A walk on the trails of this pleasant oasis will take you through vast areas that incorporate meticulous landscaping, a number of fountains, a pedestrian bridge, and even the White River State Park. This is a popular place for the downtown professionals to get some fresh air on their lunch break and a great outlet for fitness junkies to get some exercise outside of the gym. So, grab your tennis shoes, pack a bag lunch, and enjoy a few hours in these pleasant surroundings.

This pleasant greenspace features a five-mile towpath that runs alongside a picturesque canal. The park is a great place to enjoy the serene setting while strolling, jogging or biking. If you're up for a little adventure, bring your children and a few handsful of bread to throw to the gluttonous ducks and geese. The pathway runs from Broad Ripple to 30th Street.

Take an afternoon off and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this spacious, 4000-acre park. Trails wind through the beautifully manicured grounds and expose visitors to a variety of wildlife, a marina and lily pond, and water sports. Various programs are held throughout the year, including a conflict resolution seminar, music lessons, sailing lessons and canoe trips. During the winter, guests are invited to take part in the cross-country skiing opportunities.

Ice-skating, swimming, tennis and playgrounds provide a fun day for the whole family to enjoy. Those looking for a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city will enjoy the shady wooded areas or the paths that wind through the grounds and past the babbling stream. A variety of entertaining programs are provided throughout the year, including swimming lessons, swim teams and inline ice hockey leagues for all of the little pros.

A former military fort that also served as a prisoner of war camp, this park dates back to 1903. The park includes 1700 acres with beautiful hardwood forests, lakes, hiking and bicycle trails and picnic facilities. If you like to fish, bring your rod and spend some quiet time fishing in Fall Creek; the park provides two fishing access points.