The top 5 hidden gems at Holliday Park are...

Local XOXO

Feb 16

Look CityMom, youknowweknowyouknow all the best and brightest playgrounds and kid-centric spots in Indy. You're a CityMom. You know this city like you know the map of all area Starbucks locations with drive-thrus... So if ever you spot a post like this on our blog - the top 5 hidden gems of Holliday Park - we're not expecting to impart you with info you never knew before. But we are thinking there might be 1 or 2 in here you haven't thought of. And that's where maybe we can add a little value+spice to your family outings.

So here goes: The top 5 hidden gems at Holliday Park...

1.The Sledding Hill

Indy has so many stand-by favorite sledding spots, but DYK this one? Located directly behind the Nature Center at Holliday Park is the perfectly pint-sized hill. Park a parent at the bottom of the bowl-shaped spot and kiddos can sled down to you without fear of flying into a street or tree.Cost: FREE.

2. Discovery Backpacks

When Fishers Parks introduced a similar concept, we squealed. When Holliday Park announced the launch, we ran. Discovery Backpacks are available in two options: Trees and Birds. Check them out from the lobby of the Nature Center and you'll, well, discover binoculars, magnifying glasses, activity sheets and a smattering of guidebooks. Best part? There's something for everyone in the fam to include {or in the cases of younger ones, something to hold}.Cost: FREE.

3. The Reimagined Habitat Hall

At the time of publication, the Habitat Hall - located inside the Holliday Park Nature Center - was closed due to COVID. But once it reopens, this simply must make your list. From wonderfully interactive displays on waterways and animals to the stunning second-story observation deck, kids of all ages {including you, momma!}, will find something to ogle.Just make sure to grab a current programming guide from the front desk on your way out - there are a host of classes and family events worth checking out throughout the season.Cost: FREE.

Love Holliday Park? Broad Ripple Park has as fascinating history too. READ OUR FEATURE.

4. Yoga at the Ruins

Thanks to a partnership with Invoke Yoga, Holliday Park frequently offers yoga classes open to the community. From Sunrise Yoga in the Summer and Fall months to indoor options at the Nature Center in cooler months, each class is BYOM or bring-your-own-mat. Cost: By donation or up to $15/class.

5. Hike the trails

K so this is an obvious one. What makes it a hidden gem? The fact there are 3.5 total miles of trails onsite at Holliday Park. Which means there's a good chance you've missed some! Consider parking at a different location and discovering a new trailhead to mix it up. Or, keep your eyes peeled for the annual trail runs where you can 'hit the trail, help the park' to use Holliday Park's language. Cost: FREE to hike; small fee for organized runs. Before we go, here's a friendly reminder: Many of these hidden gems - as well as the regular fun you enjoy at Holliday Park like the playgrounds, new family pavilion, grounds for picnics, etc., are thanks to the Friends of Holliday Park. Donate today to keep their dedication - and this beautiful Indy-area park - funded for years to come.

MORE INFO: Holliday Park is located at 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, and is a part of the Indy Parks + Recreation system. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. For more information, visit their website or call {317} 327-7180.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeanine Bobenmoyer – like many moms – wears numerous hats including wife, mother of 2, trail runner, yoga-addict, Michigan native, die-hard Wolverines fan, Thai food enthusiast, and avid reader. After years spent in the world of advertising, she now curbs her Mad Men tendencies as theCityMoms' Chief Mom Officer, Jeanine oversees all CityMoms operations, spearheads our expansion initiatives and management, and leads strategy across all business channels. Find her on Instagram.

Jeanine Bobenmoyer

Jeanine is a mom of tweens, yoga-addict, Michigan native, and avid reader. Her dream vacation includes her family and national parks. Jeanine is a veteran of the advertising industry and a former editor.

As theCityMoms’ Chief Executive Officer, she oversees our brand strategy and business operations, and regularly represents theCityMoms via TV, livestream, and other appearances with our media partners. Connect with Jeanine on Instagram and LinkedIn.