Did you know Hamilton County is home to 62 parks spread across eight communities? That’s a lot of green space, trails and playground equipment to explore! With so many parks and so little time, here are the top 10 best parks for families in Hamilton County:
1. Coxhall Gardens
200 W 116th St., Carmel
Coxhall Gardens on the west side of Carmel offers a sprawling landscape of lush lawns begging for a game of tag or a blanket and book, picturesque architecture and one of the most unique children’s areas in Hamilton County. The Children’s Garden – an adorable village of storefronts, tunnels, slides and paths – is perfect for imaginative play.
Park tip: Listen for the chiming of the 90-foot bell towers each hour and don’t forget to take a stroll through the Centerpiece, an amphitheater and gazebo reminiscent of European architecture.
2. Forest Park
701 Cicero Rd., Noblesville
Forest Park is Hamilton County’s mini amusement park with activities and amenities fit to fill an entire day. Explore the playgrounds, take a ride on the carousel and play a round of miniature golf on the Tom Thumb course before heading to the aquatic center, complete with water slides, diving boards and a splash park.
Park tip: Don’t forget about the Indiana Transportation Museum, located right next to Forest Park. Check the departure schedule to book your train ride.
3. Morse Park and Beach
19777 Morse Park Ln., Noblesville
Who says you have to flee to the coasts to hit the beach? Morse Park and Beach is home to a brand new set of playground equipment – in the water! The floating aqua adventure park features colorful climbing areas and slides for kids to explore while cooling off. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Park tip: Bring along a Frisbee to play Morse Park and Beach’s disc golf course.
4. Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
One Park Dr., Fishers
Located in the heart of Fishers, Holland Park is known for its huge spread of playground equipment to keep kids wowed for hours of active play. A wide, paved path perfect for an afternoon stroll or bike ride borders the circular park as well.
Park tip: Take a soccer ball, basketball and a picnic lunch to make an entire afternoon out of the park!
5. West Park
2700 W. 116th St. Carmel
Escape to West Park to get away from the city hustle and bustle. Right down the street from Coxhall Gardens, West Park is famous for its playground featuring a grain silo that kids can climb into with slides on all sides. The splash park is also a favorite among families during the July heat, while a sledding hill keeps everyone coming back in the winter.
Park tip: Be sure to explore the boardwalks that run atop five acres of pond and wetlands.
6. Cool Creek Park
200 E 51st St., Carmel
Cool Creek Park feels like a natural oasis in the middle of a maze of concrete. Located near the junction of US 31 and 151st Street, the park offers curious nature-goers four miles of trails to explore and plenty of sights and sounds to observe. Cool Creek Park is perfect for an afternoon hike or a Friday evening concert on the lawn at Cool Creek Park Pavilion.
Park tip: Bring a pair of binoculars for wildlife watching. Cool Creek Park is home to a myriad of woodland creatures.
7. Strawtown Koteewi
12308 Strawtown Ave., Noblesville
At 750 acres, Strawtown Koteewi is the largest park in Hamilton County with an array of outdoor adventures to offer – and even more on the way! Bring walking shoes, a bike or a horse to explore eight miles of trails, three of which run adjacent to the White River, making the park a perfect spot for fishing as well. Strawtown Koteewi is also home to Hamilton County’s first archery range, where families can rent gear to test their aim.
Park tip: Pay a visit to the Taylor Center of Natural History to see artifacts like arrowheads and pottery from the park’s first Native American inhabitants.
8 and 9. “Smart Parks” Simon Moon Park and Heritage Meadow Parks
2710 E 171st St., Westfield and 11233 Fountain View Ln., Fishers
Kids can activate their creativity at new “smart playgrounds” in Hamilton County, where Hans Christian Anderson fairytales are read aloud via smartphone as they explore the equipment.
Park tip: Make sure you have a QR code reader downloaded to your smartphone before you visit!
10. Flat Fork Creek Park
Coming soon!
16141 E 101 St., Fortville
This newest park featuring 59 acres of green space, a mountain biking trail, tree houses and a 50 foot sledding hill will be opening soon!
