White River - State Park 801 W. Washington St. 317-233-2434. Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has the Governor's Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.

Eagle Creek Park - 7840 W. 56th St. 317-327-7110. On the west side of Indy, this park boasts many amenities, including a nature center, fitness course, fishing areas, and bird sanctuary. Fill your day with sailing, bird watching, fishing, rowing, hiking, swimming and much more. Only 10 minutes from downtown. Admission charged.

Garfield Park - 2345 Pagoda Dr. 317-327-7220. Oldest park in Indianapolis, established in 1881. Features include the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, an Arts Center, MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, Swimming pool and aquatic center, picnic shelters, pagoda, tennis courts, softball diamond, numerous trails, horse shoe courts, playgrounds, sledding hill and countless other park activities. Free to most activities.

Holliday Park - 6363 Spring Mill Rd. 317-327-7180. One of the oldest and coolest parks in town. Planted right on the White River with swamps, ponds, wildflower gardens, birdwatching sanctuaries, a renovated nature center, sculpture garden, and countless wildlife and plantlife. In the warm months parents take their kids to play on the best playground in the city, and locals picnic, lay out, read and host family gatherings at the extensive parkland. A great place to wade and rock collect too! 95 acres of trails and woodland, a must see.

Riverside Park - 2420 E. Riverside Dr. 317-327-7171. Founded in 1898, houses many athletic leagues, community activities and special events. It is situated on the White River. Amenities include a large family center, swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball & softball diamonds, boating, football fields and other sports fields and picnic areas. About five minutes from downtown. Free.

Broad Ripple Park - 1550 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-327-7161. Established in 1946, Broad Ripple park was originally an amusement park. Located on the White River. The park features a family center, swimming pool, playground, fitness trail, baseball diamond, tennis courts and boating. They have a great dog park, which does require a pass and proof of recent dog vaccinations. Everyday tons of dogs and their owners play in a well kept, fenced area. It can get very muddy when rainy or snowy. Located within walking distance of Broad Ripple Village. Activities are free, dog pass rates vary.

Rent a Paddle Boat on the Canal - 801 W. Washington St. 317-233-2434. Rent a paddle boat and roam the lengthy water of the White River canal system. Explore tunnels and fountains, see fine outdoor art and people watch as you paddle around at your whimsy. Be sure to enjoy a popsicle at the ice cream stand after your trek.

Picnic at James Whitcomb Riley's Grave - Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a sunset at one of Indy's highest points with one of Indy's most beloved authors, located on the grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery.

Take a Tour with Indiana Historical Society - 340 W. Michigan St. 317-639-4534. Located downtown, the IHS provides walking and bus tours of Indiana historical sites.

Walk the streets of Lockerbie - Located between North and Miami St in downtown Indianapolis. Dating back to 1847 it's the oldest surviving neighborhood in Indy. Featuring an amazing array of Victorian homes still maintained in their original beauty, mixed with some modern homes as well. Italianate, Federal and Queen Anne architecture line the streets.

Play Croquet at President Benjamin Harrison's Home - 1230 N. Delaware St., 317-631-1888. A charity event hosted in June. Compete against amateurs and pros, celebrating Victorian heritage and enjoy lunch as well.

Ride on a Gondola Ohio Street Basin at White River Canal - 317-491-4836. Available only during warm months, you can experience a bit of Venice in Indy. All ages are invited - for a public or private ride (private are more pricey). Each ride includes lovely Italian songs sun and a tour of the Canal. And yes, they wear the striped shirts, hats and red sashes.