Today’s playgrounds offer more than a venue for kids to expel excess energy. Indiana’s most cutting-edge play spaces are a blueprint for creativity, exploration, and connection for every age, ability, and interest.

Westermeier Commons at Central Park, Carmel

If a child’s drawing of what the most amazing playground was to be built in real life, it would look something like the playground in Carmel’s Central Park. With futuristic silver climbing walls, neon green loops, and a series of blue slides that keep going, kids of all ages can enjoy hours of play in Carmel’s biggest park. 

1235 Central Park Dr E Carmel, IN 46032
carmelclayparks.com 

Possibility Playground at Hayswood Nature Reserve, Corydon

The largest all-inclusive playground in the country and the largest playground in Indiana can be found at Hayswood Nature Reserve in Corydon. Opened in fall 2023, the boldly-colored playground features twisting tunnels, lookout towers, expansive climbing structures, 18 slides, and hundreds of spaces for every child to explore, no matter their ability. 

755 Highway 135 NW Corydon, IN 47112
harrisoncountyparks.com 

The Overlook at Riverside Park, Rushville

The beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure come together at The Overlook, where a natural creek bed aquatic feature is your guide between natural play elements, an accessible playground, a climbing tower, a sculpture garden, and outdoor dining areas. This link between downtown Rushville and Riverside Park makes this playground a must-visit for the whole family. 

303 South Main St Rushville, IN 46173
cityofrushville.in.gov 

Blast Off Playground at Williams Park, Brownsburg

Every kid dreams of becoming an astronaut, and at Blast Off Playground in Brownsburg, a child’s imagination can go into orbit. The recently renovated rocket-themed wooden play structure features towers, tunnels, ramps, monkey bars, and slides and is enclosed for maximum adventure for the kids and confidence for the adults. 

940 S Locust Ln Brownsburg, IN 46112
brownsburg.org 

Howard Park, South Bend

Once you get to Howard Park, whose campus sits adjacent to the St. Joseph River, you may as well not leave, especially once the kids spot the colorful 13,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible playground. Kids ages 2-12 will find play spaces designed for them across various levels of terrain, meaning there’s more to explore with every visit. 

219 S St Louis Blvd South Bend, IN 46617
visithowardpark.com 

Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.