Awesome Adventures Await at These 16 Spring Break Destinations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois

Spring Fever

For me, one of the most exciting times of year is when Winter starts its transition into Spring. The weather begins to warm up, the trees start sprouting their green leaves again, and Spring Break is right around the corner.

If you're looking for fun activities to do with the kids while school is out or need a getaway with friends, but the drive to Florida just isn't in the budget, here are some ideas to make the break memorable without leaving the tristate.

Indiana 

If you're looking for a beachy vibe without the long drive, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is the perfect place to go. Located in Porter, roughly five hours from Evansville, the Dunes offer beautiful views along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Although water temps may not be quite warm enough for swimming by Spring Break, the area offers hiking trails, wildlife watching, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can book a hotel or even camp in the national park. The area is also home to 60 historical sites including Bailly Homestead, a national landmark.

Less than two hours from Evansville, French Lick offers a massive 40,000 square foot water park. The Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark & Resort offers tons of family-friendly fun that can't be ruined by those unpredictable Indiana temperatures. Aside from the awesome water park, the facility also offers games like min-golf and laser tag. If that isn't enough to keep the kids busy, Wilstem Wildlife Park is nearby offering up close animal encounters with elephants, giraffes, and more.

Get our free mobile app

Looking to explore a big city? Indianapolis is FULL of activities to keep the family busy. Spend the day at the Children's Museum exploring immersive experiences like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exhibit, a trip to Greece, Dinosphere, and a sensory Playscape. Plan a visit to the Indy Zoo to catch the xZooberance Spring Festival happening March 21st through April 14th. While in town, visitors walk on the plethora of hiking trails, shopping, and dining options.

Not only is Brown County a close drive, but it offers a wide variety of outdoor fun. From ziplining to hiking, experience all things nature. Check out tons of shops and dining or explore the scenic Brown County State Park. The options for outdoor fun are endless.

Rent a cabin and plan a tour at Marengo Cave. Both tours, Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail are easy to walk for the whole family (but not handicap accessible). As Indiana's most visited natural attraction, what better way to spend spring break than cave exploring?

Kentucky

Check out the 510-feet-long Ark replica located in Williamstown. The encounter is made of 100 exhibits, a petting zoo, ziplines, and more. Once you finish the Ark Encounter, you can also check out the Creation Museum nearby!

The Newport Aquarium is always a fun time! Not to mention, Cincinatti is right next door and offers tons of shopping and dining options. Make a few days of it and plan to visit the city's awesome zoo and children's museum while you're there.

Is there a horse fanatic in the family? Then Lexington, the horse capital of the world, is full of fun experiences. The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,200-acre area that offers viewings of dozens of horse breeds, museums, and shows.

Spend a few days or the whole week in Louisville and explore a variety of options for memorable experiences. No matter what your family or friends enjoys doing, there's a little bit of everything. From touring the Mega Cavern, checking out the zoo, or spending the day at one of the many immersive museums. Don't forget to grab a delicious treat from Louisville Cream!

Cross a National Park off the list by visiting Mammoth Cave. Experience cave tours, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. As if that's not enough, make sure to visit Kentucky Down Under to pet live kangaroos and other animals.

As the "Niagra of Kentucky," Cumberland Falls is something stunning to see with your own eyes. Stay at the resort park to see the beautiful waterfall, hike trails, take a tour of the historic Pinnacle Knob 1937 Fire Tower, and more.

If the weather is looking ideal, Land Between the Lakes is always a fun area to explore hiking, boating, and camping. Hillman Ferry Campground is a personal favorite of mine!

Illinois

Enjoy hiking trails and jaw-dropping views at the Garden of the Gods! Although there are camping options available, it is also a short enough drive to make a memorable day trip. While in the area, Bell Smith Springs, Jackson Falls, and Cedar Falls are also notable places to check out.

Of course, Chicago makes the list. From Navy Pier, the bean, and countless museums, the city offers enough to do for a weekend or a whole week. The pizza is worth the trip in itself!

Champaign is the perfect city for a family trip. With activities like the Krannert Art Musuem, Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, Anita Purves Nature Center, and Mattis Park, there are tons of hands-on experiences to make everyone happy.

Peoria has a number of fun experiences to make for a worthwhile spring break. Take a walk along the Riverfront District. Children will definitely enjoy the zoo and the Peoria PlayHouse.