Just because the weather’s getting colder and we’re nearing the holidays doesn’t mean we won’t get a few days here and there that are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. When those days come, we suggest that you check out these nine epic outdoor activities for a great time in Indianapolis:
- Hike through one of Fort Harrison State Park’s beautiful trails.
Rob Dudley/AllTrails Fort Harrison features four of the city’s best hiking trails. Each one is moderately difficult and offers amazing looks at wildlife, wildflowers, and foliage. Pick one or hike them all. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
- Walk the downtown Cultural Trail.
Jon C./Yelp This unique 8-mile urban trail links downtown Indy’s six Cultural Districts, offering up a fun look at some of the most iconic neighborhoods on foot or by bike.
- Zipline or Climb at Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course.
Myphi B./Yelp If you’re looking for something a little different that still offers a lot of activity, this treetop adventure course lets you “release your inner ape” — their words, not ours — and enjoy things like zip lining, obstacle courses, and ropes courses. The best part? It all takes place with a forest backdrop, so you’ll get to enjoy nature while being active.
- Explore the White River Gardens.
Kari W./Yelp On the grounds of the Indianapolis Zoo, you can enjoy these stunning botanical gardens. The outside gardens are so vibrant and lush that you’ll really feel like you’ve transported from the city to a faraway oasis.
- Take a hot air balloon ride.
wplynn/Flickr If you’re looking for something relaxing that still involves sightseeing, why not take a hot air balloon ride? Up high, you’ll enjoy views of the Indianapolis skyline as you glide over the city.
- Take an Active Indy tour.
ActiveIndy/TripAdvisor Active Indy is a local business specializing in walking, biking, and running tours through Indianapolis’ historic downtown neighborhoods. If you’re new to the area or just want to learn more about the city while getting a little exercise in, this is the activity for you.
- Paintball at Indy Acres.
Abigail G./Yelp Get a big group together for paintball! At Indy Acres, you’ll find the city’s largest outdoor paintball fields. If you’ve never played before, it’s a blast! It involves a bit of strategy, tactics, and a lot of cardio. It’s definitely worth trying at least once.
- Enjoy a scenic horseback ride.
Amber T./Yelp Back on the Fort Harrison State Park grounds, you can hitch a ride on a majestic horse for a guided tour through two of the park’s beautiful trails. Hoosier Trail Rides offers both a 2.5-mile guided ride and a 1.5-mile ride.
- Golf at one of the many beautiful city courses.
The Fort Golf Resort/Yelp Indianapolis is an underrated city when it comes to the number of great golf courses around here. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, there’s a course for you. Check out Eagle Creek Golf Club for a challenging 18-hole round or StonyCreek Golf Club for a 9-hole par-3 course.
We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to awesome outdoor activities you can do in Indy. What are your favorite things to do outdoors? Let us know in the comments below.
Rob Dudley/AllTrails
Fort Harrison features four of the city’s best hiking trails. Each one is moderately difficult and offers amazing looks at wildlife, wildflowers, and foliage. Pick one or hike them all. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Jon C./Yelp
This unique 8-mile urban trail links downtown Indy’s six Cultural Districts, offering up a fun look at some of the most iconic neighborhoods on foot or by bike.
Myphi B./Yelp
If you’re looking for something a little different that still offers a lot of activity, this treetop adventure course lets you “release your inner ape” — their words, not ours — and enjoy things like zip lining, obstacle courses, and ropes courses. The best part? It all takes place with a forest backdrop, so you’ll get to enjoy nature while being active.
Kari W./Yelp
On the grounds of the Indianapolis Zoo, you can enjoy these stunning botanical gardens. The outside gardens are so vibrant and lush that you’ll really feel like you’ve transported from the city to a faraway oasis.
wplynn/Flickr
If you’re looking for something relaxing that still involves sightseeing, why not take a hot air balloon ride? Up high, you’ll enjoy views of the Indianapolis skyline as you glide over the city.
ActiveIndy/TripAdvisor
Active Indy is a local business specializing in walking, biking, and running tours through Indianapolis’ historic downtown neighborhoods. If you’re new to the area or just want to learn more about the city while getting a little exercise in, this is the activity for you.
Abigail G./Yelp
Get a big group together for paintball! At Indy Acres, you’ll find the city’s largest outdoor paintball fields. If you’ve never played before, it’s a blast! It involves a bit of strategy, tactics, and a lot of cardio. It’s definitely worth trying at least once.
Amber T./Yelp
Back on the Fort Harrison State Park grounds, you can hitch a ride on a majestic horse for a guided tour through two of the park’s beautiful trails. Hoosier Trail Rides offers both a 2.5-mile guided ride and a 1.5-mile ride.
The Fort Golf Resort/Yelp
Indianapolis is an underrated city when it comes to the number of great golf courses around here. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, there’s a course for you. Check out Eagle Creek Golf Club for a challenging 18-hole round or StonyCreek Golf Club for a 9-hole par-3 course.
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