About This Playground
🌳 The Indianapolis Colts Canal Playspace is an innovative urban playground located along the Indianapolis Canal Walk. This NFL-themed play area features interactive equipment and water features, offering a unique recreation experience in downtown Indianapolis.
Visitor Experience: Visitors consistently praise the Colts Canal Playspace for its creative design, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many reviewers mention it's a perfect spot to cool down during summer months while enjoying the canal views.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
701 Canal Walk, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Phone
(317) 327-7275
+1 317-327-7275
Coordinates
39.77739, -86.16456
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Designed for children ages 2-12, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12).
Equipment Available
NFL Colts-themed climbing structures, splash pad with water jets, interactive musical instruments, balance beams, slides, sensory play panels, and swings.
Shaded Areas
Limited natural shade from nearby trees; some canopies over seating areas but most play equipment is in full sun.
Seating For Parents
Multiple benches located throughout the playground and along the canal, plus several picnic tables nearby.
Restroom Availability
Public restrooms available at nearby Canal Walk facilities during regular hours.
Drinking Fountains
Several drinking fountains with bottle fillers located near the playground entrance.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Partial fencing separates the playground from the canal waters, but the area is generally open to the surrounding walkways.
Surface Material
Rubber safety surfacing throughout the play areas with some artificial turf sections and concrete pathways.
Ada Accessibility
Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps to play structures, sensory play elements at wheelchair height, and accessible pathways throughout.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Well-maintained by Indianapolis Parks Department with regular cleaning of water features and equipment. Staff typically check the area multiple times daily.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Paid street parking and several public garages within walking distance, including the garage at Indiana State Museum.
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed on leash in the canal area, but not permitted within the playground equipment area.
Bike Racks
Several bike racks available at the entrance to the Canal Walk near the playground.
Nearby Food Options
Food vendors along the Canal Walk during summer months; nearby restaurants in walking distance including Burgerhaus and Fresco Italian Café.
Sports Areas
No dedicated sports courts within the playspace, but open green spaces nearby for informal play.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Located directly on the Indianapolis Canal Walk, which offers 3 miles of pedestrian pathways connecting to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Numerous photos showing children enjoying the splash pad and climbing structures are shared on social media and review sites.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors highlight the cleanliness of the water features and appreciate the unique NFL-themed elements that engage sports-loving children.
Crowd Levels
Busiest during weekend afternoons and summer months; moderately busy after school hours; quieter on weekday mornings.
Special Events
Occasionally hosts NFL-themed community events, particularly during Colts season and special downtown festivals.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free public access year-round.
Space For Groups
Can accommodate small to medium groups; no formal reservation system for the public space, but larger groups may want to visit during less busy times.
Nature Connection
Located alongside the canal with views of water, though most of the surrounding environment is urban.
Noise Level
Moderate to high during peak times with children's play sounds and occasional downtown events; quieter on weekday mornings.
Aesthetic Design
Modern, colorful design with Indianapolis Colts blue and white color scheme throughout. Interactive elements blend with the urban canal setting.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Regular patrols by downtown ambassadors and occasional police presence as part of routine downtown security.
Rules Restrictions
No smoking, alcohol prohibited, children must be supervised, water play area has specific guidelines posted for safety.
First Aid Availability
No dedicated first aid station, but near to downtown amenities where assistance can be found. Emergency call boxes located along the Canal Walk.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Hosts occasional community play days, youth fitness activities, and sometimes incorporated into larger Indianapolis downtown events.
Social Interaction
Design encourages collaborative play; many families report making connections with others during repeat visits.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Water conservation systems for the splash pad; recycling bins available throughout the area.
Renewable Energy
Some solar-powered lighting elements, though most facilities use standard city utilities.
Walkability Bike Access
Excellent walkability with direct connection to downtown pedestrian paths; easily accessible via bike with dedicated racks and connection to the Cultural Trail cycling routes.
Reviews
Vija Reed
10 months ago
Awesome and dynamic playground. Actually challenging for kids 5 and under. Well maintained, clean, and beautiful.
View on GooglePatrice Leonard
2 years ago
This is a beautiful place to sit and unwind, enjoy the scenery or even spend time with your family. You're able to walk across the bridges, rent a paddle boat to ride or bike ride along the trails.i definitely recommend paying it a visit. Fair warning the slides are metal and extremely hot in warm weather. My son realized that today
View on GoogleCynthia
a year ago
No public restrooms! Or at least not that I could find either the woman I asked if she knew where they were. Street parking. The playground is for older kids. There is just a slide for toddlers. It's a beautiful spot to enjoy the canal.
View on GoogleYanna Lowe
a year ago
This was a nice park. I wish it had more shaded areas for the summer heat. Since my boys are big climbers, they thoroughly enjoyed this park. I don't find it too suitable for kids 4 and under. They have a kiddy climb/slide, and that's about it.
View on GoogleMe Udontno
4 months ago
The playground was nice enough, there are some chairs placed around for parents to sit in while watching their children play, but there are NO public restrooms available. It looks like there had been at one time under the bridge, but it was chained and locked with no "out of order" signs. The canals have some pretty amazing activities, but not having a public restroom nearby-tanked the rating for me.
View on Google