Indy with Kids: 3 water parks your kids will love
Katy Mann is a wife, a mom, an explorer and a traveler. Through her website IndywithKids.com, she encourages families to get out and enjoy their community and the world around them.
If every family in Central Indiana claims the pool that's closest geographically to them as "their pool," then Perry Park is "our pool." Every single day from September to May, my children ask if there's water in the pool yet.
Now that my girls are getting older and more independent, but not quite ready for the super slide, they want other options and obstacles that are full of splashes and sprinkles.
We've had our eye on the brand-new Freedom Springs Water Park at Freedom Park (850 W. Stop 18 Road, Greenwood). The bright, shiny red and blue body slides and inner tube slides burst up from the ground, surrounded by the concrete pits of the soon-to-be filled lazy river, lap pool and splash area. The diving boards and lily pad crossing are areas of interest for my adventurous one; the sand play area and splash area are a draw for my littlest ones. With a concession stand, shelters and cabanas, swim lessons and water exercise classes, I can't imagine that our entire family won't be spending hours and hours at this new addition to our neighboring community.
Set to open during the month of May, Freedom Springs will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Season passes start at $65 per person. Daily admission for Greenwood residents is $8 for an adult and $6 for child or senior. Non-residents will pay $10/adult, $8/child and senior. Children 2 and under are free. Info: freedomspringsin.com
To the west of Indianapolis, the gates of Splash Island (651 Vestal Road, Plainfield) open up to 900 feet of "leisure" river, three giant waterslides, pulsating vortexes and water basketball games. The lily pad crossing is a challenge that must be attempted and the whole family will love the rock waterfall and play area.
The Splash Island outdoor water park will open May 23. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday,, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday nights. Admission for residents: $6.50/adult, $5.50/youth and seniors, $6/preschool (age 2-4 years). Non-residents: $9/adult, $7.50/youth and seniors, $6/preschool. A "just watching" pass can be purchased for $3.50. Info: splashislandplainfield.com
The water park at the Monon Community Center (1235 Central Park Drive East, Carmel) will power up its popular Surf Rider and other attractions on May 23. Challenge seekerss will love climbing the AquaClimb wall and slipping down the high-speed plunge slide and two body slides. A separate kiddie pool makes a great space for those smaller swimmers and the zero-depth activity pool is a hot spot for the younger crowd. A relaxing river will take you around and around and around as long as you like. (That's where you'll find me.)
Visit Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The park opens even earlier on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day: 8 a.m. Admission is $10/adult, $6/youth and senior, children 2 years and younger are free. Info: carmelclayparks.com/thewaterpark
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