Best Things to Do in French Lick with Kids | Our Favorite Places to Stay, Play, and Eat

French Lick is one of those Indiana destinations where it is surprisingly easy to fill an entire weekend, or even several days.

This Southern Indiana resort town may be famous for its historic hotels, spas, mineral springs, casino, and golf courses, but there is just as much here for families. Kids can ride a train through the hills, splash through an indoor water park, meet exotic animals, ride horses, play laser tag, zip through the trees, swim at Patoka Lake, and explore one of the most beautiful historic resorts in the country.

French Lick is about two hours from Indianapolis, making it an easy family road trip for a weekend getaway.

This guide has been updated for 2026. Attraction hours, prices, animal encounters, seasonal activities, and operating schedules can change, so check directly with each attraction before your visit.

Things to do in French Lick, Indiana

If you’re looking for relaxation and indulgences, French Lick is the perfect destination for you. With world-class spa facilities, famous golf courses, a casino, and wonderful dining options, you’ll never want to leave. If you’re looking for non-stop fun and adventure, French Lick also has you covered.

Drive-Thru Animal Safari

4229 US-150 W., Paoli

If squeals of delight make your heart happy, add Wilstem Wildlife Park to your itinerary.

Drive through the wildlife park and see animals roaming the property, including species you certainly don’t encounter on an everyday drive in Indiana.

Families can purchase feed and get surprisingly close to the animals from their own vehicle. Wilstem remains one of the area’s signature family attractions.

Hop Aboard a French Lick Scenic Railway Train Ride

French Lick Depot

Climb aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway for one of the area’s most memorable family experiences. This Indiana train ride has regular scenic excursions that take passengers on approximately 90-minute rides through the rolling hills and forests of Southern Indiana. One of the highlights is traveling through the historic Burton Tunnel, which stretches nearly half a mile.

Special themed train rides operate throughout the year; the biggest is THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, which regularly sells out. The railway also offers special adult-only tasting trains, including wine, bourbon, tequila, chocolate, and other themed experiences.

Splash at Big Splash Adventure

8505 W. State Road 56, French Lick

You don’t have to wait for summer to have a water park day in French Lick. Big Splash Adventure is a 40,000-square-foot indoor water park with a retractable roof. Families can float the lazy river, race down body and tube slides, play on the Buccaneer Bay water structure, and bring little ones to the Splish Splash toddler area. There’s also an indoor pool, adults-only hot tub, and seasonal outdoor pool.

You can stay overnight at the attached hotel or check availability for water park admission without a hotel stay.

Play Laser Tag and Mini Golf at Shotz

8529 IN-56, French Lick

French Lick has an easy indoor option when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Shotz offers laser tag and miniature golf and is especially convenient if you’re staying at Big Splash Adventure. This is a good activity to save for a rainy afternoon or an evening after you’ve finished sightseeing.

Race at French Lick West Baden Indoor Karting

8331 W. State Road 56, West Baden Springs

Kids who love anything with wheels will want to make a stop at French Lick West Baden Indoor Karting. The indoor track gives families another year-round activity and is especially useful during cold, rainy, or extremely hot weather. Check current height and age requirements before promising younger children a turn behind the wheel.

Escape! French Lick

8582 W. College Street

Work together to solve puzzles, crack clues, and escape before time runs out. Escape! French Lick adds another fun indoor activity to a family itinerary, especially for families traveling with older kids and teenagers. Check the current rooms and recommended ages before booking.

Sample Wine at a Winery

While there aren’t any activities specifically for children, both Patoka Lake Winery and French Lick Winery are kid-friendly. Bring along some busy bags for the kids and then indulge in local wines.

French Lick Winery is a treasure, serving up tastings of their delicious and flavorful wines. Enjoy reds, whites, sweet, and dry wines made from grapes grown just 20 miles away in the Heaven’s View Vineyard. The hosts guide you through your tasting and are a wealth of knowledge on wines and French Lick in general. The Spirits of French Lick Distillery has a tempting selection including absinthe, brandy, bourbon, gin, and other spirits. If you’re ready for a snack, step away from the tasting counter and enjoy an enchanting meal at the French Lick Vintage Cafe.

The Patoka Lake Winery is a hot spot for lakegoers and even offers a wine cruise. With unique accommodations in the silos and lots of lodging areas nearby, this is a busy place. In addition to their luscious fruit wines, you can’t miss the bay of wine slushie machines located in the winery. Try wine slushies in unique flavors, like Peanut Butter and Jelly or Blueberry Pomegranate.

Book a Wilstem Animal Encounter

The drive-through safari isn’t your only opportunity to meet animals at Wilstem. Special animal encounters give families the chance to learn about exotic animals while getting an unusually close look at them.

Experiences and participating animals vary, so check Wilstem’s current encounter schedule before making plans.

Hike Around French Lick

Southern Indiana is gorgeous, especially when the leaves begin changing. Explore trails around French Lick and the surrounding Hoosier National Forest, or head toward Patoka Lake for additional hiking. Even if you don’t want a serious hike, the landscaped grounds and gardens around West Baden Springs Hotel are beautiful for a walk.

Bike or Walk the Monon South Trail

One of the newer outdoor additions to Southern Indiana is the Monon South Trail. The developing trail follows the former Monon rail corridor through communities in this part of Indiana, offering visitors another option for walking, biking, and outdoor exploration.

Horseback Riding at the Stables at French Lick Resort

The Stables at French Lick Resort are located near West Baden Springs Hotel and are home to about 27 horses. Families can choose from horseback riding opportunities as well as pony rides, carriage rides, and stable tours depending on the season and current schedule. Even if horseback riding isn’t on your itinerary, a stable tour is a fun opportunity for animal-loving kids.

Explore French Lick Resort

Don’t think of French Lick Resort as simply a hotel. The French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel are attractions themselves. Walk through the historic buildings, explore the gardens, admire the incredible West Baden atrium, shop, eat, and look for family activities happening during your stay.

The resort’s Activities Center hosts changing children’s programming such as crafts, games, scavenger hunts, bingo, movies, seasonal events, and other activities. During summer, look for Dive-In Movies at the French Lick Springs Hotel indoor pool.

Even if you aren’t staying overnight, make time to see West Baden Springs Hotel. The massive domed atrium is truly one of Indiana’s most spectacular interiors. Wander through the hotel, explore the grounds, listen for live music, and walk through the gardens.

Go Bowling at the Resort

Families can roll a few frames at the French Lick Resort’s Billiard and Bowling Pavilion. This is another great rainy-day activity, or an easy way to wind down after a full day of exploring Southern Indiana.

Play at Paoli Rock-N-Bowl Family Entertainment Center

1860 W Willowcreek Rd, Paoli

Another indoor family option nearby is Paoli Rock-N-Bowl. They have bounce houses, bowling, roller skating, and other fun activities for the whole family. This is a great place to visit if you’ve spent the day hiking, visiting animals, or exploring the resorts.

Ride the Resort Trolleys

Sometimes the transportation is part of the adventure. French Lick Resort offers transportation between its properties, and kids who love trains, trolleys, and anything with wheels may enjoy the ride nearly as much as the destination.

Ski, Snowboard, or Snow Tube at Paoli Peaks

French Lick isn’t just a warm-weather destination. Paoli Peaks is one of Indiana’s best-known ski areas and offers skiing and snowboarding when winter weather cooperates. Snow tubing at Actic Blast has also traditionally been a favorite with families. Because Indiana winters are unpredictable, always check current snow conditions and operating schedules before making the drive.

Spend a Day at Patoka Lake

Pack the swimsuits. Patoka Lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and plenty of room to enjoy a summer day outdoors. The public beach has a sandy swimming area, while Patoka Lake Marina offers boat rentals, cruises, and overnight accommodations.

Take a Patoka Lake Boat Cruise

You don’t need your own boat to get out on the water. Patoka Lake Marina offers seasonal cruises and boating experiences, including wildlife-focused trips. This can be especially fun for families hoping to spot birds and other wildlife around the lake.

French Lick Casino

If you got lucky and have a weekend with just adults, head over to the French Lick Casino. It’s one of Indiana’s fanciest and the only fully non-smoking casino, and there’s 24/7 fun. French Lick Casino is connected to the resort and offers slots, table games, and sports betting.

Visit the French Lick West Baden Museum

469 S. Maple Street, French Lick

Start your trip here if you want to understand why French Lick looks the way it does today. The French Lick West Baden Museum shares stories about the area’s resort history, mineral springs, famous visitors, railroads, local residents, baseball, and circus history. One of the biggest kid magnets is the enormous circus diorama. Children can spend quite a while searching the miniature scene for tiny details.

Ziplining

Attention all thrill-seekers! There is a 9-line, 5,000-foot canopy zipline tour at Wilstem Wildlife Park. Soar like a bird above the trees and land in a tree nest! Participants must be between 70 and 250 lbs and must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 16. Tours take place daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and take 1-2 hours.

Rejuvenate with a Spa Day

The Spas at French Lick and West Baden Resorts are the epitome of luxury and feature the “miracle waters” of the area’s naturally occurring mineral springs that were said to cure any ailment. If someone else is entertaining the kids, take advantage of the luxurious spas at French Lick and West Baden. Both resort hotels are rooted in the area’s historic mineral-spring tradition, and spa services turn a busy family trip into something that feels a little more like a vacation.

Visit Spring Mill State Park

If you have an extra half-day, Spring Mill State Park near Mitchell makes a fantastic side trip. Explore hiking trails, caves, historic structures, and the park’s Pioneer Village. The village includes restored buildings centered around the park’s historic grist mill and gives kids a look at what life in Indiana was like generations ago.

Where to Eat in French Lick

One of my favorite things to do in French Lick, Indiana is EAT! There is so much great food in a small little town. The resorts offer anything you can think of without ever leaving, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t venture off and try some of the great dining options in French Lick.

French Lick Winery and Vintage Cafe

8145 W. Sinclair Street, West Baden Springs

French Lick Winery combines wine and spirits for adults with a full restaurant that works for families. The Vintage Cafe serves pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and other Italian-inspired dishes. Adults can also visit French Lick Winery or Spirits of French Lick for tastings.

33 Brick Street

480 S. Maple Street, French Lick

Sports fans should make time for 33 Brick Street. The restaurant is packed with sports memorabilia, with a particular emphasis on French Lick hometown legend Larry Bird. Guests can try on the Larry Bird jersey and pose for photos. The menu has burgers, steaks, sandwiches, appetizers, craft beer, and other American favorites.

Power Plant Bar & Grill

French Lick Springs Hotel

You don’t even have to leave the resort for an easy family dinner. Power Plant Bar & Grill gets its name from the enormous vintage electrical switchboard along one wall. Kids love looking at the equipment while families eat burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other casual American dishes.

French Licks Ice Cream Coffee & Pizza

469 S. Maple Street, French Lick

French Licks celebrated 10 years in business in 2026. The shop serves artisan pizza, coffee drinks, frozen drinks, boba, milkshakes, sundaes, and other treats. Grab an ice cream cone and stay to play a tabletop game. Who can resist the small-batch creaminess of artisan ice cream flavors like Dark Chocolate Cayenne, Mississippi Mud, Cake Batter, Strawberry, Chocolatey Chocolate, Pecan Pie, Dark Almond Cherry, Spearmint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Lemon Sorbet, and Cranberry Pear Sorbet?

German Café

452 S Maple St, French Lick

French Lick and West Baden have a surprisingly strong German heritage connection, and a stop at the German Café gives families something a little different from the usual burgers and pizza. Enjoy traditional Bavarian comfort food in a classic German cafe.

Places to Stay in French Lick

With so many unique and adventurous things to do in French Lick, Indiana, you’ll want to stay a while. Make it a weekend trip or spend several days there because the accommodations in French Lick are destinations themselves!

French Lick Resort

You can’t go wrong staying at the French Lick Resort while visiting French Lick. This iconic property has three hotels: the French Lick Springs Hotel, West Baden Springs Hotel, and the Valley Tower Hotel. French Lick Resort is known for its relaxing environment, live music, swimming pools, delicious food, luxurious gardens, and proximity to fun. Enjoy live music from the quintessential front porch of the French Lick Springs Hotel or nestle into a plush chair and enjoy harp music under the dome of the West Baden Springs Hotel. Stay at the Valley Tower Hotel to be close to the action at the French Lick Casino.

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park and Hotel

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park and Hotel gives you access to year-round entertainment and is conveniently located in downtown French Lick. Most of the rooms at Big Splash accommodate four people and even have bunk beds. Several rooms are larger and have space for larger families or small groups. But you won’t be in the room much! There is a giant indoor waterpark, laser tag, mini golf, arcade, and restaurants on-site. Many families love staying here during the famous French Lick Polar Express train ride weekends during the holiday season.

Patoka Lake Floating Cabins

If you’re always on the lookout for unique accommodations, the floating cabins at Patoka Lake are perfect for your family. The cabins have two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and other amenities to make your lake stay even more fun.

Wilstem Ranch

The perfect property for families or groups who want to camp out in a cabin with modern conveniences. Book a cabin for your family or the lodge for groups of up to 30 people. Your stay at Wilstem lets you easily walk to any of the animal encounters you book, the ziplines, and other attractions.

One of the best things about French Lick is how many completely different trips you can create in one destination. You could spend a summer weekend swimming at Patoka Lake and meeting animals at Wilstem, make a winter trip for THE POLAR EXPRESS and Big Splash Adventure, plan a fall getaway around scenic train rides and colorful hikes, or simply spend two days exploring the historic resort hotels.

Every time we visit, we find another reason to come back.

A short road trip, just two hours from Indianapolis, a visit to French Lick is exactly what you need, trust me.

Disclaimer: Our lodging, two meals, and wine tastings were provided complimentary during our stay. One of our animal encounters and drive-thru animal safari were also provided for the purpose of sharing our visit with you. As always, we only write about the things we love, and we skip writing about places that were not a good fit for our audience or our story. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section.