In the heart of Carmel’s Arts & Design District, Meadowlark Park has quickly become one of our family’s favorite playgrounds near Indianapolis. This 19-acre park, which first opened in 1995, now has this incredible mix of artistic design and creative play areas that my kids just can’t get enough of.
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A Playground Designed for Imagination
The completely reimagined playground at Meadowlark Park caters to children aged 2-12 and features dreamlike, artistic designs that beautifully reflect the park’s location within Carmel’s Arts & Design District. The playground’s standout feature is its unique tree-like structures, offering endless opportunities for imaginative play My kids love to pretend that each treetop is a separate house, and they eagerly travel from house to house as part of their adventures. What’s really special is that every time we visit, it seems like all the kids at the playground are somehow involved in a version of this game, creating a shared sense of fun and community.
Although Meadowlark Park isn’t the largest playground in Indianapolis, the space is used exceptionally well. As a parent, I appreciate how easy it is to keep track of my kids while they play. The park features two smaller play structures filled with slides and climbing opportunities. One of these areas is specifically designed for younger kids and toddlers, while the other is a versatile play space where children of all ages can come together and explore.
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The Treetop Adventure
The centerpiece of the playground is undoubtedly the giant treetop structure. As a parent, I’ve had the chance to climb up into it myself—once out of curiosity to explore alongside my kids, and another time to help coax my three-year-old daughter down the slide. It can be pretty intimidating for the little ones at first, but she’s a fearless climber now! Inside the treetop structures, it’s pleasantly shady, which is a big plus for my kids who can spend hours playing there without overheating.
More playground features
There’s also a play structure for climbers and parkour enthusiasts, featuring bridges to cross, monkey bars to swing from, and other obstacles. The play structure for babies and young kids also invites tiny tots to climb, slide, and explore, but everything is scaled smaller for the youngest adventurers.
Practical Features for Families
The park includes a large pavilion with picnic tables, providing a great spot for families to relax in the shade. The pavilion also houses restrooms and a drinking fountain, making it convenient to take care of necessities during your visit. However, outside of this pavilion, there isn’t much shade around the playground itself, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a long stay during the hotter months.
More Than Just a Playground
Beyond the playground, Meadowlark Park offers additional attractions that make it a well-rounded destination. There’s a small pond where visitors can enjoy a bit of fishing—a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. The park is also home to four outstanding pickleball courts. As a pickleball enthusiast, I’ve played here many times, and it’s one of my favorite places to play in the area. During the warmer months, you can almost always find someone ready for a game. Open-play rules apply all day, with mornings and evenings being the most popular times for pickleball.
Why Meadowlark Park Stands Out
Meadowlark Park may not be the biggest playground in Indianapolis, but its thoughtful design, imaginative play structures, and additional amenities make it a standout destination for families. Whether your kids are climbing through the treetops or you’re enjoying a game of pickleball, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
