With cold weather lingering throughout Indiana, playgrounds may seem completely out of the question. Luckily, Indiana has plenty of indoor playgrounds with tunnels, rope climbs, and slides. But if you're looking for a little something extra this winter, bring your kids to the Indianapolis Children's Museum to check out this whimsical wintertime slide straight out of Willy Wonka.
There's always fun to be had at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
Every year toward the end of January, the Chocolate Slide at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis opens up, delighting children across the state. This whimsical, magical exhibit is spectacular to behold, and even better to explore.
Now through the end of April, kids will find the atrium of the Children's Museum transformed into a world straight out of Willy Wonka. You'll find a candy land of imagination, with gum drops, chocolate statues, and lollipops scattered across this exhibit.
The Chocolate Slide itself - the main event - is a large swirly slide designed to look like a chocolate river that your kids are whizzing down. Most kids can enjoy this awesome slide on their own, while those under three feet tall can ride with a parent.
Of course, a chocolate slide wouldn't be complete without actual chocolate! Visit the nearby Chocolate Cafe to indulge in all of your favorite sweets and chocolate goodies to turn this exhibit into a real life candy land. You'll find this tasty exhibit at 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Check out the Chocolate Slide in action in this YouTube video from the Children's Museum:
Have you ever seen this whimsical, winter slide in action? What was your favorite part of this delicious exhibit?
For more fun ideas on activities to enjoy this winter, check out these awesome winter attractions in the Hoosier state.
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.
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Indiana
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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Best Beaches To Visit In Indiana This Summer
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.
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.
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.
Popularity: Less popular than some of the other nearby beaches
Need To Know: Arrive early during the summer so that you can find parking.
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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.
Parks To Visit In Indiana This Summer
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Free Summer Activities In Indiana
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:
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!
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.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Indiana
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:
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.
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.
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?
You know, one of the (probably unusual) regrets I have about this life is that I'll never leave the planet's surface (unless something completely insane happens, anyway). There's a whole universe out there that I'll never see - unless I go somewhere like, say, Indiana's Goethe Link Observatory. This spectacular escape from planet Earth is astonishing in every way, but it's so much more than just an enormous telescope. It's an amazing place that often reminds me of all the beauty this little blue planet has to offer; it's one of the only places where you can admire the beauty of both Earth and interstellar bodies.
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Welcome to the Goethe Link Observatory, which was built between 1937 and 1939 by an amateur astronomer by the name of Dr. Goethe Link.
While he was a practicing surgeon by day, he was passionate about space, space exploration, and trying to see everything he could see from this little point on our tiny blue dot.
Nestled within this amazing little dome is a 36-inch reflecting telescope built by Dr. Goethe himself.
Today, you can tour the facility, attend events in which you can look through the big telescope, and learn all about the history of the place while admiring its amazing... well, everything.
But there's something else about the Observatory that's especially wonderful: Dr. Goethe's wife was an avid gardener, and to this day, the descendants of her incredible daffodil garden bloom every year, making for one incredible show.
The flowers spread across the whole property, and every spring and sometimes into summer, you can come see it in all its awesome glory.
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You haven't lived if you've never wandered through a sea of wildflowers knowing all the while you can come back later and check out Mars, or a distant star, or whatever else might be up for looking at.
The Indiana Astronomical Society now runs and maintains the Observatory (and the stunning wildflowers that surround it). They greatly encourage curiosity and exploration of the Final Frontier: outer space.
Come for the flowers, stay for the... equipment rentals?
Yup. As if the Goethe Link Observatory wasn't awesome enough, the kind folks here offer equipment rentals of things like telescopes, binoculars, and more. Not sure if or what to buy? Just borrow and see what you like before taking the plunge.
So, no matter what you come for (I honestly love it all), you're in for an amazing time.
It's not every day you can marvel at brilliant daffodils, check out the craters of the moon and then leave with an awesome refracting telescope, but now you can!
For more information about the Observatory, the services offered, the programs, and, of course, the awesomeness that is the equipment rentals, be sure to visit the official Indiana Astronomical Society website. Need a place to stay nearby? Check out this adorable lakefront getaway in Indiana.
What are your favorite natural wonders in Indiana? Wanna see more? Check out my favorite natural wonders of Indiana road trip.
