One of Central Indiana’s best water parks is The Waterpark, part of the Monon Community Center in Carmel. The Carmel water park features a lazy river, an enclosed toddler pool area, two large slides (including one tube slide), a surfing simulator, a plunge slide, a lap pool, a zero-entry pool, and a big kids jungle gym with more slides. There is a great concession stand as well so you can spend all day at The Waterpark and stay through lunch or dinner!
The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center
The Waterpark is part of the Monon Community Center in Carmel. It is connected to the Monon Community Center, the Monon Trail, Central Park, and West Commons playground. The park-like atmosphere at this water park is one of the unique features that sets The Waterpark apart from others. There are trees and native plants surrounding the pools and butterflies can be seen flittering from bloom to bloom. Beyond the beautiful setting, there are so many things to do for all ages and abilities. They even have adaptive activity times.
One downside of the Carmel water park being so popular is that it can get very crowded and long lines will form on very hot days, especially on weekends. And these lines are just the lines to get into the water park. When they reach capacity, they begin to operate on a one-person in and one-person out system. The only way to beat this system is to be a member of the Monon Community Center or a season pass carrier. These people don’t have to stand in the general line! My advice would be to arrive and be in line well before the water park opens. You can sunscreen and snack in line while you wait.
Things to do at The Waterpark
Design rules at The Waterpark—the venue has so many unique activity areas. When I say All Day Fun, I mean it!
- A waterslide zone with two giant waterslides—one body slide and one inner tube slide.
- A deep pool with a super-fast, short slide that plunges riders deep underwater and a super fun aquatic climbing wall.
- A kiddie pool area that’s fenced in. This area has a small activity playground and splashing sprinklers.
- An activity pool area with a giant water playground with slides, games, and water spraying everywhere.
- The lap pool is great for practicing swimming skills or relaxing with friends.
- FlowRider: This hot spot is where guests can learn to surf on a simulated experience. Sign your FlowRider waiver in advance.
- Lazy River: Grab a tube and float through a river of native grasses, falling water, and relaxation.
The Waterpark Hours
The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center is open from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily, May 25 – August 4, 2024.
At least once a month during the summer months, there’s a Monon Mixer adult night where the water park reopens after hours for a 21+ party at The Waterpark.
The Waterpark Admission
Members of the Monon Community Center receive complimentary admission to The Waterpark. Daily admission is $17 for adults (16-64 years), $14 for youth (3-15 years), $14 for seniors (65+ years), and children 2 and under are free. Carmel residents receive $3 off the price of admission. Season passes are also available for The Waterpark.
The Waterpark Season Passes
Enjoy this Carmel water park all season long! Summer season passes are valid from May 25 – August 4, 2024, and are $99 for children ages 3-15, $147 for adults ages 16-64, and $135 for seniors ages 65+. A household pass is $321 and can be purchased at the Monon Community Center.
What to Bring to the Carmel Water Park
There are chairs available on a first come, first claimed basis but they can get claimed quickly on busy days. However, you are allowed to bring your own. You can even bring along a blanket to lay in the grass. Life jackets are available for use, but you are welcome to bring your own US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. You might want goggles, water toys, and a change of clothes for the kids. If you have a lot of stuff, you can bring in a stroller, rolling cooler, or wagon to haul all of your things.
Grab Lunch at the Concession Stand
Is there food at this Carmel water park? You bet! You’ll smell burgers being grilled as you walk up to the park and the prices are reasonable. Enjoy all kinds of summer favorites like hot dogs, walking tacos, bratwurst, popcorn, ice cream, chips, pretzels, nachos, candy, root beer floats, and more. The prices are extremely affordable so we don’t think twice about opting to eat lunch there instead of packing a lunch. On most days, you’ll also see the Kona Ice Truck serving up shaved ice! Guests are permitted to bring their own food and beverages to The Waterpark with the exception of glass and alcohol.
Rent a Carmel Water Park Cabana
The cabanas at the Waterpark are a comfortable space to set your things down, relax in the shade, store food and drinks, and just enjoy time with your friends and family. Each cabana is equipped with a ceiling fan, radio volume control, a cushioned chaise lounge, three cushioned chairs, electrical outlets, end tables, a cooler, and a lockable cabinet. When we opt for a cabana rental, we place a catering order with Chik-fil-A, bring fruit and veggie trays, and fill the cooler with Capri-Suns and soft drinks. It’s so much fun!
Cabanas are available for advance rental. These go quickly, so make sure to visit carmelclayparks.com soon to reserve one for your visit to the Carmel water park. Daily rates are $90 on weekdays and $120 on weekends. There are two smaller cabanas available for rent right smack in the middle of all of the water park fun, and they’re only $60 on weekdays and $90 on weekends. Admission is not included.
Carmel Water Park Birthday Parties
Birthday parties at The Waterpark are a lot of fun and a great deal! Rent the Patio at The Waterpark for $375 for a three-hour period. You can decorate the shaded patio how you like and bring in your own food. The rental fee includes 10 Youth Passes and 4 Adult Passes. You’ll be able to purchase additional passes for your guests at the regular admission rate.
You could also just meet up at the waterpark and buy passes for everyone. Add on a cabana rental for a landing place and you’ll have even more fun! Everyone loves a good water park birthday party and this Carmel water park will not disappoint, there’s so much to do!
Have you been to The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center? Share your comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
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Address
1411 E 116th
Carmel
Indiana
Visit Carmel Water Park | All Day Fun at The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center