Families are looking for to have vacations close by this year, whether it is because of money, gas prices, extracurricular activities, and Easter obligations, this year just seems to be full of things to do already! Below are some top spots within a few hours that will make everyone feel a world away!
1. Get close to nature at Kentucky Down Under
This vacation is great for animal lovers and adventurists! There are two aviaries, the Scales and Tales reptile show, Outback Walkabout, and the Woolshed, which allows kids to get up close and personal with sheep, lambs, cows, and border collies. Have a bite to eat at the Outback Cafe and learn to play the didgeridoo at Camp Corrobore. For adult admission, it is $22, kids (to age 14) are $13, and little ones under age 5 are free!
2. Country Escape to French Lick, Indiana
Perfect for a growing/ extended family, as there is just so much to do for everyone! Whether it’s horseback riding in the beautiful countryside, lounging next to either the indoor or outdoor pool, spending the evening at the casino, golfing, or visiting the spa, French Lick Springs in Indiana really has a little bit of everything. There are also historical tours, bicycle rentals, and Kids Fest, an ongoing getaway just for kids! French Lick Springs Hotel is pet friendly also, with advanced notice.
3. Camping and caving at Mammoth Caves National Park in southwestern Kentucky
Just over three hours drive and part of Green River Valley, Mammoth Cave is "the worlds longest cave system,” and is a great place for kids and adventurists of all ages! The camping, which is all along the Green and Nolan rivers, offer many options for travelers. While pets are not allowed underground in the caves, you can bring them along and drop them off at the kennel for a small fee. Three campgrounds in addition to backcountry camping is allowed. The fees range from $12-$30, depending on the camping area. Other activities include hiking, riding bicycles horseback riding, and non motorized boats. When it’s time to go caving, there’s no need to worry. The tours have been going on since 1816 and are incredibly reasonable, with many adult tickets under $10 and quite a few at only $5 each. Children’s tickets ( 6-12) are as little as $2.50 for one tour and under $10 for most others!
4. Live it up in Indianapolis
Take to the city streets and shop till you drop in Indianapolis at the American Legion Mall, two whole city blocks of shopping! Take the kids to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, an incredible wonder with a masterpiece from artist Dale Chihuly as well as five floors of excitement. In this city, you will never be bored--there is the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which has free admission every day, Eiteljorg Museum, and a visit to White River State Park, an amazing park in the city. There you will find the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens. Running through the park is a large canal in which you can rent pedal boats and kayaks to explore. For those landlubbers, you can stroll along the canal, enjoy a bicycle ride, and even a Segway ride!
5. Enjoy an island getaway adventure at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio. In addition to being “America’s largest Indoor Waterpark,” Kalahari Resorts offers an outdoor waterpark as well as fantastic experiences high above the trees at it Outdoor Adventure Park, complete with fun ropes courses, climbing walls, and an exciting zip line!
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