Spring has sprung, and it is time to get on the road for a quick Indiana day trip. There is no need to bring an overnight bag because these 19 day trip ideas are perfect for families in search of some springtime fun.
Related Post | LET’S GO TRAVEL: Family-friendly travel destinations around Indiana, the midwest, and beyond.
Indiana Springtime Day Trips:
Terre Haute Children’s Museum
Address: 727 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute
Perfect For: Children 12 months old to 12 years old
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for families with three stories of fun and exploration. Located near the Indiana-Illinois border, this children’s museum in Terre Haute features exhibits that encourage exploration of science and technology concepts, with dozens of exhibits that are designed especially for kids ages 12 months old to 12 years old.
Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg
Address: 6310 County Rd 350, Brownsburg
Perfect For: Horse lovers; Children 5 years of age and older can participate in a trail ride, but there are pony rides for $5 per person for younger kids.
Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg is a gem. The 78-acre ranch that runs along White Lick Creek is the biggest ranch in Hendricks County for horseback riding. It is also known for events like Bountiful Babies (a spring event celebrating the baby animals born on the farm).
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Indiana Zipline Tours
Address: 4641 W. 450 S, Crawfordsville
Perfect For: Thrill seekers ages 3 and up. Children must be at least 3 years of age and must be able to fit into the smallest harness.
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
Perfect For: History buffs
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, including picnic grounds, hiking trails, and the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center.
Wilstem Wildlife Park
Address: 4229 US-150 W, Paoli
Perfect For: Wild animal admirers
Experience the self-guided Drive-Thru Safari in your vehicle and see over 50 different species! Along the way, there are opportunities to get out of your car and get a closer look at certain animals.
Heritage Farm
Address: 4175 North 1200 West, Flora
Perfect For: Farm animal fans
Heritage Farm is a working alpaca farm with more than 50 alpacas you can see, touch, and interact with. Visitors can book an overnight stay at the 120-acre farm in one of the several different lodging options or visit for the day. Tim and Beth Sheets have made it their goal to educate the community about the joys of farming and alpaca care.
Whitewater Valley Railroad
Address: 455 Market St, Connersville
Perfect For: Train enthusiasts
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’s fares are available for passengers ages 2-12, and passengers under two ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
Wolf Park
Address: 4004 E. 800 N., Battle Ground, Indiana
Perfect For: wildlife advocate
Just outside of West Lafayette is where you will find Wolf Park, a 70-acre nonprofit park dedicated to providing habitat to wolves, foxes, bison, and other animals for educational purposes.
Kidscommons
Address: 309 Washington Street, Columbus
Perfect For: Hands-on learners who like to have fun
Drive 45 minutes south of Indianapolis, and you’ll find Kidscommons, a great children’s museum that’s the perfect spot to play and explore when you’re in the mood for a little day trip out of town. Children can use their creativity to learn about their community at this children’s museum in downtown Columbus, Indiana.
Edge Adventure Park
Address: 11800 Koteewi Dr., Noblesville
Perfect For: Adventure aficionados
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.
The Fort Wayne Firefighters’ Museum
Address: 226 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne
Perfect For: History lovers and future firefighters
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 can enjoy learning about firefighter history and fire safety.
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden
Address: 1545 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville
Perfect For: Animal fans
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
Perfect For: Kids who love science and experiments
Permanent and temporary exhibits let kids explore the world of science through hands-on projects. A unique 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
Perfect For: Explorers of all ages
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).
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Mounds State Park
Address: 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson
Perfect For: Families who love rugged hikes and camping
Here, you’ll find 6 miles of easy-to-rugged hiking trails, picnic areas, family camping, and an incredible visitor center, which houses animals, reptiles, and fish that you might encounter at the park.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Address: 3027 E S St, Lincoln City
Perfect For: History buffs
Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years on his family farm in Spencer County. Here, 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
Perfect For: Active nature lovers
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.
Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve
Address: N. Woodall Road, Ellettsville
Perfect For: Birders, and families who want to experience Indiana’s diverse nature.
If you’re looking for a place to explore nature, take a hike through Beanblossom Bottom Nature Preserve. This nature park, located about an hour south of Indianapolis in Bean Blossom Township, is a great place to appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of Indiana, especially in the summer and fall, when everything is blooming.
Daleville Town Hall Park & Playground
Address: 8029 S Walnut St, Daleville
Perfect For: Kids ready to run and play for days
Daleville Town Hall Park is an amazingly fun space for families, with a large playground, a fantastic splash pad, a snack bar that sells snow cones in the summer, a train to play on, an amphitheater, a dog park and more. This playground is definitely one that is worth the drive.
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