Oaklandon Play Park

If you’ve got kids in the toddler-to-elementary range, this northeast Indy spot is worth knowing about. The playground is split up so the little ones aren’t getting bulldozed by bigger kids, with slides and swings on a mulch surface that softens the inevitable falls. Pack lunch — there’s a BBQ area, picnic tables, and shaded seating that actually makes hanging out here comfortable in the summer. The open grass field gives older kids room to run, and honestly the train sightings are a legit bonus that younger kids lose their minds over. Fair warning, some folks have flagged maintenance issues over the years, so it’s worth a quick check before you make it a special trip.