A Day Spent at Indian Riverside Park
From pretend pirate battles to real-life sailing games, this park blows your average neighborhood park out of the water.
Perched on the edge of the Indian River Lagoon (less than 15 minutes from Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and The Lucie), Indian Riverside Park has something for everybody. The park boasts a half-mile of waterfront space, not including the 780-foot fishing pier, and a sprawling 63 acres of activities and attractions for the whole family. Here we outline how to make the most of your day on the lagoon.
9 am – 11 am | Walk Through Florida History
On the first and third Wednesday of the month, the Historical Society offers free tours of the Mansion at Tuckahoe. Built in 1939 by CocaCola heiress Anne Bates Leach and her husband, the mansion was a hotspot for Florida’s rich and glamorous. The building also served as a novitiate, a liberal arts college, and an administrative building before being returned to its art deco opulence. We recommend reaching out prior to your tour for the latest updates and safety protocols.
11 am – 1 pm | Picnic with a View
There are a handful of picnic options at the park. Spread out a blanket on the small beach or the pier for beautiful water views and plenty of sunshine. For this option, pack a rod and some bait to try your luck at fishing the lagoon. For a shadier choice, look for a spot off the coastal boardwalk or along the interior loop trail. Both options are shaded with thick cabbage palms and cooled by the breeze coming off the water. Take your time wandering the paths to find the perfect, secluded picnic spot.
1 pm – 3 pm | Hands-On in the Museum
Opened in 2007, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast offers fun and interactive exhibits for children of all ages. The installations, which range from a life-size game of operation to a two-story Spanish galleon complete with air cannons, are designed to keep kids engaged and entertained. Along with the dynamic inside exhibits, visitors will find a handful of attractions just outside the museum doors as well. On nice days plan to spend some time on the giant carrot climbing wall, wandering through the butterfly garden, and splashing through the interactive fountain.
3 pm – 6 pm | Catch a Show
The Music at the Mansion series brings local and touring bands like The Nouveaux Honkies and The Big Pine Band to the park in the cooler months. Despite the name of the series, these free concerts take place at the amphitheater and on the lawn beside the Tuckahoe Mansion. Bring a blanket to mark your spot while you sample food and beverages from the vendors and food trucks that come in just for the shows.
6 pm – 8 pm | Sunset Sailing Tour
At the very northern tip of the park, the US Sailing Center offers all kinds of activities for families. There are classes to get your family in ship shape and ready to sail or games like scavenger hunts and tag for groups that are already comfortable on the water. The most popular option is to book a two-hour sailing tour of the lagoon. Plan for one of the slots later in the day to watch the sunset over the park.
Where to Stay: The Lucie | Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
