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Oct 26, 2024

Kids Planet Is A Four-Story Indoor Playground In Indiana That Will Transport You To Another Planet

Written by Summer in Indiana is such an incredible time, isn't it? We've got all the classic destinations that make for memorable family vacations: water parks, beaches, historic sites, big cities,

Written by

Summer in Indiana is such an incredible time, isn't it? We've got all the classic destinations that make for memorable family vacations: water parks, beaches, historic sites, big cities, state parks, charming small towns, and so much more. If you're on the hunt for great things to do in Indiana this summer, we've got you covered with this guide to great summer destinations in IN.

Summer getaways in Indiana are so much fun. Going on a trip in the warm months is an annual tradition for many Hoosier families, and you don't have to leave the state to find fun attractions! There's so much to do right within our borders, and if you're hunting down some of the best places to go with kids in summer in Indiana, we've got you covered.

Location: Santa Claus

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Both Holiday World and Splashin' Safari are cashless, but if you've only got cash on you, the park will allow you to convert it to a pre-paid card that can be used anywhere.

The Christmas-themed Holiday World has long been a top destination in the Hoosier State, particularly around the winter holidays. Come summertime, though, this place is all about Splashin' Safari! This epic water park in Indiana has two of the largest water coasters in the world, plus opportunities for tubing, water slides, and more. It's no surprise that Holiday World and Splashin' Safari were named one of the best theme parks in the USA. Splashin' Safari is typically open from mid-May through mid-September.

Location: Syracuse

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: This resort is only about two hours from Indianapolis and Chicago.

Oakwood Resort is one of the most amazing resorts in the Hoosier State. It's located right on Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in Indiana, and has some really incredible views. This place has so many amenities that it almost feels like an adult summer camp! You can rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. The on-site restaurant and bar is delicious, and the 27-acre property has miles of hiking trails. You'll also enjoy the use of a gym and have access to lawn games and basketball. This place is truly amazing, and it's easily one of the best resorts in the Midwest.

Popularity: Very Popular

Just one visit to Indianapolis will have you realizing that it's one of the best cities in America. With museums, parks, delicious restaurants, and so much more to explore, there's endless opportunities for fun. One of our favorite family things to do in Indiana in summer when traveling with little ones is to pay a visit to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. At 472,000 square feet, it's the largest children's museum in the world!

Location: Borden

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: There's a lot going on here! Huber's has an orchard, winery, cafe, and hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.

The Hoosier State may not be particularly well-known for its wine production, but we have some excellent wineries in Indiana. One of the best is Huber's Orchard and Winery. This family-owned vineyard has been in the same family for seven generations. Whether you're interested in touring the winery, enjoying the family farm park with fun activities like a playground and mazes, or want to check out the farm store, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

Beaches are some of the best destinations for anyone to visit in the summertime. We might not be on the ocean, but that doesn't mean you won't find great sandy shorelines here. If you're on the hunt for places to spend time in the water, we've got plenty of amazing beaches in Indiana.

Location: Ogden Dunes

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: You need a parking permit for many spots close to the beach, so always check signage before parking so you don't end up with a ticket. Many non-residents choose to park along Diana or Sunset Streets, about a .25-mile walk from the shoreline.

Ogden Dunes Beach is a beautiful spot, and if you go during the week, you can occasionally find lighter crowds and a little more peace. If the weather is clear, you can get a great view of Chicago from the beach. Be aware that depending on where you park, you may have to scale some dunes to reach the beach.

Location: Gary

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from the Sunday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Lake Street Beach is a beautiful area that marks the beginning of the Indiana Dunes National Park. The shoreline runs along the southern end of Lake Michigan, and it's a wonderful place for a summer afternoon. Note that the sand is extremely soft here, so you may find it tiring to walk along the beach for very long. Parking is $8 for Gary residents and $10 for non-residents. There's a small boat launch here if you've got a jet ski.

Location: Beverly Shores

Popularity: Less popular than some of the other nearby beaches

Need To Know: Arrive early during the summer so that you can find parking.

The Hoosier State isn't exactly synonymous with beaches, but you'll find plenty of shoreline all around Lake Michigan. Kemil Beach is easily one of the best beaches on Lake Michigan, and it really feels like you're right on the ocean. The water here is incredibly clear and it makes for amazing scenery. Do note that the shore drops off pretty quickly and the water gets suddenly deep, so make sure to keep a close eye on the kids as they wade. Year-round restrooms and potable water are available.

There are so many amazing parks in the Hoosier State that are worthy of a visit at any time of year, but they're easily one of the best places to visit in the summer. The national and state parks in Indiana are some of the most amazing in the entire country. Whether you're traveling with the whole family, friends, or just you and your significant other, enjoying the many great recreational activities at our parks is one of the best summer activities in Indiana.

Location: Marshall

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: There are 11 breathtaking hiking trails here that wind through the sandstone canyons. There are options available for various skilll levels, but make sure to wear sturdy waterproof shoes, as most of the trails require some stream crossings.

Turkey Run State Park has a unique landscape that's unlike much of the scenery you're accustomed to in Indiana. The beautiful canyons here were formed millions of years ago as the sandstone was weathered away by time. There's tons of wooded acreage here, and the scenery looks primeval because it's so rare to see undeveloped land in the Hoosier State.

Location: Clarksville

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This is the smallest state park in Indinaa, at only 165 acres, but there's a lot to do here!

Falls of the Ohio State Park is notable not just because of its natural beauty though it does have that in spades. This place is also among the most historic of all the parks in Indiana. The limestone beds here are filled with fossils dating back to 419 million years old. The interpretive center here is a great place to head inside and cool off in the air conditioning if you get too hot exploring the outdoors.

Location: Porter

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: There are several beaches here. West Beach tends to be a little less crowded than the main beach.

It's really no surprise that Indiana Dunes became the first national park in Indiana back in 2019. This place is absolutely incredible! The sandy dunes that give the park its name make it look almost otherworldly. Though the park is understandably quite popular, particularly in the summertime, its 15 miles of beaches mean there's more than enough room to spread out. In addition to the sandy shoreline, you'll find wooded trails perfect for hiking, and there are also campsites available.

Times are tough right now, and it's understandable that we don't all have limitless funds to spend on an international getaway, especially if you have a large family. Luckily, there are lots of free things to do in Indiana in the summertime that won't cost you any more than the gas to get there. Here are a few of our favorites:

Location: Shipshewana

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: This year's season runs from April 30 through September 25, 2024. It's open on Tuesdays and Wednesday, plus holidays, and there are two sepcial weekend markets in June and August.

I don't know about you, but browsing at a flea market is one of my favorite free activities. Flea markets don't come much bigger or better than the wonderful Shipshewana Flea Market, a seasonal market that declares itself the largest outdoor flea market in the Midwest. There are 700 booths spread out over 40 acres, so you can find just about anything here! You'll encounter a food court and several restaurants, and the flea market is open rain or shine. Just make sure to bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes!

Location: Indianapolis

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This is one of the oldest parks in the area, having been founded back in 1916.

Holliday Park has an unreal beauty to it and it's hard to believe that it's located just a few miles outside of downtown Indianapolis. This magnificent park spans 94 acres, has 3.5 miles of trails, and a wonderful playground where the little ones can let off some energy. It's also home to a kid-friendly nature center that hosts events throughout the year, plus fascinating stone ruins. The park has a great variety of landscapes, including a pond, wetlands, wooded areas, and even a section of the White River.

There are endless festivals in Indiana throughout the year, and, of course, they're all quite magical in their own special way, but if you ask me, the summer festivals here are some of the very best! Here are a few that we look forward to each year:

Location: Starke County

Popularity: Hidden Gem

Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for July 26-28, 2024.

The Bass Lake Festival has been an annual tradition in the little town of Bass Lake since the 1970s. This family-friendly event has something for all ages, with a 5K race, kids' games, a beer garden, car show, watermelon-eating contest, and so much more. The vendors are always a hit, with locally-made crafts available for sale that make great gifts. Keep an eye on the Bass Lake Festival website for information.

Location: Greenwood

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for June 29, 2024.

Greenwood may be a sizable city at 65,000 residents, but the Greenwood Freedom Festival is an annual event with a great old-fashioned small town vibe. The festival celebrates all things Americana, with live music, a wonderful parade, a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and then a wonderful fireworks show. The Kid Zone is full of inflatable toys for the little ones, and there are plenty of food and drink vendors to enjoy. Check out the full event schedule at the Greenwood, Indiana website.

Location: Huntington

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for June 12-June 16, 2024.

There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Huntington Heritage Days. This annual festival takes over all of downtown Huntington, with

carnival rides, a three-day quilt show, a car and bike show, a parade, Kid Zone, and hot air balloon show. There's plenty of local food vendors and even an art auction.

Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a road trip! What are some of your favorite things to do in summer in Indiana?

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