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Things to do in Carmel Indiana | Attractions, Entertainment & Trails

-Things to do in Carmel Indiana-

There’s no doubt about it, Carmel Indiana is a beautiful place. There are amazing things to do in Carmel Indiana. from visiting amazing attraction sites, and beautiful theaters to seeing movies, amazing restaurants, and lots more.

Things to do in Carmel Indiana

Carmel, just outside of bustling Indianapolis, has been named one of the “Best Places to Live in America” by Niche.com and Money Magazine. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it also includes bicycling and walking paths.

There are also multiple fantastic restaurants, a renowned arts scene, a vineyard, and much more.

With multiple parks and the Monon Trail, Carmel, Indiana is an excellent place for everyone to take a break and get out in nature.

Certain attractions may be closed temporarily or require reservations in advance. Currently, some eateries only provide pickup. It’s possible that the hours and availability have changed.

1. Monon Trail

The Monon Trail is a paved rails-to-trails system that runs through central Indiana. It connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and downtown Indianapolis.

The Monon Trail begins in Hamilton County, Indiana, on a 96th Street in the town of Carmel. It travels over twenty miles via Grant Park, Westfield, and Sheridan, passing by many of the area’s attractions.

Visitors can either stroll or ride their bikes along the trail. Renting a bicycle from a Zagster bike share station is also an option. At the 96th Street entry point, there is also free parking.

2. The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, Indiana

The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, Indiana

The Carmel Center for the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that runs a performing arts campus. It offers arts activities to the local community and the surrounding area.

The 200-seat Studio Theatre, the 500-seat Tarkington Theater, and the Palladium, the center’s 1,600-seat state-of-the-art concert hall, are among the performing arts center’s facilities.

 Throughout the year, The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel hosts a variety of activities. Some activities include dance, international music, and the Great American Songbook.

They also do country, rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. The center also offers educational and outreach programs.

3. Coxhall Gardens, Carmel, Indiana

3. Coxhall Gardens, Carmel, Indiana

The Coxhall Garden is in the nature-filled town of Carmel, Indiana. It is a fascinating and distinctive park with plenty to see and do.

A recreation lake, 90-foot twin bell towers, and the exquisitely stunning Centerpiece make up the modern botanical park, which spans 125 acres.

Tiki huts, a sundial, peek-a-boo hill, echo walls, and may you find town stores in the Coxhall Gardens’ Children’s Garden.  The Coxhall Gardens are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.

It also held special events and private parties in the gardens.

4. Peace Water Winery, Carmel, Indiana

Peace Water Winery, Carmel, Indiana

In the state of Indiana, the Peace Water Winery is the only locally owned “California winery.” They created Peace Water wines in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, one of the world’s top wine-growing regions.

 No reservations are required to experience any of these Napa Valley wines at the Peace Water Winery Tasting Room in the heart of Indiana.

The Tasting Room is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2:00pm to 9:00pm and until 10:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays from noon to 10:00pm, and Sundays from noon to 6:00pm.

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5. Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel is a one-of-a-kind collaboration of professional musicians.

It also includes directors and artists that collaborate with brilliant avocational community actors to produce a wide range of high-quality theatre shows throughout the year.

The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre also offers a variety of outreach and educational activities to benefit Central Indiana communities.

They established the theatre in 1915 and are the state’s largest community theatre. It has over seventy locations around Indiana. It has played an important role in the town’s cultural landscape.

6. Cool Creek Park, Carmel, Indiana

6. Cool Creek Park, Carmel, Indiana

Cool Creek Park is one of Hamilton County’s most popular parks. It offers a variety of activities and features for visitors and locals alike. The park encompasses around ninety acres and is open all year.

It is a terrific place for the entire family to spend an afternoon.

Around four miles of wooded trails, great for bird viewing, jogging, or hiking. Also, gorgeous asphalt roads flowing through Cool Creek Park for rollerblading and bicycling can be found here.

The Cool Creek Nature Center, which is accessible daily until 5:00 p.m., is another attraction in the park.

6. Art on Main Gallery & Gifts, Carmel, Indiana

Art on Main Gallery & Gifts, Carmel, Indiana

The Art on Main Gallery and Presents offers guests a mix of abstract, contemporary, and traditional gifts. They also offered it in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media.

Also, digital it offers photography in a comfortable art gallery ambiance in the center of Carmel’s Arts and Design District.

Gifts, posters, and original works of art are all available at a variety of prices at the gallery. Wednesdays and Thursdays it is from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m., the Art on Main Gallery and Gifts is open.

7. Carmel Old Town Antique Mall

7. Carmel Old Town Antique Mall

They house the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall in a historic building in Carmel. This is Indiana’s historic area, a building that once held the town’s first fire vehicle.

The antique mall began with just five merchants in 2002. It now has over fifty specialty dealers selling a wide range of antique products, including vintage linens, jewelry, books, pottery, toys, furniture, and much more.

Except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

8. River Road Park, Carmel, IN

 River Road Park, Carmel, IN

The sixty-three-acre River Road Park is on the banks of the picturesque White River. The park has plenty of green areas to explore, as well as paved pathways, prairies, and wetlands.

 You can find baseball and soccer grounds at River Road Park for sports and recreation. The park also has several unusual elements, such as an interpretative building, a sandbox, and an archeological playground.

This all aimed to educate visitors about Native American life hundreds of years ago. River Road Park is open every day of the year from dawn to sunset.

9. Sol Hot Yoga Studio, Carmel, Indiana

9. Sol Hot Yoga Studio, Carmel, Indiana

The Sol Hot Yoga Studio in Carmel, Indiana, is a family-run business that specializes in the increasingly popular form of yoga.

All the hot yoga courses here follow a structured therapeutic sequence meant to help people calm their minds and awaken their bodies.

Yoga’s steady flow aids in the prevention of bodily harm. The Sol Hot Yoga Studio’s state-of-the-art blend of music, lighting, and temperature strives to integrate all the senses during their lessons.

They held classes at various times throughout the week, from Sunday through Saturday.

10. Great American Songbook Foundation Exhibit

10. Great American Songbook Foundation Exhibit

The Great American Songbook Foundation is a nonprofit organization. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting the music of the “Great American Songbook.”

It is based in Carmel on the site of the Center for the Performing Arts. The Songbook Exhibit Gallery features changing displays that provide visitors an amusing and educational look into the Songbook.  

This allows them to put the featured music in context with key cultural movements and noteworthy events of the time.

 On Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the exhibit gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the second Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

11. Sugar Creek Winery, Carmel, Indiana

Sugar Creek Winery, Carmel, Indiana

They planted the first grapes in 2012. They planted it along with the Sugar Creek Winery. The first grape harvest occurred in 2015.

 In a relaxed, welcoming setting, the winery now offers a selection of artisan wines. They made this from their own Montgomery County grapes.

 Sugar Creek also makes wines from grapes grown in other parts of the world. This is including South America, Oregon, New York, and California, so there’s something for everyone.

Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Fridays from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturdays from 1:00pm to 10:00pm, and Sundays from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, the Sugar Creek Winery is available to the public.

12. Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream, Carmel, Indiana

12. Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream, Carmel, Indiana

Rachel and Matt Frey opened Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream in Carmel in 2003. The goal was to provide excellent meals in a lively atmosphere of high quality.

 Hand always cooks bub burgers with fresh ground chuck. They bake the buns fresh every day and properly fit the burgers.

At Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, service, value, and quality reign supreme, with the bar set high for the best possible service, products, and ingredients.

 Although they know this restaurant for its burgers, it also serves chicken sandwiches and grilled mahi-mahi.

13. Bazbeaux Pizza (Carmel)

13. Bazbeaux Pizza (Carmel)

Bazbeaux Pizza has three locations, one of which is in Carmel, Indiana. The pizza business, which first opened its doors in May 1986, quickly developed a reputation for tasty, freshly cooked pies.

Customers can choose from over fifty toppings, as well as a white or wheat crust, at the pizzeria, which specializes in freshly cooked thin-crust pizza.

This vegetarian-friendly restaurant offers a diverse selection of vegetables, cheeses, and meats, and they prepare all pizzas to order. Bazbeaux Pizza’s menu now offers sandwiches and salads besides a wide range of pizzas.

14. Divvy, Carmel, Indiana

14. Divvy, Carmel, Indiana

Divvy is a locally owned and operated restaurant that specializes in shared plates. It invites guests to try new recipes and share meals with friends and family to create lasting memories.

 Divvy’s proprietors, Kevin and Richelle Rider, have established a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests and locals aged twenty-one and up.

 The menu features a range of small dishes of contemporary American cuisine. This is shared, as well as desserts and beer, champagne, and wine taster tours.

 Divvy is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

15. Central Park

Central Park

Central Park in Carmel is a place that you’ll want to spend some time exploring. You may walk through marshes, prairies, and woods on paved routes.

The Monon Community Center and Water Park are in the park. It’s a skate park, a dog park, and a fantastic playground all rolled into one.

The park is free to enter (the water park has a separate cost), and there are bathrooms on-site with water. They designed the playground for children of all ages.

There are lots of fun to be enjoyed, from a toddler area to tunnels.

Central Park contains a toddler portion, a splash pad, and a picnic area beside the bigger kids’ play area. The absence of mulch in the play areas is a plus for families.

16. Carmel Arts District

Carmel Arts District

Take a walk down Carmel’s Main Street to appreciate the Arts and Design District’s beauty. You’ll come across trendy stores, intriguing galleries, and prominent restaurants, to name a few.

You will find beautiful scenes painted by local painters all across town.

The Monon Trail runs right through the Arts District. This makes it an excellent stop for cyclists and people looking for a leisurely stroll. There are seventeen life-size sculptures hidden around the Carmel Arts District, just waiting for you to discover them.

These sculptures are realistic in the sense that they can be related to everyone. You’ll uncover many of the beautiful little nooks and crannies of this small town on your quest to find all seventeen.

17. Carmel Farmers Market

Carmel Farmers Market

They hold the Carmel Farmers Market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between the Palladium concert venue and the Tarkington Theater.

They hold the market indoors at the Wire Factory between the months of October through March.

The Farmer’s Market’s abundance is extremely remarkable. Countless produce stands, flower stands, food vendors, and craftspeople vie for your attention and your money.

Live music fills the air, creating a lively atmosphere that makes it tough to leave. You can move around for fresh peaches, hot sauces, and more after snatching some lip-smacking BBQ from Rosie’s.

We even ended up taking home twelve ears of the nicest sweet corn!

18. Porchfest

Porchfest

Every September, tourists line the streets of Carmel, Indiana. They do this with blankets and chairs to listen to local performers perform on porches.

 The porches are strewn around a charming local neighborhood, with a variety of acts taking place at different times of the day.

The public is welcome to attend for free, and the event is both kids- and dog-friendly.

They give you a lanyard with the lineup and schedule when you enter Porchfest, so you can organize your visit accordingly. We recommend taking a stroll through the streets to hear all the different performances that are taking place.

Booths for local food vendors and sponsors are strewn over the streets. Wine and beer were available for purchase, but they had to be consumed within the festival’s boundaries.

19. Cake Bake Shop

Cake Bake Shop

Gwendolyn Rogers’ Cake Bake Shop serves out the most divine slice of cake. There’s a reason this restaurant is at the top of Oprah’s list of favorite things.

The possibilities are boundless, from exquisite chocolate cake to the world-famous mint chocolate chip. With unicorns, roses, and crystal chandeliers at every corner, the backdrop is straight out of a storybook. It’s breathtaking.

20. Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie, while not officially in Carmel, is in nearby Fishers and is not to be missed. This one-of-a-kind outdoor museum transports visitors back in time to historic villages, early aircraft, and other topics.

 Climb a four-story treehouse, experience how Indiana residents lived in 1836, or even go on a Balloon Voyage in 1859. The Balloon Voyage is a one-of-a-kind event in which a helium balloon suspended passengers 370 feet in the air.

Once you’ve reached your flying altitude, the gondola lets you stroll around and take in the amazing views from all perspectives. The ride takes about fifteen minutes in total.

21. Carmel Christkindlmarket 

Carmel Christkindlmarket 

Step into a traditional old-world Christkindlmarkt to experience the romance of the holidays. Carmel transforms the area between the Palladium concert hall and the Tarkington Theater. There is no charge to stroll around and get into the holiday spirit, but be prepared to do some shopping, dine, and ice skate.

There are about 50 wooden booths offering German imported products, ranging from nutcrackers to ornaments.

I propose getting a glass of Gluhwein and thinking about what unique finds you’ll be bringing home.

Enjoy one of the many German favorites, such as pretzels, bratwurst, stolen, lebkuchen, and more, while admiring the distinctive German Gluhwein Pyramide.

22. The Center For Performing Arts 

The Center For Performing Arts 

The Palladium, a world-class, internationally famous music hall, is a stunning structure that captures your attention. Visitors can enjoy symphony orchestras, jazz bands, comedians, and more at a variety of shows.

 The Studio and the Tarkington are just a short walk across the surrounding Central Green. It provides a more intimate setting for shows and performances.

While visiting Carmel, Indiana, look up showtimes and upcoming events to see who will be appearing.

23. Sun King Spirits 

Sun King Spirits 

Welcome to Sun King Spirits, where a gourmet food court meets a distillery. Guests can pick their own seating arrangement using an open seating concept and wait staff will then take your drink order.

You can order meals from one (or more!) of the food vendors once you’ve placed your drink order. After you place your order, a pager will tell you when it is ready.

 Please keep in mind that you must pay separately for each food vendor. This is a fantastic place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat because it’s directly off the Monon Trail.

Things to do with Kids in Carmel Indiana

There are also fun things to do in Carmel Indiana for all kids of all ages and we’ll be listing them below:

1. The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center

1. The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center

This summer, The Waterpark, a 3.5-acre aquatic experience, is your one-of-a-kind, family-friendly destination. Surf the waves on the FlowRider, scale the AquaClimb wall, and relax in style in your own private cabana.

Two adventure slides, a plunge slide, a lazy river, a kiddie pool and to slide, a lap pool, and an activity pool are among the other features.

 They include the Waterpark with a Monon Community Center membership, or you can pay a small fee to visit for the day.

2. Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections

Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections

The Museum of Tiny Has houses a wide collection of wonderful miniature houses. It also has vignettes and artisan pieces, ranging from a replica of a real French chateau.

  Newcomers frequently exclaim, “I knew nothing like this existed!” as they wonder at the intricacy involved in constructing products on such a small scale.

 The treasure hunts are a hit with kids and teens, and the younger ones get to play with an actual dollhouse. The Museum features a permanent collection as well as changing exhibits that change regularly.

3. Laser Flash

Laser Flash

This place is enormous! With over 7,000 square feet of laser tag arena, Laser Flash is Indiana’s largest laser tag facility, with laser tag for ages 7 to adult.

Check out the arcade or get some pizza if you need a break from gaming. You will undoubtedly break a sweat, and my son required beverages and a place to sit in between games.

If you aren’t in the building, there is a viewing deck where you can observe everything that is going on.

4. Little Village Playroom

Little Village Playroom

Little Village Playroom is an indoor playspace. It offers a variety of kid-friendly and engaging activities such as painting, story time, dancing, yoga, music, and more.

 For parents who need to get some work done while their children play in a secure environment, there are spaces to sit, free Wi-Fi, and coffee.

No matter how you slice it, it’s a win. The kid-sized play kitchen and market, as well as the train table, puppet theater, and sensory activities, are guaranteed to delight. Reservations are required for open play and camps.

5. Ice Skadium

Ice Skadium

Carmel Ice Skadium is an indoor ice skating rink that offers open skating. It also offers skating lessons, hockey courses and leagues, figure skating, private lessons, and a fun cosmic skating alternative.

Snacks are available for buy, and a small arcade is available for use when you need a break from the ice. The lobby’s windowed viewing area is a wonderful place to sit and observe the rink action.

However, there are also heaters in the Rink 1 seats to keep fans warm.

6. Penn + Beech Candle Company

Penn + Beech Candle Company invites you to collaborate on a candle. You can sample all the smells available in the store, share your favorites with your friends, and select up to three to incorporate into your own personalized candle.

 This is a fantastic activity for connecting. Plus, you’ll take home a fragrant and practical memento of your time together.

7. Monon Community Center

The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center is a must-see for any water-loving family. Unlike other pools, this one looks like a park, with plenty of green areas to dry off and enjoy a hot day.

They even have cabanas for rent. However, if all you want to do is relax and enjoy the sea, there is enough to do.  There are two enormous slides, various splash sections, a wave pool, and the lazy river, which is my particular favorite.

There are concessions provided, but you can also bring your own picnic tables. In the winter, the Monon Center has an indoor activity pool with day passes and memberships available.

8. Cool Creek Park and Nature Center

Cool Creek Park and Nature Center

Do you need to spend some energy? Cool Creek Park’s playground features thirteen slides and various swing and climbing opportunities.

Bring your bikes and go for a ride on one of the park’s gorgeous roads. You can stomp around on the four miles of woodland trails with a creek, where you may engage in the fun activity of creek stomping.

Check out the seasonal nature-themed exhibits within the Nature Center to round off your day.

9. Lawrence W. Inlow Park

Lawrence W. Inlow Park

Bring a towel and a change of clothes because the splash pad will be popular with the kids. When they’re done splashing, they can go to one of three playgrounds in Inlow Park.

Woodlands surround the parks and provide a range of activities.

Bring sunscreen and drink because there may not be much shade surrounding the play areas depending on the time of day. If you have a frisbee, there is also a 9-hole mini disc golf course.

10. Westermeier Commons

Westermeier Commons

Walk the six miles of trails through three habitats, skate at the skate park, take your dog to the dog run, play on the playground, and cool off on the splash pad.

 Westermeier Commons has almost 25,000 square feet of playground space for your children to enjoy, allowing them to spend hours alone on the playground.

The playground offers activities for children of all ages and abilities, as well as a mud-free playing surface, making it an excellent choice for a muddy day!

11. Sprouts Cooking School

Sprouts Cooking School

Is your child enamored with a food competition show? Is it always their desire to assist in the kitchen? This is your opportunity to inspire your budding chef while also teaching them valuable life skills.

 They specifically sized the equipment at Sprouts Cooking School for Kids for children. This allows them to gain confidence in the kitchen.

 They not only learn to cook skills and get to make their dishes in class, but they also get to take their creations and a recipe card home to share with their families.

For a complete list of classes for families with children ages 3 and up, visit their website. Because the classes are small and intimate, reservations are essential!

12. Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School

Swimming is a terrific way to keep youngsters active all year, and Goldfish Swim School’s pool is kept at a “shiver-free” 90 degrees all year. The training and instructors here instill in the entire family a sense of water safety and confidence.

Classes are available for children from 4 months to 12 years old, and advanced swimmers can join a competitive swim team. If you want to take a dip, check out their website for family swims, which are normally held on Friday or Saturday evenings.

13. A Sewing Studio

A Sewing Studio

Teach your little fashionista to sew to support their passion.  Students learn terminology, machine skills, hands-on pattern application, and project assembly in weekly lessons at a sewing studio.

 Children ages 7 to 16 can take classes, and adults can attend workshops occasionally. While most of the classes are ongoing, there are some that are only offered once.

 Check out their website to see if there are any openings; they fill up quickly!

FAQs

1. What is it Like in Carmel, Indiana?

Carmel residents enjoy a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Carmel. Carmel is home to many families, and residents are conservative. Carmel’s public schools are valued.

2. What are Some Things to do in Columbus, Indiana?

A self-guided tour of over 70 works, including public art like Henry Moore’s Large Arch, is available for free. Bus tours with volunteer guides are available for a charge and add charm to buildings across town.

Restaurants and a play area with a large children’s climbing structure are included in the glass-enclosed community space.

3. What are Some Fun Things to do in Indianapolis?

The “Circle City” provides something fascinating for every type of visitor. From sparkling art to mouthwatering food (check out the Indianapolis City Market), a rich history, and a wide range of entertainment possibilities.

Make a beeline for a Pacers game or the historic Indy 500 track to hear the engines rev.

4. Why is Indiana a Terrible Place?

The drivers are both sluggish and obnoxious. They will go out of their way to never let you in if you use your turn signal. The worst highways in the United States.

According to Meta tracking, Indianapolis is the third worst city in the country. Homelessness is a major issue.

5. Is Indiana a Good Place to Live and Why?

They ranked Indianapolis 21st in the United States for career jumpstarting. This is because of the rising technology sector and the healthcare industry.

Indianapolis has a cost of living that is 7.6% lower than the national average, making it a fantastic area to live and work, according to Forbes Magazine.

6. What are the People Like in Indianapolis?

Mostly, the people in Indianapolis are friendly, unless you’re talking about how they drive.

7. What are the Downsides of Living in Indianapolis?

The infrastructure is on the verge of collapsing. Roads, walkways, and bridges are all examples of infrastructure. The bike paths are practically on the road’s side. Non-executive compensation is inadequate.

Raising a family on less than $20 an hour is difficult. This is something that many single-parent households are forced to undertake. 

8. Would you Recommend Living in Northwest Indiana?

Yes, if you can deal with the weather and find good work in the Calumet Region or perhaps Chicago. Depending on the demographics, communities in that area are hit or miss.

9. Is Indianapolis Indiana Dangerous?

According to a new SafeWise research, Indianapolis is one of the most dangerous large cities in America. They ranked Indy ninth on a list of the top ten most dangerous cities in the research, which the organization does every year.

10. What is it Like to Live in Kokomo, Indiana?

Kokomo is a good place to call home. There isn’t a lot of variety in terms of extras like nightlife, kid-friendly activities, or museums, but it’s a decent area to live.

Because there is nothing safe and interesting for young people to do in Kokomo, the city has a high crime rate.

In Carmel, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do. Learn about the history of the area and visit the city’s most popular tourist sites. Make your travel plans now so that you’ll be ready to go when you arrive.

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