Playgrounds
23 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Meadowlark Park1.3 mi from downtown
- Broughton Green2.6 mi from downtown
- Halifax Park2.7 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Carmel with kids
5 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Carmel, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Carmel Arts and Design DistrictArt gallery
- Carmel Clay History MuseumHistory museum
- CCA GalleryArt gallery
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Carmel Clay Public Library55 4Th Avenue Se
- Joyce Winner West Branch12770 Horseferry Rd
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Cecil M. Harden Lake52 mi west
- Cagles Mill Lake53 mi southwest
- Mississinewa Lake53 mi north
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Cecil M. Harden Lake52 mi west
- Cagles Mill Lake53 mi southwest
- Mississinewa Lake53 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Top 10 things to do in Carmel, Indiana
A local activity video shared by City of Carmel, Indiana.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
West Commons Playground at Central Park - Carmel, IN - Visit a Playground - Landscape Structures
A local activity video shared by Landscape Structures.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Carmel with kids?
Playgrounds (23), Indoor fun (7), Libraries (2), Picnic spots (26), Wildlife and nature (22). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Carmel for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Carmel when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.