Riverside Park
A sprawling urban oasis offering diverse recreational activities, from sports and playgrounds to concerts and aquatic fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Riverside Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling urban oasis offering diverse recreational activities, from sports and playgrounds to concerts and aquatic fun.
"Huge land of recreational things to do with family and friends, with events year-round."
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around concerts, festivals, or special events to avoid crowds or join the fun!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring the vast park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre
Catch an evening concert with a unique view, avoiding the sunset glare. A prime spot for live music.
Riverside Aquatic Family Center
Cool off at this massive aquatic center featuring multiple slides and spray grounds. Perfect for family fun in the summer.
Playgrounds & Sports Courts
Multiple playgrounds for kids and well-maintained basketball and tennis courts for active visitors. Great for family outings and sports enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Amenities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around concerts, festivals, or special events to avoid crowds or join the fun!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring the vast park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🧺 Picnic Ready
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many pavilions or open spaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Plan around concerts, festivals, or special events to avoid crowds or join the fun!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring the vast park.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🧺 Picnic Ready
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many pavilions or open spaces.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be $3/hour or $7 for the day. Consider carpooling for events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Riverside Park for its vast recreational offerings, including excellent playgrounds, sports facilities, and the aquatic center. It's a popular spot for family gatherings, events, and concerts, with many appreciating the community atmosphere and recent upgrades. However, some guests have noted issues with restroom cleanliness and availability.
"One of the best places to catch an evening concert. You're not facing the sunset like other venues along the White River in Indianapolis."
Scott Wagner
"It's a huge land of recreational things to do with family and friends. It has separate lake and playground lake. There's always some sort of event going on during the spring and summer seasons. They even have an outside Indianapolis IN colts play and workout fitness area. I love it. You also relax areas for you and your significant other, as well. There's so much to do. They have 2-3 different level slides in the pool area, which is also huge as Heck. Plenty of cookout events and reunion"
IeshaRenee
"Had a great time at Riverside Park. There was plenty of room for the reunion that we had. If there was one takeaway, it would have to be the port-a-potties. At least the one in the area that we were at in the back of the park. This port-a-potty was disgusting and needed to be cleaned"
Tremayne Bester
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Park is a large park with multiple access points. If you're driving, parking is available, though it can cost around $7 for the day during peak times or events. Public transportation options may vary depending on your specific location within the city.
Yes, parking is available at Riverside Park. Fees can range from $3 per hour to $7 for the entire day, especially during popular events.
Cycling is a great way to access Riverside Park, with many paths available. However, be aware that some areas might not be well-lit at night, so cycling after dark might be less safe.
Given its size, exploring Riverside Park is best done on foot or by bicycle. Many visitors enjoy running or cycling along the scenic paths.
Many trails within Riverside Park are wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it accessible for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Riverside Park is generally free to enter and visit, with free parking often available. However, specific attractions within the park, like the aquatic center, may have separate admission fees.
Park hours can vary, but generally, Riverside Park is open from early morning until late evening, often around 7:45 am to 10 pm. Always check the specific park's official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Entry to the park itself is usually free, but tickets are often required for special events like concerts at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre or festivals. Check the park's event calendar for details.
Yes, many activities are free, including playgrounds, sports courts, and walking trails. Some museums, like The Cheech, offer free entry on specific days during the summer.
While some Riverside Parks are dog-friendly, it's best to check the specific park's regulations. Some social media posts mention dog-friendly areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Riverside Park offers a wide array of activities, including playgrounds, sports courts (basketball, tennis), an aquatic center with slides, picnic areas, and an amphitheater for concerts.
Yes, Riverside Park features several playgrounds suitable for different age groups, making it a great spot for families with children.
Absolutely! The park boasts numerous sports facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and large fields for soccer and baseball. 
Riverside Park hosts a variety of events, from live concerts at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre to seasonal festivals and community gatherings like the Black Joy event.
Restrooms are available, but they can sometimes be closed. Portable toilets are also provided in certain areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself may not have extensive dining options, food vendors are often present during special events and festivals. Bringing your own picnic is a popular choice.
Yes, Riverside Park has numerous picnic pavilions and open spaces perfect for picnics. It's a great way to enjoy the park's atmosphere.
Depending on the specific Riverside Park location, there are often restaurants and cafes nearby. For example, near NYC's Riverside Park, you can find options in Harlem.
Packing your own food and drinks is the most budget-friendly option. Look for deals on platforms like Groupon for nearby family attractions if you plan to eat out.
Special events at Riverside Park often feature food trucks and vendors, offering a variety of cuisines. Keep an eye on the park's event calendar for details.
📸 📸 Photography
The Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre offers a unique backdrop, especially during evening events. The waterfront areas and scenic trails also provide beautiful photo opportunities.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed at events in Riverside Park. However, professional photography might require permits, so it's best to check park regulations.
The combination of recreational facilities, natural landscapes, and event spaces offers diverse photographic subjects. Look for candid moments during festivals or scenic shots along the river.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday mornings provide fewer distractions for capturing serene shots.
The Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre and the aquatic center's water features are popular landmarks. The general waterfront views also make for great scenic photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Riverside Aquatic Family Center is a major summer attraction with slides and spray grounds, perfect for cooling off on hot days. For indoor fun, the Indoor Family Recreation Center offers additional activities. Keep an eye on the park's event schedule for family-friendly festivals and activities that are often held throughout the warmer months.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The park is equipped with basketball courts, tennis courts, and large fields for soccer and baseball, perfect for a game with friends. +1 There's also an outdoor fitness area, and the Indoor Family Recreation Center provides indoor courts for year-round activity. 🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Riverside Park's Recreational Offerings
Beyond organized sports, the park excels in family-friendly fun. The Riverside Aquatic Family Center is a major draw during the summer, boasting multiple slides and spray grounds that offer a refreshing escape. Adjacent to this, you'll find playgrounds designed for various age groups, ensuring that younger visitors have ample space to explore and play.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park offers roofed picnic pavilions and ample open space, making it an ideal location for family reunions, cookouts, and casual gatherings. The Taggart Memorial Amphitheatre serves as a hub for entertainment, frequently hosting evening concerts and performances, providing a unique venue to enjoy live music.
Navigating Riverside Park: Accessibility and Amenities
Essential facilities like restrooms are available, though it's noted that they can sometimes be closed, with portable toilets serving as an alternative in certain areas. This is a practical consideration for visitors, especially families with young children.
For those looking to stay active, the Indoor Family Recreation Center offers additional amenities, including indoor basketball courts, and has historically served as a distribution point for food pantries, demonstrating its role as a community resource.
Events and Entertainment at Riverside Park
Beyond scheduled concerts, the park frequently hosts larger community events, such as festivals and cultural celebrations like the 'Black Joy' event, which have been well-received for fostering community engagement and providing enjoyable experiences.
It's highly recommended to check the park's official event calendar before your visit to stay informed about upcoming performances, festivals, and other special happenings. This allows you to either plan your visit around these exciting occasions or to be aware of potential crowds and parking considerations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit