With state-of-the-art play structures and lots of space to run, these Indiana playgrounds will bring out the inner child in everyone.
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Meadowlark Park
Meadowlark Park in Carmel has now reopened to the public, and features a completely reimagined playground experience! The new playground at Meadowlark Park features three big play structures for kids of all ages to enjoy. The structure for big kids includes geometric domes that kids can climb up to and through, and metal slides that send you back to the ground. There’s also a play structure for climbers and parkour enthusiasts that features 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 scales smaller for the youngest adventurers.
Old City Park
304 S Meridian St, Greenwood, IN
Old City Park includes an 18-foot wide promenade next to Pleasant Creek, seamlessly integrating into the creek’s natural landscape; a custom climbing wall and, for younger children, a custom climbing net; extensive open space for non-structured developmental play; a new pedestrian bridge, urban porch swings, bocce ball courts and more.
Finch Creek Park
16233 Boden Road, Noblesville, IN
There is something for all ages and abilities at Finch Creek Park, the newest Noblesville park with an amazing, all-inclusive playground. Located on the east side of Noblesville, this 200-acre Wayne Township park opened in the spring of 2020, and the playground is truly a sight to behold.
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Lawrence W. Inlow Park
6310 E Main St, Carmel
The Carmel’s newly remodeled Lawrence W. Inlow Park is something out of a child’s wild imagination. The playground’s crowning feature is a “skywalk” that is so massive and tall that it can be seen from the street. The skywalk includes an enclosed, 32-foot long and 16-foot high rope walkway, banked by slides and numerous rope climbing structures on either side.
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Colts Canal PlaySpace
Canal Walk, Indianapolis
Located on the north end of the Downtown Canal Walk off of West Walnut Street, the nearly one-acre playground boasts a swirling roller-coaster-looking climbing tower, ladders galore, slides for kids big and little, swings, a spinner bowl, twister nets and stepping stones. Many of the playground’s features require climbing, so the Colts Canal PlaySpace is especially fun for older, school-aged kids who like to scale and be adventurous. Little climbers will have a blast making their way up the huge structure to the top of the lookout, which is the only way to get to the entrance of the giant, fast-moving metal tunnel slide.
Freedom Field
Parkside Dr, Columbus, IN
Designed for children with special needs in mind, this playground was imagined and made possible by two mothers who wished to fill a void for inclusive play spaces in their city. Covering 25,000 square feet, this playground offers fun and excitement for all kids.
Daleville Town Hall Park
Daleville, IN (Walnut St behind Town Hall)
Daleville Town Hall Park is located about an hour north east of Indianapolis, between Anderson and Muncie — is a small town of around 1,600 people, but it has one of the coolest parks and splash pads in central Indiana. This dynamic playground is designed to naturally fold into the existing landscaping. here are bridges, ropes to climb, slides, stairs, rocks — it’s a great place for active kids to expend some energy. Both of the playgrounds are outfitted with Astroturf, so the ground is nice and soft.
Lower Cascades Park
2851 Old State Rd 37, Bloomington, IN
On the northern edge of Bloomington off Old State Road 37, Lower Cascades features a huge, fully accessible playground with swings, slides, climbing apparatus, and a toddler play area. The main play structure is over 2 stories high, with twisting slides.
Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
1 Park Dr, Fishers, IN
In addition to its massive play structures, Roy G. Holland Memorial Park has something everyone to enjoy: Soccer, baseball and softball fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, wooded areas, picnic areas and an active community building perfect for special occasions. Just walk the loop trail to catch the action or to meet up with friends and neighbors out on a beautiful day.
Nature Adventure Playground at Jill Perelman Pavilion
3000 W. 116th Street, Carmel, IN
There is no shortage of fun parks and playgrounds in Carmel. The Nature Adventure Playground — tucked into the woods behind Jill Perelman Pavilion — is another great addition to that list. This playground is truly a hidden gem, and it’s the only public park in the area with a zip line!
Highland Park
1402 West Deffenbaugh Street, Kokomo
If you’re looking for a park that has it all in Kokomo, you’ll find it at Highland Park, the oldest and most historic park in town. This 80-acre park is truly worth the drive and is a little less than an hour from Indianapolis. The playground has something for all ages, with a merry-go-round, zip line and lots of opportunities to climb and take (safe) risks.
[…] Spring has sprung, and it is time to get on the road for a quick Indiana day trip. There is no need to bring an overnight bag because these 19 trip ideas are perfect for families in search of some springtime fun. Related Post: 22 Things To Do In Indy This Spring BreakAddress: 727 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute Perfect For: Children 12 months old to 12 years oldThe Terre Haute Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for families with three stories of fun and exploration. Located near the Indiana-Illinois border, this children’s museum in Terre Haute features exhibits that encourage exploration of science and technology concepts, with dozens of exhibits that are designed especially for kids ages 12 months old to 12 years old.Address: 6310 County Rd 350, Brownsburg Perfect For: Horse lovers; Children 5 years of age and older can participate in a trail ride, but there are pony rides for $5 per person for younger kids.Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg is a gem. The 78-acre ranch that runs along White Lick Creek is the biggest ranch in Hendricks County for horseback riding. It is also known for events like Bountiful Babies (a spring event celebrating the baby animals born on the farm).Related Article: 6 Best National Parks in the Midwest for FamiliesAddress: 4641 W. 450 S, Crawfordsville Perfect For: Thrill seekers ages 3 and up. Children must be at least 3 years of age and must be able to fit into the smallest harness.Head west of Indianapolis to find Crawfordsville, not far from Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park. A state-of-the-art course, you’ll find 8 ziplines, a swinging bridge, scenic walks through the woods, and suspended platforms among the trees.Address: Battlefield Park, 200 Battle Ground Ave., West Lafayette Perfect For: History buffs November 7, 1811, is a day that went down in Indiana history. The Battle of Tippecanoe was a conflict between Tecumseh’s American Indian Federation and U.S. military troops led by General William Henry Harrison. This battle is one of the major events that sparked conflict leading up to the War of 1812. The museum tells the story of the battle through various exhibits, and visitors can also enjoy the park, including picnic grounds, hiking trails, and the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center.Address: 4229 US-150 W, Paoli Perfect For: Wild animal admirersExperience the self-guided Drive-Thru Safari in your vehicle and see over 50 different species! Along the way, there are opportunities to get out of your car and get a closer look at certain animals. Address: 4175 North 1200 West, Flora Perfect For: Farm animal fansHeritage Farm is a working alpaca farm with more than 50 alpacas you can see, touch, and interact with. Visitors can book an overnight stay at the 120-acre farm in one of the several different lodging options or visit for the day. Tim and Beth Sheets have made it their goal to educate the community about the joys of farming and alpaca care. Address: 455 Market St, Connersville Perfect For: Train enthusiastsWith regular and special trains running April-December, you’re sure to find the perfect opportunity to visit the railroad with family and friends! Adults fares are for passengers over 12 years of age. Children’s fares are available for passengers ages 2-12, and passengers under two ride for free when accompanied by an adult.Address: 4004 E. 800 N., Battle Ground, Indiana Perfect For: wildlife advocateJust outside of West Lafayette is where you will find Wolf Park, a 70-acre nonprofit park dedicated to providing habitat to wolves, foxes, bison, and other animals for educational purposes.Address: 309 Washington Street, Columbus Perfect For: Hands-on learners who like to have funDrive 45 minutes south of Indianapolis, and you’ll find Kidscommons, a great children’s museum that’s the perfect spot to play and explore when you’re in the mood for a little day trip out of town. Children can use their creativity to learn about their community at this children’s museum in downtown Columbus, Indiana.Address: 11800 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville Perfect For: Adventure aficionadosLocated at Strawtown/Koteewi Park in Hamilton County, Koteewi features 60 challenging treetop trails and zip lines that provide thrills for everyone at every skill level. Want even more adventure? Head to Edge Adventure’s Rum Village in South Bend or Deep River in northwest Indiana.Address: 226 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne Perfect For: History lovers and future firefightersThe Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum, Inc. was organized on April 20, 1974, two years after the city closed Fire Station #3 in downtown Fort Wayne. Additional renovations were done between 1998 and 2009 to expand the exhibit area. Today, kids and adults can enjoy learning about firefighter history and fire safety.Address: 1545 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville Perfect For: Animal fansLocated in Evansville, this zoo houses hundreds of animals to educate and entertain both kids and kids at heart. Visit Indiana’s first zoo for a day of family fun!Address: 1950 Clinton St., Fort Wayne Perfect For: Kids who love science and experimentsPermanent and temporary exhibits let kids explore the world of science through hands-on projects. A unique swap shop also allows kids to bring in their treasures from other cities and states to exchange them with other children!Address:1459 Blue Spring Caverns Rd. Bedford Perfect For: Explorers of all agesExplore the heart of the natural world by boat! An hour-long boat tour through Bluespring Caverns brings you up close to the majesty of the underground in a trip as natural as we can make it. This is your chance to visit Indiana’s largest sinkholes (covering over 15 acres).RELATED ARTICLE: Complete the Indiana Cave Trail! Address: 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson Perfect For: Families who love rugged hikes and campingHere, you’ll find 6 miles of easy-to-rugged hiking trails, picnic areas, family camping, and an incredible visitor center, which houses animals, reptiles, and fish that you might encounter at the park.Address: 3027 E S St, Lincoln City Perfect For: History buffsAbraham Lincoln spent 14 years on his family farm in Spencer County. Here, Lincoln was introduced to the power of books and the concepts of freedom, justice, and law. Get a taste of what life was like in Indiana during Lincoln’s childhood by visiting the site where Abraham Lincoln spent his days. Learn about the lives of the Lincoln family who lived here in a pioneer community from 1816 to 1830. This national memorial features a museum and the Living Historical Farm, a working pioneer homestead with a cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, animals, gardens, and field crops.Address: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall Perfect For: Active nature loversTurkey Run has a little something for every nature lover. The many hiking trails, sandstone gorges, and water access for canoeing and kayaking ensure a good time and great memories.Address: N. Woodall Road, Ellettsville Perfect For: Birders, and families who want to experience Indiana’s diverse nature.If you’re looking for a place to explore nature, take a hike through Beanblossom Bottom Nature Preserve. This nature park, located about an hour south of Indianapolis in Bean Blossom Township, is a great place to appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of Indiana, especially in the summer and fall, when everything is blooming. Address: 8029 S Walnut St, Daleville Perfect For: Kids ready to run and play for daysDaleville Town Hall Park is an amazingly fun space for families, with a large playground, a fantastic splash pad, a snack bar that sells snow cones in the summer, a train to play on, an amphitheater, a dog park and more. This playground is definitely one that is worth the drive. […]