30 Family Weekend Getaways from Indianapolis

Dawn Denning said:  Southern Indiana offers so much for nature lovers, including Marengo Cave. This National U.S. Landmark offers guided tours featuring stalagmites & flowstone deposits. While you are there, enjoy canoeing & horseback riding. More of a water lover? Then visit beautiful Patoka Lake. Your family can fish, boat & bike or if you just want to take a break, there are picnic areas and a beach too. In the winter months, Patoka Lake is used for ice fishing & cross country skiing. Try & plan your visit around one of the many festivals this county has to offer.

Kristy Pepping said:  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.

When you want all the features of an outdoor waterpark but the weather is unpredictable, how about trying this 40,000 square foot indoor waterpark with retractable roof! This water play land has four different slides, 3-story interactive play structure, activity pool, lazy river, toddler splash area and outdoor pool with zero-depth entry. Even better, this waterpark has a hotel attached so you can extend the fun!

Dawn Denning said:  No matter the time of year, French Lick has a ton of stuff for you and your family to enjoy. If it is cold and snowy outside, ski or tube at Paoli Peaks then warm up and play at the indoor waterpark, Big Splash Adventure! If you have a train lover in your family, check out French Lick Railway and enjoy their Polar Express Train ride or other special events. If it is warm enough, take a hike, zip line or see elephants and more at Wilstem Ranch! Be sure to check out French Lick Resort for golfing, dining and fun!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Sister Lakes is a beautiful small town with a number of different lakes that are great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or taking a pontoon boat out for a ride! A few favorite restaurants include Lutz's, Driftwood, and Lakeview Inn.

From the award-winning downtown to the white sandy beaches, you'll fall in love with Holland's small town charm and big city amenities. Located in Southwestern Michigan, Holland offers waterfront dining, windmills, shopping for wooden shoes, and their famous Tulip Festival every May.

Located on Lake Michigan, South Haven is home to tasty eateries, quaint shops and plenty of natural scenic surroundings. Fun things to do with kids in South Haven include blueberry picking, tall ship sail excursions, the Michigan Maritime Museum, and enjoying sunny days on the sand at South Beach.

These cozy Michigan beach towns are a perfect getaway for families looking for a serene escape! From the charming bed and breakfasts to the vibrant art scene to the old fashioned fudge and ice cream parlors, Saugatuck-Douglas is a magical spot for families with children of all ages. Saugatuck is especially charming in the fall when the summer beach crowds have wound down, the town falls a bit sleepy and the apple orchards fill with children.

Dawn Denning said:  My sons and I just finished a day trip to Holiday World! Holiday World is divided into holiday-themed areas and features 4 big roller coasters and a lot of smaller rides and games. It is perfect for all ages! Visit in the summer to enjoy waterparks with a lot of big drops! The park is clean, offers free soft drinks & sunscreen. If you like to camp and hike, check out the Hoosier National Forest which is only 30 minutes from the park.

St. Joseph, along the shore of Lake Michigan, offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Michigan. Kid-friendly amenities throughout St. Joseph include an old-fashioned carousel, an interactive splash pad and the Curious Kids' Museum. Silver Beach has been ranked among the top family beaches.

Dawn Denning said:  Horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and fishing are just a few things to do at Turkey Run State Park. Located on the border of Indiana and Illinois, Turkey Run is a fall family favorite. Be sure to stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the history of this state park. The Covered Bridge Festival is a nationally known annual tradition for a lot of Indiana residents. It features wooden bridges built over 150 years ago nestled in beautiful fall foliage. The festival offers food and crafts from local vendors too!

Sitting on Grand Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan, Traverse City is known for its cherries and fabulous beaches. Things to do in Traverse City with kids include visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Great Lakes Children's Museum, and Traverse Tall Ship Company sail excursions. Don't miss the annual Cherry Festival if you can!

Before you go, see more recommendations for things to do with kids in Traverse City to help plan your stay.

The Indiana Dunes is a registered national park along the lake shore! Located along the southern tip of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, the Indiana Dunes attracts millions of visitors each year. While best known for its beaches, the Indiana Dunes offers so much more: world class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, eclectic nightlife and exhilarating biking and hiking, a drive-in movie theatre, water park, and more.

One of the best family vacation spots for a taste of the big city, there's a lot for kids in Chicago. Check out the dinosaurs at the Field Museum, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, explore the absolutely epic play areas at Maggie Daley Park, and sample some amazing food - there's more than just pizza here!

For more inspiration, take a look at our recommendations on Things to Do With Kids in Chicago - The Ultimate Guide.

Starved Rock State Park has 13+ miles of trails to explore, fishing (ice fishing, too), boating, extraordinary views and waterfalls. It was voted the number one attraction in the state of Illinois. Enjoy hiking, trolley tours, horseback riding and camping.