White River Gardens

White River Gardens is the botanical counterpart to the Indianapolis Zoo — a beautifully designed riverside garden space that complements the energy of the animal exhibits with quieter, more contemplative beauty. Included with zoo admission, it is an often-underutilized gem that families with young children find particularly restorative during a long zoo day.

The gardens feature extensive landscaped beds, reflecting pools, water features, and original sculptures spread across a riverside setting with views of the White River. The glass-enclosed conservatory at the heart of the property is home to year-round plantings and serves as the venue for the seasonal Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit — one of the most memorable family experiences in the Indianapolis area.

During Butterflies Are Blooming, typically running from March through early June, the conservatory is transformed into a living butterfly habitat where hundreds of tropical species fly freely around visitors. For young children experiencing it for the first time, the sight of brilliantly colored butterflies landing on flowers, people, and the air around them is genuinely magical.

Outside of the butterfly season, the gardens remain beautiful and worth exploring, particularly in spring when the flower beds reach peak bloom. The paved paths are fully stroller-accessible, and the calmer atmosphere compared to the main zoo sections makes it an ideal destination for families with infants or toddlers who need a quieter interlude.

Admission is included with zoo general admission. Visiting the gardens mid-zoo-day as a peaceful reset before returning to the animal exhibits is a strategy experienced zoo visitors swear by.