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Looking for the best places to take kids in Indiana? You’re in luck! Indiana is full of family-friendly attractions that will keep both you and your little ones entertained. From museums and amusement parks to outdoor adventures and historical sites, there’s something for everyone in the Hoosier State.
If you’re looking for an educational experience, check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, one of the largest children’s museums in the world. With exhibits on science, history, and culture, this museum is sure to spark your child’s curiosity. For a more hands-on experience, head to Conner Prairie, an interactive history park where kids can explore life in 19th-century Indiana.
If your family loves the great outdoors, Indiana has plenty of the best places for kids to choose from. Take a hike in Brown County State Park, go camping in Hoosier National Forest, or explore the Indiana Dunes National Park.
For a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, an amusement park with roller coasters and water rides that’s been voted the world’s friendliest amusement park for several years in a row.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis should be at the top of your list. This museum is the largest children’s museum in the world, covering over 500,000 square feet with exhibits and activities that are fun and interesting for the entire family.
The museum has five floors of interactive exhibits that explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, and the arts. Your kids will love exploring the Dinosphere, where they can see life-size dinosaur skeletons and learn about their habitats and behaviors. They can also visit the SpaceQuest Planetarium to learn about space and the universe.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Barbie You Can Be Anything exhibit, which encourages kids to explore different careers and aspirations. Kids can also climb the 43-foot-tall Fireworks of Glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, which is made up of 3,200 individually blown glass pieces.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis also offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including summer camps, sleepovers, and special exhibits. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (though it’s closed on Mondays from early September through mid-March). Admission for adults starts at $19.75, while kids 2 to 17 enter for $16.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579
If you’re looking for a fun-filled family adventure, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is the perfect destination. Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, this amusement park and water park combo offers endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Rides and Attractions
Holiday World boasts over 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly rides.
- Thunderbird: This steel roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 60 mph and features multiple inversions and a 14-story drop.
- The Voyage: This wooden roller coaster is known for its extreme drops and turns, and has been ranked as one of the best wooden coasters in the world.
- Holidog’s FunTown: This area of the park is specifically designed for younger children, with rides like the Howler and the Holidog Express.
- The Legend: Another wooden coaster, The Legend features a 113-foot drop and speeds of up to 64 mph.
In addition to the rides, Holiday World also offers a variety of shows and entertainment options throughout the day.
Water Park Features
Splashin’ Safari, the water park portion of Holiday World, is one of the best in the country.
- Wildebeest: This water coaster is the world’s longest and tallest, reaching speeds of up to 36 mph.
- Mammoth: Another water coaster, Mammoth is the world’s longest and features a series of drops and turns.
- Bahari River: This lazy river winds through the water park and is the perfect way to relax and soak up the sun.
- Wave pools: Splashin’ Safari has two wave pools, the Bahari Wave Pool and the Kima Bay Wave Pool, where you can ride the waves and cool off from the summer heat.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and exciting vacation. With a wide variety of rides, attractions, and water park features, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experiences and places for your kids in Indiana, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-visit destination. This nationally ranked zoo offers 40 acres of animals, rides, and beautifully landscaped grounds, making it one of the top ten zoos in the nation.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo features four distinct sections that offer rides and hands-on experiences around every turn. The African Journey section features African animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras, while the Australian Adventure section showcases animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.
In the Indonesian Rainforest section, you’ll find animals like orangutans, tigers, and Komodo dragons. And in the Central Zoo section, you’ll find a variety of animals from all over the world, including penguins, monkeys, and reptiles.
In addition to the animals, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo offers a variety of rides and attractions that kids will love. The Sky Safari is a chairlift that takes you over the zoo, offering a bird’s-eye view of the animals below. The Endangered Species Carousel features hand-carved animals, and the River Ride takes you on a scenic boat ride through the zoo.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. From behind-the-scenes tours to animal encounters, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the animals and their habitats.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the greatest places to take kids in Indiana. With its wide variety of animals, rides, and educational programs, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Indiana Dunes National Park
1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great place to take your kids for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Here are some of the things you can do with your family.
Hiking: The park has over 40 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Dune Ridge Trail is a great option for families with kids, as it offers great views of the wetlands and forests in just 0.7 miles.
Beaches: The park has 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan. Kids will love building sandcastles, swimming, and playing in the waves.
Junior Ranger Program: The park offers a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 5-12. Kids can complete activities and earn a badge and certificate.
Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead: These historic sites offer a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area. Kids can learn about farm life and explore the buildings.
Picnicking: The park has many picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your family. Some picnic areas have grills available for cooking.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great place to take your kids for outdoor adventures and learning experiences.
Conner Prairie
13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
Conner Prairie is a popular historical destination located in Fishers, Indiana, and is a great place to take kids for a day of fun and learning. This outdoor museum spans over 1,000 wooded acres and offers a unique and interactive experience that combines history, science, art, and nature.
One of the main attractions at Conner Prairie is the Discovery Station, where kids can engage in pretend play with a garden of veggies, shop at the market, or put the baby dolls to bed. They can also dress up like a forest critter and climb the treehouse, build a fort, and create the perfect hiding spot. Babies have their own safe space to play too.
Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history and art with science, technology, engineering, and math to offer an authentic look into history that shapes society today. As Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie is nationally acclaimed and provides engaging, individualized, and unique experiences.
Conner Prairie is a must-visit destination for families with kids who are interested in learning about history, science, and nature in a fun and interactive way.
Marengo Cave
400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140
If you’re looking for an exciting and educational adventure for your kids, Marengo Cave should be on your list of places to visit in Indiana. This national natural landmark is located in southern Indiana and is one of the most popular caves in the state.
Marengo Cave offers a variety of tours that are suitable for all ages. The tours range from easy walks through the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail to more adventurous tours like The Crawl, where kids over 8 can crawl through a man-made cave exploration simulator.
The cave is known for its beautiful formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. Your kids will be amazed by the underground world of Marengo Cave and will learn about the geology and history of the cave through the knowledgeable tour guides.
In addition to the tours, Marengo Cave also offers gemstone mining and an undeveloped natural cave exploration. The gemstone mining is a fun activity for kids where they can sift through mining rough and discover their own gemstones. The undeveloped natural cave exploration is a more adventurous tour where visitors can explore a cave that has not been modified for tourism.
Marengo Cave is a must-visit destination for families in Indiana. The tours are affordable, and the experience is both educational and entertaining. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket as the cave is a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best places to take your kids in Indiana for a fun and educational day out. With 64 acres of indoor and outdoor habitats, the Zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals of about 230 different species as well as 47,000 plants. Here are some of the highlights of the Zoo:
Animal Exhibits
The Zoo has a wide variety of animal exhibits that your kids will love.
- Forests: Enter the Forest exhibit to meet an adorable red panda, powerful tigers, noisy gibbons, colorful macaws, and often-snoozy brown bears. Other creatures considered part of the Forest environment are located outside of the main Forest path. Check out the alligators and crocodiles, and definitely don’t miss Kangaroo Crossing.
- Deserts: The Deserts exhibit features animals that are well adapted to the dry, hot environment, such as meerkats, sand cats, and dromedary camels.
- Oceans: The Oceans exhibit allows you to explore the depths of the ocean without getting wet. See dolphins, sea lions, and penguins up close and personal.
Interactive Experiences
In addition to animal exhibits, the Indianapolis Zoo offers several interactive experiences that your kids will enjoy.
- Butterfly Kaleidoscope: Step inside the Hilbert Conservatory and be surrounded by hundreds of butterflies from around the world. Your kids will love seeing the colorful creatures up close.
- Dolphin In-Water Adventure: Get up close and personal with the dolphins in this unique experience. You’ll get to touch and feed the dolphins, and even swim with them if you’re brave enough.
- ZooBoo: If you’re visiting the Zoo around Halloween, be sure to check out ZooBoo. Your kids can dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat around the Zoo.
The Indianapolis Zoo is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational day out. With a wide variety of animal exhibits and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Paoli Peaks
2798 W County Rd 25 S, Paoli, IN 47454
Paoli Peaks is a great destination for families with kids who love winter sports. Located in Paoli, Indiana, this ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months from mid-December through mid-March. Here are some reasons why Paoli Peaks is a must-visit destination for families with kids.
Fun for the Whole Family
Paoli Peaks offers something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, there are slopes and trails for all skill levels. The resort also offers snow tubing, which is a great activity for families with younger kids who may not be ready for skiing or snowboarding yet.
Affordable Prices
Paoli Peaks offers affordable prices for lift tickets, equipment rental, and lessons. The resort also offers discounts for groups and families, making it a budget-friendly destination for families.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Paoli Peaks has a variety of amenities that cater to families with kids. The resort has a children’s ski school that offers lessons for kids as young as three years old. There are also several dining options on-site, including a cafeteria and a sit-down restaurant. The resort also offers a ski and snowboard shop where you can purchase or rent equipment.
Convenient Location
Paoli Peaks is located in southern Indiana, making it a convenient destination for families in the Midwest. The resort is just a few hours’ drive from major cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati.
Safety First
Paoli Peaks takes safety seriously and has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its guests. The resort has a team of trained ski patrol members who monitor the slopes and trails. The resort also requires all skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets and offers free helmet rentals to guests who do not have their own.
Paoli Peaks is a great destination for families with kids who love winter sports. With a variety of activities, affordable prices, family-friendly amenities, and a focus on safety, Paoli Peaks is a must-visit destination for families in the Midwest.
Eagle Creek Park
7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Eagle Creek Park is an excellent destination for families with kids of all ages. Located in Indianapolis, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for spending a day with your family.
Hiking Trails
Eagle Creek Park has over 11 hiking trails that are perfect for families with kids. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and offer beautiful views of the lake. The South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, with a length of 2.4 miles and an estimated time of 49 minutes to complete.
The Fowl Sanctuary South Overlook Trail is another great option, with a length of 5.1 miles and an estimated time of 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete.
Picnic Areas
Eagle Creek Park has several picnic areas that are perfect for a family picnic. These areas are equipped with picnic tables and grills, and some even have playgrounds nearby. The park also has several pavilions that can be reserved for larger groups.
Water Activities
Eagle Creek Park has a 1,400-acre lake that offers a variety of water activities. Families can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats to explore the lake. The park also has a swimming beach that is open during the summer months.
Other Activities
In addition to hiking, picnicking, and water activities, Eagle Creek Park has several other activities that families can enjoy. The park has a nature center that offers educational programs and exhibits. Families can also enjoy fishing, bird watching, and disc golfing in the park.
Eagle Creek Park is a great destination for families with kids. With its variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Indiana State Museum
650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Indiana State Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in downtown Indianapolis, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits and activities that will keep kids of all ages engaged and entertained.
One of the highlights of the Indiana State Museum is its collection of artifacts that tell the story of Indiana’s history. From mastodon bones to T.C. Steele paintings, the museum’s collection is diverse and fascinating. Kids will love exploring the different exhibits and learning about the people and events that have shaped Indiana’s past.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Indiana State Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits cover a range of topics, from science and technology to art and culture. Be sure to check the museum’s website before your visit to see what special exhibits are currently on display.
For younger kids, the museum offers a variety of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. The museum’s Naturalist’s Lab, for example, allows kids to get up close and personal with live animals and learn about their habitats and behaviors. The museum’s R.B. Annis Waterfowl Viewing Area is another popular attraction, where kids can observe a variety of waterfowl in their natural habitat.
The Indiana State Museum is a great destination for families looking to combine education and entertainment. With its diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts on the 11 Best Places to Take Kids in Indiana
Indiana one of the very best places to take your kids on vacation. With its many attractions, from museums to amusement parks, there is no shortage of fun things to do. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Indiana has something for everyone.
The 10 best places to take kids in Indiana offer a variety of experiences that cater to different interests and age ranges. From the Bottleworks Hotel to the Hoosier National Forest, these destinations provide a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities.
If you are looking for a resort-style vacation, the Salt Creek Golf Retreat and Oakwood Resort are great options. For a more adventurous outing, the Big Splash Adventure Hotel and Indoor Water Park and Indiana Dunes offer fun water activities. Fort Wayne and Columbus provide historical and cultural experiences, while Richmond and Bloomington offer outdoor adventures.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit for families with kids of all ages. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities that will keep your kids engaged for hours. The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum are also great options for car enthusiasts.
Indiana is a state that is often overlooked as a family vacation destination, but it shouldn’t be. With its many attractions and natural beauty, it is a great place to take your kids. So pack your bags and head to Indiana for a memorable family vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 11 Best Places to Take Kids in Indiana
What are some fun family-friendly activities in Southern Indiana?
Southern Indiana offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Another great option is the Falls of the Ohio State Park, where you can explore fossil beds and learn about the history of the area.
The Indiana Caverns are also a fun option, where you can take a tour of the underground caves and learn about the geology of the area.
What are some free kid-friendly activities to do in Indianapolis today?
If you’re looking for free activities in Indianapolis, there are plenty of options. You can visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which offers free admission to its galleries and gardens. The Central Canal Walk is also a great option, where you can walk or bike along the canal and enjoy the scenery.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is another popular option, which offers a 8-mile loop through the city and connects several cultural districts.
What are some great family weekend getaways within 4 hours of Indiana?
There are many great weekend getaway options within 4 hours of Indiana. Chicago is a popular destination, where you can visit the Navy Pier, the Field Museum, and the Willis Tower. Another great option is Cincinnati, where you can visit the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Newport Aquarium.
If you’re looking for a more outdoor-focused vacation, consider visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky or Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.
What are some fun things to do with kids in Northern Indiana?
Northern Indiana offers a variety of fun activities for kids. You can visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, which is home to over 1,000 animals and offers a variety of interactive exhibits. Another great option is the Imagination Station in Elkhart, which is a hands-on science museum. The Indiana Dunes National Park is also a popular destination, where you can hike, swim, and explore the sand dunes.
What are the best vacation spots in Indiana for families?
Indiana offers many great vacation spots for families. The Indiana Dunes National Park is a popular option, where you can enjoy the beach, hike, and explore the sand dunes. Another great option is Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, which is a theme park and water park in Santa Claus, Indiana. The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is also a must-visit destination, with its many interactive exhibits and activities.
What are some fun places to take kids near me?
There are many fun places to take kids near you, depending on where you are located in Indiana. If you’re in Indianapolis, consider visiting the Children’s Museum or the Indianapolis Zoo. If you’re in Southern Indiana, consider visiting the Falls of the Ohio State Park. If you’re in Northern Indiana, consider visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo or the Imagination Station in Elkhart.
