As the summer heat descends upon Indianapolis, families seek out refreshing ways to stay cool and entertained. Fortunately, the city and its surrounding areas are home to a delightful array of splash pads, pools, and beaches that offer the perfect opportunity to make a splash and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling water slide or a serene spot to dip your toes, we’ve compiled a list of 9 fantastic places near Indianapolis where you can truly splash the summer away. So grab your swimsuits, pack some sunscreen, and get ready to dive into these refreshing aquatic adventures!
Related Article: 100+ Things to do this Summer around Indy
9 Places to Splash the Summer Away near Indianapolis:
The Waterpark at the Monon Center
Nestled in the heart of Carmel, The Waterpark offers an enticing blend of leisurely relaxation and thrilling excitement for visitors of all ages. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (May 27 – Aug. 6). The Waterpark guarantees a delightful aquatic adventure for the entire family.
Whether you’re in search of the perfect summer day or a memorable family excursion, The Waterpark has something for everyone! Please note that while outside food and drinks are permitted in designated areas within the park, glass containers, heating elements, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Day passes are $16 for adults (16-64) and $13 for youth (3-15) + seniors (65+) and can be purchased in person at The Waterpark. Season passes are available in person or online at carmelclayparks.com/the-waterpark.
Morse Park and Beach
Morse Beach in Noblesville is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day with family and friends. At Morse Park and Beach, guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, picnicking, fishing, or playing volleyball. Just remember to pack your sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun!
The beach offers a convenient re-entry policy for visitors who want to come and go throughout the day. All you need is a wristband, and you’re free to leave and return to the beach as you please. When it comes to swimming gear, pool noodles, life jackets, and floaties are allowed for your safety and enjoyment. However, please note that all other floatation devices are prohibited.
Open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, Morse Beach operates daily between 12 pm and 6 pm. Admission is just $6 per person, making it an affordable and delightful destination for everyone to enjoy.
Freedom Springs Aquatic Park
Freedom Springs Aquatic Park in Greenwood offers visitors an exceptional outdoor water park experience, catering to all ages and preferences. The extensive aquatic center features a tube slide, two body slides, a lazy river, a 25-meter lap pool, 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards, and a lily pad crossing. In addition, the park provides a dedicated splash and play area for infants and toddlers, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Visitors can also enjoy the convenience of cabanas and shelters, concession stands, and private rental options, making Freedom Springs Aquatic Park a comprehensive and enjoyable destination for everyone.
Freedom Springs Aquatic Park offers different admission rates for residents and non-residents. Greenwood residents get a discount with a valid ID, and the prices are: $8 for Resident Adults, $6 for Resident Children/Seniors, $12 for Non-Resident Adults, $10 for Non-Resident Children/Seniors, and free for infants under 2.
Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon
Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon offers a variety of exciting attractions, such as a wave pool, water slides, a toddler zone, and a large play structure at the heart of the pool area. The central water playground is designed to be fully ADA accessible, featuring zero-depth entry for each body of water and ensuring wheelchair accessibility throughout the park. Additionally, water wheelchairs are available for guests, enabling everyone to participate in the aquatic fun.
Affordably priced, admission fees for the park are set at $8 for Avon residents and $10 for non-residents, making it a delightful and inclusive destination for all visitors to enjoy.
The Shimmer Fountain at Holliday Park
Ever had to tell your kids not to play in a fountain? Well, now’s your chance to let them jump right in! The Shimmer Fountain at Holliday Park seamlessly blends the elements of a fountain and splash pad, creating an ideal spot to cool off on hot days. Kids can climb the structure and play in the unique water table, making it a fun and refreshing destination. Best of all, it’s completely free!
Watermill Splash Pad at Williams Park
The Watermill Splash Pad can be found at the back of Williams Park. It features over 2,500 square feet of aquatic play for families with interactive spray and play elements. The zero-depth splash pad provides various water sensations like flowing, misting, and jetting. It also includes the Superwave, which releases 32 gallons of water per minute!
Bonus: Splash Pads are free!
Splash Island Family Waterpark
Splash Island Family Water Park, managed by Plainfield Parks & Recreation, spans 4.3 acres in Plainfield. This family-friendly destination features exciting water activities suitable for all ages. The park boasts three exhilarating waterslides, an interactive play area with kiddie slides and water guns, a winding river, and a water basketball court. Additionally, it offers a zero-depth entry kiddie pool and a separate children’s pool, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Admission rates at Splash Island vary for residents and non-residents. Plainfield residents receive a discount with a valid ID, with prices set at $8 for Resident Adults, $7 for Resident Children, $13 for Non-Resident Adults, $11 for Non-Resident Children/Seniors, and free admission for infants under 2 years old.
Mulberry Fields Park
This 38-acre park in Zionsville includes walking paths, a skate park, picnic shelters, a splash pad, and more! The free splash pad is open every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9am – 9pm.
Midtown Plaza Carmel
Midtown Plaza Carmel provides a unique setting where parents can relax with a cup of coffee (or an adult beverage) while watching their children enjoy the splash pad. The area boasts an abundance of shaded tables and chairs, creating a fun environment to play with your kids. It also provides a comfortable spot to relax and watch the walkers and cyclists pass by as your children enjoy themselves.
There are two small splash pads in Midtown Carmel, offering ideal spots for kids to cool off on hot days. One sprinkler area is situated near Anthony’s Chophouse at the far north end of Midtown, while a larger splash pad is located in the center of Midtown, close to the parking garage. These splash pads are particularly suitable for toddlers, as the water gently bubbles up in small streams. Children are bound to get wet at either location, so don’t forget to bring a towel!
