I’ve been asking for recommendations and scouring the interwebs for fun activities that my local Indiana folks can enjoy this season. So here are a few fun summer activities in Indiana that the whole family can enjoy:
*County Fair: there’s gonna be one going on in your county soon, if it hasn’t happened yet. I prefer to skip the rides, but always love seeing the animals and enjoying the funnel cake. If you’re close to Indy- check out the State Fair because it is the culmination of what a good fair can be, with more of EVERYTHING. I saw that this year they’re also including a Big Top Circus, which is sure to bring nostalgia, and the littles will love.
*Spring Mill State Park: Nestled in Southern Indiana (right near our previous hometown) lies this charming park that includes a trip back to the past with a complete pioneer village. You can tour old homes and chat with reenactors about what it was like to live in Pioneer times. (Great for a homeschool trip!) There are also gorgeous waterfalls, caves to explore, trails to hike. There are a few places to eat or grab a quick snack, and even a public pool. I spent many fun childhood Summers here, and love going back. Fun fact: I even attended the Spring Mill Bible Camp for 9 amazing Summers.
*Cataract Falls: There are gorgeous views of the largest waterfall in Indiana, nature trails, a covered bridge, and a park located here. If you’re looking for a fun place to take photos or just want to pack a picnic with a view- this is a fun place to stop by. Fun Fact: my mom used to live here before it was a park, when she was a kid.
*Huber Winery: Huber is way more than just a winery! It also boasts a Family Farm Park with a train, a giant slide, and more! There is an Ice Cream Factory and Cheese Shop, a Cafe and so much more that could totally fill a Summer day. {Also- wine.} I have yet to visit here and got this as a recommendation, but I can’t wait to go and visit!
*Bluespring Caverns: If you’re feeling a little adventurous check out Bluespring Caverns. There’s a nature trail, a park, and the main event- a boat tour through the cave. I did this when I was little and it was a blast! After the tour you can also let your kiddos pan for gold and explore the area.
*Indiana Dunes State Park: More than 3 miles of beach located along the Michigan shoreline, sits this amazing park with dunes towering up to 200 feet above the lake. You can swim, fish, pack a picnic, hike, and even tour the nature center. This is on our travel list as well!
*Deep River Waterpark: A destination for water lovers. Accredited as the Midwest’s Favorite Family Waterpark. Located near Chicago (but still in good ole Indiana). Fun fact: they do ice skating in the Winter months.
*Conner Prairie: One of the biggest outdoor museums in the country, Conner Prairie is Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate. There are classes, events, Prairietown- a 19th century village, a Balloon Voyage, and so much more that you really need more than 1 day to do it all! I haven’t been here since I was an elementary schooler, so as a homeschool Mom I can’t wait to go back and explore!
The great thing about our midwestern state is there are so many orchards, farms, and fun stuff to do that it would take me hours to fill this page. But, I wanted to share a few suggestions with you, so that your family can have some fun (and maybe even sneak in a little educational stuff) this Summer.
Where is your favorite place to visit locally? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to my travel list!
