Summer in Hamilton County

If you’ve been longing for a change of scenery, the wide-open spaces of Hamilton County, Indiana are waiting for you. This is a place where you can experience the great outdoors, either through a quiet moment or an exciting adventure.

When people travel to a new city or community, they often do so to immerse themselves in new experiences that reflect what is uniquely local. Whether it’s paddling the White River, exploring the expansive grounds at Conner Prairie or sampling the cuisine at one of our many local restaurants, travel gives us an appreciation and acceptance of new cultures. We welcome all visitors from all backgrounds to experience the authenticity of our destination firsthand.

The cities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield, along with the four Northern Towns of Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan, are the perfect place for a weekend escape with your family this summer.

Get inspired with our list of ideas below, or request a free copy of our Destination Guide.

Parks and Recreation

Soak in the sunshine and fresh air by exploring dozens of local parks and more than 600 miles of trails. The most popular parks include Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, with the twin bell towers chiming on the hour and a children’s play area; Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers, known for its picturesque boardwalk and three hidden tree houses; and Central Park in Carmel, with a peaceful lagoon area, ideal for fishing and bird watching.

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, visit Strawtown Koteewi Park in northern Hamilton County, a 750-acre park with miles of trails and prairie land. Book a guided horseback ride through the park at Koteewi Stable and Trails, try your hand at a bow and arrow at Koteewi Range or soar through the ziplines and treetop trails at Koteewi Aerial Adventure.

Summer Festivals and Events

Every summer, the Hamilton County events calendar is packed with live music events. In Carmel, check out Summer Music Fest held on Village Green at Clay Terrace in June and the Late Night on Main block parties held in June, July, and August. 

In Noblesville, don’t miss the Dillon Park Summer Concert Series throughout June and July and the Front Porch Music Festival in August. There are also summer concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers and the Cool Creek Summer Concert Series in Westfield.

Beyond live music, you’ll also find cultural festivals like the Kraftskiva Swedish Festival, the Come and See Egyptian Festival, and the IndyGreek Fest held each summer, as well as the week-long Spark! Fishers festival in Fishers’ Nickel Plate District, which includes a 5K, car and art show, and a street fair.

And, of course, in the summer we have Independence Day. You can celebrate the 4th of July in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Westfield, as well as in Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero and Sheridan, Indiana, with food, fireworks, festivals, and plenty of patriotic fun. 

Summer Fun for Kids

Kids can have a blast in Hamilton County, too! The Kids Summer Series at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield, every Tuesday in June and July, allows kids of all ages to dance and sing along with fun music, get their faces painted, and play, all for free. 

The Waterpark at the Monon Community Center in Carmel, Indiana, is also a must-visit with kids. This 3.5-acre waterpark experience has a kiddie pool, an activity pool, and a lap pool, plus slides, a climbing wall, and a lazy river to float down. 

There are also several exciting Splash Pads throughout Hamilton County. Conner Prairie River Crossing in Fishers is a local favorite where kids can climb aboard a steamboat and fire a water cannon. In Carmel, West Park features a farm-themed aquatic playground, complete with a man-made creek that offers numerous rocks to climb on!

Kids can also have fun at various summer camps throughout Hamilton County. Highlights include the UPaint Pottery Studio in Noblesville, which offers themed, drop-off painting classes for kids five and older, and Indiana Diving Academy’s RIPFEST, which is a top-notch diving camp where kids can learn new skills.

Summer Experiences in Hamilton County

In the summer, you can enjoy a drink al fresco at Hamilton County’s several wineries and breweries. Guided tours are available, or you can take part in special events like live music, painting classes, and yoga! Some of the most memorable places to visit include Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery, with its modern craft wines (and yaks and sheep on-site), and Urban Vines, a winery and brewery in Westfield that features live music most weekends. 

There are also two famous attractions in Hamilton County worth visiting over the summer. Conner Prairie History Museum has beautiful outdoor grounds where you can see baby sheep and goats, as well as experience what life was like in historic 1836 Prairietown. You can also climb aboard the Nickel Plate Express, a historic train excursion traveling through northern Hamilton County.