School’s out and summer is here. With plenty of free time on their hands, it’s easy for kids to overindulge in social media, YouTube, or gaming. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting kids’ screen time and encouraging healthy habits. Too much screen time can negatively impact a child’s physical and mental health. So what can they do instead? To cure a case of I’m-so-bored and keep kids active this summer, here’s a list of family-friendly places to visit, activities and events to help achieve a healthy screen time balance and create lasting memories.
Explore nature
Head to the lake
You don’t need a boat to enjoy the lake! There are beaches along Lake Monroe, Lake Lemon, and Patoka Lake perfect for a day or afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch and plenty of sunscreen.
Go for a hike
Southern Indiana offers visitors beautiful, intriguing forests, rich with interesting features to explore, including creeks, caves, waterfalls, and fire towers. Here are just a few to consider:
- McCormick’s Creek (near Spencer): Climb down the stairs to see the waterfall or hike Trail 3 to Wolf Cave, now reopened after the 2023 tornado damage.
- Clifty Falls State Park (near Madison): Explore Clifty Creek’s stony bed and experience the park’s ever-changing waterfalls.
- Hoosier National Forest (near Bloomington, Bedford and French Lick): This expansive forest covers 204,000 acres and offers a wide mix of rolling hills, back-country trails and is home to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, the only Wilderness in Indiana.
- Morgan-Monroe State Forest (near Bloomington/Martinsville): Hike the Tree Identification Trail or see glacial boulders along the stream beds.
- Brown County State Park (near Bloomington/Nashville): This park is nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the rugged hills that remind visitors of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Ferdinand State Forest (near Jasper): Hike along the trails and beautiful lakes, or have lunch in one of the picnic areas.
And remember, you don’t have to go far to turn an ordinary walk into a getaway. Places like Jackson Creek Park and the Lower Cascades Park in Bloomington, or the Riverwalk in Jasper have natural areas with streams to explore, rocks to jump, and even a waterfall at Cascades.
Chill out in a cave
If you’re up for a big adventure, check out Marengo Cave. Offering trail tours, camping, cave exploring and more, keep your kids engaged and learning about this U.S. National Natural Landmark.
Family-friendly places to visit outdoors
Ride a horse
Give your child or grandchild a lasting memory by connecting through a graceful, beautiful animal. Brown County State Park, McCormick’s Creek, Stables at French Lick Resort, and various local stables offer short and sweet pony rides or longer trail rides for older riders.
Meet animals
Wilstem Wildlife Park in Paoli features a wide range of animals, including elephants, kangaroos, giraffes, and sloths and provides a memorable and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
Swim in a local pool
You know them, you love them. Outdoor pools in your town are the place to be on hot summer days. Don’t forget to bring your own snacks to save on concessions. Visit the John Lowery Municipal Pool in Bedford, Bryan Park Pool or IU Outdoor Pool in Bloomington, or the Bloomfield Pool.
Stay cool at a splash pad
Hitting the park on a hot day can be brutal — but not when it’s a splash pad park! Adults can join in the fun and cool off, too. Splash pads offer a great alternative to pools for kids that haven’t learned to swim yet. Check out Karst Farm Park Splash Pad or Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad in Bloomington, and Central Green in Jasper.
Play miniature golf
Test your skills at mini-golf this summer. There’s a great course near Ellettsville, Hoosier Putt Hole.
Escape the rain or heat indoors
Head to an indoor water park
Bad weather can’t stop the fun here! You can enjoy Big Splash water park in French Lick or the Abe Martin Lodge Water Park in Nashville. Just be sure to call ahead to make sure the day pass is available.
Enjoy your local library
Libraries hold reading programs with prizes over the summer to encourage kids to read — and adults can get in on the fun, too. Find your next book and check out their schedule of upcoming free events.
Go roller skating
Get ready to feel nostalgic. Head over to Western Skateland in Bloomington on $2 Tuesdays or Jasper Skate Palace in Jasper.
Hang out at the mall
Shopping isn’t required to have fun at the mall. Many malls have activities for kids, including College Mall in Bloomington, which has a free play area as well as a small arcade, rides and games throughout the mall. It’s perfect for getting out of the house for an hour or two.
Climb at The Commons
The James A. Henderson Playground in The Commons building in Columbus, Indiana, is a free, indoor space for kids to let out some energy. There’s a two-story climber for older kids, as well as an infant/toddler area, slides and tunnels. And while you’re in Columbus, don’t forget to check out other family-friendly places to visit, including Zaharakos ice cream parlor right across the street.
Go bowling
Head to your local bowling alley to enjoy this time-tested activity. You can sign up for two free games at participating bowling centers through the Kids Bowl Free program, including Classic Bowling Lanes and IMU Bowling & Billiards in Bloomington and Eastown Recreation Center in Jasper.
Play a game of laser tag
Kids and adults enjoy the excitement playing laser tag at Laserlite in Bloomington and Shotz in French Lick. Test your aim and play parents versus kids to show them who’s still got it.
Spark curiosity at a museum
Visit a children’s museum
When you’re up for a big adventure, take the kids to one of the amazing children’s museums in southern or central Indiana, including Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville or Kidscommons in Columbus. There is so much to do, it can be hard to see it all, so plan ahead and make sure to visit your must-see items first.
Explore a children’s science museum
The WonderLab in Bloomington provides a fantastic opportunity for hands-on exploration and learning about science, health and technology.You can plan your trip ahead and see a live a presentation.
Make a big impression at an attraction
Take a trip to Holiday World
Rollercoasters, water slides and entertainment galore, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is a theme park action-packed with activities, thrills, and adventure.
Let them loose at Urban Air
A trampoline park in Bloomington near Ellettsville, Urban Air is a kid’s dream come true. Let your kids have a blast jumping on trampolines, flying high on the Sky Rider, climbing to new heights on ropes courses, and practicing ninja warrior skills.
Family-friendly summer events
Summer goes by quickly, so mark your calendars for these events you don’t want to miss.
- Strawberry Shortcake Festival and Concert in Bloomington: June 13
- Monroe County Fair: July 1-7
- Owen County Fair: July 6-13
- Lawrence County Fair: July 6-13
- Dubois County Fair: July 15-20
- Jasper Indiana Strassenfest: August 1-4
- Indiana State Fair: August 2-18
- Gosport Lazy Days: August 8-11
Summer is short, so enjoy each day to its fullest! With plenty of free events, family-friendly places to visit, and the great outdoors ready and waiting for you to explore, you can help your kids find a healthy balance of screen time powered by our Fast Fiber Internet, and everything else that makes life wonderful.
