The Best Water Activities To Try In Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis may not be surrounded by breathtaking beaches or coastline, but it has plenty of rivers and lakes to keep visitors entertained. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, or something more unique, the Circle City has a water activity you’ll love.

Paddle boats

Looking for a light amount of exercise while enjoying a gorgeous day on the water? You can enjoy paddle boat rentals in downtown Indy from right along the scenic canal. Take in some of the best views of the city during this peaceful ride. Looking for a more intense experience without all the paddling? You’ll find a scenic paddle boat river cruise from the Broad Ripple Boat Company that offers an unforgettable experience along Indy’s White River. Eagle Creek Park also has paddle boat rentals that you can enjoy along this scenic creek.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYovkfwgURp/?tagged=indypaddleboat

Gondola rides

You don’t have to go to Italy to enjoy an authentic gondola experience. Indy offers amazing and romantic gondola rides along the Indy Canal via Fresco Restaurant. Gondola rides are either 30 or 60 minutes long and include an amazing singing gondolier. Old World Gondoliers also offers private gondola excursions if you’re looking for a more intimate and peaceful adventure.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHgBqxlAQqx/?tagged=indygondola

Swimming

Whether you’re into swimming in natural bodies of water or swimming pools, there are plenty of places to dip your toe in the water in the Circle City. Eagle Creek Park offers an unexpected beach adventure along Eagle Creek with a swimming area that’s five feet deep. There are also sectioned-off areas for younger kids.

Swimming pool options are nearly endless with places to swim at Broad Ripple Park, the Riviera Club, and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. There are also several neighborhood aquatic centers to explore, including the Sahm Aquatic Center, that are perfect for public swimming, pool parties, and fun in the sun.

Boating

Are you looking to enjoy the water, but not into getting drenched? A nice day of boating might be just what you need. Enjoy taking the boat out for a spin in Morse Reservoir, where you can enjoy hours of fun coasting along Morse Lake. Eagle Creek Park also offers a variety of boat rentals, from canoes to kayaks to pontoons. You can also take your own boat out for a spin. Geist Reservoir, home to the Indianapolis Sailing Club, is one of the most popular places for boating and even offers sailing lessons.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVIL8PrlxDH/?tagged=geistreservoir

Fishing

Most of the above boating areas also offer great fishing options, but there are seemingly endless places to fish in Indy. Fort Harrison State Park offers incredible fishing opportunities along their fishing pier, where you’ll find catfish, bluegill, bass, and more. Riverside Lake offers fishing from dawn to dusk for crappie, bass, and catfish. Meadowland Park in nearby Carmel also offers great fishing year-round and has plenty of sunfish, bluegill, and catfish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNnbnLqhSsk/?tagged=indyfishing

Water Parks

Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor fun, Indy has a plethora of water parks that kids will love. Indy Island at Raymond Park has indoor water slides, play areas, a water geyser, a 3-lane pool, and hot tub area. Just south of the city you’ll find the incredible Splash Island, complete with water slides, water jets, lily pad crossings, a kiddie area, and much more. North of the city you’ll find the Waterpark at Monon with an AquaClimb wall, surfing area, water slides, activity pool, lazy river, and other watery attractions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/bRRfOlTCjf/?tagged=indyisland