The kids (and honestly, the adults too) will LOVE these…read more "tree-style" honeycomb pods at Meadowlark Park -- it's basically modern art you can actually play on! Giant treetop-style play structure that feels straight out of a storybook Padded ground Playground for all ages with 3 separate climbing structures Massive, fast tunnel slides + toddler/baby-friendly slides 2 shaded pavilions + bathrooms for snack/lunch breaks Pickleball courts, basketball court,  pond & access to the Monon Trail + other walking paths ‍ If your kid loves climbing, pretending, and exploring--you NEED to check out this treehouse-style playground

This is a great park. It looks like it was renovated recently. I've never been here and I was…read morepleasantly surprised! It's right outside of Main Street Carmel. There was a playground, pickleball/tennis, basketball, an open area, and some walking/biking trails.

Do you have a rock climber? ‍ If so, take a trip to Westermeier Commons Playground & Splash Pad!…read more Tons of places to rock wall climb--on both the play structures and the walls Multiple slides Lots of different climbing structures for all skill levels seperate toddler section A few different types of swings Bathrooms close by Mostly fenced in Close to the Monon Trail and the Monon Community Center Con: The padded ground has a lot of wear and tear, but it's being replaced in August! Some of the climbing structures can get wet and slippery since kids run back and forth between the splash pad and playground Pack a lunch and spend the whole day here! Between the playground, splash pad, and all the climbing opportunities, this is the perfect place to get out of the house and let the kids burn some energy

This is such a beautiful, well-kept park that offers something for everyone. The turf gives it a…read moreclean, modern feel, and the playground is thoughtfully designed with equipment for both younger kids and older ones, making it perfect for families with children of different ages. From swings to slides, to the spinning flower seats, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours. We really enjoyed the sway fun feature of the park. The park is also very accommodating, with covered shelters that are great for relaxing or hosting small gatherings, along with conveniently located restrooms. One of the highlights is the splash pad which is perfect for cooling off on warm days and a big hit for the kids. What really makes this park stand out is the peaceful creek nearby. The sound of the water adds such a calming touch, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors. It's the kind of place you can easily spend a few hours and not want to leave. They have a parking lot making it easy to access.

Looking for a park that feels straight out of a storybook? Check out Coxhall Gardens!…read more This is one of my most magical, dreamy spots in Carmel--and it's so much more than a park. Adorable imaginative play area Water pump and sand play area--be prepared to get messy! One slide built into the hillside Endless walking trails, including a colorful ABC path Beautiful native Indiana plants and gardens Two ponds where you can fish Stunning statues, bell towers, murals, and fountains Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a place for open-ended play, or the perfect backdrop for family photos, Coxhall Gardens is a must-visit. Trust me--you'll want to bring your camera!

Recently moved here and I have to say this park is amazing. It is safe and very visually appealing…read more Looks like weddings are done here often and it looks like an amazing place to get married. I love taking a troll around the area and taking it all in. If you have not been here you need to check this place out. You will not be disappointed.

I was recently appointed to the Indiana Trails Advisory Board. We held a meeting at Wilfong…read morePavilion in Founders Park, another Carmel Park I'd had yet to visit. This is a 37-acre park (it feels bigger, but that's according to the Carmel Parks website). I think the reason it feels bigger is that it better utilizes its space over a park like the nearby Hazel Landing. Founders Park has a large shelter, restroom facility, open sports fields (there were kids playing soccer while I was there), walking trails, and a very cool playground that is nature-inspired - swings, a sandbox, climbing structures, and more. Founders Park also has native prairie, wetlands, and a pond. Wilfong Pavilion is a neat facility with a capacity in its main room of 99 people. It also has beautiful views. Founders Park has had multiple upgrades recently including repair of its retaining wall, new fencing, an improved parking lot, and added rubber safety surfacing with the playground. I definitely see this as a very family friendly park. There's a seasonal drinking fountain, fishing, trails, a bike rack, and a seasonal foot wash station that makes me wish I had feet. Carmel is typically good about accessibility and that's definitely evident here. The bathroom had a nice, larger stall with grab rails. I would definitely return and I would definitely consider renting Wilfong Pavilion myself as it has accessible parking and appropriate curb cuts.

Are you looking for a park to take your little ones to or just a park to have picnic at then look…read moreno further. This park is really nice and has some wonderful activities at it for children to enjoy. There are a lot of picnic benches and plenty of grass here for a nice picnic on a nice warm day. There are bathrooms that looked well kept here. If you are in the area definitely check this park out. I had met my friend and her daughter here and found this park to be very enjoyable.

Calling all nature-loving families…read more If your kids would rather play with sticks, logs, and their imagination than a traditional playground, this spot is for you Little play hut with a table and two chairs Hopscotch and balance beams Lots of tree logs, sticks, and natural elements for open-ended play Encourages creativity, imagination, and nature-based exploration Completely covered by trees, so there's plenty of shade Multiple walking paths nearby for a family nature walk ‍ This is one of those places where kids can slow down, get creative, and connect with nature. No flashy playground equipment--just all that Mother Nature has to offer #coolcreekpark #nature #natureplayground #carmel #hamiltoncounty

What a great nature center and park! We visited to check out for our granddaughters. The Nature…read moreCenter has a nice bird watching deck, a selection of live turtles and snakes and much more. We found the bird collection particularly useful in helping us identify some of our backyard birds. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They were preparing for a school group during our visit. After the nature center, we walked on one of the nature trails. Some flowering trees were in bloom. The trails are wide and well marked (but not paved). Strategically placed benches along the trails make perfect spots to bird watch. Nearby, is an outdoor amphitheater with a large grassy area for seating. I'm not sure what programs they host, but the space is nice. Near the front of the park, is a modern playground with several colorful climbing structures, swings, slides and the usual equipment. A pavilion is available to get shade or feed the kids. There is a water fountain to keep the kids hydrated. Behind the playground, adult exercise equipment is available. We also saw a soccer field perfect for local practice. There is dedicated parking with handicapped spaces and restrooms on site.

The city has really invested a lot into this area. It is booming with interactive murals and…read moresculptures. I like this area. It runs along the Monon Trail and is home to the amazing sculptures Sails and Love at First Ride. There is also an interactive selfie mural in the area on the reverse side of a big screen. You will find a decent small play area on Monon Blvd that has a small rock climbing wall, a slide, a luckey climber, a colorful ping-pong table, a spray plaza, bocce ball courts, and a shuffle board. The play area is lined with green artificial grass and is very clean and trendy. You will also find some tables and chairs with umbrellas out in this area to sit and eat along the street and in the plaza. You can also sit on the area's benches, if you so choose. But wait, there's more...there is also hand sanitizer stations. There are a lot of trendy restaurants and business located in the plaza such as La Margarita, Java House Coffee Bar, PI and Sun King Spirits. It is an awesome place to hang out. I really like this area. They host movies there every Monday and live music every Tuesday as part of Midday at Midtown. They have been also known to host events like Midtown's Got Talent. There is free street parking all along Monon Blvd and a garage is available to park within a very short walk. I cannot stress enough how nice the area is. The trail is awesome going through there. One of the better stretches. The equipment, furniture, and landscaping is world class. You will have to see it to believe it. It is amazing. I wish I could give it a 6th star. This is a really nice spot that the city should really be proud about. I visited during the winter when it was not really happening. I cannot wait to come back during warmer weather.

Midtown Carmel is a great area for families. There is so much for young kids to do, and it's all…read morefree, and it's all well-taken-care-of and thoughtfully planned, and the vibe is just very chill and relaxed. There's a playground with a climbing structure and rock-climbing feature built into the Astroturf. There's a big slide, and lots of things to climb on. There's a bocce ball court, and ping pong tables, and shuffle board, and corn hole. There are two small splash pads that are perfect for toddlers and babies, because the water just barely bubble up. There are lots of tables and places to sit. There's public art everywhere, and an outdoor big-screen TV that shows family movies on certain days, and sporting events on other days. There are great places to eat and drink, namely the Sun King food hall. I'm trying to think of all of the things that make Midtown Carmel great, and these are some of them, but I know I'm missing a lot. Just visit and you'll see. Carmel has really made this area a great destination, and a big reason to visit Carmel.

Looking for a playground that grows with your kids? Check out West Park in Carmel!…read more Padded ground throughout Multi-level playground designed for different ages and abilities Lower level features swings, one slide, a merry-go-round & a small climbing structure Climb the rocks or take the stairs to reach a metal slide that doesn't get too hot in the sun At the very top is a HUGE climbing structure leading to a giant clock slide--perfect for older, adventurous kids! Splash pad tucked into a rock valley with a beautiful waterfall feature Lots of walking trails and wildflowers to explore Bathrooms are close by Shade is limited, with most of it under the pavilion This is the perfect park for families with kids of different ages. Between the playground, splash pad, and scenic trails, it's easy to spend the whole day here

Wonderful park! As of 2020 I was no longer a full time…read moreresident of the great Indy area so I was not around when this park was built but now that I am coming home for months at a time to visit I am happy this park is not here and open. I was very impressed with the quality of the layout and planning of the park. The walking paths, bike riding paths, the natural plant growth areas are all amazing! The parking is excellent, there are a few great venue areas that I assume can be reserved, the playground looks wonderful and the outdoor activity oppportnies are just wonderful. I highly recommend this park to anyone in the area, it's great for all ages, all activities (even sitting around and reading or looking at the clouds). what a great park!!

If you're looking for a relaxing outdoor space to have a picnic or practice some yoga yet stay in…read morean urban area--this could be a good option. It's pretty and green in the spring with a lovely pond and bright red bridge. There were tons of people there today though as it was the second annual Japan Spring Festival and very crowded. I would go back on a week day for a more tranquil experience.

STUNNING. We took prom photos there, and it made for an incredible backdrop for the kids. We will…read morealso be doing my son's senior pictures here. I am not sure how busy it normally is, but it was packed on prom night!

River Heritage Park is a hidden gem in Hamilton County. The Park borders the White River…read more Yesterday, was our first visit and we had a beautiful cool day to walk the trails and explore. The trails are totally accessible with parts of the trail covered with a soft matted material for easy walking/running. Along the trail are a number of colorful play structures with a zip line as a highlight for the kids. My favorite part of the mile plus hike were the scenes and overlooks along the White River. The river was crystal clear and picturesque. We found some evidence of the recent flooding throughout the park. The woods were filled with birds and native trees. We saw large turtles and fish in the river. Benches, picnic tables and information placards are along the trail. A beautiful old silo stands at the trail head along with a picnic pavilion and amphitheater. A playground with plenty of covered seating and a pair of volleyball courts stand near the parking lot. A small set of restrooms are available. Construction by adjacent Citizens Energy is somewhat distracting, but should be temporary. Signs indicate that the Park will begin a new phase of growth after the work is completed at Citizens. We found plenty of parking. The park is well worth a visit and should be spectacular when the leaves start changing color soon.

River Heritage Park in Carmel sits right along the White River and is SO much more than just a…read moreplayground. There's one main playground with: * Swings * Climbing structures * Spinning equipment * An interactive game on a rubber surface * Two shaded picnic tables But here's where this park gets really fun Take the hard, rubberized trail through the park and you'll find three mini play areas scattered along the trail. And THIS is where you'll find the zipline! I've checked out a lot of parks around Hamilton County, and this is one of the longest and fastest free ziplines I've found. There's also a slide just past the zipline, and if you keep walking, you can make your way to White River overlooks. A few things to know: The main playground doesn't have much shade There is shade along the trail Bathrooms are available The rubberized trail is smooth and much easier on your joints than mulch or uneven trails It's basically a playground + mini playground adventure + scenic walk + White River views all in one. And did I mention the zipline is FREE?!

This park is what it is. It has tons of parking available in a few different set at lots. To get…read moreto the park, you take a sort drive through a wooded area. At he front of the park you will find three shelters with picnic tabes under them and grills just out side of them. The entrance to the park ends at the Monon Community Center and the Waterpark. The park's bread and butter by far is its trails. It has mile and miles of trails that are interconnected, some paved, some gravel and some dirt. Some through the woods and in the open. There is a storybook trail near the front of the park by the shelters. The trails are awesome with a capital A. They are well maintained and go for miles. You can walk, bike or run them if you so chooses and if you don't have a bike, don't worry. They have a kiosk that you can rent bikes. near the walkway leading to the water park. There is also a restroom there. You will find another restroom structure at the front of the park by the shelter area. The park itself has 3 miles of trails that wind through a variety of ecosystems including native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Its trails also connect to the Monon Greenway (it runs through the center of it, and has pretty much adopted it), which gives you more room to roam. Additionally, this park is connected to one of the most futuristic and best all around playgrounds that I have been to. If that was not enough. it has a community center and waterpark located on its grounds pretty much. RIght behind the playground area is a very peaceful lagoon and a boardwalk. It is very nice and I really enjoyed walking it. It has ducks and fish and I found it very tranquil. If you are planning on bike riding, walking, walking the dog and running (why would you want to do that :-)), this is the park for you, even if you have to drive a bit. This park is beautiful year-round, but I find it especially beautiful this time of year, the fall. When the leaves are changing colors and the weather is nice.

2020 has certainly been a year of new park discoveries. This past weekend, my husband and I…read morecelebrated our anniversary by checking out two new parks and grabbing a snow cone. It's the simple pleasures, right? I had visited the Monon Community Center and Waterpark several times before but never the Central Park East Woods that you pass as you enter the overall park. Central Park East Woods features a handful of trails, picnic areas, bathrooms, a community bookshelf and fun themed trails like the Paw Paw Path. I'm always a sucker for boardwalk paths too (what is about the look of boardwalk paths that always gets me to show up?). You'll find this park on the left hand side noted as "picnic area" as you enter the long winding drive for the Monon Center. Everything is within walking distance of one another.