How to Have a Family Friendly Day on The HamCo Hubway

The Monon Trail is a 40-minute bike ride nonstop, running north and south to Carmel and Westfield, including the Monon Greenway and the Carmel Arts & Design District.

Beginning at the 96^th Street trailhead, you’ll start your route on the Monon Greenway and pass through Central Park. With its native prairies, wetlands and woodlands, it makes a great spot to explore and get pretty photos with nature. The park also has shelters with grills and picnic tables if the family plans to take a snack or lunch break!

Next, you’ll bike through the Carmel Arts & Design District featuring plenty of restaurants and shops to browse. If you’re doing an early bike ride or stroll, Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard makes the perfect spot for a brunch break. Places like Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream, Bazbeaux Pizza and Social Cantina also have a wide variety of menu choices to satisfy your cravings and give you some energy to continue the trail.

If you have a sweet tooth, Bober Tea & Mochi Dough have a delicious selection of boba tea and Japanese mochi donuts. The interior of their store is also decorated with an assortment flowers and even a pink telephone booth, making it a cute spot for a photo! However, all throughout the district are “Man-on-the-Street” sculptures—see if you can get a photo with all of them!

When you want a break from the sun, the Carmel Clay History Museum is a vibrant space that features galleries, exhibits and historical archives to explore. If you want to take a handmade souvenir with you from your adventure, head over to Penn & Beech Candle Company where you can customize and pour your own candle. Regardless, you’ll find plenty of places to shop like the Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery and Silver in the City.

The Midland Trace Trail is a 40-minute bike ride nonstop, running east and west to Westfield and Noblesville, passing through several bridges and parks.

Beginning at the Hazel Dell Road trailhead, you’ll reach the Simon Moon Park. This is a unique spot for kids because it features a new smart playground with an interactive learning experience telling the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Simply scan the QR code, download the app and begin experiencing life through Hans’ eyes!

Heading toward Union Street on the trail, you’ll see Grand Junction Plaza. With an amphitheater, one-of-a-kind playground and tons of restaurants, this is a popular spot for the family! Along Restaurant Row, grab sushi at Chiba Indy, a classic Italian meal at Italian House on Park, or pizza at Greek’s Pizzeria. If you’re taking a bike ride or stroll in the morning, Rivet Coffee Bar and Roastery serves a wide selection of exceptional coffee as well as breakfast and lunch foods.

Nearby Restaurant Row is the Westfield Washington Public Library where you can take a rest and indulge in knowledge, stories and entertainment. If you’re trailing on a Thursday evening, stop by the Westfield Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m. until September 30 where you can buy fresh produce, handcrafted gods, boutique-style shopping and more.

Ending at the Quaker Park trailhead, cool off at Westfield’s only splash park or explore the seven acres of playgrounds, shelters and more.

The Nickel Plate Trail is a 46-minute bike ride nonstop, running north and south through downtown Fishers, granting you views of the White River and access to dining and shopping.

Beginning at the 106^th Street trailhead, you’ll head toward 116^th Street where it is brought to life with restaurants and shops. The Fishers Art Center features exhibitions, events, camps, workshops and more, making it a great break from the sun. If you’re trailing on a Saturday morning, right outside the center is the Fishers Farmers Market operating from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. until September 27. Rated one of the top farmers markets in the region, shop for fresh produce and meets, specialty food items and more.

Taking an early bike ride or stroll? Java House and The Well Coffeehouse are conveniently located right near the trail to serve up your morning brew or head over to Another Broken Egg Café or Café Patachou for a delicious brunch.

For a sweet treat, Le Macaron French Pastries has their signature macarons, classic French pastries and more. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is also a popular choice with their freshly made treats and you can’t miss taking a photo with their beautiful art mural on the side of the building.

Not too far is also the Greetings from Fishers mural that tells the story of Fishers’ past and present, making it a great background to capture your trail adventure.