Looking for activities in Carmel? Keep reading below for a list of some of my favorite things to do in Carmel, Indiana. This list spans all ages, activity levels, and abilities. I highlight attractions for infants and adults, shopping for the youngest and oldest at heart, dining options for all, and outdoor explorations you won’t want to miss. Most options are hands-on and include the thrill and adventure you’re craving!
Thrilling and Adventurous Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana with Your Family
Discover
The Waterpark
This waterpark is sure to make it on your list of things to do in Carmel. With options from the kiddie pool to the FlowRider®, AquaClimb®, and cool cabanas you’re sure to find something for everyone to do. Don’t forget about the Lazy River and the large lap and activity pool. The concessions will keep you full and cool with their wide array of offerings across a reasonable price point.
Carmel Ice Skadium
This chilly venue offers public and cosmic skating, open hockey teams, youth hockey, hockey leagues, and lessons for all ages and skill levels. The Ice Skadium boasts two NHL-sized rinks, concessions, and rental spaces. Public skating and cosmic skating are regularly available between May and September.
Flix Brewhouse- Carmel
This movie venue is known equally for its movie-viewing experience and its wide array of fresh food, delivered directly to your seat! Check out their calendar for “Baby Day” events where you can bring your infants, toddlers, AND their strollers! Flix Brewhouse is proudly the first cinema in the world to also own a brewery. Pick your move, find your seat, and then wait for your server to take your order. It’s that easy!
Sprouts Cooking School
Sprouts is the go-to location for kids cooking classes in central Indiana, with classes ranging in age and skill level from 3 years to 13 years. Even the smallest member of your family can join in a class to learn how to make things like themed cupcakes, cookies, and drinks. Older children can learn how to take on kid favorites such as mac and cheese and burgers. Take inspired-by topical classes like Bluey, Pixar, princesses, Harry Potter, Nailed It!, and more!
Eat
The Cake Bake Shop- Carmel
The Cake Bake Shop’s Carmel, Indiana locates excites and dazzles every visitor. With a full line of exquisitely curated cakes for each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) and an ambiance to match, this sweet treat shop always makes it to the tops of families lists for the area. The Cake Bake Shop and founder Gwendolyn Rogers win award after award and it’s easy to see why! Make sure you make a reservation for your visit!
Stacco House by Mammamia
Stacco House offers a walk-up bakery and gelato bar as well as a sit-down restaurant for Italian goodies like pizza, lasagna bolognese, meatball sandwiches, paninis, Caprese salads, and more! Their walk-up bakery includes mouth-watering traditional Italian desserts such as torta della Nonna, biscotti, tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta, and bags of occhi di bue. But if you’re there for the gelato, you won’t be disappointed in their offerings. If you’ve never had an affogato or a gelato cake, this is the place to have your first!
Bub’s Burgers- Carmel
Located in a little yellow house along Main Street, this burger destination is a go-to for families and tourists. Up for a challenge? Take on their 1lb Big Ugly® burger! Visitors love their fresh ground and flame-grilled chuck burgers, locally baked and toasted buns, hand-dipped milkshakes, and friendly service.
Bazbeaux Pizza- Carmel
Named after a 15th-century court jester who made his name as a poet, this local Carmel, IN restaurant serves up traditional pizza pies and specialty pizza pies, sandwiches, starters, and desserts. Diners love this location for its wide variety of fresh ingredients, indoor/outdoor seating, and wine bar. Bazbeaux offers a sprawling beer menu to round everything out.
Shop
Clay Terrace
Do you have the shopping bug? Shop stores like LoveSac, Rose & Remington, Sur la Table, LuluLemon, and Sephora. Dine with options spanning Cafe Patachou, Prime 47, and Upland Brewing Co. Visit the dog park behind Kona Grill with your family pup!
Carmel City Center
Spend the day at Carmel City Center shopping favorites like Addendum, Hey Little Diddle, Kits & Kaboodle, Olivers Twist, and Lily & Sparrow Boutique. With dining options of 317 Charcuterie, Divvy, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Matt The Miller’s Tavern, and Vivante French Eatery everyone will be well-fed. Take your pup to Canine Cloud Nine for a luxury spa grooming experience while you eat and shop.
Explore
The Monon Trail, named after the Monon Railroad, is a 20-mile path starting in Hamilton County and running into the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Walk, run, or bike your way through this historic railroad to Trailway conversion. Your dog will enjoy this pup-friendly trail too! If you’re up for an adventure, create your treasure hunt and include stops to drinking fountains, Locally Grown Gardens, West Commons Playground and Splash Pad, Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens, and The Hotel Broad Ripple.
Strawtown Koteewi Park
Hamilton County’s largest park, Strawtown Koteewi Park, proudly boasts an excess of 800 acres with adventurous activities like trails, an archery range, a canoe launch, an equestrian center and trails, fishing, a greenspace, a natural history center, a prairie. This park offers lessons, treetop courses at either 16’ or 60’ high, a 90-minute equine trails experience, a 700’ snow tube ride, and a replication of a Native American village.
Things To Do in Carmel, Indiana
I know you now have a good idea of all the things to do in Carmel, Indiana. Which appeals to you most? For me, it would be a day full of shopping at Carmel City Center, a trip to The Waterpark, or catching a late-night movie at Flix Brewhouse. Looking for more things to do in the Carme, Indiana area? Check out the convenient list below!
While planning for a perfect day out exploring, I hope you’ll consider also booking a family portrait session while you’re at it. As an Indianapolis photographer specializing in maternity, newborns, and families I also offer options for everyone. I love utilizing Carmel, Indiana, and Hamilton County parks.
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