Best Weekend Getaways from Indianapolis for Families

Dawn Denning said:  Over 15 miles of beaches on Lake Michigan are just a short drive from Indianapolis! Indiana Dunes is open for families to splash, play and run down the beach at the state park. If it is too cold to splash, enjoy hiking trails and a dozen parks for your kids to play. Plan ahead and bring along your bike to ride on biking trails. While you are up there, be sure to check out the bird and wildlife sanctuaries. Fish year around and enjoy the unique experience of ice fishing on the water with your kiddos. Hours of fun, with an easy drive home!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  When you want all the features of an outdoor waterpark but the weather is unpredictable, how about trying this 40,000 square foot indoor waterpark with retractable roof! This water play land has four different slides, 3-story interactive play structure, activity pool, lazy river, toddler splash area and outdoor pool with zero-depth entry. Even better, this waterpark has a hotel attached so you can extend the fun!

Dawn Denning said:  Cincinnati is a fantastic destination for families! The Cincinnati Zoo is home to an array of adorable animals, catch a Red's game or visit the Reds Hall of Fame. If you can visit in the summer, Coney Island offers a 2-mile long pool for your family to splash! If your kiddos love trains, check out the world's largest train display at Entertainment Junction! Another crowd favorite is Jungle Jim's, International Market. Jungle Jim's offers 20,000 square feet of market space for groceries, tastings and demos. There is something for everyone in Cincinnati!

Dawn Denning said:  Named the "Little Smokies," Brown County State Park, is a 16,000-acre area of hills, trails, trees and hiking trails. Your family can horseback ride, canoe/ kayak, zip line or just walk around. Have fun in nature, enjoy a picnic and some family bonding in this beautiful park. After your day in the park, be sure to stop in Nashville, Indiana. This small town has tons of shops and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. If you aren't too full from dinner or tired from the day in the park, Brown County offers year-round shows and festivals.

Dawn Denning said:  My sons and I just finished a day trip to Holiday World! Holiday World is divided into holiday-themed areas and features 4 big roller coasters and a lot of smaller rides and games. It is perfect for all ages! Visit in the summer to enjoy waterparks with a lot of big drops! The park is clean, offers free soft drinks & sunscreen. If you like to camp and hike, check out the Hoosier National Forest which is only 30 minutes from the park.

Kristy Pepping said:  Located on Lake Michigan, South Haven offers several kid-friendly activities. There are tasty eateries, quaint shops and plenty of natural scenic surroundings. With several nature trails and inland lakes, the kids are sure to have fun! Activities include the beach, bike trails, boat rentals, and the Michigan Maritime Museum.

Dawn Denning said:  Pine Lake Waterpark is a must do in the summer for your family. The waterpark is full of slides, platform jumps, cable rides and log runs. There is even a teeter-totter in the water! Once you are done sliding and flipping, be sure to stop by Quabache State Park for hiking, fishing and picnicking with the family. If you are tired of the sun and have an interest in history, Swiss Heritage Village is an area museum dedicated to the Swiss settlers in the area. It is hours of fun and a "must do" to add to your vacation list!

Kristy Pepping said:  Saugatuck is located next to the town of Douglas. These two towns offer tons of beach adventures. There are lots to do from visiting Lake Michigan's shore to exploring downtown shops and restaurants. Activities include Dune rides and Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

Dawn Denning said:  Named Ohio's Largest Playground, your family is sure to have a great time! If you have a roller coaster fan in the family, then you must take a trip to Kings Island. Open year-round, the park offers rides for all sizes, Dinosaurs Alive! and Soak City waterpark during the summer hours. While in Warren County, be sure to check out Great Wolf Lodge where you can have your water fun year round in this indoor waterpark and stay overnight.

Rides, not your speed? Warren County has festivals, skydiving and zip lining - fun for everyone in the family!

Yoli B said:  Lake James is a small town located in the Northeast corner of Indiana and offers some of the best lake sunsets that I have ever seen! The lake offers all water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, pontoon-ing, jet ski-ing, and I've even seen a fly board or two. Lake James is surrounded by Potawatomi State Park and is in the quaint town of Angola, which has plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities!

Dawn Denning said:  Southern Indiana offers so much for nature lovers, including Marengo Cave. This National U.S. Landmark offers guided tours featuring stalagmites & flowstone deposits. While you are there, enjoy canoeing & horseback riding. More of a water lover? Then visit beautiful Patoka Lake. Your family can fish, boat & bike or if you just want to take a break, there are picnic areas and a beach too. In the winter months, Patoka Lake is used for ice fishing & cross country skiing. Try & plan your visit around one of the many festivals this county has to offer.

Dawn Denning said:  Home to family favorites like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry and the Children's Museum, Chicago can entertain your kids for hours. When the weather is warmer, visit Navy Pier, Millennium Park, beaches, the Riverwalk and the several parks around the city. There are also dozens of activities to keep your kids entertained and sports teams for your family to cheer on! Every visit to Chicago can be an adventure and you never have to see the same thing twice!

Dawn Denning said:  No matter the time of year, French Lick has a ton of stuff for you and your family to enjoy. If it is cold and snowy outside, ski or tube at Paoli Peaks then warm up and play at the indoor waterpark, Big Splash Adventure! If you have a train lover in your family, check out French Lick Railway and enjoy their Polar Express Train ride or other special events. If it is warm enough, take a hike, zip line or see elephants and more at Wilstem Ranch! Be sure to check out French Lick Resort for golfing, dining and fun!

Kristy Pepping said:  Monroe Lake is Indiana's largest lake and is located near the Indiana University campus. There are a scenic stone-bluffed shoreline and wooded hills. Activities include Indiana University, trail rides, boat rentals and WonderLab Science Museum.

Dawn Denning said:  This historic little town hosts millions of visitors every year. Home to a large Amish population, visit delicious restaurants with homegrown ingredients, quaint shops and enjoy a buggy ride. While there, visit Black Pine Animal Sanctuary which is home to bears, lions, reptiles and more. This is a fun day or weekend trip for your family.