A Weekend of Calm and Connection: Inclusive Outdoor Experiences for All

Archery Fun with Room to Breathe

Finding outdoor adventures that are both exciting and accommodating for neurodivergent individuals can be a challenge — but Koteewi Range in Strawtown checks a lot of the right boxes. Our recent trip included archery with 3-D targets, wide open spaces, and a few lessons learned that we hope will help you feel more prepared when you go.

Whether you’re planning for a sensory-friendly experience, navigating transitions, or needing a little more support in physically accessing the space, here’s what we experienced — and what you might want to know before you head out.

Koteewi Range was a big hit with our group. We chose the 60-minute rental, and that was plenty. Everyone was happily tired by the end! The space is open, peaceful, and incredibly sensory-friendly — no overhead lighting, no tight crowds, and no feeling of being watched too closely. You can move around while staying close to your group, which is perfect for those needing a little space.

The real treat? The 3D range featuring Bigfoot, dinosaurs, snakes, and mice. These targets made the experience fun, whimsical, and visually engaging — especially helpful for those who connect better through visual stimuli.

What Worked Well for Our Neurodivergent Group

• Room to Move and Reset: Ample space allowed each person to shoot, pause, or adjust without pressure.
• Playful Targets: Bigfoot, T-Rex, a mouse, and even a snake added humor and took the focus off perfection.
• Non-Competitive Vibes: It felt relaxed — just enjoy the activity at your own pace.
• Fewer Sensory Triggers: Being outside naturally removed many of the challenges of indoor spaces (lights, echoes, noise).

Know Before You Go

• Clarify Range Access: Ask staff up front which ranges are available during your session to avoid being asked to move unexpectedly.  There are three different range zones. Ask staff before switching between them.
• Use Social Stories: If your child or loved one benefits from visuals, include cards or stories about multiple range areas and possible transitions.
• Be Safety Ready: Archery involves real equipment. Not everyone on the range may be trained, so be alert. Only enter the shooting area when someone says “all clear” and never begin shooting until “hot” is called.
• Retrieve Arrows Safely: You must be able to walk onto the range to retrieve your own arrows, and signage notes that non-archers are not allowed on the range. For those using mobility aids or wheelchairs, check with staff ahead of time to ensure a support person can assist with arrow retrieval.
• Request Extra Instruction: Don’t be afraid to ask for more than the standard five-minute intro — it can make all the difference.
• Start with 60 Minutes: It’s the perfect intro length before fatigue or sensory overload sets in. (60 minutes is longer than it feels on a range where you don’t know a lot)
• One big hiccup: although we were initially allowed on the 3D range, a larger group reservation showed up and we had to move unexpectedly. Brooke didn’t love that change, especially since there was no warning. 
• Shade is available:  There are hooded coverings over the range shooting areas and picnic tables behind for others who are watching or to set your things, including a water bottle for your time there.  It can be very hot!!!
• Noah ended up with a bruise on his forearm from holding his arm too close to the bowstring — something we didn’t catch in time. For new archers, especially those with sensory needs, this is a good reminder to request arm guards and ask for some extra guidance with staff early on.

This experience gave us a better understanding of how to prepare, ask the right questions, and advocate for our needs — and we’re better for it. Whether it’s your first time with a bow or just another outdoor family adventure, Koteewi Range is worth the visit — just come ready with a few extra questions and a little flexibility.

Range Options & Pricing (as of June 2025)

• 60-Minute Range – $20/person
• 90-Minute 3D Range – $25/person
• 120-Minute 3D Range – $34/person
• Bring your own gear? It’s just $10/person.

All rentals include: 5 arrows, 1 bow, setup time, brief instruction, and range use.

Hours

Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Closed Monday & Tuesday

Peaceful, Personal, and Pure Joy

Located just southeast of the main park at 11949 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville, IN, Koteewi Stable and Trails is where things really got magical. Brooke and Shelby — both horse lovers through and through — lit up the moment we arrived. The barn was clean and calm, and the staff immediately made them feel welcome.

We chose the Little Loop — a short 2-mile ride that offered just the right amount of time in the saddle. The trail winds through a peaceful wooded area, where we heard birds and spotted wildlife. Horses are assigned based on rider size, and the order of riders is set based on experience and support needs.

For one member of our group, who has lower muscle tone, the experience became tiring toward the end. This is a  a good reminder that horseback riding can be a very individual sensory experience. The saddle, motion, and duration can feel different depending on body awareness and physical comfort. For individuals with low muscle tone, the activity may feel especially exhausting and physically demanding. Even a shorter ride can require more endurance than expected, so it’s helpful to know your rider’s limits and pace accordingly.

Cool Things to Know

Koteewi Stable & Trails is operated by Ben’s Ranch Foundation, a nonprofit supporting teens facing mental and emotional health challenges. Teens work at the barn, learning coping skills, responsibility, and the power of connecting with animals. Brooke actually learned her own coping tools through a horse named Elvis — tiny, feisty, diabetic, and a bit demanding — just like her. It was through caring for Elvis that Brooke learned to recognize her own emotions and regulate them. That gift is irreplaceable.

You can even volunteer at the stables! Volunteers may assist with feeding, grooming, cleaning tack, and helping guests line up for rides. Some get the chance to ride as the “tail guide” at the back of the group.

Know Before You Go

• No food allowed on rides.
• Wear bug spray and closed-toed shoes.
• Horses wear eye screens — let your group know this doesn’t hurt them!
• Max rider weight is 225 lbs.
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Helmets, saddle adjustments, and safety instructions are all part of check-in.
• Personal items should be left in the car. Saddlebags fit 1 water bottle.
• Sign your waiver ahead of time online.

A Few of the Experiences Available

• First Time Horse Experience (45 mins): Learn safety, horse behavior, grooming, and enjoy a short, staff-led ride.
• Little Loop (2 miles): Great for building confidence in a quiet forest.
• Sunset Ride: Ride before dusk, then enjoy wine/snacks at picnic tables while the sun sets — perfect for anniversaries or proposals!
• Pony Rides (Ages 3–10): 15-minute, staff-led rides in a fenced area — great for littles or first-timers.
• Lakefront Trail: Our longest ride. Ride alongside the lake, spot wildlife like deer and eagles, and learn about the park’s history from knowledgeable guides.

Hours

Open daily: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., reservations required

Calm, Clean and Convenient

Tucked in next to the White River and a short walk from Koteewi, White River Campground was home base for all the adventures. It's simple and quiet — and that’s the beauty of it. The fishing spots were a huge hit, especially the river ramp and wetlands for wading!

Our group had two campers and a tent spot — all right next to each other in the back of the park. There’s a camp store, a nice playground for the younger kiddos, showers, bathrooms, and even laundry facilities. And all these items are usable with the handicap ramp attached to the building. Bonus: Wi-Fi is available all over the park and up to 2 pets are allowed per site!  In full disclosure, I do not “camp”, I “hotel”…so the crew hung out and did the camping portion and I visited during the day coming from the house, which wasn’t too far away! 

This is a Hamilton County Parks campground, and you can check their site for seasonal events and updates.

Camping Options

• Full hook-up for RVs
• Primitive sites
• Group facilities available
• Peaceful, scenic hiking trails nearby

Camping Tips

• Speed limit is 5mph — which means your foot stays on the brake, but it keeps the park safe and quiet.  There are kids on bikes and people walking on the roads everywhere.  Go the speed limit!!!
• Fires must stay in designated fire rings — and bring your own firewood (way cheaper).
• If you're planning to fish, anyone 18+ needs a fishing license. You can buy a one-day license for $10 or a yearly pass for $23 at www.gooutdoorsin.com.
• It’s Indiana so camping is very weather dependent.  In spite of the late May/early June timeframe, we were in jackets and hoodies.  Nighttime tent campers braced for some lower temps, but later in the summer, it will be steamy hot.  Plan accordingly.

Space to Be, Room to Grow

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself or traveling with someone who is, this weekend proved that the outdoors can offer a truly welcoming space — one that doesn't ask you to mask, hustle, or be "on" all the time. From the gentle rhythm of horseback riding to the quiet thrill of archery and the calm glow of a campfire, Hamilton County delivered a weekend that was fun, freeing, and full of connection.

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that meet us where we are — with open skies, friendly guides, and just enough room to breathe. We’ll definitely be back… and next time, we’re bringing extra marshmallows.