Indiana summers sometimes call for water in order to stay cool at the park. Below is a guide to some Carmel area (and beyond) parks with splash pads!
The goal of this guide is to provide the right details you need to know before going to play with small children.
For each park, you’ll find:
“Wins” and “Watch Outs” list
Overall rating for specific age groups–babies/pre-walkers, toddler/walkers, and ages 5+.
Scale -- 1 is not a good option for that age group, 5 is the best.
Rating on ease for a one-parent outing -- scale: easy, neutral, hard.
Westermeier Commons @ Central Park
20 Central Park Dr W, Carmel, IN
One of the most popular splash pads in Carmel is undoubtedly Westermeier Commons at Central Park–and for good reason! This splash pad is huge with lots of different splash stations so even when it’s busy, there is still enough water to go around.
There is a section with smaller splash stations designed for little splashers, and then a bigger section with more intense water features meant for bigger kids. The splash pad is also connected to the Westermeier Commons playground, so you can go over to play after/before you hit the splash pad.
You’ll want to pack swimsuits, a dry change of clothes, and a towel if you are going to hit the splash pad and the park. There is enough water at the splash pad that the kids will get soaked!
Wins:
There is shaded parent seating around the entire splash pad.
This splash pad is great for all ages, from babies/pre-walker to bigger kids.
There are bathrooms right next to the splash pad with room for changing.
Great visibility - you can see the full splash pad from all vantage points.
Watch Outs:
The floor of the splash pad can get slippery. You may want to leave your kiddos in waterproof sandals or shoes while playing!
RATING BY AGE GROUP:
Baby/Pre-Walker: 3
Toddler/Walker: 4
Age 5+: 5
EASE FOR A ONE PARENT OUTING: NEUTRAL when not crowded, HARD when crowded
Inlow park
6310 E. Main Street Carmel, IN
Inlow Park Splash Pad is newly renovated as of summer 2022 and has some unique elements you won’t find at any other splash pad in the area! With areas designated for all ages and some huge water attractions, this park is almost a cross between a splash pad and a water park.
Wins:
Unique water attractions you won’t find at other parks.
Shaded parent seating around the perimeter of the splash pad.
Watch Outs:
The splash pad area is somewhat compact, and often very busy. It can be easy to lose sight of little ones amongst the masses
There is a large waterslide in the center of the splash pad. Bigger kids LOVE this, but it can get dangerous for younger kids. Multiple kids can slide down at one time and it can create pile ups. If your little one is walking to get out of the way at the bottom of the slide, they can get knocked over by kids coming down the slide.
RATING BY AGE GROUP:
Baby/Pre-Walker: 1
Toddler/Walker: 2
Age 5+: 3
EASE FOR A ONE PARENT OUTING: HARD
Monon Playspace
Midtown Plaza Splash pad & splash pad across from Anthony’s Chophouse, both along the Monon Trail
While these may be unofficial “splash pads,” they are favorites of my kids! There are two water features along the Monon Trail for kids to splash in, one just south of midtown plaza and the other in front of Anthony’s Chop House. The splash areas are small but interactive and your kids will still get soaked if they want to!
Wins:
Great visibility - parents can see the whole splash area at one time
There is parent seating next to both splash areas
These splash pads are very manageable for a single parent outing because they are smaller
Watch Outs:
The flooring can get slippery, so you may want to bring shoes that can get wet
There aren’t any bathrooms nearby either splash pad for changing, etc,
The on & off of water timing can be inconsistent
RATING BY AGE GROUP:
Baby/Pre-Walker: 5
Toddler/Walker: 5
Age 5+: 5
EASE FOR A ONE PARENT OUTING: EASY
Mulberry Fields
9645 Whitestown Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077
Just outside Carmel’s west side, Mulberry Fields splash pad in Zionsville is perfect for younger age kiddos.The smaller space is surrounded by a fence to keep splashers contained, and the entire splash pad is easily visible at one time by one parent. There is a small “creek” on the back side of the splash pad which is a fun variation to your typical splash pad features.
Wins:
Great visibility - parents can see the whole splash area at one time
Great for little kids (6 and under) including babies/pre-walkers
There is parent seating next to splash areas
Bathrooms and changing areas are on site
Watch Outs:
There is a mulch-floor park adjacent to the splash pad. If kids are going back and forth, the mulch sticks to their wet skin/clothes!
It is a smaller splash pad in general, bigger kids may get bored quickly
Very little shade over the park or parent seating
RATING BY AGE GROUP:
Baby/Pre-Walker: 5
Toddler/Walker: 5
Age 5+: 3
EASE FOR A ONE PARENT OUTING: EASY
West Park
*West Park is currently under construction but will include a splash pad when it’s open. Check back in late August for more information about West Park.*