Fall break.
It’s the time to do just that and take a break from work, school and the day-to-day grind. Whether it’s a daytrip or an overnight excursion you are after, here are a few ways to spend your time off as a family.
Sleep under the stars
Fresh air, wide-open spaces to run, s’mores fixings melting over a fire and freedom from those mind-numbing electronic devices — these are just a few things to love about camping. And crisp temps and changing leaves make fall in Indiana the perfect time to get out and reconnect with nature and your family while sleeping under the stars. Whether you are looking for a rustic camping experience at McCormick’s Creek State Park or a luxury cabin plus all the modern amenities at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone™ Park on Lake Monroe, there’s a camping experience perfect for everyone. Learn more about our favorite campsites here.
Head underground
Channel your inner explorer and tackle one of the many intricate cave networks in the Midwest. Fall break is the perfect time to either start or continue along the Indiana Cave Trail, which is comprised of four caves: Bluespring Caverns, Marengo Cave, Indiana Caverns and Squire Boone Caverns. Each features its own unique wonders of the underground world, from rock formations to waterfalls, blind cave fish to Ice Age bones.
Or head to Mammoth Cave, the largest cave in the world, which is just a short drive away in Kentucky. The cave sprawls for over 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to camp and explore what lies above Mammoth Cave. Learn more about nearby caves here.
Discover or re-discover a Midwest city
Our location in the Heartland of America puts us in close proximity to a number of amazing cities that are constantly evolving. St. Louis offers acres of urban green spaces, a one-of-a-kind shoe factory turned surreal playscape known as the City Museum and a budget-friendly zoo. Get a view of it all from the top of the Gateway Arch.
If the hustle and bustle of the big city is calling, make the short three-hour drive to Chicago, where you can explore world-famous museums, get a unique perspective of the city’s architecture aboard a water taxi, shop ‘til you drop along the Magnificent Mile and dine on dim sum in Chinatown.
Find more ideas for family-friendly fun just a road trip away here.
Enjoy the lap of luxury
Put the “break” in fall break by heading to a nearby resort that offers equal parts relaxation and entertainment. Nestled in the heart of the Hoosier National Forest, French Lick resort is home to two historic hotels, three golf courses, two spas, indoor and outdoor pools and a Vegas-style casino. Activities range from horseback riding to bowling to surrey bike rentals, and there are tons of hiking trails to explore the grounds. Best of all, KidsFest Lodge offers supervised entertainment for the kiddos while mom and dad hit the spa (or the casino!).
Tackle an amusement park
Sure, amusement parks are usually associated with the summer months, but most are also open weekends in the fall, when the temps are cooler, the crowds are smaller and there is still plenty of fun to be had. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, enjoy Kids World weekends through Sept. 7 plus Sept. 14. These weekends devoted to little ones include everything you love about the park plus magic shows, juggling, unicycling and balloon artistry. Or enjoy Halloween fun for the whole family during Happy Halloween Weekends, September 21 – October 27.
Cedar Point, situated on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, remains open weekends through October. HalloWeekends run September 13 – October 27 and feature tons of family-friendly fun by day and hair-raising frights by night.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing resort experience, the non-stop action of an amusement park or something in between, make the most of the school-free days with a family getaway.
