When the sun is out and the kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s time to take the fun outside. Indiana is packed with splash-tastic water parks, animal encounters and outdoor experiences that promise fresh air, freedom and family fun.
Whether you’re road tripping for a weekend or just need a new spot to explore, here are our top picks for outdoor adventures and water parks in Indiana. All approved for little legs, big laughs and unforgettable memories!
💧 Deep River Waterpark
📍 Crown Point
🎯 Ages: All
⏱️ An all-day adventure
If you grew up in Northern Indiana, you have probably heard their commercial, and it’s true! Deep River Waterpark is SPLASHTASTIC! If you're looking for the ultimate water park experience in Indiana, this is it. Deep River Waterpark is one of the largest in the Midwest and offers everything from toddler-friendly splash zones to thrilling slides for your brave big kids (and grown-ups, too!).
Mom tip: Deep River offers up cabanas that can be rented. These are perfect for birthdays or larger groups of people.
🐘 Wilstem Wildlife Park
📍 Paoli
🎯 Ages: All
⏱️ A half-day adventure
Where else can you drive through a safari, meet a sloth and zipline all in the same place? Wilstem Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind outdoor destination that’s perfect for kids who love animals!
You can book up-close animal encounters with giraffes, kangaroos, elephants and even sloths. There's also horseback riding, wagon rides and seasonal light displays. It’s the perfect blend of wild adventure and Hoosier hospitality.
Mom tip: Book animal encounters in advance because they sell out fast! Especially during summer weekends.
👨🌾 Conner Prairie
📍 Fishers
🎯 Ages: All
⏱️ An all-day adventure
Okay, we know we said this list was mostly indoors, but Conner Prairie is worth the exception! This living history museum mixes hands-on learning with outdoor exploration in a way kids absolutely love.
Yes, there are outdoor historic areas like Prairietown and the 1863 Civil War Journey, but there’s also indoor space to enjoy like the Discovery Station for younger children, and plenty of year-round programming. Plus, in cooler months, events like Headless Horseman and indoor winter workshops keep it cozy.
Mom tip: Bring a stroller with bigger wheels if you have littles. Connor Pratie is part museum, part outside nature walk.
🎢 Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
📍 Santa Claus
🎯 Ages: All
⏱️ An all-day adventure (maybe a 2-day if you visit both parks!)
If you're looking for nonstop family fun, this is it. Located in the charming town of Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a full-day adventure wrapped in summer magic.
On the Holiday World side, you'll find classic amusement park thrills, like the award-winning wooden roller coaster “The Voyage”, kid-friendly rides, and charming holiday-themed sections (Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July and more). It’s nostalgic, clean and just the right size for families.
Next door is Splashin’ Safari, a massive water park that’s home to two of the world’s longest water coasters, a lazy river, wave pools and plenty of splash zones for younger kiddos. The best part? Free soft drinks, sunscreen, and parking come with your ticket. 🎉
🐴 Fair Oaks Farms
📍 Fair Oaks
🎯 Ages: 2–12
⏱️ Plan to stay a few hours
More than just a pit stop off I-65, Fair Oaks Farms is an agritourism dream. Families can watch cows being milked (robotically!), climb through massive dairy-themed play structures, hop on the Pig Adventure, and learn how food goes from farm to table.
There are indoor elements, but most of the fun happens outside—including a giant climbing silo, shaded picnic areas, and animal barns kids can explore.
📍 Perfect for: Future farmers, hands-on learners, road trip breaks
👩👧 Final Thoughts
Indiana brings the fun in the sun in a big way! From water slides and lazy rivers to animal encounters and outdoor science. Whether you’re going full splash zone at Deep River or getting face-to-snout with a giraffe in Paoli, these outdoor adventures are made for memory-making.
So grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks and hit the road! Summer’s not going to explore itself 🌞
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Indiana, we've got you covered!
