Summer is here and that means fun for the whole family! No matter your favorite thing to do during the summer, Hancock County has something to offer for everyone. Inside or outdoors locations, daytime or nightlife activities, check out this list of local options to craft the ultimate summer day in Hancock County for your family! 

Kathy Dowling Aquatic Center

No summer day is complete without a dip in the pool! Greenfield’s own local pool was recently renamed the Kathy Dowling Aquatic Center in appreciation for Dowling’s lifelong dedication to aquatics and passion for teaching children. Operated by the Greenfield Parks and Rec Department, the pool is open to the public every day from noon to 7 p.m., with a free swim on Sundays from 5-7 p.m. Entry costs just $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/military and $3 for children (free for ages two and under). Seasonal resident pool passes are also available for purchase. 

Riley Park Splash Pad

If you’re looking for a fun free option to cool off on a hot summer day, check out the Riley Park Splash Pad! Located just in front of the Kathy Dowling Aquatic Center at Riley Park, this large splash pad is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free for both Greenfield residents and non-residents. The splash pad has fun zones for all ages, as well as a concession stand, restrooms, shaded picnic tables and pool chair seating for parents. 

Greenfield Parks and Community Events

Greenfield is also home to a number of beautiful parks and nature preserves, perfect for hiking, picnicking or playing together with the whole family. Be sure to check out the newly opened inclusive Michael’s Playground, located just behind Greenfield-Central Junior High. The Greenfield Parks Department is also well-known for its community events, including the “Live @ the Rails” concert series at the newly opened Depot Street Park and their family movie nights at various parks throughout the summer. 

    Live @ the Rails

  • June 18: Full Tilt 3-5 p.m., Project 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Stella Luna 8-10 p.m. 
  • July 16: Thunderstruck 8-10 p.m.
  • Aug. 20: No Fences 8-10 p.m.
  • Sept. 17: Pink Droyd 8-10 p.m.

    Summer Movie Series (movies begin at dusk)

  • June 25: Encanto at Depot Street Park
  • July 7: Finding Nemo at Kathy Dowling Aquatic Center
  • Aug. 6: Field of Dreams at Brandywine Park
  • Sept. 3: Neverending Story at Depot Street Park
  • Oct. 1: Hocus Pocus at Depot Street Park

Strike Force Lanes

If it’s a real scorcher outside, it may be time to enjoy an indoor activity like bowling! Strike Force Lanes has 32 lanes available for play and is open Tuesday-Sunday. You can put up the bumpers if you are playing with younger children, and you can also enjoy their arcade and snack bar while you bowl a few frames. Strike Force also hosts birthday parties and a number of local bowling leagues for all ages. 

Legacy Cinema

Another fun way to cool down in the summer is with a good summer blockbuster! Legacy Cinema is located just west of downtown Greenfield and shows all the latest movies on its multiple screens, including 3D. Tickets cost just $6 for a matinee showing and $8 for adults or $6 for children in the evenings. 

Riley Boyhood Home

Looking to incorporate a little learning and history into your summer day? Try a visit to the  James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum. This unique local attraction is open for tours from Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October. Guests can learn what life was like on a pioneer-era homestead when James Whitcomb Riley was growing up in Greenfield. The home holds many family items from our famous Hoosier poet, and the museum displays objects from later in his life and career. 

Do you have a summer activity to add to our list for the ultimate summer day in Hancock County? Contact us today to share your local favorites!