Looking for summer entertainment? There are so many Indianapolis area parks with a sandbox or sand play areas. Playing in the sand is excellent for a child’s development and is relaxing as well which makes a lot of parents wonder, “Is there a sandbox near me?”
Sand is great for tactile sensory play, allowing children to explore a new texture. Sand is also good for physical development such as fine motor skills; scooping, pinching, and carrying heavy buckets work the muscles in the arms and hands. Want to work on social skills? Head to a park with a sandbox with other peers and the kids can work together to share space and materials.
Where can you find sandboxes in Central Indiana?
Founders Park
11675 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel
Founders Park has a sand ‘river’ where children can sit and dig. There are several shade structures along this winding sandbox, and it is long enough to accommodate many children. There is also a small shower as you exit so you can rinse the sand off your kids before leaving the park and getting back in the car.
Coxhall Gardens
11677 Towne Road, Carmel
Located in the Northeastern corner of Coxhall Gardens is the children’s garden area where there’s a giant sand ‘moat’. In the center is a concrete ‘island’ with 3 shaded bench areas. The sand pit is very large and can accommodate a crowd of kids who want to play in the sand. The landscaping throughout the children’s garden is well-maintained and there are spots for adults to sit.
River Road Park
12575 River Road, Carmel
River Road Park in Carmel is for the naturalist. All of the features are incorporated into the landscape. There is a good-sized sandbox that can fit several children easily. There are ‘bones’ to uncover, that are built into the structure. This spot has some mature trees and shaded seating away from the sandbox, but the sandbox itself is in full sun. The most unique part of this sandbox is that it is an accessible play area for children in wheelchairs or with other physical limitations. However, there is not a paved path leading to the play area, there is a gravel one; an adaptive stroller would do fine on the surfaces, but a wheelchair may struggle a bit.
Forest Park
701 Cicero Road, Noblesville
Forest Park in Noblesville is a very large park, so you will want to consult a map if you haven’t been there. The sandbox feature is at the playground in the center of the park, close to the carousel and small playground. There is a digger that the kids can sit on and use the levers to dig. This sandbox has plenty of shade, so it’s a great place to play on sunny days.
Fishers Agripark
11171 Florida Road, Fortville
It might have a Fortville address, but the Fishers Agripark is part of the Fishers Parks Department. This park is a 33-acre working farm and is only open seasonally (May through October). In the center of the large play area is a tractor tire and sand structure. There’s also a digger for kids to sit on and maneuver.
Dig Dig for Kids Fishers
Dig Dig for Kids is a giant indoor sandbox in Fishers. It’s Indiana’s largest indoor sandbox, and maybe one of the only ones. This indoor play place is a wonderful activity for younger kids and operates on a fee-based model for children only. Dig Dig is a wonderful birthday party place for kids and even adults love it.
Check this out if you’re looking for a beach with sand in Indianapolis.
Pseudo “Sandbox” Areas
While not originally intended to be a sandbox, these sand volleyball areas double as spots for little ones to explore the sand.
Roy G Holland Park, 1 Park Drive, Fishers
Canterbury Park, 5510 Carvel Avenue, Indianapolis
Washington Township Park, 115 S. County Road 575 East, Avon
Take a snack, sunscreen and we love baby powder to help remove stubborn sand from our skin. Don’t forget water and of course sand toys! The Indy area has a few fantastic outdoor sandboxes in pay-to-play areas as well. Check out Conner Prairie or Tuttles Orchard for more than just fun in the sand. Check out area beaches for even bigger sandbox play!
