Lists delivering options for the “top 10 scenic drives for leaf peeping” are as plentiful as pumpkins this time of year. While these options are, no doubt, majestic, spending a long time in the car over a fall break can leave the kids feeling a bit restless and unenthusiastic about the flashes of reds and oranges whooshing past their windows.
Instead, take to the treetops to experience fall colors in a new way with a one-tank trip to several spots around Central Indiana!
Treetop Outpost
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN
Conner Prairie, an outdoor, living history museum in Fishers, just opened a new experience area, reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson-esque architecture. The 6,000-square-foot exhibit, featuring a four-story tree house as the centerpiece, aims to educate families on the bounty of Indiana’s natural resources. After viewing the Nature Walk trail and White River vista from above, kids can dig in a recreated archaeology site and build a log cabin like Hoosiers from the past.
Treetop Outpost at onner Prairie; Fishers, IN
The Balloon
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN
An “oldie but goodie,” Conner Prairie’s tethered helium balloon elevates guests 350 feet above the prairie to behold acres of autumn leaves in the fall. On clear days, the Indianapolis skyline rises above the landscape 20 miles away.
The Balloon at Conner Prairie; Fishers, IN
Koteewi Aerial Adventure Park and Treetop Trails
11800 Koteewi Drive, Noblesville, IN
Trail systems are no longer confined to ground level at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville. Families can clip in and take to the trees for five different obstacle courses that range from 15 to 50 feet above the forest floor. Unlike other courses of its kind, the Koteewi Aerial Adventure experience was custom built to the existing forestry. Kids must be 7 years old to complete the trails.
Koteewi Aerial Adventure Park and Treetop Trails; Noblesville, IN
Flat Fork Creek Park
16141 E 101st Street, Fortville, IN
Forget the playground – Flat Fork Creek Park encourages kids to use their explorer sensibilities with three tree houses scattered along a wooded trail. Climb the 60-foot “mountain” (or sledding hill, depending on the season) for more aerial views of fall foliage!
Flat Fork Creek Park; Fortville, IN
Go Ape
Eagle Creek Park, 5855 Delong Rd., Indianapolis, IN
The zipline and treetop adventure at the almost 4,000 acre park continues to draw scores to ride the ziplines and brave the treetop obstacles. The surrounding park offers plenty of space and trails for more ground-bound leaf peeping! Guests must be 10 years old or above to participate.
Go Ape at Eagle Creek Park; Indianapolis, IN
So hop in the car and take a short drive to Indiana to discover some exciting and unusual ways to take in this year’s fall foliage!
