Hosting family from the South has opened my eyes to a new appreciation for winter. As much as I like settling in with a good book or having a movie night with the kids, getting outside for some exercise or a new family experience has its perks, too.
In addition to DIY studios and other indoor activities in Hendricks County, Indiana, don’t miss the opportunity to grab a cup of hot coffee or chocolate, a coat and your boots to enjoy the outdoors.
Nearly every town in the county boasts a great sledding hill, including Hummel Park in Plainfield and Washington Township Park in Avon. Burn off some of that pent-up energy by climbing up the hill and having fun sliding back down over and over again.
For a list of available sledding hills, check out Visit Hendricks County’s 4 Spots for Sledding in Hendricks County.
We might be a little toastier than we were when we went sledding, but I think the outdoor igloo dining options in Hendricks County count for a unique way to enjoy winter.
The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge in Plainfield offers rooftop igloo dining and just a few doors down, Oasis Diner offers igloos too. Reservations are required, and they’ll only be available through the end of February.
One of our personal favorites is McCloud Nature Park, which offers 6.5 miles of trails. It gives us a chance to check out Big Walnut Creek and the historic truss bridge in a whole new way, as opposed to our summer visits.
Another winter hiking option is available at Burnett Woods Nature Preserve in Avon. This 80-acre property features a 1.7-mile loop trail where you can encounter wildlife, native plants and scenic beauty.
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The Shops at Perry Crossing outdoor mall in Plainfield offers a variety of unique stores, and you can grab a bite to eat, too.
Don’t miss PopAKernel Gourmet Popcorn, Schakolad Chocolate Factory and D’s Vintage Toys and Collectibles, to name a few. In addition, they offer several holiday and outdoor activities year-round.
The county's park departments continually add new activities to encourage visitors to enjoy the outdoors at our various parks.
Whether it be a Morning Bird Hike at Williams Park in Brownsburg or a 5K at Echo Hollow Nature Park, the parks and recreation staff at the county level and in our towns don't let a little chill or snow on the ground stop them.
Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg offers a unique winter experience – horseback riding on the winter trails. Reserve a 30 or 60-minute guided ride along the more than 50 acres of scenic trails and take in the view via horseback.
Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and trail rides are weather-dependent. You can even purchase trail ride gift certificates for the nature lovers on your list.
