Weekend Getaways Around Indianapolis

Brooke Hubler, Guest Contributor

– Guest contributor Brooke Hubler is the General Manager of Hubler Chevrolet in Indianapolis, Indiana.  As the third generation of the Hubler Automotive family, Brooke brings a lifetime of experience and a well-rounded education from Sarah Lawrence College to her dealership.  She helped launch the group’s online presence with DriveHubler.com and continues to bring innovation to the 10 location Hubler Automotive Group.  She writes as a guest contributor on family, shopping, and automotive industry issues.

 

Summer is finally here! The kids have a break from school, and we’ve all got a little more energy with these longer days. And, along with more energy, there’s even more to do to fill these long daylight hours. One of the coolest things about Indianapolis is that it’s convenient to a bunch of amazing towns and cities and sights. Here’s a list of weekend getaways that will excite the whole family!

 

Turkey Run

Summer is a good a time as any to explore Indiana’s scenic side. If you’re looking to spend a little time with nature, there’s no better place than Turkey Run State Park. There’s a ton of things for the whole family, such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and a nature center. Pack up a tent and some camping food and get lost within Turkey Run for a weekend with the family.

 

There are lots of exciting outdoor adventures around Indy.

There are lots of exciting outdoor adventures around Indy.

Brown County

On the nature side of things—much like Turkey Run—you can guarantee a fun weekend trip for you and the kids at Brown County State Park. From fishing to golfing to zip lining, you’ll want to spend a couple of extra days here just to make sure you fit it all in. Outside the park, in Nashville, Indiana, there is a strip of shops and restaurants that you can spend a good portion of your day exploring.

 

 

 

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you really want to get out of the Indiana area, I’d suggest packing up the car and making the drive down to Gatlinburg. A Smoky Mountain town, this gorgeous retreat is sure to fill your desire for an escape. Shops, shops, and more shops await you on the main stretch in downtown Gatlinburg. In the neighboring city—Pigeon Forge—you can find a plethora of family friendly activities. From the Dollywood amusement park to the Titanic Museum, there is way too much fun to be had in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

 

Water Fun

While getting dirty on nature walks and camping trips is fun, there’s no getting past the fact that good water fun must be had during the summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of places near Indy for that. Wisconsin Dells offers a ridiculous amount of waterpark filled hotels and attractions. Places like Great Wolf Lodge attract adults and kids alike during the hotter times of the summer. You can find one of these located in the Dells, or there’s one closer in Cincinnati!

 

Indiana Dunes

When all else seems a little too hectic or crazy, think about the best R&R places. I’m talking about places like Indiana Dunes. Round the family up and set off for Lake Michigan. With beautiful hiking trails and awesome beaches, you can get a little bit of both worlds. Allow yourself a nice, relaxing day at the beach with your favorite book while your kids splash around in the lake and build sandcastles. And you’re so close to Chicago that making a trip into the city for a little exploring isn’t out of the question!

 

That need for a vacation only gets more real during the summer. And that’s okay! Life is full of obligations and never-finished to-do lists, so taking a weekend trip is necessary and can restore your energy. Don’t worry about work. Brief vacations mean making memories with your family that will last a lifetime. It means taking the escape we all long after. When it comes down to it, a weekend is just a couple days; everything will be just as you left it when you come back.

 

I’ve only listed a few weekend getaway options for families around Indianapolis. But there’s so much more! What are some of your favorite family weekend getaways? Post your stories and suggestions in the comment box below!

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