No need to pack your bags or make a hotel reservation. Here are 15 kid-friendly day trips from Indianapolis that offer plenty of family fun.
Cave Country Canoes
Address: 112 Main Street Milltown, IN 47145
Cave Country Canoes, located in the heart of Indiana’s Cave Country, offers a canoe trip to fit any level of ability and experience. Canoeing trips range from a half-day trip for beginners and those with children 3 and older to two-day trips for the more experienced enthusiast.
RELATED ARTICLE: Where to Canoe and Kayak in Central Indiana
Muncie Children’s Museum
Address: 515 South High Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305
Phone: 765-286-1660
Whether it’s interacting with wildlife, digging for fossils or creating an artistic masterpiece, the educational opportunities for kids are endless at the Muncie Children’s Museum, “where it’s fun to learn!” Muncie, Indiana is home to Ball State University, and is approximately 60 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, perfect for a day trip or weekend rendez-vous.
Indiana Zipline Tours
Address: 4641 W. 450 S, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933
Phone: 765-866-0006
Head west of Indianapolis to find Crawfordsville, not far from Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park. A state-of-the-art course, you’ll find 8 ziplines, a swinging bridge, scenic walks through the woods, and suspended platforms among the trees.
Tippecanoe Battlefield Park
Address: Battlefield Park 200 Battle Ground Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47920
Phone: 765-567-2147
November 7, 1811 is a day that went down in Indiana history. The Battle of Tippecanoe was a conflict between Tecumseh’s American Indian Federation and U.S. military troops led by General William Henry Harrison. This battle is one of the major events that sparked conflict leading up to the War of 1812. The museum tells the story of the battle through various exhibits and visitors can also enjoy the park, which includes picnic grounds, hiking trails and the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center.
Whitewater Valley Railroad
Phone: 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331
Phone: 765-825-2054
With regular and special trains running April-December, you’re sure to find the perfect opportunity to visit the railroad with family and friends! Adults fares are for passengers over 12 years of age. Children fares are for passengers ages 2-12 and passengers under 2 ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
Edge Adventure Park
Address: 11800 Koteewi Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: 800-590-8347
Located at Strawtown/Koteewi Park in Hamilton County, Koteewi features 60 challenging treetop trails and zip lines that provide thrills for everyone at every skill level. Want even more adventure? Head to Edge Adventure’s Rum Village in South Bend or Deep River in northwest Indiana.
Holiday World
Address: 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Clause, IN 47579
Phone: 821-937-4401
Scream your head off riding some of the top coasters on the planet! Whether you like to spin, bump, fly, or bounce, your family will laugh yourself silly on these great family rides. The smaller family members have lots of fun rides just for them. Your day at Holiday World also includes Splashin’ Safari, one of the nation’s top water parks!
Indiana Starlite Drive-in (Monroe County)
Address: 7630 South Old State Road 37
Phone: 821-824-8036
Family owned and operated since 1955, visiting the Indiana Starlite Drive-in in Bloomington feels like taking a trip back in time. Check their Facebook page for movie listings, pile the family in the car, and enjoy the drive-in experience.
The Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum
Address: 226 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-426-0051
The Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum, Inc. was organized on April 20, 1974, two years after the city closed Fire Station #3 in downtown Fort Wayne. Additional renovations were done between 1998 and 2009 to expand the exhibit area. Today, kids and adults alike can enjoy learning about firefighter history and fire safety.
RELATED ARTICLE: Top 7 things for families to do in Fort Wayne
The Indianapolis Zoo
Address: 1200 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: 317-630-2001
Bring your comfortable walking shoes! This zoo’s massive grounds will burn some calories while giving the family about 4,000 animals to see. And this year, check out the two newest exhibits: sloths and snakes!
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden
Address: 1545 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville, IN 47720
Phone: 821-435-6143
Located in Evansville, this zoo houses hundreds of animals to educate and entertain both kids and kids at heart. Visit Indiana’s first zoo for a day of family fun!
Science Central
Address: 1950 Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: 260-424-2400
Permanent and temporary exhibits let kids explore the world of science through hands-on projects. A special swap shop also allows kids to bring in their treasures from other cities and states to exchange them with other children!
Bluespring Caverns Park
Address:1459 Blue Spring Caverns Rd. Bedford, Indiana 47421
Phone: 812-279-9471
Explore the heart of the natural world by boat! An hour-long boat tour through Bluespring Caverns brings you up close to the majesty of the underground in a trip as natural as we can make it. This is your chance to visit Indiana’s largest sinkholes (covering over 15 acres).
RELATED ARTICLE: Complete the Indiana Cave Trail!
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Address: 3027 E S St, Lincoln City, IN 47552
Phone: 812-937-4541
Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years of his life on his family farm in Spencer County. It was here that Lincoln was introduced to the power of books and the concepts of freedom, justice, and law. Get a taste of what life was like in Indiana during Lincoln’s childhood by visiting the site where Abraham Lincoln spent his days. Learn about the lives of the Lincoln family who lived here in a pioneer community from 1816 to 1830. This national memorial features a museum and the Living Historical Farm, a working pioneer homestead with a cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, animals, gardens and field crops.
Turkey Run State Park
Address: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859
Phone: 765-597-2635
Turkey Run has a little something for every nature lover. The many hiking trails, sandstone gorges, and water access for canoeing and kayaking ensure a good time and great memories.
