Carmel Central Park Monon Trail & East Woods Family Boardwalk

About this adventure

Spanning 161 scenic acres in the heart of Carmel, Central Park is Hamilton County's premier public park, seamlessly bisected by the world-famous paved Monon Greenway. In late autumn, families explore the park's four miles of paved trails and elevated wooden boardwalks winding through the 40-acre East Woods nature preserve. The ADA-accessible boardwalks float over protected wetland prairies, winding creeks, and native sedge meadows where children can spot migrating songbirds, turtles, and white-tailed deer. The park also features the expansive Westermeier Commons—a multi-million-dollar playground with massive climbing towers, toddler slides, splash hills, and synthetic turf mounds. Heated pavilions and the Monon Community Center provide year-round amenities. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully accessible with wide asphalt greenways, flush wooden boardwalks with handrails, and elevator access within the community center. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Monon Community Center and Westermeier Commons pavilions offer heated family restrooms, private nursing mother rooms, and diaper changing facilities. • Age Suitability: Ideal for all ages, from babies in strollers navigating the boardwalks to older kids tackling the massive playground climbing structures. • Sensory Tips: The East Woods boardwalk trail is exceptionally calm and peaceful; the playground can be energetic, but quiet lawn mounds are situated nearby.