Making a Splash
A new nature-based adventure park has splashed into Hamilton County, offering thrills from a giant floating obstacle course and multi-slide jump towers to climbing and sliding fun for young children and carefree swimming for all.
SKYLAKE Adventures, sprawling across 133 acres in Sheridan, opened in early June, just in time for guests to experience an exciting new way to escape the sweltering summer humidity.
The brainchild of founders Sean Howard and Phil Sack, both Westfield residents, SKYLAKE Adventures was inspired by travels with their families to different states and watching their children’s enthusiasm for water parks.
Their vision was to bring this type of entertainment to the local community for their children, grandchildren and other families to enjoy, according to Ben Peacock, general manager of SKYLAKE Adventures.
Kids of all ages are welcome — from 2 to 102. Even if guests prefer something low-key on the beach, like lounging in a chair while soaking up the sun or people-watching in the comfort of the shade, every member of the family can find something to enjoy.
“Maybe it’s grandparents that want to come here and just watch their children in the water enjoying themselves, and we will have those opportunities for everybody. So it really is somewhere where everybody, from all levels and all ages, can come out here and enjoy,” Peacock says.
There are three beaches, each offering a different vibe. Children can laugh their cares away by building sandcastles in the soft sand and playing in shallow water at Splash Beach. SKY Beach is designed for families and teens who love social energy, while adults may prefer the quieter, more relaxed Sunset Sands.
SKYLAKE offers equipment to rent on-site, including umbrellas, chairs and aquabanas, as well as paddleboards and kayaks for those who want a bit more physical activity across six acres of water.
For those who can’t get enough thrills, “we’ve got this ‘Zoom Flume,’ which is a bit of an adrenaline ride; it’s a 90-foot slide,” Peacock says. “That’s for children over 48 inches tall. They can have a great time on that.” With two water slides available, kids can race their friends down the hill and into the water.
An even bigger thrill is “The X Tower,” a 40-foot-tall floating deck with 10 water slides, cliff-sized jump platforms and drops.
“It’s a really fun attraction, one of only two in the U.S.,” Peacock says. “It came over from France, and it is a sight. When you’re driving down U.S. 31, you can actually see it, which is exciting as well.”
Kids can enjoy a friendly contest with friends while bouncing, balancing and climbing around an obstacle course called Splash Challenge, while their younger siblings can do the same on the smaller Tidal Trek.
After expending their energy, families can refuel at one of several food trucks, including Tropical Snow, Indi Taco, Pastelitos, Chef Dan, Zobots, Porkopolis and Union Jack. They can enjoy their meals at one of the many nearby picnic tables.
After summer ends, the adventure will continue on land with the addition of a High Ropes Treetop Course slated to open this fall and an all-season tubing hill this winter. More indoor attractions will follow next year, including a conference center, according to Peacock.
The addition of SKYLAKE Adventures helps Hamilton County benefit economically in more than one way. The park has created jobs for 90 people in the community, including 35 lifeguards.
A collaboration with Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield can also help encourage out-of-town visitors to stay a little longer after attending a game.
“What we wanted to do was create a partnership where people wanted to spend the weekend here or maybe even a week,” Peacock says. “Now it’s a bit more of a stay-and-play destination.”
SKYLAKE Adventures is located at 22105 Dunbar Road, Sheridan, IN 46069. For more information, including admission prices, hours and reservations, go to skylakeindiana.com or call 317-647-4759.
