There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, grabbing some road trip snacks, and hitting the open road with your kids. One of the best things about living in Indianapolis is how centrally located it is—you can head in just about any direction and find yourself at an amazing destination in less than half a day.
Whether you’re planning a quick overnight adventure, a fun weekend trip from Indianapolis, or a full vacation, these road trips from Indianapolis are all within four hours of downtown. This guide highlights some of the best weekend getaways in Indiana for families, along with nearby Midwest cities that are perfect for short escapes. No matter your family’s style—nature, amusement parks, museums, or beaches—you’ll find a weekend getaway near me that fits the bill.
Brown County, Indiana – 1 Hour
Family Road Trip from Indianapolis to Brown County
If your family loves nature, hiking, and cozy cabins, Brown County State Park is the perfect road trip destination. Just about an hour south of Indianapolis, this spot feels like a total escape, a short drive away. Kids love staying at the State Park Inn because of the mini water park at the Abe Martin Lodge.
Kids will love exploring the trails, spotting wildlife, and climbing the fire tower for panoramic views. In the fall, the park is known for some of the most stunning autumn colors in the Midwest. Families can hike, bike, or even go horseback riding together.
Nashville, Indiana, is nearby and packed with quaint shops, ice cream parlors, and kid-friendly restaurants. Parents will enjoy the artsy boutiques and live music. Stay overnight in a cabin or lodge, and you’ve got one of the most popular weekend getaways in Indiana for families.
Lake Monroe & Bloomington, Indiana – 1.5–2 Hours
Family Getaway to Lake Monroe and Bloomington
Less than two hours south of Indy, Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest lake and a perfect spot for camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. Families can rent pontoon boats, spend the day on the beach, or enjoy a cabin stay.
Nearby Bloomington adds even more family fun with the WonderLab Science Museum, Griffy Lake hiking trails, and plenty of restaurants and shops in the lively college town.
This area offers the best of both outdoor adventures and city attractions, making it one of the most versatile weekend getaways in Indiana for families.
Cincinnati, Ohio – 2 Hours
Weekend Getaway from Indianapolis to Cincinnati
Cincinnati is packed with family-friendly attractions, making it one of the best 4-hour road trips from Indiana.
Families can spend an entire day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the country. Another must-see is Newport Aquarium, just across the river in Kentucky, where kids can walk through shark tunnels and touch stingrays.
If you’re visiting in summer, plan for a stop at Kings Island, a massive amusement park with roller coasters, family rides, and a water park. For a quieter pace, explore the riverfront parks or ride the BB Riverboats.
Parents will appreciate Cincinnati’s craft breweries and dining scene, while kids will be thrilled with Graeter’s Ice Cream, a local favorite.
Louisville, Kentucky – 2 Hours
Family Road Trip from Indy to Louisville
Louisville is another city that makes for a perfect weekend getaway near me when you’re in Indy.
Start with the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where baseball fans young and old can see how bats are made and even take home a mini bat. The Kentucky Science Center offers hands-on fun for kids, and the Louisville Zoo is always a hit. During the fall, the Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is a big hit for everyone, and year-round, the Louisville Mega Caverns are a must-see.
For parents, the historic bourbon scene is an attraction in itself—though family-friendly distillery tours are available for those curious about Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Downtown Louisville has great riverfront parks for kids to run around, and the Big Four Bridge is a fun walk or bike ride across the Ohio River. With so much to do, Louisville is a fantastic weekend trip from Indianapolis.
French Lick, Indiana – 2 Hours
Family Weekend Getaway to French Lick
Just two hours south of Indianapolis, French Lick is a charming small-town escape with big attractions.
Families love the French Lick Scenic Railway, where you can take themed train rides throughout the year (including the super popular Polar Express ride in winter). The town is also home to resorts with indoor and outdoor pools, golf, and spas.
The nearby Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park is perfect for kids who love slides and swimming, no matter the weather outside.
Parents will enjoy the historic hotels, like the West Baden Springs Hotel at the French Lick Resort, and the relaxing atmosphere, making French Lick one of the easiest weekend getaways in Indiana for families.
Fort Wayne, Indiana – 2 Hours
Family Weekend Trip to Fort Wayne
Just two hours north of Indy, Fort Wayne is packed with family attractions. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the best in the country, with hands-on exhibits, rides, and opportunities to get up close to animals.
Families can also explore Science Central, play at Promenade Park along the river, or catch a TinCaps baseball game downtown.
Fort Wayne is easy to reach, affordable, and full of activities, making it one of the best day trips from Indianapolis or a great overnight stay.
Mason, Ohio – 2 Hours
Family Road Trip to Mason, Ohio
Just north of Cincinnati, Mason is one of the top family travel spots in the Midwest. The big draw here is Kings Island, a massive amusement park with thrill rides, family rides, live entertainment, and Soak City Water Park.
Families looking for a year-round getaway love Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor waterpark resort right next door. Kids can splash all day while parents relax knowing everything you need is under one roof.
Mason is a quick and easy drive from Indy, making it one of the most exciting weekend trips from Indianapolis.
Butler County, Ohio – 2 Hours
Weekend Getaway to Butler County
Butler County, just outside Cincinnati, has become a hidden gem for families. The Butler County Donut Trail is a sweet adventure where families sample a dozen locally owned donut shops while collecting stamps along the way.
Kids also love Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, where giant outdoor art doubles as a playground, and visiting fun foodie attractions, like Jungle Jim’s giant grocery store.
Butler County is quirky, fun, and close to Indy—perfect for a short weekend getaway near me.
Lake Michigan Indiana Dunes – 3 Hours
Family Road Trip from Indy to Lake Michigan
You don’t have to drive all the way to Florida to enjoy a beach vacation. In just three hours, your family can be walking the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
The Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, and family-friendly campgrounds. Kids love splashing in the waves and building sandcastles, while parents can relax with stunning views of the lake.
This area is perfect for summer weekend getaways near me and makes a great Midwest family road trip if you want a beach experience close to home.
Chicago, Illinois – 3 Hours
Weekend Road Trip to Chicago from Indianapolis
Big city adventures are just three hours away in Chicago, making it one of the most popular family road trip destinations near Indianapolis.
Kids will be amazed at the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. Navy Pier offers family attractions like rides, games, and an indoor children’s museum. In the summer, you can enjoy fireworks shows over Lake Michigan. Don’t miss the Sloomoo Slime Museum.
Millennium Park is home to the famous “Bean” sculpture, perfect for silly family selfies. Sports fans might catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or cheer on the Chicago Bulls.
Parents will love shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and so will kids, with stores like the American Girl Store, or enjoying Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, while kids are just as thrilled with a slice of their own. With so much to do, Chicago is worth more than one visit—it’s a Midwest family road trip classic and an easy weekend getaway from Indianapolis.
Columbus, Ohio – 3 Hours
Family Road Trip from Indy to Columbus
Columbus has quietly become one of the Midwest’s best family-friendly destinations. Just three hours from Indy, it’s a perfect spot for weekend getaways from Indianapolis with kids.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is world-famous, partly thanks to Jack Hanna, and is consistently rated one of the best in the country. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is another can’t-miss stop with hands-on exhibits that kids love.
Downtown Columbus has beautiful parks, bike trails, and family-friendly restaurants. Parents will love the Short North Arts District for its vibrant shops and dining.
Columbus also has fun seasonal festivals that make it worth visiting year-round, from winter light displays to summer food festivals. Families often use it as either a day trip from Indianapolis or a full weekend getaway.
Shipshewana, Indiana – 3 Hours
Family Road Trip to Shipshewana
Step back in time with a visit to Shipshewana, a charming town in northern Indiana’s Amish country. Families can enjoy horse-drawn buggy rides, shop for handmade goods, and explore the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, one of the largest in the Midwest.
The Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum is a kid-friendly way to learn about Amish culture and traditions. Visiting Shipshewana during Christmas and the holidays is a very special treat.
Shipshewana offers a peaceful, slower-paced getaway that feels worlds away from Indianapolis while still being just a few hours’ drive.
Santa Claus, Indiana – 3 Hours
Family Getaway to Santa Claus, Indiana
Known for its holiday spirit year-round, Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, one of the best amusement parks and waterparks in the Midwest.
Families also love visiting Santa’s Candy Castle, the Santa Claus Museum & Village, and festive shops that keep Christmas alive 365 days a year. It’s especially fun to visit Santa Claus, Indiana, during Christmas.
Stay at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort for cabins, RV sites, and family fun. This small town delivers big memories and is one of the most magical weekend getaways in Indiana for families.
South Bend, Indiana – 3 Hours
Weekend Road Trip to South Bend
Famous for the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is also a fantastic family destination. The Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana’s oldest zoo, and the Studebaker National Museum is a treat for car lovers. You can go whitewater rafting on the East Race Waterway and enjoy cheering for the South Bend Cubs at a baseball game
Kids can enjoy interactive fun at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum, while parents will love walking the scenic Notre Dame campus.
South Bend blends education, history, and outdoor fun, making it a solid choice for a weekend trip from Indianapolis.
Hocking Hills, Ohio – 3.5 Hours
Family Road Trip to Hocking Hills
Known for its stunning landscapes, Hocking Hills in Ohio is a paradise for outdoor-loving families. Trails lead to waterfalls, caves, and natural bridges at popular spots like Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave.
Cabins and campgrounds, and even staying in a treehouse, make this an easy family-friendly getaway, and adventurous visitors can try zip-lining or canoeing.
Hocking Hills is one of the most scenic weekend getaways near me, and a top choice for families who want to immerse themselves in nature.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky – 3.5–4 Hours
Road Trip to Mammoth Cave National Park
For families who love adventure, Mammoth Cave National Park is a can’t-miss destination within four hours of Indianapolis. The world’s longest cave system offers guided tours that range from short, easy walks to longer explorations for older kids.
Above ground, families can enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, and stargazing in a stunning natural setting.
Mammoth Cave is one of the most unique 4-hour road trips from Indiana, and it’s an unforgettable way to introduce kids to the wonder of national parks.
St. Louis, Missouri – 4 Hours
Family Vacation Spot Near Indianapolis: St. Louis
St. Louis is right at the four-hour mark, but it’s worth every mile. This city is filled with things to do with kids near Indianapolis, making it a top choice for families who want a longer drive.
The most famous attraction is, of course, the Gateway Arch. Families can ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and river. The St. Louis Zoo is another must-visit—and the best part is, it’s free! Don’t forget the St. Louis Aquarium and the rest of the fantastic attractions at Union Station.
The City Museum is unlike anything else—kids and adults can climb through massive slides, tunnels, and interactive exhibits. It’s part museum, part playground, part art installation. Plan plenty of time here because your kids will never want to leave.
Parents will also enjoy St. Louis’ historic neighborhoods, family-friendly breweries, and delicious BBQ joints. With so many attractions, St. Louis makes an excellent long weekend getaway near me and one of the best 4-hour road trips from Indiana.
Shores & Islands, Ohio – 4 Hours
Family Weekend at Shores & Islands, Ohio
Stretching along Lake Erie, the Shores & Islands region of Ohio is a fun blend of amusement parks, beaches, and small-town charm. Families flock here for Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world, but there’s more than just thrills.
Explore sandy beaches, take ferries to Kelleys Island or Put-in-Bay, or visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum for a dose of nostalgia.
This lakeside area is perfect for families who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it one of the best weekend getaways from Indianapolis.
Family Road Trip FAQs
What are the best road trips within 4 hours of Indianapolis?
Popular options include Brown County, Cincinnati, Louisville, Chicago, St. Louis, Columbus, French Lick, Holiday World, and the Indiana Dunes.
Are these destinations good for kids?
Yes! Each spot on this list includes family-friendly attractions, kid-approved restaurants, and activities parents will enjoy, too.
Can we make these into overnight trips?
Absolutely. Many families use these as weekend getaways from Indianapolis. Several destinations (like Chicago or St. Louis) even warrant two or three nights to experience everything.
What are some of the best weekend getaways in Indiana for families?
Brown County, French Lick, and Holiday World are three of the most popular spots for families looking for short weekend getaways in Indiana that offer plenty for both kids and parents.
