I'm well aware that there are some families who would rather spend their Indianapolis vacation in the great outdoors sweating and moving rather than in a museum sitting and looking.

Growing up in a family that liked to spend most of our time outside I can appreciate all that Indianapolis has to offer those who like to get a little more active on their time off.

In downtown Indianapolis right on the entrance of the Canal is Wheel Fun Rentals where you can rent anything from a tandem bicycle to a surrey for four with a fringe on top. Down on the canal itself is another Wheel Fun Rentals location where you can take to the water in a pedal boat or even a kayak.

White River State Park, which is attached to the Canal is also a great place to bring your own bikes. It's especially great for little kids who are just learning to ride since there are no cars, no major hills, very little stairs and lots of open paved sidewalks.

Another great Indianapolis attraction for the more Urban outdoor family is the almost eight mile long paved Monon Trail that runs through the village of Broad Ripple and also through several Indianapolis Parks.

If you're looking to escape from city life there are two State Parks about fifteen minutes from downtown Indianapolis to do just that. Eagle Creek Park is a 1,400 acre nature preserve and is the fourth largest city park in the nation. Eagle Creek offers boat rentals, a swimming beach, picnic locations, playgrounds and plenty of paved pathways for biking and hiking. Similar (minus the reservoir) on the other side of town is Fort Harrison State Park. Fort Harrison also offers trail and pony rides for an additional fee. Both Eagle Creek State Park and Fort Harrison State Park offer public golf courses.

And of course there's always Holliday Park, to which I'm sure you're all well aware I have a secret love crush on. Huge playgrounds and miles of cool shaded hiking trails. LOVE.