Family fun Activities in Carmel, Indiana
INSIDE : Looking for a great Midwest Summer Vacation for the whole family? Check out these family fun activities in Carmel, Indiana – consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Carmel, Indiana is the perfect big city feel with small town charm and I think everyone should visit!
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Born and raised Hoosier over here, so Indiana is a state that will always be near and dear to my heart! We try to go back to visit my mom at least once a year in Indiana and our list of “Must do” activities grows a little each year.
I feel fortunate to have grown up in Carmel, Indiana. It was lovely when I grew up there in the 90’s and it has continued to grow and thrive each passing year!
Carmel, Indiana
Carmel, Indiana is a thriving suburban city located just north of Indianapolis. Known for it’s exceptional quality of life, Carmel boasts a strong economy, top-rated schools and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting residents and businesses alike with its planned developments, ample green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
Residents enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including numerous parks, trails, and the Monon Greenway, a popular multi-use path. With its blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, Carmel offers a desirable lifestyle for families, professionals and retirees.
How many roundabouts are in Carmel, Indiana?
Carmel’s commitment to innovation is evident in it’s extensive network of roundabouts, which have become a signature feature of the city.
Carmel, Indiana boasts an impressive 142 roundabouts. This makes it the undisputed “Roundabout Capital of the United States.” The city began replacing traditional intersections with roundabouts in the late 1990s and the strategy has proven successful in improving traffic flow, reducing accidents and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the city.
Fun things for families to do in Central Indiana
- Midtown Plaza Carmel
Midtown Plaza Carmel is a great space for all age ranges. South of Carmel’s established Arts & Design District, it is full of outdoor walking areas, mini playgrounds, open seating for hanging out and tons of retail shops and restaurants to eat at. (Fork + Ale House opens up onto the Plaza Green Space so you can get a beer + pizza while your kiddos play ping pong nearby!)
- Turkey Run State Park
I have so many memories of hiking through Turkey Run State Park. It’s less than two hours from Indianapolis and is full of some of the best nature hiking trails. My VERY FAVORITE is Trail 3. You start by walking below grade and the temperature is much cooler, even in the heat of summer. Then you walk up a small creek and through rock formations. It is completely magical in every way and possible the best hike you will ever experience.
- Canoe and Kayak down Sugar Creek
Anyone who loves nature and lives in Indiana knows about Turkey Run State Park. And if you love hiking in Turkey Run State Park then you will REALLY love canoeing through it! There are a few distance options available through Sugar Valley Canoes (3, 6, 10, 12 and 15 miles).
We did the 3 mile with a canoe and a two person kayak. We stopped at the halfway point (Turkey Run’s suspension bridge) and hiked just maybe 30 minutes of trail 3 and then got back on the river. Our entire time was about 3 hours and it felt JUST right.
- Coxhall Gardens Carmel Indiana
Coxhall Gardens is a beautiful piece of land nestled on the north side of Carmel. Originally a farm property owned by John Williams in 1855 and eventually sold to Jesse Cox in 1962 – this piece of land is a green oasis in a “sea of homes”.
There is a fun children’s garden, a bell tower than chimes on the hour and a stunning amphitheater that often hosts weddings. (I myself wanted to get married there, but didn’t because July in the summer is HUMID.)
This is a fun clean park that everyone should visit! And while you are there, hop just a few miles down the road to West Park – that park is a children’s DREAM playground!!
- Newfields Art Museum
If you are looking for a lovely art museum filled with fun modern art, stunning landscape watercolors, a Vincent Van Gough, a Paul Gauguin and tons of other incredible pieces Newfields Art Museum is the stop for you. I loved their blown glass exhibit also – so modern, so inspiring!
Plus, as if all the art inside isn’t enough – their outdoor spaces are made of pure dreaminess. There are large sculptures and water features, greenhouses, formal gardens and so much more. Being a landscape architect myself, I almost loved the outdoor spaces more than the art inside… but honestly, we left feeling inspired from top to bottom. Wonderful time spent there.
- College Park Portico playground
If you are looking for a lovely playground that also has a gorgeous rentable indoor/outdoor space the Portico at College Park church is perfect for you. My kids loved playing on their playground and I loved rocking on nearby rocking chairs. They also have firepits and outdoor heaters. Their indoor space is clean, modern and so tidy. It can be rented for parties, as well.
- Fashion Mall at Keystone shopping
The Fashion Mall is a must stop for all the shopping lovers! This is definitely a more high end mall with some of my favorite shops being Crate + Barrel, Anthropologie, Lulu Lemon, North Face, Apple Store, Warby Parker and Nordstrom’s.
- Westermeier Commons Playground + Splashpad
The entire Central Park area surrounding Westermeier Commons is simply incredible! There is an amazing futuristic playground nestled in the side of a hill, swings, numerous cool picnic shelters, a splashpad, restrooms, an open meadow to enjoy gazing at and a boardwalk overlooking a wetland/pond area.
And in the same complex is the incredible Waterpark featuring a lazy river, water slides, a FlowRider, the challenging AquaClimb wall and even regular swimming pools.
- Visit Purdue University
I may be biased on visiting Purdue University because that’s where I attended college, but it is a beautiful campus. Whether you are visiting the Student’s Union, Mackey Arena for a basketball game or a musical show at Elliott Hall of Music there is always something fun going on to check out!
And be sure to grab yourself a quick drink at Harry’s Chocolate Shop before you leave campus.
Places to Eat in Carmel, Indiana
- Bru Burger, focusing on a classic burger, the menu offers burgers, fries, shakes, salads and appetizers. Also included is a wide variety of local beers and spirits.
- Prime 47, a local Prime steakhouse featuring USDA Prime cuts of beef, as well as fresh daily seafood. They also have an award winning wine list, a full bar and personal wine locker options.
- Cake Bake, Celebrating a special occasion make sure to get reservations for one of the hottest cake shops in Indiana! Now a full restaurant and dessert location – be wowed by glamour and taste during every moment.
- Bar Louie, a great spot to grab a burger and a drink!
- Zing! Cafe, This was a cute coffee spot in the heart of Clay West downtown.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean, made to order mediterranean food! Gosh, I could eat here a lot.
- Puccini’s Pizza pasta, a local classic – pizzas, salads and calzones! Very family friendly.
- Verde, Fine dining Mexican food with beautiful decor and flavorful food!
Weather in Carmel Indiana
Carmel, Indiana enjoys a classic (and wonderful) Midwestern climate.
Summers are typically warm and humid – with temperatures often reaching into the 80-90F. The area experiences thunderstorms and occasional heatwaves during this time.
Winters in Carmel are cold, with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Snowfall is common, though typically not as heavy as in northern parts of the state.
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and colorful foliage, making them popular times to visit.
Overall, Carmel’s weather is characterized by distinct seasons, providing a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Zipcode in Carmel Indiana
Carmel, Indiana actually has multiple ZIP codes, due to its size and the way the city is divided into different areas.
The primary ZIP code for Carmel is 46032. However, there are also parts of the city that fall under the ZIP codes 46033 and 46082.