Best Weekend Getaways from Indianapolis for Families

Dawn Denning said:  Home of the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Derby and the Louisville Zoo, your family could spend a day or weekend exploring this great city. Be sure to check out downtown for their underground zip lines housed in a former limestone mine under the downtown city- the only underground zip line in the world!

Dawn Denning said:  Horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and fishing are just a few things to do at Turkey Run State Park. Located on the border of Indiana and Illinois, Turkey Run is a fall family favorite. Be sure to stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the history of this state park. The Covered Bridge Festival is a nationally known annual tradition for a lot of Indiana residents. It features wooden bridges built over 150 years ago nestled in beautiful fall foliage. The festival offers food and crafts from local vendors too!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Sister Lakes is a beautiful small town with a number of different lakes that are great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or taking a pontoon boat out for a ride! A few favorite restaurants include Lutz's, Driftwood, and Lakeview Inn.

Dawn Denning said:  Home to the Newport Aquarium and riverboat cruises, Newport, Kentucky is full of fun. Newport Aquarium is the host to gators, sharks, stingrays and more. Spend the afternoon with amazing underwater creatures that you can touch, see or explore. After a day at the aquarium, book a cruise on BB Riverboats. BB Riverboats offers family cruises with a buffet and even a themed pirate cruise for your kids to enjoy.

Kristy Pepping said:  Columbus has tons to do for the whole family. There are several natural parks to explore and even one located in the heart of the city, Columbus Commons with a carousel. If you want to check out a fun museum, Columbus offers quite a few kid-friendly options. Try COSI, Columbus' science museum complete with an indoor playground. And if all these activities are making you hungry, head to North Market where your family can try local farm fresh food.

Kristy Pepping said:  Sandusky has over 26 miles of shoreline for your kids to explore. They have scenic parks, historical architecture and fun summer events. Activities include Ghostly Manor, Cedar Point, Merry-Go-Round Museum and Lagoon Deer Park.

Erin P. said:  St. Joseph, along the shore of Lake Michigan, offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Michigan. Downtown St. Joe offers visitors a quaint and picturesque stroll. Silver Beach has been ranked among the top family beaches. Kid-friendly amenities throughout St. Joseph include a carousel, a splash pad and the Curious Kids' Museum. A personal recommendation: Be sure to stop at Silver Beach Pizza for great views and delicious pizza!

Dawn Denning said:  Ottawa, IL is home to Starved Rock State Park, voted the #1 attraction in the state of Illinois! This breathtaking park hosts 18 canyons home to 14 waterfalls. There are also miles of hiking paths, beautiful foliage and wildlife in the area. Visit December-March and Bald Eagles will arrive to drink from the fresh lakes and streams. The winter months offer the unique opportunity to view natural ice sculptures from the waterfalls. Other things to do in the area include trolley tours, horseback riding and camping.

Kristy Pepping said:  Holland, named after its Dutch heritage, hosts a fun tulip festival each spring. The summer is a perfect time for a visit with the kids. They have a vibrant downtown with local shops where you can buy wooden shoes and other Dutch-inspired gear. There are also plenty of white sandy beaches to build sandcastles all day! Activities include bowling, gocarts, petting zoo and farm and Holland State Park.

Kristy Pepping said:  Sitting on Grand Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan, Traverse City offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. They have an annual cherry festival, a Victorian City Opera House and nearby museums. Plus, there are plenty of beach areas and natural surroundings to explore. Additional activities include the Boardman River Nature Museum, bike and ski rentals, hiking trails and fishing charters.

Dawn Denning said:  At a cool 54 degrees year round, the Squire Boone Caverns are a great spot for the family in any season! Enjoy the day on a zip line over ravines, then mine for gold and gems all before a tour. Would you rather experience the longest cavern in Indiana? Then Indiana Caverns might be the better stop for your family. You will see waterfalls and can also check out a Saber Tooth and mine for gems. There are tons of festivals for the fall, shows to watch and also local restaurants with home cooked meals if you want to eat before hitting the road or while in town.

Kristy Pepping said:  Lake Cumberland, known as the Houseboat Capital of the World, is the largest lake in Kentucky. It's a fun tourist destination and offers several kid-friendly activities. Your kids will enjoy fishing, mini golf, outdoor adventures, water activities, camping and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  Taylorsville Lake is located in Taylorsville and is a favorite fishing and camping area. They offer horseback riding near the lake as well. If your kids are looking for a breath of fresh air, there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities near this lake setting. Activities include boating activities, state park, and Red Scooter Gift Shop.

Kristy Pepping said:  Campbellsville is an easy drive from Indy and is home to Green River State Park. This lake has tons of activities to do if you love water sports: rental houseboats, ski boats, jet skis and pontoon boats. There is also fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Kristy Pepping said:  Batavia is one town that is near the lake of William H. Harsha. This lake offers boating, hiking trails, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping, museums, waterfalls and much more. They are also a wildlife habitat so great nature watching for the kids!