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.

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.

This is a fabulous park where my granddaughters can get some outdoor playtime and exercise. The…read moreplayground is awesome with lots of different climbing structures and slides. The padding is ultra soft, to minimize injury when they fall. The swings are designed for all abilities. Nice benches are shaded, so I can rest while I watch them climb. The water park was closed for the season, but looks like fun with various sprinkling contraptions. I'll bring them back this summer. Covered picnic tables and restrooms are nearby so the kids can picnic and use the restrooms. All the facilities are super clean. Trails (suitable for bikes or walking) surround a lovely pond. Natural prairie grasses were attracting many birds. Several beautiful swans were maneuvering around the melted ice. Benches were available for bird watching. An interesting small amphitheater was built into a small hill overlooking the pond. The spot would be a perfect place for a poetry reading or bird watching lecture. Several pavilions are available for family or club picnic gatherings. Plenty of parking for cars or bikes is available. There is no admission fee to use the facilities.

Local Mom Meet-Up Spot Check out Carey Grove Park ‍…read more Padded ground Playground for all ages with separate sides for younger & older kids (split by a fun music section ) A couple slide + swing options to keep everyone happy Workout equipment on both sides for parents Features a Pulse Tennis interactive game Small walking trail + open field for extra space to run Shade available around the sides Such a great, easy spot to meet up with other moms while the kids all play

This is an amazing park. It was originally opened in 1998, but was "fully reimagined" in 2020 and I…read morelove everything about this park.There is ample parking and a bike rack for those that ride in from neighboring houses. It is a very modern park that is lined with the rubbery surface that most of the new parks are using. It has a half basketball court with an adjustable rim. The court is in great shape and has a bench along the baseline for spectators to sit and watch. You will find a very nice paved walking/jogging trail that goes around the perimeter of the park, as well as trails leading to the park from nearby neighborhoods. The bathroom facility at the park is very well maintained and is one of the better ones that I have seen in a park. They serviced the restrooms and trash while I was there. The park has two picnic shelters with tables under it and one has a couple of grills just outside of it. The playground is awesome. It has top-notch modern equipment. One side of the playground area has a very nice large jungle gym with a couple of slides, one of which is a spiral slide. There is also a bank of swings with traditional and ADA swings, a spinning net sphere, a pull up bar, and an interactive light game. This side is intended for 5 and older, but my 3 year old spent most of his time over here. On the other side is play equipment for smaller kids. There is a bank of toddler swings, a small jungle gym with a tunnel and slides, a couple of see-saws, a modern merry-go-round, and an expression swing. In between both area is some picnic tables and percussion musical instruments. Both play areas have benches on one side of it for parents to sit and on the other side (outer perimeter) are some workout equipment between some more benches, under a nice shade bearing awning. The workout equipment is intended for those over 14 years old. The equipment happens to face the respective playgrounds, so parents can get their workout on while keeping an eye on their littles. On final feature of the park is its green space. There is a patch of grass that can be used for playing catch, soccer, football, or flying a kite. It can also be used for working out or having a picnic. The only downfall of this space is that it is like in like a little crater. So, it gets very soggy after rain and snowfall and takes a while to dry. I really like this park. My littles and I spent about 2 hours here. It is not very big, spanning 5 acres, but still has a lot to do. This is definitely a destination park and was well worth the 40 minute ride for me to get here.

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.

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.

Check out Cool Creek Nature Center! We saw so many birds and turtles, and the viewing area was…read moreamazing. They even had binoculars for the kids, which made it feel like a real little adventure. Inside, there were crafts, books, puzzles, and puppets to keep the kids engaged and learning. Such a fun and educational outing -- we loved it!

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.

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!!

Carmel has totally reimagined West Park with updated and unique features. The main draw for the…read morekids is an amazing climbing structure with a super long slide.I must admit that my stomach goes in a knot when I see the kids disappear up the abyss of ropes and poles. But they seem to have a blast coming down the slide. The lower level playground had features for toddlers and a swing that is popular. The water feature, splash pad, is unique with a natural looking waterfall and spouts of water that the kids run through. My granddaughters had a blast and were kept occupied for close to an hour splashing. There is a really nice pavilion with tables and very clean restroom. I want to give a shout out to the staff that was cleaning all morning including power washing the sidewalks. They keep the park immaculate and are friendly and helpful. There is a second pavilion that is new and the sledding hill is close by. There are trails and the park connects with Jill Perlman facility. The marshy area between the two parks is good for birdwatching. The park is dedicated to Jim Engeldow, who helped support the building of the Carmel Parks program. There is plenty of parking. The park tends to get crowded. The park is accessible with ramps and handicapped parking.

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!

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.

Oh gosh! This park is completely different than when I last reviewed it eight (eight!) years ago…read more River Heritage Park underwent a complete makeover in 2022, and it's so much better. We used to call this "the bee sting park" because this is the park where my son got stung by a bee. But River Heritage looks so different that my children forgot all about "bee sting park" and have fully embraced this new park because it's so much fun. What I especially love about River Heritage Park is that it encourages walking and exploring. There is a fun playground right off of the parking lot, but the magic lies beyond this area as you walk deeper into the park. A little ways away, you'll find another area with playground equipment like a netted swing and other fun things. Walk a little farther down the path and you'll see even more playground equipment, including two ziplines. Each of these areas have benches for parents or caregivers to sit and enjoy watching their kids play. If you walk even farther down the path, you'll find an area with a few picnic tables set among the woods. Walk even farther, and you'll find a secret (OK, not-so-secret) fort made out of big logs and branches! I'm proud to say that my children helped build it, and it's really cool. The walking path goes in a loop all around the park. The path is wide and smooth, and can easily accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. It's also made of a rubberized material and is a little bouncy, which I've been told is easier on the joints. If you visit this park during the off season (approximately November through mid-April), the restrooms will be locked, but there are port-a-potties available. The parking lot is still in a state of transition. The parking lot is dirt, and I imagine it would be messy when it rains.

I guess this is the first review since the parks renovation and is really a different park from the…read moreone reflected in previous reviews. This park spans 40 acres and was opened in 1999. It was closed for a while for renovations and was recently reopened in 2022. They have pumped a lot of money into this park and it shows. While I was there they were still working on the parking lot. It was all dirt. The park has 2 decent sand volleyball courts in the front. There is also a nice fully accessible playground area just off of the parking lot that has some very nice, new, progressive and modern equipment. The equipment includes: a modern in-ground roundabout, a cozy cocoon, a nest saucer swing, we-go wheelchair accessible swing, hexagonal climbing blocks, and an interactive NEOS 360 Accessible play station. The play area is on a nice mud-free rubber surface and you will find benches and picnic tables along the area's perimeter that are under shade awnings. Other park amenities on this side of the park include a bathroom facility, and a shelter with picnic tables under it and a grill just outside of it. There is a large tower right next to the shelter, I have no idea what it is, but it makes for some good pictures. Anyway, there are two paths that lead away from this area and to a very nice boardwalk. The boardwalk leads to a trail that is fully wheelchair accesible and is a 3/4 mile loop. That board walks goes through the woods and wetlands and has playground equipment placed along the trail. The equipment includes a zip line, a slide with hexagonal climbing blocks, a nest saucer swing, a group swing, and playground spinners. The part of the trail that the playground equipment is along is coated with a mud free rubber surface. The equipment is a decent distance from the parking lot and is pretty spread out, which I do not know how I feel about that. On a positive note it is some very nice equipment. This park really listened to people's input and have reimagined this park with a focus on accessibility, modernization, nature, and maintenance. I really like this park and they are not even finish with their renovations yet. This is a destination park for sure and has laid a blueprint for other parks to follow.

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.