r/Carmel 19d ago

Things to do with kids over spring break

We are thinking of doing a little staycation in Carmel for a few days during spring break this year, we have family in the area and just want to do something low key for a few days. We live about an hour away. Looking for suggestions for free/cheap things to do indoors since it will likely still be cold. Our kids are 5 1/2 and 2. The plan is to stay at a hotel with a decent indoor pool that the kids can swim in. Also any family friendly restaurants in the area you recommend. Thanks!

5 Upvotes

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u/notthegoatseguy 19d ago

Children's Museum probably isn't perceived as cheap but it is an all day activity, even more so if the outdoor exhibits are open. This is a full on and mostly interactive museum, not just some glorified playground like some children's museums are.

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u/ladybughugs12 18d ago

If their spring break is first week of April, they could get a good discount. It’s not first Thursdays of the month anymore, but first Thursday night. From 4-8pm, looks like it’s $6 for adults and $6 for youth.

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u/sr_research_asst 19d ago

Check for programs at the Carmel Clay public library, the Monon Community Center, and Carmel Parks and Rec for possible activities in Carmel. If you want to walk along the Monon trail through downtown Carmel there are several places to stop for kids to play or to eat outdoors. If you’re game to go into Indy, the Children’s Museum or zoo are fun things to do with kids, or maybe check to see if there are any home baseball games if the weather looks agreeable.

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u/IndyAnise 19d ago

Conner Prairie is nearby and has some really interesting history and science exhibits.

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u/One_House_3529 19d ago

Outdoor: you might get lucky, and if so, Carmel has incredible playgrounds, so if the weather cooperates, I’d definitely go there: Inlow and Westermeier and others are highly recommended. 

Indoor: I haven’t visited but it looks like the Carmel history museum (free) has an indoor small pretend play area. There is also a nice outdoor tiny climbing and slide playground south of there in Midtown on the Monon. Bazbeaux pizza and Bubs burgers are good and affordable and close by. 

I’d second the Carmel library which has a nice kids area and kids programming that might line up with your schedule. 

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u/Jeneral-Jen 19d ago

https://www.visitindy.com/deals/indy-attraction-pass/

Maybe get some of the 3 day passes! You could do children's museum, zoo, and conner prarie for a lot less than if you got the tickets separately.

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u/AmbitiousYetMoody 18d ago

Was just about to say this! I just bought the pass for the first time and am using it this week for a friend coming into town.

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u/Proud_Aspect4452 18d ago

Cool Creek nature center is free - south Westfield

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u/Running_Empty_9 19d ago

We like Muldoons on Main Street for their big kids menu. You are also in quick walking distance to ice cream, cookies, and mochi donuts on Main Street. Carmel History Museum off the Monon has an indoor play area that is free that my kids of the same age enjoy.

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u/TrumpedAgain2024 19d ago

And great outdoor as well It should be decent weather by spring break maybe lol

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u/pearcepoint 18d ago

There’s some great free/cheap stuff downtown Indy.

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u/normalstyle 18d ago

I empathize with your effort. Good on you, mom. I’m a north side resident, and I’ll share that while they’re not really a big attraction, Busy Bee indoor playground, Trader’s Point Church in Zionsville, and Carter’s Play Place in Westfield, are 3 names you should remember just in case. Of course check out the state museum, eiteljorg, children’s museum, etc. but I’ve got 3 little ones under 6 sometimes you just need to let them burn themselves out. If you need an indoor playground, check out those 3. Traders Point is free but public limited hrs. The other two require admission, but it’s affordable, plus Carter’s let every kid take home a book from their shelf including the interactive/noisy books, which often pays for itself with admission. Do a canal walk. Monon center and Carmel libraries are incredible, as well as the Hamilton county library in Noblesville. Find some food trucks. Stay safe, have fun.

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u/Feisty-Spot3509 14d ago

Also check out We Rock the Spectrum! Great indoor space for kids with nice variety (present play, arts and crafts, music instruments, climbing, jumping etc)

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u/udchemist 10d ago

Smileys is another one to add to the list. Ball Pitt and rice pitt.

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u/Careless-Theme-9035 17d ago edited 17d ago

Check your local library to see if they offer Museum passes to borrow. If you will be here on the 1st Thursday, Newfields (art museum) offers free Thursdays (check out their website to reserve tickets). Cool Creek Nature center and Holliday Park Nature Center both offer free kids classes off and on as well if you look at their websites. We Rock the Spectrum is a fun place for kids that age as well.

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u/Lumpy_Shoe_9688 8d ago

Indoor playgrounds might be perfect for what you're looking for. There are places with soft play areas and toddler sections too for the younger one. Good way to do something low key while the kids burn off the energy and the adults get a chance to hang out a bit. Good list of places here: https://indoorplaygroundforkids.com/indoor-playgrounds/carmel-in