Looking for family-friendly entertainment and fun? The Hoosier State has exactly what you’re looking for — from theme parks to nature reserves and everything in between, there’s something the entire family will enjoy.
Amish Acres
Allow yourself to be transported into the simple, unadorned lifestyle of the Amish at this 80-acre Old Amish Farm. Take a guided wagon ride around this working farm and learn about the Amish way of life. You can take house and farm tours as well as participate in craft demonstrations. This Amish community also includes a maple sugar camp, apple cider mill, one-room school and blacksmith shop.
Address: 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee, Indiana 46550
Phone: 800-800-4942
Website: www.amishacres.com
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore where you can enjoy nature all year round. The summertime is ideal for swimming and walking along the shoreline while the wintertime is prime time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This is also the perfect place to watch the seasons change or catch a glimpse of rare species of birds. Camp, fish or hike along 45 miles of trails through dunes, wetlands, prairies, rivers and forests.
Address: 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, Indiana 46304
Phone: 219-926-7561
Website: www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm
Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Time flies when you’re having fun, and Indiana Beach Amusement Resort is no exception. The Boardwalk Midway is filled with rides, games and other attractions. You’ll find roller coasters for families, younger children and thrill seekers. Enjoy the cool and refreshing water at the water park with its swimming area, sand beach and water slides. For high adventure, take to the zip line, high ropes course or rock wall.
Address: 5224 E. Indiana Beach Road, Monticello, Indiana 47960
Phone: 574-583-4141
Website: www.indianabeach.com
Perfect North Slopes
Bundle up and hit the slopes on the 75 acres of terrain at Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes. Skiing and snowboarding neophytes can take lessons while the more experienced can immediately take to the slopes. With 23 trails, you’ll find something for every ability level. Not a fan of snow sports? Then slide down the slopes on snow tubes or escape to the warmth of the indoors and sip on hot cocoa.
Address: 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025
Phone: 513-381-7517
Website: www.perfectnorth.com
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden
Visit Mesker Park Zoo, one of Indiana’s largest and oldest zoos, home to 200 different species with over 700 animals and thousands of varieties of plant life.
View animals from North America, the tropics, African savanna, Asia and Australia in more natural habitat exhibits. Then take a walk through the indoor rainforest exhibit where tropical birds freely fly. Younger children will also enjoy the petting zoo.
Address: 1545 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, Indiana 47720
Phone: 812-435-6143
Website: www.meskerparkzoo.com
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
Have an entire year of fun in one excitement-filled day at Holiday World. This holiday-themed park celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving through themed music, rides, games, food and other attractions. The wooden roller coasters add an extra thrill. At the Safari-themed water park, you’ll find the world’s two longest water coasters and you can splash around in the lazy river, wave pool and other water attractions.
Address: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
Phone: 812-937-4401
Website: www.holidayworld.com
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