Midwest Family Adventures: Exploring the Best of Indiana
We love Grand Rapids with all the amazing stuff to do, eat, and explore, but every now and then, it’s fun to get away and see what’s out there.
That’s why we love all the Midwest roadtrips that are so close by!
One of our favs is Indiana—it’s a great pick for the best big-city vibes with museums, local eats, cute small Amish towns, and some amazing outdoor hiking to waterfalls.
Check out our best things to do in Indiana and create your own adventure.
* feature image is Shipshewana at Christmastime
Top Voted Things to Do in Indiana
We asked our readers for your favorite things to do in Indiana in our annual Best of Grand Rapids awards. Here’s your favorite stops in Indiana:
Winner: Shipshewana
1. Shipshewana
2. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3. Indianapolis Zoo
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
5. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
6. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
7. Albanese Candy Factory
8. Turkey Run State Park – Indiana
9. The Cake Bake Shop
10. Connor Prairie
1 – Shipshewana
350 S Van Buren, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Take a step back in time and see Shipshewana—it’s unlike anywhere else!
Explore the giant flea market for treats, toys and crafts. Enjoy tasty homemade pies and pretzels, ride in a horse-drawn buggy or catch a live show at the Blue Gate Theatre.
It’s a the great family-friendly spot for a day of exploring and fun.
2 – The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Beat the boredom with an epic trip to the children’s museum in Indianapolis.
You can tour the four-story dinosaur exhibit, experience sports, racing and burn energy in play zones throughout the museum.
3 – Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Come pet kangaroos, feed giraffes, touch a stingray and watch a dolphin show at the Indianapolis Zoo.
It’s a day of adventuring with animals, activities and playground fun for the whole family.
4 – Indiana Dunes National Park
Porter, IN 46304
If you love sandy beaches and looking for shells, the Indiana Dunes is a great stop for you.
Bring snacks and enjoy a picnic, take a nature hike and see beautiful views of Lake Michigan from a whole new spot!
5 – Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Get ready for a safari adventure!
Journey through amazing habitats where you can feed giraffes, spot pandas and soar above the lions and zebras on the Sky Safari ride.
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is an ultimate family outing with hands-on fun that will keep everyone smiling all day long.
Indiana Family Adventures
Why not take a quick break and enjoy a mini vacay to Indiana?
It’s the perfect year-round adventure the whole family will love, just a short drive away.
