30 Family Weekend Getaways from Indianapolis

Don't overlook Columbus for a family vacation that offers culture, delicious food, and plenty of outdoor fun! Browse the kid-friendly Columbus Museum of Art, check out the animals at the Columbus Zoo (one of the best in the country), and sample a huge variety of local food vendors at North Market.

Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, there's plenty for all ages. Big kids can experience the thrilling roller coasters, and little ones won't want to miss the Snoopy-themed attractions. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions.

Kristy Pepping:  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!

First opened in 1870 right along Lake Erie, Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital but there is so much more to do here. There are shows, lake and beach activities, great food and Cedar Point Shores water park. In addition, there are many other family destinations and activities in the surrounding Sandusky, Ohio area.

Dawn Denning:  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.

Cincinnati is a fantastic destination for families! Visit the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, catch a Reds game or visit the Reds Hall of Fame, or check out the world's largest train display at Entertainment Junction. Another crowd favorite is Jungle Jim's International Market, with 20,000 square feet of market space for groceries, tastings and demos. Grab a chili dog or famous Cincinnati chili at Skyline Chili or enjoy a homemade ice cream cone from Cincinnati-based Graeter's.

Dawn Denning:  Pine Lake Waterpark is a must do in the summer for your family. The waterpark is full of slides, platform jumps, cable rides and log runs. There is even a teeter-totter in the water! Once you are done sliding and flipping, be sure to stop by Quabache State Park for hiking, fishing and picnicking with the family. If you are tired of the sun and have an interest in history, Swiss Heritage Village is an area museum dedicated to the Swiss settlers in the area. It is hours of fun and a "must do" to add to your vacation list!

Yoli B:  Lake James is a small town located in the Northeast corner of Indiana and offers some of the best lake sunsets that I have ever seen! The lake offers all water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, pontoon-ing, jet ski-ing, and I've even seen a fly board or two. Lake James is surrounded by Potawatomi State Park and is in the quaint town of Angola, which has plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities!

Kristy Pepping:  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.

Dawn Denning:  This historic little town hosts millions of visitors every year. Home to a large Amish population, visit delicious restaurants with homegrown ingredients, quaint shops and enjoy a buggy ride. While there, visit Black Pine Animal Sanctuary which is home to bears, lions, reptiles and more. This is a fun day or weekend trip for your family.

Your family could spend a day or a weekend exploring this great city. Enjoy a great view of the city by riverboat on the Belle of Louisville or Mary M Miller boat tours. Learn all about the history of horse racing and the famous Kentucky Derby at the Derby Museum. Take a hike at the Jefferson Memorial Forest, the largest urban forest in the country. If you have baseball fans in the family, check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory or catch a minor league baseball game of the Louisville Bats. Be sure to check out downtown for their underground zip lines housed in a former limestone mine under the city- the only underground zip line in the world!

Dawn Denning:  Named the "Little Smokies," Brown County State Park, is a 16,000-acre area of hills, trails, trees and hiking trails. Your family can horseback ride, canoe/ kayak, zip line or just walk around. Have fun in nature, enjoy a picnic and some family bonding in this beautiful park. After your day in the park, be sure to stop in Nashville, Indiana. This small town has tons of shops and restaurants for everyone to enjoy. If you aren't too full from dinner or tired from the day in the park, Brown County offers year-round shows and festivals.

Kristy Pepping:  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:  Monroe Lake is Indiana's largest lake and is located near the Indiana University campus. There are a scenic stone-bluffed shoreline and wooded hills. Activities include Indiana University, trail rides, boat rentals and WonderLab Science Museum.

Kristy Pepping:  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.