Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Greenwood, IN

  • Published 2022/09/12

Greenwood, Indiana, prides itself on its reputation of having fantastic hospitality and an amazing sense of community.

While close to the large city of Indianapolis, Greenwood holds its ground among tourists by offering a myriad of attractions.

Most of these offer a respite from the fast-paced way of life in bigger cities.

Nevertheless, you can find many parks and establishments here that will offer you and your group a fun time.

Here are some of the best things to do in Greenwood, Indiana.

Make a Splash at Freedom Springs Greenwood Aquatics Park.

One of the most fun things you can do on a trip with your family is to have a splash at a water park.

When you come to Greenwood, make sure to head over to the Freedom Springs Greenwood Aquatics Park.

Here, you can swim in the pool or take a dip in the lazy river.

There are several types of exciting waterslides here for those who want a thrilling experience.

For your younger companions, you can let them play at a splash area and playground for kids.

When you want to hang out of the water, you can do so in the multiple cabanas and shelters found around this water park.

Concessions are also available for your convenience.

Consider going to this fantastic water park when you come to the suburb of Greenwood, Indiana.

Appreciate the Outdoors at Old City Park

You will notice that there are a lot of gorgeous parks scattered throughout Greenwood when you come here.

Among them, many tourists suggest visiting and hanging out at Old City Park.

You can find this park conveniently located at the heart of the city.

The park features a promenade measuring 18 feet wide, which you can find adjacent to Pleasant Creek.

The said promenade blends in quite well with the stunning natural structure of the said creek, so hanging out here is always a treat.

Apart from this, your kids can have fun at the park’s centerpiece.

The said centerpiece is a cube-shaped play tower measuring 20 feet tall that your children will have a blast discovering.

Apart from this, you can also find a bridge for pedestrians, porch swings, bocce ball courts, and many other amenities that will make your stay enjoyable.

Try a Challenging Round of Golf at Hickory Stick Golf Club

Discovering the local golf course is always an exciting thing to do on holiday, especially if it’s a sport you truly love.

In Greenwood, one of the most popular golf courses around is the Hickory Stick Golf Club.

This course features an Irish links-style layout, with a difficulty that provides a challenge to golfers.

Apart from the challenge, the way its landscapes are designed can only be described as stunning.

It features gorgeous fairways, and it has additional facilities for events that you may want to organize.

Known as one of the best golf courses near Indianapolis, don’t miss out on playing a round of golf at Hickory Stick Golf Club.

Support Local Artists at Southside Art League Gallery

If you’re an art geek, you’ll be glad to learn about an outstanding gallery right in greenwood.

When you’re in the city, don’t miss out on visiting Southside Art League Gallery.

The art group was organized in 1964, and their gallery, which is housed in two historic buildings, has become home to a fantastic collection of art pieces.

Apart from finding stunning masterpieces, you can also support the artists and buy the works.

After browsing through the fantastic artworks, you can also join some of their art classes.

Alternatively, you can also catch one of the demos and workshops that they offer.

Don’t forget to add this gallery to your Greenwood to-visit list.

Walk Around Independence Park

Many visitors of Greenwood like to hang out at Independence Park.

This 13.5-acre park was developed and built back in the year 2000.

It has the distinction of having the state’s first disability-accessible playground area.

Apart from that, it’s also the only green-space park that White River Township has access to.

There are many walking and jogging paths for visitors who want to take in the park’s ambiance.

Meanwhile, your kids can play in the newly remodeled playground that features an interactive arch.

Don’t hesitate to wind down during your holiday with a simple stroll through Independence Park.

Drink Award-Winning Beer at Oaken Barrel Brewing Company

A popular food-and-drink-related hangout spot in greenwood is Oaken Barrell Brewing Company.

This place is known by many for making house beers that have received awards.

They serve it paired with equally delicious food.

Because of this, both locals and tourists claim that it’s worthy of a visit.

Apart from their house beers, they offer an extensive menu of food, including appetizers and starters to some house-special main courses.

Don’t hesitate to try out their famous shepherd’s pie, smoked ribs, and Cajun Jambalaya pasta when you come here.

If you’re looking for a place to dine and drink in Greenwood, Oaken Barrel Brewing Company is the place to be.

Stay Active at Craig Park

Another park that both tourists and locals recommend visiting is Craig park.

Here, you can find many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Your kids can stay active and discover the park’s fantastic playground.

Meanwhile, you and your companions can play several sports in one of the many sports fields and courts that this place has.

If you just want to hang out, you can find a gazebo two picnic shelters at Craig Park.

You will also notice a lot of benches scattered around the area.

There are many pathways and beautiful natural areas that you can witness and explore here for those who want to stroll.

When you come to Greenwood, make sure to add this to your itinerary.

Dine at Vino Villa

Another popular restaurant at the heart of Greenwood is Vino Villa.

Essentially, this establishment has been inspired by wine-bar-and-bistro-type of dining.

The restaurant is housed in a breathtaking historic home in this Indianapolis suburb.

It offers its patrons a menu filled with delicious and satisfying dishes.

Apart from that, they also have a myriad of wines that you can buy by glass or bottle.

They can even help you choose the best wine pairing for your meal.

Apart from being a restaurant, Vino Villa is also a venue for live music performances, wine tastings, and many other types of events.

Check Out the Awe-Inspiring Play Area at Greenwood Community Center

Greenwood Community Center is a family-friendly attraction that you can visit in this city.

Here, you can find many opportunities for recreational activities that will suit both adults and children.

For the adults, you can check out the gym area and sports courts that you can use to stay active.

Alternatively, you can watch your kids as they play in a state-of-the-art children’s attraction right in this community center.

It’s a two-story area dedicated to kid’s activities, with interactive play opportunities that promote fun and creativity.

Even if you’re not a kid, you will be left stunned by this unique and educational play space.

Spend quality time with your family at the Greenwood Community Center.

Have a Blast at Otte Golf & Family Fun Center

For a more casual round of golf that you can enjoy with your family, head over to Otte Golf and Family Fun Center.

Here, you can find the “Otte” golf course, which features 18 holes.

Alternatively, you can play a more lighthearted game of mini-golf on their fantastic course.

You can also find a fully equipped driving range and batting cages.

Check out this place when you’re in Greenwood.

Learn Horseback Riding from Four Willow Farms

Whether a novice or a seasoned rider, you’ll have a great time at Four Willow Farms, a horseback riding school in Greenwood.

If you’re new to horseback riding, you may take advantage of its intensive instruction and emerge a seasoned veteran.

All year long, it offers excursions and celebrations for each season.

For those who wish to remain longer, there are summer camps available.

Birthday parties at Four Willow Farms provide a variety of horse-related games and activities.

Students are required to wear gloves and helmets throughout the exciting horse riding classes.

The on-site trainer has extensive experience and is well qualified; she understands how to treat horses and attempts to impart this knowledge to her students.

Bring Out Your Creativity at uPaint Pottery Studio

Try your hand at pottery at UPaint Pottery Studio; it’s one of the most incredible things to do in Greenwood, particularly in the colder months.

Adults and kids alike will enjoy the opportunity to express their artistic side at UPaint Pottery Studio.

Whether or whether you consider yourself an artist, you will have the chance to paint your own pottery.

Groups of all kinds may have a great time and create lasting memories at UPaint Pottery Studios, including schools, churches, scout organizations, businesses, and extended families.

You can bring your own drinks, and the experts will be around to give instructions while you make something wonderful.

Shop Till You Drop at Greenwood Park Mall

Interior view of Greenwood Park Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Greenwood Park Mall with your friends for a fun shopping day in Greenwood.

There are more than 150 retailers in Greenwood Park Mall, including JCPenney, Macy’s, Von Maur, the Buckle, Forever 21, and more.

Shop at Greenwood Park Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other food establishments are available.

Both indoor and outdoor boutiques sell women’s and children’s clothing and accessories at Greenwood Park Mall.

Locals from Franklin, Whiteland, and Complex Grove go to this shopping center.

Night view of Barnes & Noble at Greenwood Park Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cool Down at Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop and Outdoor Café

Greenwood is home to Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop and Outdoor Cafe, a family-run ice cream parlor and cafe.

It has served the public from its present location in the heart of the District since its inception in 1962.

Fries, hand-spun milkshakes, soft serve, hotdogs, and more are just some of its tasty pleasures.

Best bets include the Corn Dog, burgers, sandwiches, Chicken Fingers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, Mexican Sundae, Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, Chocolate Covered Banana, and Strawberry Shortcake.

With plenty of options, you’re sure to find something to your liking on the menu.

Bring Home Souvenirs from Things Remembered

Greenwood’s Things Remembered is a great place to find one-of-a-kind keepsakes and presents for friends and family.

If you’re looking for personalized presents that are sure to please, go no farther than Things Remembered.

You may also commission them to make unique presents for the people in your life, whether for birthdays, weddings, or any other event.

The ability to engrave, monogram, or personalize gifts with a message or artwork makes the items in this shop really unique.

The items available at Things Remembered are personalized wall art, memento boxes, jewelry, and engraved glasses.

Its staff is also skilled and reliable.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Discover World Masterpieces at Indianapolis Museum of Art

Front View of Indianapolis Museum of Art

hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can find the incredible Indianapolis Museum of Art just 25 minutes away from Greenwood.

This place features a massive collection of 54,000 stunning art pieces that you can view.

The works of art you can find here come from all over the world and are made using various media and in many different genres.

Some of the most famous artworks here are created by world-renowned artists such as Paul Gaugin.

Front View of Indianapolis Museum of Art

Serge Melki from Indianapolis, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Apart from those, you can also find cultural artworks worldwide, such as pottery, textiles, and modern pieces.

Located at the heart of Indiana, this place hopes to promote an interest in the arts among the public.

They aim to do this by showcasing the best artworks from around the world and hosting a myriad of art-related events.

When you’re in the area, check this excellent site out at the center of downtown Indianapolis.

Check Out the Biggest Fun Park in Indiana at Rascal’s Fun Zone

You can find an exciting family-focused attraction just 10 minutes south of Greenwood.

When you’re in the area, check out Rascal’s Fun Zone.

It has the distinction of being the largest family fun park in the state, offering 11 acres worth of amenities for everyone in your group to enjoy.

For those seeking some thrill, this place has both indoor and outdoor go-karts that you can use.

It also has bumper cars and blaster boats.

You can also try out their mini-golf course or play some bowling with the family.

Apart from these, the fun park also has a large arcade filled with games that every family member can enjoy.

When you visit Greenwood, don’t forget to head over to Rascal’s Fun Zone and have a blast with the entire family.

Learn the Region’s History at Johnson County Museum in Franklin

Since Greenwood is part of Johnson County, you can learn about the city and the neighboring areas’ history by heading to the Johnson County Museum of History.

You can find this outstanding museum in Franklin, just 20 minutes away from the center of Greenwood.

Here, you may learn about the region’s background as they have multiple exhibits that share its history.

It has multiple permanent exhibits detailing the state of Johnson County as the years pass by – from pioneer settlers to transportation and the 1950s.

Apart from that, it also hosts many programs that promote the sharing of the county’s history.

All the memorabilia, artifacts, and collectibles that you can find here share how this region in Indiana evolved through the years.

Given the many things you can learn from this place, this is a must-visit attraction on your holiday.

Learn About the Auto Racing Industry at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum

Front View of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum

Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

You can find another exciting location near Greenwood in bustling Indianapolis.

You can find the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum just 30 minutes from Greenwood.

This place is devoted to automobiles and racing.

As such, the museum houses a collection of automobiles and memorabilia related to the Indianapolis 500.

Inside View of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum

NaBUru38, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Some of the vehicles you can find on display here are motorcycles, cars, and dragsters, all of which have managed to set world records related to auto-racing.

When you come here, do go on an informative guided tour of the speedway, tracks, and museum.

There are many interesting collectibles and vehicles that you can find here, so don’t forget to visit this attraction.

Inside View of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum

Doctorindy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit The Rhythm! Discovery Center

In Indiana, just 20 minutes north of Greenwood, you can find a unique museum that will surely pique your interest.

The Rhythm! Discovery center is an acclaimed museum that features many different types of percussion instruments.

This place aims to develop an interest in percussions among the public, and it does so by hosting a myriad of events and programs that you and your buddies can check out.

It features multiple interactive exhibits and workshops that you can discover while you’re here.

It even serves as a venue for many live performances by percussionists.

However, you won’t just look at percussion instruments while you’re here.

The museum also provides you with information about the history and background of the different instruments displayed here.

You can follow guided tours, which lets you explore various types of instruments and the cultures that primarily used them.

The experience of going around this museum is one-of-a-kind.

Everyone in your travel group will find this place worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Even though it’s overshadowed by the bustling city of Indianapolis just next door, Greenwood, Indiana, has a lot to offer its visitors.

It’s an amazing place where you can hang out and relax or have fun and stay active.

Given its more chill vibe while being close to many larger tourist destinations, consider Greenwood your next vacation destination.

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