Even though Indiana is landlocked, families can still get a beach day close to home. Geist Waterfront Park in Fishers sits on Geist Reservoir and is the only public access point on the 1,900-acre lake.
The 70-acre park has a sand beach, a pirate-themed playground, a toddler play area, a non-motorized kayak, paddleboard and canoe launch, walking trails, four shelters and public restrooms. The park is free for Fishers residents and now free for everyone during non-peak hours, which makes it easier for non-resident families to visit without paying if they plan around the busiest beach times.
2026 beach opening update: Geist Waterfront Park’s beach and swimming area did not open for Memorial Day weekend. Fishers Parks says cooler water temperatures, high rainfall, high water levels and the forecast delayed the opening, but staff are monitoring conditions and are hopeful the beach will open this week.
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When Geist Waterfront Park Is Open
The park property is open daily from dawn to dusk year-round. Families can use the playground, walk the trails, launch a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the park outside of beach season.
Swimming is seasonal and generally runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, but the 2026 beach opening has been delayed. Fishers Parks says the beach and swimming area are expected to open once conditions allow. During beach season, the beach and swimming area are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with lifeguards on duty during those hours. Swimming is not permitted outside beach season or when lifeguards are not present.
During the summer season, the park also has concessions for cool treats and drinks. Families can rent non-motorized watercraft or bring their own.
NEW for 2026: Parking and Admission
Geist Waterfront Park is free for Fishers residents. It is also free for non-residents during non-peak hours, which means families from outside Fishers can still visit the beach, playground and park without paying if they plan around the busiest windows.
The new peak-hour parking fee applies only to non-residents who drive in and park during peak hours. During those times, non-residents pay $25 per vehicle. The fee is collected onsite at the front gate, and the park is cashless, so bring a card or use mobile payment. RVs and campers are not permitted.
No reservation is required. Walking or biking into the park is always free for everyone, including non-residents.
When Peak Hours Apply
Peak hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during beach season, plus Independence Day and Labor Day. During those times, Fishers residents park for free, while non-residents pay $25 per vehicle.
Outside peak hours, parking is free for everyone. That includes all day Monday through Friday, weekends from dawn to 1 p.m. and weekends from 6 p.m. to dusk.
Peak hours may change at the discretion of Fishers Parks staff based on attendance, holidays and events, so check the official Geist Waterfront Park page before you go.
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Geist Waterfront Park Beach
The beach has soft sand for digging, building and sitting long enough for someone to ask for a snack. Bring sand toys if your kids are the kind who can turn one plastic shovel into an afternoon.
The water near the shore is shallow, which works well for kids who want to cool off, splash or ease into the water. The cove is fed by three underwater freshwater springs and kept moving by six aerators. Fishers Parks tests the water weekly throughout beach season.
Children under 14 and non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult.
Water Activities and Boat Rentals
Families who want to get out on the water can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from Wheel Fun Rentals, which operates at Geist Waterfront Park during beach season. Check the rental page before you go for current hours and rates.
The park also has a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. It is not accessible by car, so plan to carry your boat from the parking area or bring a cart.
Mini Beach Playscape
The beach area includes a small playscape built into the sand for younger kids. Families will find a small pirate ship, a digger, a climbing structure and two water-and-sand tables. This area is best for toddlers and preschoolers who want something to do between trips to the water.
Geist Waterfront Playground
The pirate-themed playground sits just off the beach and gives kids another reason to stay long after the towels are full of sand. The play surface uses artificial turf and rubber padding, making it easier for younger kids to move around than mulch or gravel.
A large pirate ship anchors the center of the play area, with two slides and climbing structures around it. The stern has a cut-out for pretend play and a hammock for kids who need a minute before climbing again.
Older kids will likely head for the tall rope climbing structure, which is built more for elementary-age children and up.
Younger children have their own play area with a beachy, weathered-wood look. It includes a toddler-friendly slide, climbing zones, a small hammock and three ride-on animals.
The playground also has several swing options, including standard swings, face-to-face swings for caregivers and younger children and a circular rope swing.
Plan Your Visit
Geist Waterfront Park
10811 Olio Road
Fishers, IN 46040
Park hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Beach season: Generally Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, though the 2026 opening has been delayed and is expected once conditions allow.
Beach and swimming hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during beach season
Admission: Free for Fishers residents and free for everyone during non-peak hours. Non-residents who drive in during peak hours pay $25 per vehicle.
Official website: fishersparks.com
