The Hoosier state is packed with activities and destinations for everyone, whether you’re a family of thrill seekers or nature lovers — or both!
Check ahead for any new safety restrictions that may be in place before you plan your family getaway.
Thrills & Attractions
1. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, IN 47579
821-937-4401
holidayworld.com
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is Indiana’s amusement park destination, giving you some of the best roller coasters and water park rides in the world. The smaller family members have lots of fun rides just for them, as well. And with free sunscreen and soda all day long, you’re set for a day of theme park fun in the sun!
2. Pine Lake Water Park
4640 Indiana Highway 218, Berne, IN 46711
260-334-5649
pinelakewaterpark.com
What was once a beloved swimming hole has evolved into a lake waterpark, complete with slides, a splash pad, zipline, jump tower, log walk and more! Pack a lunch, don’t forget your towels and enjoy all things lake life.
3. eXploreBrown County
2620 Valley Branch Rd., Nashville, IN 47448
812-988-7750
explorebrowncounty.com
With 12 ziplines, paintball, ATV tours, mountain biking, fishing, campsites and more, eXplore Brown County (EBC) is a one-stop shop for outdoor family adventure.
4. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808
260-427-6800
kidszoo.org
With a mission of “connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care,” the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is worth the drive from Indy. Broken up into four quadrants — Australian Adventure, Indonesian Rain Forest, African Journey and Central Zoo — visitors will come nose-to-nose with some of the world’s coolest creatures.
Caves
5. Indiana Caverns
1267 Green Acres Drive SW, Corydon, IN 47112
812-734-1200
indianacaverns.com
Explore the Midwest’s longest cave! Families can learn about the cave’s history during the walking tour, explore the cave on a more in-depth adventure tour (which includes kayaking in the cave!), enjoy a little gemstone mining, ride the Bat Chaser roller coaster and more.
6. Marengo Cave
400 East State Road 64, Marengo, IN 47140
812-365-2705
marengocave.com
This U.S. National Landmark is definitely one to add to the bucket list. Marengo Cave has been giving tours since its discovery by schoolchildren in 1883. In addition to the cave tours, one of the most popular attractions is “The Crawl”, which allows kids to feel like they are discovering the cave for the first time!
State Parks
7. Turkey Run State Park
8121 Park Rd., Marshall, IN 47859
765-597-2635
turkeyrunstatepark.com
Nestled along State Road 47 southwest of Crawfordsville, Turkey Run State Park is a Hoosier treasure. Walk in the footsteps of the Miami Indians along breathtaking trails that wind through cliffs and gorges. You can also rent canoes, kayaks and tubes on Sugar Creek, stopping to hunt for rocks and fossils along the way.
8. Spring Mill State Park
3333 IN-60 E., Mitchell, IN 47446
812-849-3534
This state park links nature and culture in a big way. A stop along the Indiana Birding Trail, enjoy its beautiful hiking trails and scenery before heading to the Nature Center, Pioneer Village and Twin Caves Boat Tour.
Overnight Getaways
9. French Lick Resort
8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
812-936-9300
frenchlick.com
Step back in time at one of two historic hotels at the French Lick Resort. Families can enjoy bowling, organized family and kids activities, five miles of hiking trails, horse and pony rides, the Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort and a scenic ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway.
10. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort
This network of campgrounds focuses on providing a fun, family-friendly outdoor vacation! There are six Jellystone Parks in Indiana: Bloomington-Lake Monroe, Fremont, Knightstown, Pierceton, Plymouth and Scottsburg. Find one near you and enjoy all the family activities it has to offer. Plus, keep an eye out for a visit from Yogi and his friends!
