Indiana Summer Fun Is Closer Than You Think!

With gas prices soaring and no relief in sight; you need not look farther than the Hoosier State; Indiana,  for some summertime fun.  From fun with the kids to grown up good times; there is no shortage of options right here or gas tank away.

Kokomo

Locally, we’ve found the following things you can enjoy this summer:

FREE (yes, we said free!)  Kokomo Park Band concerts. People gather each Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. at the Highland Park Pavilion for one of the most popular, regularly scheduled community events in our city.   The Park Band offers such varieties as vintage jazz, swing, classical, Broadway tunes, international music — as well as traditional march music.  Since concerts are held outdoors (except in rainy weather when they are relocated to the high school), toddlers can play in the grass while adults sit in their lawn chairs.  Though we are half way through the season; there are still some shows remaining for your enjoyment. For details, log on to kokomoparkband.org.

Also, Kokomo offers great parks.  There are 26 different parks listed on the City of Kokomo’s web site. The Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence is ideal for walking, hiking, running, bicycling or even roller blading.   And we haven’t forgotten about your four legged friend; the dog park is open from daylight to sunset.  If you’re looking to make a splash, head to Kokomo Beach for some wet n wild fun!

Just Down the Road

Walk on the wild side at the  Indianapolis Zoo! It ranks in the top 10 zoos in the US TripAdvisor.  Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a favorite for many Hoosiers.  It’s a bit of an undiscovered gem that is worth exploring with your kids.  It’s also very affordable.

And Beyond

Enjoy these new, unique experiences this summer as you travel Indiana.

• Columbus’ well-deserved reputation as a top architectural destination has grown even bigger with the opening of the Miller House and Garden in May. One of the country’s most highly regarded examples of mid-century Modernist residences, the Miller House was designed by Eero Saarinen, with interiors by Alexander Girard, and landscape design by Daniel Urban Kiley. The Miller family donated the house to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and an extensive renovation is now complete, including careful restoration of many period details. The Columbus Are Visitors Center is providing tours of this beautiful National Historic Landmark.
• Travelers who enjoy the popular Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore now have more reasons to stay longer to explore the area with the Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail. The trail showcases the region’s greatest natural and cultural resources.
• Conner Prairie Interactive History Park puts visitors in the middle of Indiana’s part in the Civil War. The immersive experience tells the true story of General John Hunt Morgan’s raid in Southern Indiana in its newest outdoor exhibit –1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the historic conflict. The adventure begins June 4.
• Become an archeologist in the new National Geographic Treasures of the Earth exhibit at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Be transported to three world-renowned archaeological sites with hands-on adventures. The exhibit showcases recreations of the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Seti I, the burial site of China’s Terra Cotta Warriors and the Caribbean shipwreck of the Cara Merchant, commandeered by famous seafarer and convicted pirate Captain Kidd.
• At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus little ones can enjoy the latest additions of Safari Sam’s SplashLand and Rudolph’s Round-Up. In SplashLand get soaking wet on eight fun water slides and other water-play activities. At Rudolph’s Round-Up help Santa deliver the toys with this interactive sleigh ride!

What ever your pleasure, Indiana offers a variety of fun activities that will keep you hopping! Check out our Trip Ideas section for more ideas.  Also, don’t forget to check the ever changing Indiana Travel Discounts page for great deals on fun ideas.