive Design | Opened 2022 |
What’s Here
- Central Indiana’s only wave pool — the biggest draw and a genuine thrill for kids and adults alike
- Wheelchair-accessible splash playground
- Water wheelchairs available for guests with mobility needs
- Spacious play zone with water basketball hoops
- Multi-slide tower for older kids and teens
- Shaded toddler area for the youngest visitors
- ADA-inclusive playground adjacent to the aquatic facility
- Recreational hill and trail connections
Resident pricing (for Washington Township and Avon residents, including parts of Brownsburg, Danville, and Plainfield) provides a meaningful discount — if you pay property taxes to Washington Township, you qualify for reduced rates.
| 💧 Insider TipMurphy Aquatic Park opens late May each year. For the best experience with younger children, go on a weekday morning when the park is less crowded. The ADA features are genuinely excellent — water wheelchairs and the accessible splash playground make this one of the most inclusive water parks in the state. |
| 🏄 | Splash Island Family Waterpark651 Vestal Rd, Plainfield, IN | 317-839-6205 |
Splash Island is Plainfield’s tropical-themed outdoor water park — a 4.3-acre Caribbean-style destination operated by Plainfield Parks & Recreation that has earned its place as one of the most popular family attractions in Hendricks County. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it’s the centerpiece of many family summer memories in the area.
| 4.3 Acres | Open Memorial Day–Labor Day | Tropical Theme |
What’s Here
- Three waterslides, including new 2½-story-tall additions with a winding tube slide and a giant bowl at the bottom for high-speed spins
- 900-foot leisure river (one of the best features for kids and adults who want a relaxing float)
- Interactive children’s play area with kiddie slides
- The Guppy Tank — a zero-entry area for infants and small children with a palm tree shower and toucan feature
- Private cabanas with electricity available for daily rental
- Funbrella shaded areas throughout the park
- Members-only hour on weekdays (10–11 a.m.) — great for season pass holders
| 💧 Insider TipArrive when Splash Island opens to claim a shaded spot under one of their large Funbrellas — shady spots go fast on hot days. Also, Splash Island shares the Carlucci Recreation & Aquatic Center property, which offers year-round indoor swimming, so the fun doesn’t have to stop when the outdoor park closes for the season. |
| 🏊 | Gill Family Aquatic CenterWithin Ellis Park, Danville, IN |
Located right inside Ellis Park in Danville, the Gill Family Aquatic Center is a community water park that offers a full family experience without the big-park crowds. Renovated in 2005 with community support, it remains a beloved local institution for Danville-area families.
| Zero Depth Entry | Two 120ft+ Water Slides | Danville’s Water Park |
Features include zero-depth entry for toddlers, two water slides over 120 feet each, a lazy river, splash pad, vortex, hydrotherapy area, and a diving board. Affordable season memberships, swimming lessons, and party/event rental options make it one of the most accessible and family-friendly water facilities in the county.
| 🏆 Best ForDanville-area families. Families who prefer a smaller, less crowded water park experience. Affordable season memberships for regular summer use. Swimming lessons for kids. |
Historic & Signature Parks: More Than Just Green Space
| 🌉 | Ellis ParkDanville, IN | Home of Gill Family Aquatic Center |
Ellis Park is one of the oldest parks in Indiana, with roots stretching back to 1913 when the town of Danville set aside 49 acres along White Lick Creek to protect the town’s water supply. More than a century later, it remains one of the most beloved outdoor spaces in the county — layered with history, natural beauty, and a genuine sense of community.
| 49 Acres | Est. 1913 | White Lick Creek |
The Historic Swinging Bridge
Ellis Park’s most iconic feature is its historic swinging bridge — one of the defining landmarks of Danville and a favorite photo stop for families across the county. The bridge is wheelchair accessible, and the park’s creek corridor offers some of the best casual creek-stomping in the county on warm summer days.
Year-Round Events
Ellis Park isn’t just a fair-weather destination. In summer, it hosts the Symphony in Ellis Park — a beloved outdoor concert that draws families from across Hendricks County and the broader Indianapolis area. In December, the park transforms into the Winterland Light Show, decorated with lights throughout the grounds and featuring appearances by Santa. It’s become a beloved annual tradition for Hendricks County families.
The Playscape
The Playscape wooden playground offers plenty of room for kids to run, climb, and explore — the towers and connecting walkways are a hit with school-age children. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
| 🏆 Best ForHistory buffs and families who appreciate parks with a sense of place and heritage. Summer concerts and community events. The Winterland Light Show in December — one of the best free holiday experiences in central Indiana. Creek access and relaxed outdoor afternoons in Danville. |
Which Park Is Right for Your Family?
| If Your Family Loves… | Head To… |
| Nature, wildlife, and free activities | McCloud Nature Park — 232 acres, nature center, creek, completely free |
| Waves and water park thrills | Murphy Aquatic Park (wave pool) or Splash Island (slides + leisure river) |
| ADA-accessible play for all abilities | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park or Murphy Aquatic Park — both designed with inclusion as a priority |
| Splash pad + playground combo | Williams Park (Brownsburg), Hummel Park (Plainfield), or Washington Township Park |
| Historic charm and community events | Ellis Park (Danville) — Symphony in the Park, Winterland lights, swinging bridge |
| Big miles on bikes or hiking boots | Vandalia Trail (17 miles) or B&O Trail in Brownsburg |
| Woods and quiet nature escape | Sodalis Nature Park (210 acres) or McCloud for trails and creek access |
| A full day of diverse activities | Washington Township Park or Hummel Park — trails, playground, splash pad, courts, and more |
| Toddler-friendly water play | Splash Island’s Guppy Tank, Murphy’s toddler zone, or Williams Park splash pad |
| Fishing and pond time | W.S. Gibbs (two ponds, accessible pier) or Sodalis Nature Park (5.5-acre fishing pond) |
Why This Matters for Families Moving to Hendricks County
When families ask us what life is like in Hendricks County, parks are always part of the answer — because the quality and variety of outdoor spaces here directly affects day-to-day quality of life. These aren’t just places to occasionally visit. They’re where kids spend their summers, where families decompress on weekends, and where neighbors become friends.
The county’s investment in parks is serious and ongoing. The 2026–2030 Comprehensive Master Plan, recently released by Hendricks County Parks & Recreation, outlines significant capital projects and improvements coming in the next five years. This is a community that values its outdoor spaces and keeps building on them.
When we work with buyers looking at Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, or Danville, proximity to specific parks often comes up as a real factor in neighborhood selection — whether it’s a family that wants to be near Murphy Aquatic Park, a nature-lover who wants McCloud down the road, or parents who just want a great playground within walking distance. If outdoor access matters to your family, tell us. We’ll help you find a neighborhood that puts your favorite park in your backyard.
| Ready to Find Your Family’s Perfect Neighborhood in Hendricks County?We help families find homes that fit their lives — and that includes knowing which neighborhoods put you closest to the parks, trails, and outdoor spaces that matter most to you. Whether you’re relocating to the area or looking to move within Hendricks County, we’d love to talk. Give us a call — we know this county inside and out. THE HAMMEL TEAM Jeanette: 317-409-9280 | Doug: 317-903-4567 jhammel@callcarpenter.com | dhammel@callcarpenter.com https://jeanettehammel.callcarpenter.com |
Note: Park hours, admission fees, and seasonal programming change regularly. Always verify current information directly with each park or Hendricks County Parks & Recreation before visiting. visithendrickscounty.com is an excellent resource for current events and park updates.
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