Exploring Founders Park in Carmel

Our family has a few go-to parks. These are always the first that come to mind when it’s time to head somewhere for outdoor playtime.

One of these parks that we can’t seem to get enough of is Founders Park, located in Carmel.

In order for a park to be on my go-to list, it needs to offer enough variety that kids of various ages will be entertained, but not be so big that I can’t easily spot them. With multiple children, if the park is too large, they inevitably run off in different directions to play – leaving me bouncing back and forth like a ping pong ball. While the larger parks are super fun, they are usually reserved for special occasions.

Founders Park offers a lot to do in a space that is partially enclosed by a short stone wall, making it easy to keep an eye on all of the kids.

There are places for parents to sit and watch the kids play, as well as a large pavilion offering plenty of shade and a plethora of picnic tables for enjoying snacks and meal time. This park just screams bring some friends and have a playdate.

There is a large rope structure for kids to climb,

play structures for both the big and the little kids,

a rock structure for climbing,

swingsets and get this….sand! Yes, sand! Sand winds all throughout the park adding something unique that makes this park extra special.

In addition to this super awesome play area, Founders Park also offers a trail. My friend and I will sometimes meet up at the park and take turns watching the kids and working out. We call it our “workout swap” and the enclosed playground and trail at this park make this the perfect park for a swap.

And for those of you with kids who just need a space for running, or a place to play soccer, this park has something for you too.

With something fun for kids of all ages, this park is definitely one to put on your must-visit list and if you forget to pack the sand toys – don’t worry! There are usually plenty laying around for everyone to share.

Founders Park is located at 11675 Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel.

Jennifer Thompson is a stay-at-home mom of four spunky, sweet, kind and sometimes a bit wild children. She has a passion for the written word and thinks that libraries and bookstores are the coolest places ever. When not hanging out with family or writing, she can be found enjoying a good cup of coffee, running, spending quality time with friends, working on some type of project around the house, planning the family’s next trip to her favorite destination – Walloon Lake, Michigan, or very possibly – reading a book.

Jennifer enjoys writing about her parenting experience and outings with her children for Indy’s Child as a freelance writer and blogger and also keeps a personal blog, www.trulyyoursjen.com, that she has fun writing when time allows.