# Southeastway Park Autumn Forest Trails & Nature Center > Place to go for families in the Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood area (IN). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Dates: Starts Sat, Nov 28 - Where: Southeastway Park, 5624 S Carroll Rd, New Palestine, IN 46163 - Ages: All ages (Paved prairie multi-use trails, nature center discovery rooms, and woodlands) - Price: Free public park admission, free playground access, and free Nature Center admission - Organizer: Indy Parks and Recreation & Friends of Southeastway Park - Official page: https://www.indy.gov/activity/southeastway-park - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/southeastway-park-autumn-forest-trails-and-nature-center--listing-dc7874b42c4ed9695d8da7b2 ## About Located on the southeastern edge of Marion County near New Palestine, Southeastway Park is a scenic 188-acre nature preserve celebrated for its tranquil hardwood forests, 80-acre prairie restoration, and meandering Buck Creek. In late autumn and Thanksgiving week, the park's three miles of paved multi-use trails and unpaved forest paths offer families crisp woodland walks beneath golden shagbark hickory and oak canopies. Children delight in visiting the charming Nature Center, which offers interactive hands-on animal exhibits, touch tables, and live turtle habitats. The park also features an expansive modern playground, sheltered picnic pavilions, and a peaceful autumn fishing pond where families gather for relaxing afternoon strolls and wildlife observation. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Features an extensive 8-foot-wide paved asphalt trail loop connecting the Nature Center, playgrounds, and prairie meadows, perfectly suited for strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: The heated Southeastway Nature Center and main park pavilion provide clean family restrooms with baby changing counters and quiet porch benches. • Age Suitability: Wonderful for all ages; the nature discovery center and accessible playground cater specifically to toddlers and elementary schoolers. • Sensory Tips: Peaceful rural-suburban park atmosphere with minimal traffic sounds, gentle wind through tall prairie grasses, and chirping songbirds. ## Similar picks in Indianapolis - [Southeastway Park Winter Nature Center & Forest Snow Trails](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/southeastway-park-winter-nature-center-and-forest-snow-trails--listing-93298688242fe0489b0775e2) — Open on its own schedule · Southeastway Park, New Palestine · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Marion County near the Hancock County line, Southeastway Park encompasses 188 scenic acres of tallgrass prairie, native wetlands, and… - [White River State Park Canal Walk & Autumn River Promenade](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/white-river-state-park-canal-walk-and-autumn-river-promenade--listing-39bcc141a9cd7754fa17de55) — Open on its own schedule · White River State Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Nestled in the cultural heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park encompasses 250 pristine urban acres where the scenic Central Canal meets the winding White River… - [White River State Park Winter Cultural Trail & Canal Strolls](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/white-river-state-park-winter-cultural-trail-and-canal-strolls--listing-fb52246249608c9a2d806fcb) — Open on its own schedule · White River State Park · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Spanning 250 acres in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is America's only urban cultural state park, blending expansive green spaces with premier… - [Guided Nature Hike at McCloud Nature Park](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/guided-nature-hike-at-mccloud-nature-park--listing-ee154a229d643b8c6cef0b69) — Thu, Nov 12 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · McCloud Nature Park, North Salem · All ages · Free · checked Oct 30. A naturalist leads a one-hour, moderate hike on the McCloud Nature Park trails, open to all ages and experience levels. No registration needed; bring water and dress for the… - [Fort Harrison State Park Winter Sledding & Dogwood Trail](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/fort-harrison-state-park-winter-sledding-and-dogwood-trail--listing-0680c6a0dd973c565a64a658) — Open on its own schedule · Fort Harrison State Park · All ages · From $7 · checked Nov 5. Known affectionately to local families as 'Fort Ben,' Fort Harrison State Park in northeastern Marion County preserves 1,700 acres of historic military grounds, mature forests… - [Fort Harrison State Park Autumn Foliage & Fall Creek Trail](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/activities/fort-harrison-state-park-autumn-foliage-and-fall-creek-trail--listing-343621516552f2f93c31b834) — Open on its own schedule · Fort Harrison State Park · All ages · From $7 · checked Nov 5. Spanning 1,700 wooded acres in northeastern Marion County, Fort Harrison State Park—fondly known to locals as 'Fort Ben'—preserves pristine old-growth hardwood forests, rolling… ## More for families - [Things to do with kids in New Palestine, IN](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/towns/new-palestine-in) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/towns/new-palestine-in.md) - [Things to do with kids in Indianapolis — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/events/2026-11.md) - [This weekend in Indianapolis](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis/this-weekend.md) - [Things to do with kids in Indianapolis](https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/indianapolis.md)