Ever catch yourself dreaming about a favorite hiking trail, your next vacation to beautiful scenery, or where to go for family time outdoors? Good news! You don’t have to go too far to get just that in Central Indiana. Fast-paced backwoods bike rides and long, scenic walks are minutes away within Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s network of trails with 14 parks and greenways.
Grab your bike and pedal through the wooded Hazel Landing Park, which also offers amenities like grills and an 18-hole competitive disc golf course. Visit Inlow Park if you’re looking for family fun, and don’t miss natural hiking trails and a park featuring three playgrounds nestled into a wooded area and even a splash pad for cooling off after a long walk.
Many of the parks include paved trails, great for walking the dog or a stroller in tow. West Park and Founders Park have paved sections and biking routes, as well as playgrounds and picnic shelters.
No matter what trail you choose, you’ll see amazing plant species and wildlife, as Carmel’s park system is the first in Indiana to be certified as wildlife and habitat friendly. Turn your family’s walk into an engaging learning experience—perfect to exercise, relax and create memories with each step!
Special Event Dates for Spring
Kids Concerts: April 25 10am-11am
Join us as we dance and sing along to classical hits and kid favorites. Each hour-long performance provides an enriching and engaging experience for young children.
Exploration Celebration: April 30 10am-12pm
Grab your magnifying glass and join us for a morning of nature exploration and hands-on learning about plants, bugs, fossils, animals, and the beauty around us. Come ready to create nature crafts and explore with us during a scavenger hunt through Founders Park!
High School Waterpark Palooza: May 25 8pm-11pm
Finals are over, school is out, and it’s time to hit the waves at The Waterpark! Join us, in partnership with the Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council, for a night just for high schoolers filled with live music, food trucks, competition, fun, and more!
Family Campout: June 3-June 4 5pm-9am
Pop up your tents and roll out your sleeping bags! Join us for a night full of scavenger hunts, crafts, hot dogs, games, and of course, s’mores! Bring your family and friends as you explore the sights and sounds of nature right here in Carmel. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, June 1.
Movies in the Park: June 3, July 8, August 12 9:30pm-11pm
What’s better than watching a movie in the theaters? A movie under the stars! Pack up the family, grab your snacks, and enjoy the fresh air while you watch a movie on the big screen! Movies begin at sundown. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Kids Concerts: June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 1 10am-11am
Jump, sing, and express your creative side at our Kids Concerts. Your child will listen and dance around to new tunes, classic sing-a-longs, and kid favorites. During the concerts, Kona Ice will be present selling shaved ice. A portion of their proceeds will benefit our events so we can continue to offer programs to children and parents at low to no cost!
Monon Mixer: June 16, July 14, August 11 8pm-10:30pm
Join us for an exclusive, after-hours event at The Waterpark! Adults (over 21) can enjoy the kids-free Waterpark while relaxing to live music, sipping wine in the cabanas, joining in a friendly pool volleyball game, floating along the lazy river, testing your balance on the FlowRider(R), and more! Come with your neighbors, college buddies, or make it an adult night out! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Please drink responsibly. *Monon Community Center Members FREE with an Escape Pass.
Member & Summer Camp Appreciation Night: June 25 7:30pm-10pm
Thank you for supporting Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation! Swipe in with your Escape Pass or pre-register at your Summer Camp check-in table and join us after hours as we say, “Thanks!” This one-of-a-kind night includes open cabanas, pool volleyball, all Waterpark attractions, s’mores, door prizes, games, and more!
Touch a Truck: July 20 10am-12pm
Does your child love watching big trucks pass by as you drive? Your child can come explore fire trucks, police cars, limousines, and more! Let them sit in the driver seat and honk the horn as their imaginations soar.
Flow Tour Competition: July 23 8am-5pm
Surf the waves and join us for our annual FLOW Tour sanctioned competition, where nationally ranked professionals and amateurs come together from all over the country to showcase their skills standing up and bodyboarding. There is a PRO Cash Prize Purse and prizes to top amateur finishers include medals and more. All registered competitors are also invited to an exclusive Friday night open training session and early Saturday morning session in preparation for the competition.
Ultimate Waterpark Olympics: August 6 7:30pm-10pm
The Rio Olympics are approaching, so join us for our own competition after hours at The Waterpark! Competition categories include rock climbing, FlowRider, log rolling, lily pad escape, lazy river laps, water balloon toss, and more! Don’t want to compete? No worries! Come join in the fun by cheering on others or enjoying The Waterpark attractions. All Waterpark features will be open during the event, but closed temporarily as each challenge occurs. Additional event details can be found on our website at carmelclayparks.com/ccpr-events/ultimate-waterpark-olympics
Preschool Splash Bash: August 17 11am-2pm
Splash and play the morning away at The Waterpark! While the big kids are back in school and The Waterpark begins post-season hours, we open it back up for one more morning where you and your kiddos can take over. Swim in the kiddie pool, activity pool,
and lazy river, and participate in fun games and crafts all morning. Don’t miss out on the fun! *MCC Members free with Escape Pass.
For more information visit: http://carmelclayparks.com.
