As a family of five, we are always looking for new places to visit and things to do. Even as a local, the Hendricks County Event Calendar is always so helpful.
Yelp is another great place to find things to do in our area. With the reviews and ratings, it helps me find places that our family would enjoy.
So, I've put together a great list of Yelp's highly rated places to explore on Indy's west side. Whether you're a visitor or a local, this should provide some great insight on where to find the fun in Hendricks County, Indiana.
Hummel Park
- Where: 1500 S. Center St., Plainfield
- What: There truly is something for everyone! Your little ones will love the playground areas, basketball and volleyball courts, splash pad and more.
- Insider Info: Every age will enjoy the walking/biking trails that stretch for miles. Take a more rugged walk down to the creek and skip rocks or make your way over the walking bridge to an additional playground area, lakes and the pavilion. Guilford Township's Hummel Park is the perfect park to bike, walk, run and play to your heart's content. This park never feels crowded and never disappoints.
Arbuckle Acres Park
- Where: 200 N. Green St., Brownsburg
- What: Located in the middle of town near the new Green Street renovations, this beautiful park boasts a playground area, basketball courts and plenty of wooded areas for hiking. This park has also served the town well over the years as a destination for festivals, parties and reunions.
- Insider Info: It seems like each season, there is a community event planned. You can also plan your own private gathering by renting out a park shelter or Bundy Lodge, which can accommodate 100 people.
Echo Hollow Nature Park
- Where: 7700 S. County Road 975 East, Plainfield
- What: Formerly Sodalis Nature Park, named after the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis Sodalis), Echo Hollow Nature Park features over 3.5 miles of nature trails, a 5.5-acre pond and picnic areas. It's located just south of Plainfield and offers a quiet escape from the city.
- Insider Info: The nature park was developed in 2010 as a way to help build habitats for the Indiana bat, which is on both the state and federal endangered species list. There are lots of trails to choose from that allow you to see a variety of scenic nature and even wildlife including the new Lake Loop Trail with an accessible board walk.
Williams Park
- Where: 940 S. Locust Lane, Brownsburg
- What: This beautiful, spacious park boasts a popular wooden playground and a splash pad that will keep the littles entertained for hours.
- Insider Info: Walking and riding trails, along with open areas perfect for picnics, make this park a great destination for a day with the family. Make sure to look for the bee sculpture and pollinator gardens in the park.
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Press Play Gaming Lounge
- Where: 1004 E. Main St., Brownsburg
- What: This is a great place for families to have fun together while enjoying virtual reality, foam wars and more. They have a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat and family pods where you can hang out.
- Insider Info: Make sure to experience their Omni Arena, which takes VR to a whole new level.
Board & Brush
- Where: 434 E. Main St., Brownsburg
- What: Board & Brush features create-your-own custom wood signs. The studio is equipped with hammers, power drills, sandpaper and other tools to create your final product.
- Insider Info: The staff provides guidance if its your first time, or you think you lack that artistic gene. It's a great, do-it-yourself studio that allows your creativity to shine.
Washington Township Park in Avon

- Where: 435 Whipple Lane, Avon
- What: A beautiful park that has grown over the years to offer even more opportunities for guests to enjoy the great outdoors on two different levels. Take a walk around the pond, fish or venture through the wooded trails. Chase the kids around the popular playground or go down to the lower portion of the park to visit the splash pad.
- Insider Info: This park offers plenty of picnic areas and a variety of trails. And the Pavilion Center, in the lower portion of the park, has become a popular wedding venue.
Natural Valley Ranch
- Where: 6310 E. County Road 350 North, Brownsburg
- What: This family-owned ranch set in a scenic wooded area allows visitors to experience horseback rides through their property alongside White Lick Creek. They offer riding lessons, accommodate birthday parties and have events throughout the year.
- Insider Info: They also have a country cottage or a large log cabin that can be rented for a little time away.
McCloud Nature Park
- Where: 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem
- What: McCloud Nature Park is 232 acres of woods, glacial ravines, prairie and creek that includes over 6 miles of hiking trails, Big Walnut Creek, a nature center, interactive exhibits, nature programming, a restored historic truss bridge and more.
- Insider Info: We've gone a few times in different seasons, and it's always beautiful, no matter the time of year. Our family loves to visit each March for their Maple Syrup Days
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
- Where: 10267 E. U.S. Hwy 136, Brownsburg
- What: If you haven't taken in an event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, you'll want to take a look at their event schedule and get to it! The grounds are well-maintained and vast, yet still manage to make guests feel like they are right in the action.
- Insider Info: Catch the best of the best in drag racing at the NHRA U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend or see some action-packed street racing on Friday nights over the summer. You'll find plenty of variety and entertainment in the racing hosted on the drag strip or oval.
Slick City Action Park
- Where: 4430 N County Road 1000 East, Brownsburg, IN 46112
- What: Slick City Brownsburg, which is best described as a waterpark without the water, has quickly become a local favorite for family-friendly fun for all ages.
- Insider Info: They have designated space for the youngest adventurers, their 4-and-under area. They offer birthday packages, too.










