There is something extra exciting about visiting a family destination before it is filled with families. I recently had the opportunity to take a hardhat tour of SKYLAKE Adventures, the brand-new outdoor water destination opening in Sheridan, Indiana, this summer.
Right now, SKYLAKE is still a construction site, with the final pieces coming together ahead of its opening day. But even during a hardhat tour, it was easy to imagine what this place will look like once the beach bags, sunscreen, flip-flops, and excited kids arrive.
SKYLAKE Adventures opens its first wave of attractions on June 4, 2026. Located just north of Grand Park in Hamilton County, this new destination is centered around a six-acre lake, white sand beaches, water obstacle courses, slides, swimming areas, and spaces for families to relax between all the splashing.
For central Indiana families, this is not simply another swimming pool or splash pad. SKYLAKE feels like it is being created for families who want an entire summer day experience: active water play, sand between your toes, somewhere to set up for the day, and enough variety to keep older kids, younger kids, and adults entertained.
What Is Opening at SKYLAKE Adventures This Summer?
The first phase of SKYLAKE is all about the water. Families visiting beginning June 4 can expect lake-based attractions, beaches, and water activities designed for a range of ages and confidence levels.
One of the biggest attractions is the Splash Challenge, a large floating obstacle course where guests can balance, climb, bounce, and slide across the water. This is the kind of attraction where siblings challenge each other, kids race their friends, and parents discover whether they are still as athletic as they claim to be.
For younger guests, Tidal Trek offers a scaled-down floating water course with climbing, balancing, and sliding features. It is intended for smaller kids who want to participate in the fun without being thrown straight into the larger course. Participants must be at least 4 years old to use Tidal Trek, and additional height or safety restrictions may apply to certain attractions.
Then there is the X Tower, which may become one of the most talked-about features at SKYLAKE. The floating tower gives thrill seekers the option to jump from 40 feet or ride a slide into the lake. This is definitely going to be one of those attractions where some kids sprint toward it, and others need to watch a few brave people go first.
Families can also look forward to SKYSlides, side-by-side water slide lanes built into the terrain, plus designated swimming areas for guests who would rather spend their visit splashing, swimming, and taking things at a slower pace.
Yes, There Will Be Beaches
One of the things that makes SKYLAKE different from many local water destinations is the beach setting. Around the lake, families will find three different shoreline areas, each created for a different type of visit.
Splash Beach is designed for younger guests, with shallow water, soft sand, and room for little kids to play. SKY Beach is the central family and teen beach area, putting guests close to the water action. South Beach is intended as more of an adult retreat, with a quieter place to relax and enjoy the lake setting.
As a parent, I appreciate that not every person in the family has to want the exact same day. Some kids are going to want to climb and slide until they are completely exhausted. Some are going to want to dig in the sand, wade in the water, and take breaks. Adults may be perfectly happy cheering everyone on from a shady spot with a drink and a comfortable chair.
That combination makes SKYLAKE a full summer outing rather than a quick stop to cool off.
Rentals, Cabanas, and Places to Set Up for the Day
Families planning a longer visit will be able to add rentals and upgraded experiences to their day. SKYLAKE has announced AquaBanas, private shaded cabana spaces that can serve as a home base for families spending several hours at the park.
There will also be an umbrella and two-chair rental package, along with kayak rentals and paddleboard rentals for families interested in exploring the lake beyond the swimming and obstacle course areas.
For larger groups, reunions, parties, or families visiting together, SKYLAKE will offer a Private Group AquaBanas Cove, which includes five cabanas and an attendant for the day. Rental pricing has not been posted on the public ticket information page at the time of publication, so families should check current availability and pricing when making reservations.
The park has also shared that guests will have access to lockers, changing rooms, picnic tables, retail shops, ADA beach access, and restrooms. Food and beverage options will be available on-site, with additional details expected closer to opening.
What Families Need to Know Before Visiting SKYLAKE
This is an active, lake-based water destination, and families should plan accordingly. SKYLAKE requires guests participating in activities to know how to swim and to wear a SKYLAKE-issued, U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jacket for the duration of the activity. Guests may not bring their own life jackets for use on the attractions.
Guests under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. Lifeguards will be on duty to monitor guest safety, but caregivers are still responsible for supervising their children.
Reservations are required, although same-day tickets may be available at the park if space remains. Every guest participating in an activity must complete a waiver before arrival, and guests under age 18 must have an adult or legal guardian complete the waiver for them.
Also, bring your own towels. SKYLAKE will not provide towels, although branded towels will be available for purchase in the park. Since this is an outdoor destination, activities may close in unsafe weather conditions. If the park closes because of weather or unsafe conditions, unused tickets may be rescheduled.
How Much Does SKYLAKE Adventures Cost?
For the opening season, general admission prices are:
Adult 1-Day Admission, ages 10 and older: $55
Child 1-Day Admission, ages 4–9: $50
Parking: $15 per vehicle
Adult Explorer Annual Pass: $119
Child Explorer Annual Pass: $109
Adult Adventure Annual Pass: $159
Child Adventure Annual Pass: $139
General admission includes access to the available water attractions, beaches, and general swimming areas. Second-day upgrades are also available.
The Explorer Annual Pass includes unlimited visits for 12 months from the first visit, along with 10% off additional day tickets for friends and family. However, it includes blackout dates such as Fridays and Saturdays in July and certain holiday periods, and parking is not included.
The Adventure Annual Pass includes unlimited admission for 12 months with no blackout dates, standard parking, 10% off dining and retail purchases, discounts on up to six friends-and-family tickets each year, and two complimentary guest tickets annually.
One important detail for families considering a pass: annual passes include access to future dry attractions as they open, not only the summer water attractions.
What Is Coming to SKYLAKE After the Summer Water Attractions?
The water attractions are only the beginning for SKYLAKE Adventures.
Later phases are planned to add dry-land attractions that could make this a destination beyond hot summer days. A high ropes course is anticipated to open in the fall, giving families another reason to visit once swimsuit season begins winding down.
An all-season tubing hill is anticipated around Thanksgiving, which could give families a new outdoor activity during the colder months. Opening timelines remain subject to construction progress, weather, permitting, and operational readiness.
The larger SKYLAKE development is planned as a phased project through 2031 on a 126-acre site, with the goal of becoming a year-round outdoor destination for families in Indiana and beyond.
Why I Think Families Will Be Watching SKYLAKE Closely
As someone who spends a lot of time looking for the places where Indianapolis-area families can make memories together, I am always interested in destinations that add something genuinely new to our summer options.
SKYLAKE Adventures does that.
Families already have pools, waterparks, and splash pads they love. SKYLAKE adds a beach-and-lake experience with floating obstacle courses, water slides, rentals, and room to stay for the day. It may be especially exciting for families with older kids, tweens, and teens who are ready for something bigger than a traditional splash pad but still want a summer day that the whole family can enjoy.
The location is also convenient for families in Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, and surrounding communities. SKYLAKE is located in Sheridan, just off U.S. 31 and approximately six minutes north of Grand Park, making it an especially interesting option for families visiting Hamilton County for sports tournaments or other activities. SKYLAKE and Grand Park have already announced a partnership intended to create more experiences for visiting sports families.
After my hardhat tour, I left looking forward to seeing this place with families in it: kids climbing across floating obstacles, parents relaxing on the beach, and friends racing down slides.
SKYLAKE Adventures opens June 4, 2026, at 22105 Dunbar Road in Sheridan, Indiana. For tickets, reservations, current hours, and opening updates, visit the SKYLAKE Adventures website before planning your visit.
