Looking for a family-friendly getaway that won’t leave you bored? It’s right here in Madison, Indiana, a charming small town on the Ohio River bursting with kid-friendly adventures. During a recent weekend trip with five energetic cousins (ages 3 to 7), we found ourselves wishing we had more time to explore all that this hidden gem has to offer. From a bustling farmers market and a toy store that’s pure magic to scenic state parks and a refreshing water park, Madison kept our crew entertained from sunrise to sunset.
Exploring Downtown Madison, Indiana
Madison’s downtown is exactly what you picture when you think of a charming small town: historic buildings lining the streets, friendly locals waving hello, and unique shops and eateries waiting to be discovered. And you won’t find a single chain store in the downtown district, all of their shops are locally owned.
Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market
Our first stop on a sunny Saturday morning was the Madison Farmers Market. Live music filled the air as we browsed the stalls, overflowing with colorful crafts and fresh produce The kids were in their element, dancing to the tunes and picking out their own snacks. We stocked up on delicious goodies, and the girls found necklaces – a special souvenir of our adventure. Fun fact: The Madison Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market in the State of Indiana.
McWhiggin’s Wonder Emporium: A Toy Store That Lives Up to Its Name
Next, on our downtown adventure, we stumbled upon McWhiggin’s Wonder Emporium, a toy store that’s practically a museum of fun. This toy store was unanimously declared the kids’ favorite stop in Madison. It was more than just a visit to a toy store; it was an experience that sparked their imaginations and brought out their playful side. My six-year-old couldn’t get enough of the funhouse mirrors, giggling as he made his head “disappear” with each contorted reflection. Meanwhile, my four-year-old discovered the mechanical horse rides by the checkout and squealed with delight, bouncing along with the biggest grin.
A Sweet Treet at Toppers on Main
After all that toy shopping, we needed a sugar rush! We headed across the street to Toppers on Main, a vibrant pink ice cream shop. They had a huge selection of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and rolled ice cream, so everyone found their perfect treat.
Hargan-Matthews Park: Playtime with a River View
To burn off some of that sugar rush, we headed to Hargan-Matthews Park, a riverfront playground designed to delight kids of all ages and abilities. The kids had a blast climbing, sliding, and exploring the riverboat-themed structures. As an added bonus, we got to soak in the scenic views of the Ohio River while they played.
Related Article: 13 Indiana Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Clifty Falls State Park
Our next adventure took us to Clifty Falls State Park, one of our favorite Indiana State Parks. We hiked Trail 7, which led us to the stunning Little and Big Clifty Falls. While labeled “Moderately Rugged,” the trail was manageable for our kids with a bit of encouragement (and a few piggyback rides). The views of the waterfall were worth every step. If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s an ADA-accessible viewing spot from the top of trail 7 that offers equally impressive views of the waterfall.
Crystal Beach: A Classic Water Park with Modern Fun
The grand finale of our Madison adventure was a visit to the Crystal Beach Aquatic Center. This newly renovated water park was an instant hit with the kids. They spent hours zooming down the giant water slides, floating along the lazy river, and splashing around in the zero-entry pool. It was the perfect way to cool off and cap off an amazing weekend.
Visit Madison
Madison, Indiana, may not be the biggest or most well-known destination, but it’s a hidden gem for families seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. For even more information on planning your trip to Madison, be sure to check out visitmadison.com. They even have a “Family-friendly Trip” itinerary to help you get started.
