Sledding at Indy Parks
Winter is here and with it the perfect reason to bundle up, grab a sled, and head to your nearest hill. Indy Parks offers a variety of slopes for fresh air and family fun. Keep reading to plan your visit and celebrate the season of snow:
- Brookside Park – Nestled on the near east side of Indianapolis, Brookside Park offers sledding hills perfect for all ages.
- Christian Park – The hills at Christian Park are smaller, making them perfect for younger kiddos and first-time sledders.
- Garfield Park – As our oldest park in the system, Garfield Park has been a hub for winter activities for decades. Visit the Garfield Park Arts Center or Conservatory afterwards to warm up. Please check the Garfield Park page for information on open hours.
- Paul Ruster Park – This park is perfect if you’ve got stir-crazy pups at home. In addition to hills for sledding, Paul Ruster’s Bark Park provides the space for your furry friend to safely run and play. To learn more, visit our Indy Parks Dog Parks page.
- Rhodius Park – Located on the near west side, Rhodius Park offers flat, open space and a long hill just past the baseball courts, perfect for sled racing with friends and family.
- Southeastway Park – If you’re looking for a scenic sledding spot on the southeast side, Southeastway has got you covered.
- Ellenberger Park – Ellenberger Park has been a favorite of eastside residents when it comes to winter fun.
General Sledding Safety Tips:
- Children should be supervised by a responsible adult while sledding
- Your child’s bike helmet should become an even more important sledding helmet
- Dress warmly enough for conditions
- Sledders should wear thick gloves or mittens and protective boots to protect against frostbite as well as potential injury
- Sled only in designated areas
- Make sure the sledding path does not cross traffic and is free from hazards such as large trees, fences, rocks, picnic tables, or telephone poles
- Check slopes for bare spots, holes and other obstructions, which might cause injury. Bypass these areas or wait until conditions are better
- Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds because the ice may be unstable.
- Do not build ramps or other obstacles
- Don’t sled after dark or when visibility is bad (like when it’s snowing)
- The proper position for sledding is to sit or lay on your back on the top of the sled, with your feet pointing downhill
- Sledding headfirst increases the risk of head injury and should be avoided
- Teach children to roll off a sled that won’t stop
- Tell children to never ride into a snowbank – there could be hidden dangers such as a tree stump or rocks
- Don’t double up on a sled unless it’s made for two or more
- Keep all equipment in good condition
- Broken parts, sharp edges, cracks and split wood invite injuries
- Inner tubes, saucers and snow disks are not recommended because of their fast speed and lack of steering capability
- Show respect for younger children who may be near you
- Be polite and courteous; wait your turn
- Don’t cut off others on the hill
- Don’t run into others, even for fun, someone will get hurt
- Make sure children understand that riding a sled being pulled behind a moving vehicle is extremely dangerous
- Never use alcohol or drugs while sledding or while supervising children who are sledding
- Make sure someone has a cell phone to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency
