Kids Fishing Derby

KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby

No license, no fees, just fun!

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event—so you can enjoy a full day at Eagle Creek Park.

Kids ages 4-14 and their families are invited to this catch-and-release event from 9 am to 1 pm. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own gear. After fishing and free hot dogs, feel free to stay to explore the park’s beauty.

Many families bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable, fun-filled day!

Watch: A look back at Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby Registration

Register

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Cost: Free!

Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to Volunteer?

Eagle Creek Park Foundation needs volunteers to make the Kids Fishing Derby a reality! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. We need help before, during, and after the event with any of the following:

Fishing Guidance
Registration
Setup and Tear-Down
Parking
Distribution of Fishing Gear

Reach out about volunteering >

Directions

The easiest way to access Lilly Lake is to enter through the 71st Street entrance, and then take your first left (65th St.), then take the first right (Lilly Lake Dr.), then right at the tee in the road.

As you enter the park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for the Fishing Derby, participants will have gate fees waived.

Fishing Derby Photo Gallery

A young girl with braided hair fishing by a serene lake, wearing a blue hoodie and holding a fishing rod.

A child wearing a mask holds a caught fish while fishing by a lake, showcasing a fishing rod and bobber in the background.

A family fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a child and an adult casting fishing lines into calm waters surrounded by greenery.

Eagle Creek Park Foundation table setup near a pond, showcasing brochures and promotional materials for visitors.

Group of children fishing by a lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and family bonding moments.

A mother and her child fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a bonding moment in nature with fishing gear and a calm water backdrop.

Outdoor pavilion with people preparing food and snacks on a table, surrounded by greenery.

Two volunteers at a charity event with a snack table featuring chips, condiments, and drinks in a natural outdoor setting.

Children fishing by a serene pond surrounded by greenery, showcasing outdoor family activities and nature exploration.

A vibrant community gathering along a lakeside with people enjoying nature and activities amidst lush greenery.

Group of people fishing by a pond, showcasing community engagement in outdoor activities.

Group of people fishing by a lake, including adults and children with fishing rods and tackle boxes.

A child with curly hair fishing by a serene lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and nature.

Fishing

Enjoy some peaceful fishing at Eagle Creek Park.

Playgrounds

PLAYGROUNDS

Playground no. 5

GET A PASS

Kids can run wild at eagle creek park

Eagle Creek Park has 5 playgrounds, many of which are located near shelters.

Eagle Creek Park’s playgrounds are a great place to bring the kiddos and let them run wild – in the wild!

In partnership with Indy Parks

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

If you’d like to find more park maps to help you plan you adventure, click the button below. Playgrounds are marked on the map!

Get a Map

FIND A PLAYGROUND

PARKING AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

Picnics

Picnics at Eagle Creek

Slow things down, pack a picnic

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a meal outdoors? Eagle Creek Park offers numerous scenic picnic areas that are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis during park hours only. These unreserved spots are ideal for an impromptu meal amidst nature’s beauty. See the map below to plan your picnic.

See Picnic Areas

Choosing a Shelter vs Picnic Area

If you’re planning a larger gathering or prefer a guaranteed spot, please note that picnic areas are different from shelter rentals. For larger groups or events, the Park offers shelter rentals which must be reserved in advance. You can easily find and reserve a shelter for your special occasion, just click the button below.

Reserve a Shelter

Foundation Pass for more picnics

An Eagle Creek Park Foundation Pass grants unlimited gate entry into the Park and is the easiest way to give back. It means more chances to relax and take int he natural beauty of the park.

Get A Pass

Find a Picnic Spot

Find a Spot

This interactive map includes places to picnic, park and play. The menu on the left pops out and you can toggle what you’re looking for.

MAIN PARK MAP

Picnic spots (no reservation needed) are labeled on the map as well as shelters (reserve to gurantee spot).

VIEW MAP

LOCATION:

7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254>

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

What People are Saying: Picnics at Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is one of the 10 largest city parks in the nation and sees over 1.3 million visitors every year. Most of those visitors are from Marion County and the surrounding counties. Since the Park is located off I-65 many people stop off the interstate for a picnic before continuing their travels.

Read a Review

Two individuals seated on a bench in a wooded area, overlooking a trail and trees.

Other Eagle Creek Offerings

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Swimming

SWIMMING

Eagle Creek Beach

SWIMMING ON THE BEACH

Eagle Creek Park has an excellent place for swimming – its beach!

Swimming here is an amazing experience. Families can enjoy the peaceful water of the reservoir and relax after a long day of hiking and exploring.

The beach is typically only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming is allowed only during the open hours when a lifeguard is present.

Learn About Safety >

Eagle Creek Park’s Beach is closed for the 2025 season

The beach will reopen for swimming around Memorial Day in 2026.

Follow Indy Parks on Facebook or Instagram for updates

EAGLE CREEK BEACH HOURS

Tuesday 11am-6pm

Wednesday 11am-5pm

Thursday 11am-6pm

Friday 11am-8pm

Saturday 11am-6pm

Sunday 12pm-6pm

The permitted swimming area is 200 ft long and extends to 50 ft from the shore.

Planning Your Day

Families may bring coolers, blankets, or anything else needed for a picnic to the beach.

No glass is allowed!

You can stay up to date with the beach on Facebook.

LOCATION:

7602 Eagle Beach Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

Water Safety Tips

Only swim when there’s a lifeguard present

Supervise children in and around the water

Call for help if you or someone else is in danger

Red Cross Water Safety

Drowning Safety

5 Steps to Prevent Drowning

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Soccer Complex

MARY AND JOHN GEISSE SOCCER COMPLEX

Welcome to the Mary and John Geisse Soccer Complex, located right next to the 56th Street entrance of Eagle Creek Park. A place for community to gather and celebrate youth sports.

Besides being a place for kids to play and learn soccer, the complex serves as a notable trailhead for the Eagle Creek Trail, a paved river trail perfect for walking, biking, running, and rollerblading that follows Eagle Creek through the historic west side of Indianapolis and into the park.

Learn about Soccer Programs

Community Garden Plots for Rent

Adjacent to the soccer complex at 56th and Reed Road, you’ll also find the Eagle Creek Park Gardens >

This community garden offers a wonderful opportunity for local residents to grow their own healthy food, meet neighbors, and learn about produce.

With 70 plots, each available for a small rental fee, it’s a great way to connect with the land. To reserve a plot, please call 317-327-7110 >

Support Eagle Creek with a Pass

After a morning of soccer or tending to your garden plot, a hike or picnic at Eagle Creek Park is a family favorite! A Foundation Pass grants unlimted gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park!

Get A Pass

LOCATION:

7225 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254 >

CONTACT:

317-767-0699 >

maryandjohngeissesoccercomplex.org/ >

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

Monday-Sunday

WEBSITE:

https://www.usaofindiana.org >