Looking for some of the coolest things to do this summer in Indiana?! This guide is filled with over 55+ unexpected, well-loved, and exciting summer destinations and it’s one of my favorite posts ever! Every location is hand-picked by me from either my own personal experience at the destination, from my own extensive research, or places that time and time again have been highly recommended from you! From unique date ideas to family-friendly fun and everything exciting in between, this guide to IN summer places to visit is a one stop shop when it comes to planning your summer activities this year!
PS – Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this guide for an interactive map of all the locations found within this guide! You can also follow me @indianahannah_blog (Indiana Hannah) on Instagram and TikTok for real-time trip recommendations and fun things to do in Indiana!
Indiana Dunes National Park
I love Indiana Dunes…it is unlike any place in Indiana and the perfect day trip to cure that cabin fever. There’s plenty of beach space, gorgeous hikes (I recommend the dune succession trail for the best views – pictured here) and there’s amazing restaurants and shops in the surrounding towns, especially Chesterton.
Porter, IN
Sunrise Harvest Farms
One of our favorite summer memories – picking blueberries at this beautiful you-pick farm! They have a kids’ play area perfect for a picnic after blueberry picking! The season typically starts at the very beginning of July.
San Pierre, IN
Train Things to Do
If you have been here for a while, you know that we love to visit anything and everything train in Indiana! So, a few places we have been to/we’d like to visit this summer are The Hesston Steam Museum (Hesston, IN), Hoosier Valley Railroad (North Judson, IN / we have been here before and love it), the Monon Connection Museum and Whistle Stop (Monon, IN), Griffith Historical Museum and Train Depot (Griffith, IN), The Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum Purdue Northwest (model trains run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Coffee at the Crossing (McCordsville, IN), Hoosier Cupbard Candy and Ice Cream (Franklin, IN), Indiana Live Steamers (($4 mini train rides!), and Pufferbelly Ice Cream (Fort Wayne, IN)
– cover image is from Hoosier Valley Railroad
Fair Oaks Farms
With what feels like endless options for exploration and adventure, Fair Oaks Farms lives up to the hype and is a great option for a kid-friendly weekend getaway in Indiana! They have an on-site hotel with a pool that will keep the fun going even after all the farm activities close for the evening.
Fair Oaks, IN
Trading Post Canoe
Trading Post Canoe is a campground and river trip destination in Mongo, IN that takes you paddling through some of the most scenic areas of the 13,000 acre Pigeon River, Fish and Wildlife Area! Tap the picture to learn more about what I did during my visit and all the cool things to do here!
Mongo, IN
Wheel Fun Rentals
Wheel Fun Rentals offers all kinds of different rental options to spend the day exploring the canal walk in downtown Indy! From surrey bikes to swan pedal boats, it’s the perfect unique summer activity right in the heart of the city. To see the full recap from our WFR adventures, check out the “WFR Indy” highlight on my page!
Indianapolis, IN
Brown County, IN
Brown County is such a pretty weekend getaway in Indiana during the summer, and year round for that matter. You can take a stroll through Nashville and explore tons of little shops and restaurants, hike through the forests, do the 7 vistas challenge, or just relax at one of the many rental cabins found in the county. If you have a larger family or group, be sure to check out Brown County Barn Burner! There’s a full highlight on my Instagram from my most recent trip to the Airbnb.
Nashville, N
Culver, IN
One of my favorite towns in IN, it’s just so unique with everything focused around lake Max! There’s a park, beach, pizza shops and hot dog stand, it’s the perfect summer spot!
Culver, IN
Country Heritage Winery
The most gorgeous winery – there’s tons of pretty places to sit, a huge koi pond and it’s family friendly! They also offer free winery/distillery tours! They’re included in my most recent day-date in Fort Wayne post!
Fort Wayne, IN
Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary
This isn’t just a summer store, but it’s so gorgeous to visit in the summer with their farm fresh lavender hanging from the ceiling! They are a 100% farm to apothecary and grow over 13 different varieties of lavender to make their products like: essential oils, lotions, bubble bath, face masks and more!
LaGrange, IN
Lakeside Park
This unexpected city-central park is so pretty and has a rose garden, playground, tennis/pickleball courts and a huge fishing pond!
Fort Wayne, IN
You-Pick Flower Fields
If there is a you-pick field on the way to where I am going, you can bet I’m making a pit stop, because there is nothing more beautiful! I have visited several you-pick flower fields in Indiana so far including: Fresh Cut Farms (Delphi, IN) and Anderson Flower Farm (Frankfort, IN) and am planning on making a you-pick flower guide at some point!
Cover image taken at Anderson Flower Farm
Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market
In the heart of Amish country you will find quaint shopping and as many horse and buggies as there are cars. But, some of the coolest treasures can be found at the Trading Place Flea Market (May – September). With over 40 acres packed full of booths and vendors, there’s no shortage of summer fun here! When you’re done, hop over to Davis Mercantile just a few miles down the road, for indoor shopping, Jojo’s Pretzels and a ride on the carousel.
Shipshewana, IN
Turkey Run State Park (trail 6)
There’s plenty of things to do for everyone at Turkey Run! I love trail 6 for hikes with toddlers: it’s only .5 miles but you get to see the river and walk through the rock cliffs, we always start at the end of the trial and go back so we can spend time at the river first! You can also take a short drive to Shades State Park which is equally is beautiful and typically less crowded.
Marshall, IN
Stay at French Lick
One of the most incredible things I have had the chance to do this summer was stay at West Baden Springs Hotel…I had always dreamed of visiting and when I saw it in person for the first time I was blown away. We ate in the dome at Ballard’s, golfed their new Sand Creek course, took the trolley to get ice cream and just walked around the grounds and hotel to enjoy the atmosphere! I cannot recommend it enough for a couples trip this summer in Indiana!
French Lick, IN
Grissom Air Museum
We LOVE this museum for family fun! There’s so much room to run around and explore, and you get up close and personal with the planes and history in the museum.
Peru, IN
Geist Waterfront Park
Geist Waterfront Park is a 70 acre waterfront park and is such a fun summer spot for the whole family. You can bring your kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and use the non-motor boat launch, play at the pirate themed playground, play at the “beach”, or walk the trails at this must-visit park in central Indiana.
Fishers, IN
Westermeier Park
This huge park in Carmel is one of our favorite parks we’ve ever been to! It has it all: a really nice park, walking trials around the park and pond, a nature area loaded with wildlife like ducks and fish, and a great splash pad area in the same spot as the park, so kids can choose either option!
Carmel, IN
Go Ape Adventure Park
This is a must-try adventure if you’re in Indy! There’s something for everyone and all ages. I also have a full Instagram post featuring more photos of Go Ape!
Indianapolis, IN
In
Newfields
Explore the gardens, visit the LUME (an immersive art experience where art is projected onto the walls, ceiling, and floors or grab some cozy blankets and your besties and head over to Newfields for their summer nights film series! Watch some of your favorite movies as the IN summer sun sneaks beneath the trees.
Indianapolis, IN
Traders Point Creamery
Spend the afternoon eating delicious ice cream, from the dairy cows in the pasture, and walking around the farm at Traders Point Creamery! They have an amazing restaurant showcasing all kinds of the local flavors.
Zionsville, IN
You-Pick Berries
Indiana is bursting with berries and you-pick fruits during the summer season! I created the “You-Pick Guide” so you can find the cutest spots closest to you.
Downtown Fort Wayne
Downtown Fort Wayne is becoming quite the destination for families! The Landing is home to some incredible restaurants and shopping, and the Fort Wayne Children’s zoo, which is just minutes away from The Landing, is perfect for kids to spend the day exploring. Stop by Promenade Park for their skywalk trial, PNC Park and then walk to Pufferbelly Ice Cream for ice cream cones and train inspired atmosphere! I have a full day-trip itinerary for both a couple trip and a family trip over on my socials.
Fort Wayne, IN
Indiana Dinosaur Museum
We visited this museum in the winter last year, but I would love to go back during the summer! The museum is full of replica-style, life sized dinosaurs, a fossil dig site, and the museum itself sits on the Continental Divide Park – over 90 acres of trails and prairie (with a buffalo overlook!) to explore on foot or by wagon guide.
South Bend, IN
Indiana State Fair
The food, the rides, the livestock shows…the Indiana state fair has it all and it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening. We love visiting the Glass Barn and all of it’s activities put on by the IN Soybean Alliance!
Indianapolis, IN
Sunflower Fields
If you have made it this far into the guide, you’ve probably gathered that I love visiting flower fields! So much so, that I gave Indiana sunflower fields their own travel guide, and you can find it here! It is full of gorgeous places to see sunflowers all across the state, plus an interactive map at the bottom of the post just like this guide.
Peru Circus City Festival
The Peru Circus City Festival is a the perfect summertime celebration to visit this year! They have a fair-like appeal with food trucks, vendors, games and rides as well as the Circus performances.
Peru, IN
Badlands Off-Road Park
Whether you have an ATV, Jeep, bike, dirt bike, or another 4×4, the Badlands is the perfect way to shake off those winter blues. There’s over 1.400 acres of trails and terrain for any skill level at this Attica, IN off-road park, so it’s perfect for the whole family!
Attica, IN
Midtown Plaza Carmel
The perfect hangout spot for adults and kids alike, Midtown helps connect the arts district with city center. You can grab a bit to eat, drink, and play pool, ping pong and corn hole all while staying central in the city!
Carmel, IN
Pine Lake Waterpark
Pine Lake has so much for families to to when it comes to fun on the water this summer in Indiana! You can try all of their activities like the rainbow rider, black hole, jump tower, cable ride, log walk, bobbers, racer slide, curly slide, splash pad, drop slide and more!
Berne, IN
Prophetstown State Park Aquatic Center
Aside from being full of amazing things to do, Prophetstown State Park is also home to an amazing waterpark!
West Lafayette, IN
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE: Glow-n-Fire
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are coming to Gainbridge Fieldhouse July 25-26 in this really cool glow-n-fire show!
Indianapolis, IN
The Bier Brewery
There’s nothing quite like the 2 acre Biergarten at Bier Brewery – it’s family friendly with a playground, fire pits, cornhole, bocce ball and more!
Noblesville, IN
Efroymson Prairie at Kankakee Sands / Bison
The Efroymson Prairie is free to visit and totals over 8,400 acres of prairie and wetland and summer is the perfect time to visit! You can also embark on several hikes or enjoy the prairie on a self-guided driving tour of the property (2 hours).
Newton County – IN
Union Restaurant and Game Yard
If you are looking for a unique Indiana restaurant with delicious food and drinks, then Union is for you! Summer is a great time to visit and take advantage of their outdoor games like cornhole, ping pong, trash can pong and more. It’s also great for larger groups and families!
Jeffersonville, IN
Hidden Paradise Campground
You don’t have to camp or rent a cabin here to have an incredible time! The campground is located on the beautiful 80 acres of Dream Lake and where you can swim in the designated areas of the quarry, jump on the water trampoline, explore the water obstacle course, rent kayaks and SUPS, and more.
Saint Paul, IN
Huber’s Orchard and Winery/Starlight Distillery
Huber’s Orchard and Winery is such a fun summer thing to do in IN for the whole family! Indulge in a wine tour of Starlight Distillery, visit the ice cream shop or craft cocktail bar, eat at the Starlight Cafe or let the kids play at the family fun park. There’s lots to do here year round!
Borden, IN
Cool Creek Park & Nature Center
This 90 acre park is the perfect places for little ones and adults alike to explore! There’s a nature center, nature play area, paved and woodland paths, a shallow creek, a greenhouse, and they offer so many fun activities and events during the summer.
Carmel, IN
Madam Carroll
The Madam Carrol is the largest boat in Indiana and offers dinner cruises, a boat bar, live music and is perfect for spending quality time on beautiful lake freeman.
Monticello, IN
Skylake Adventure Park
New as of this summer, Skylake Adventures is one of the coolest water activities to try in Indiana! Giant inflatable obstacle course, beaches, slides and more! It’s a tad pricey for most families in my opinion (parking isn’t included and tickets are around $50 per person) but I do think that it would be so fun for a special occasion or treating it like a theme park kinda-day!
Sheridan, IN
Wabash & Erie Canal Park
Explore the pioneer village, take a canal boat ride, play on the canal boat playground, tour an 1844 home, walk the trials, and more!
Delphi, IN
Farina’s Belly Flop
Who says there can’t be a groovy beach shack in Indiana?! Belly Flop has ice cream, coffee, lunch options and more all while encompassing the nostalgia of groovy summer days spent on the beach…this is one of the places on my list of summer must-visits this year!
Long Beach, IN
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Ever wanted to explore and touch fossils on a 390 million year old fossil bed?! Falls of the Ohio State Park is located right on the Ohio river and its exposed Devonian fossil beds are some of the largest in the world. Spend the day walking on the fossil beds and exploring the interpretive center! This is another spot on my summer visit wish list, I just love anything with fossils and insight into what IN used to look like!
Clarksville, IN
Flowing Well Park
This 15 acre park in Carmel, IN is the perfect free activity for toddlers this summer! It has a mile-long nature trail, perfect creek stomping locations, fishing spots, and more! Plus, you can even fill up your water bottles at the flowing well!
Carmel, IN
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
It’s no secret that Holiday World is one of Indiana’s most beloved summer attractions…and for good reason! They have rides for every age along with some great food options within the park.
Santa Claus, IN
Sugar Valley Canoe
Spending the day cruising down beautiful sugar creek is guaranteed to put you in a summer state of mind! You can kayak, canoe, or tube down the river stopping anywhere along the way to enjoy the water and scenery.
Marshall, IN
France Park
This little park is perfect for an afternoon trip or camping. Explore the trails, fishing, check out the waterfall, and beach…you can even scuba dive here in the quarry! It can get very crowded with campers during the weekends and holidays, but weekdays in the summer are sure to be much less crowded!
Logansport, IN
Wilstem
Wilstem takes animal encounters to a whole new level! They offer several, up close, experiences with a variety of animals and even are home to a drive through safari where you can feed a variety of animals from inside your vehicle.
Paoli, IN
Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park
Home to Indiana’s largest cave, Indiana Caverns boasts a variety of activities for all ages! The underground boat ride and option to explore the cave on a 4 hour underground challenge, it’s the perfect spot to escape the summer heat.
Corydon, IN
Burdette Park
With over 150 acres to explore, an aquatic center, a 3 mile paved trail, a magical garden complete with an upside down house…Burdette Park is a southern IN summer gem!
Evansville, IN
Indiana Beach
There are over 40 different rides and attractions at Indiana Beach! It’s a one stop adventure with lodging options near by, food at the park, and a carnival/fair like theme…the perfect way to celebrate summer in Indiana.
Monticello, IN
Conner Prairie
Step back in time and experience summer in Indiana…during the 1800s! There’s so much to do for all ages at this living history museum: prairie town, animal encounters, civil war journey, and more!
Fishers, IN
Dixie Sternwheeler
The Dixie is Indiana’s oldest sternwheeler excursion boat, and it’s the perfect in summer activity for the whole family thanks to their daily public cruises!
North Webster, IN
Koch Theatre & Planetarium
The planetarium at the Evansville museum is the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Thanks to their Digistar projection, the planetarium offers a more immersive experiences into space than ever before! They offer a variety of shows like underwater themes, space shows with animated characters for kids, and of course space exploration specials.
Evansville, IN
Oasis Diner
Oasis Diner is such a classic IN spot, and they have a great patio where you can enjoy the vintage 1954 summer vibes while enjoying their delicious homemade dishes!
Plainfield, IN
Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve
Summer is for new experiences, so why not get up close and personal with the bison of Indiana?! Take an open air truck tour and see over 250 bison roaming the 400 acres that they call home.
Fremont, IN
Squire Boone Caverns
At Squire Boone Caverns you can: explore the cave, feed animals, zipline, mine for gems, and more! Another spot to escape the heat for a while!
Maukport, IN
Brown’s Peach Festival
Brown’s Peach Festival is a peach-themed, two day event, with over 150 vendors from all over Indiana and Illinois. You’ll see peach favorites like their famous peach cookbook, peach jam, peach cookies and tons more peach themed items along with tons of mobile boutiques and vendors selling home decor, woodworkers, handmade, custom made, artists, and food trucks!
Attica, IN
Splash Island
This tropical themed waterpark has so many fun activities for all ages: three water slides, lazy river, kiddie pool, and so much more!
Plainfield, IN
Please Note: All media shown within this post, with the exception of Indiana Hannah media, are from Instagram/location website and are owned by the photographer of the image. Image credits can be found within the guide on Indiana Hannah’s Instagram. The use of Indiana Hannah media and content without permission from the owner is prohibited. Any unauthorized use will be met with legal action.
Indiana Hannah
Indiana Travel & Midwest Lifestyle
Indiana Hannah 
Leave a comment