As winter fades and the days start to warm up, it’s time to start planning your Spring Break family getaway in Southern Indiana! From indoor attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep kids of all ages entertained—and parents happy too. Whether you’re looking for water parks, scenic hikes, historic hotels, or budget-friendly family fun, Southern Indiana offers something for every travel style and every budget. Your next unforgettable family trip starts right here.
1. French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is the kind of place where history, adventure, and family fun all come together—effortlessly. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest, this Resort is set across 3,200+ picturesque acres, and is home to two AAA Four-Diamond, nationally historic hotels: French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. Start your stay by exploring the beautiful grounds on a classic horse-drawn carriage, surrey cart, or the iconic trolley, or hit the trails—there are twelve scenic miles of hiking paths perfect for soaking up some fresh spring air.
The resort’s Activities Center keeps the calendar packed with family-friendly fun, including S’mores nights every Friday and Saturday evening starting mid-March, immersive experiences like the Stables Behind-the-Scenes Tour, creative events like Cookie & Canvas, and sweet traditions like Mommy & Me Tea. When it’s time to eat, don’t miss the brand-new West Baden Billiard & Bowling Pavilion, home to Sprudel’s Pizzeria—a perfect spot for casual family meals and friendly competition.
Parents can sneak in some downtime with shopping at numerous shops & boutiques, a relaxing spa treatment, or a little casino fun, while golfers have more options than ever. In addition to the iconic Pete Dye Course or the legendary Donald Ross Course, the new Sand Creek Course is designed to be played in 75 minutes or less—making it perfect for beginners, seasoned players, and families who want to squeeze in a round without giving up the whole day.
When it’s time to reconnect as a family, French Lick Resort has you covered . And don’t forget your four-legged family members—pet-friendly rooms are available at both hotels, so no one has to miss out on the fun.
2. Indoor Water Parks
Make the most of your family time together at Big Splash Adventure, with a 40,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring a retractable roof. You’ll create unforgettable memories zipping down the Jolly Roger Jetty water slide, plunging down Pirate's Plunder or into the famous Silver Beard's Revenge, splashing and playing basketball in the Lost Treasure Lagoon, or simply relaxing on the Lost River. The attached hotel offers 8 different room types accommodating up to 9 people, so grab the extended family for a getaway that is sure to be "splashtastic".
For families who want to pair water park fun with scenic outdoor adventure, add Abe Martin Lodge to your Spring Break plans. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Brown County State Park—Indiana’s largest state park—the lodge offers plenty to keep everyone happy both indoors and out. Splash around in the lodge’s indoor water park with twisting slides and a lazy river, challenge each other in the game room, or slow things down by curling up with a good book by the fireplace. Step outside and you’ll find miles of trails, beautiful views, and endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether your crew is all about thrills or more into floating and chilling, there’s something here for every age and energy level.
3. Caves
Did you know southern Indiana is home to several breathtaking, natural caves? Bring out your inner explorer at Marengo Cave, a National Natural Landmark! The cave is packed with formations that will leave you speechless. Two easy, well-lit walking tours are offered daily. Feeling more adventurous? You can take a guided cave exploring trip, where the only light is your headlamp as you crouch, crawl and scramble through a variety of passages. Visitors can also stay the night at the cave's creek-side campgrounds or stay in one of the rustic, modern cabins.
Looking to explore a cave by boat? Starting March 16, your family can explore Bluespring Caverns, America's longest navigable underground river, in custom electric boats. The hour-long boat tour allows you to explore and experience the majestic underground. Passages and watercourses are illuminated by the pocket of light that follows your tour boat through the darkness, and you might even catch a glimpse of cave creatures, like cavefish or bats.
4. Adrenaline-Pumping Fun
If your family likes to turn Spring Break into an action-packed adventure, Southern Indiana delivers plenty of heart-racing excitement—both on the track and on two wheels.
Start with a true Hoosier icon: Salem Speedway. Entering the 80th season, this legendary track has earned a reputation as one of the most unique and renowned racetracks in America. Its .555-mile oval with imposing 33-degree banks was built strictly for speed—and you can feel it the moment the engines roar to life. During the season opener in late March, Crown Vic's take the track for a thrilling race for drivers and fans alike. Special events throughout the season including Monster Truck Bash Live.
For a more hands-on kind of adrenaline, head to Brown County Pump Track at Deer Run Park. This family-friendly bike playground is designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, from first-timers to confident young shredders. The pump track and dirt jump area let kids (and grown-ups) build confidence, balance, and speed in a fun, controlled environment—no lift tickets or long lines required. It’s the perfect way to burn off Spring Break energy while enjoying the great outdoors in beautiful Brown County.
Whether you’re cheering from the grandstands at a legendary speedway or taking laps on a bike track designed for family fun, this is your chance to add a little adrenaline to your Spring Break itinerary in Southern Indiana.
5. Hiking and Nature
Winter has kept us inside these past few months, but it’s time to get back out and explore. Southern Indiana is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic state forests and parks - perfect for camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. Our twelve counties are home to several Indiana State Parks, state recreational areas, forests, fish and wildlife areas and even National Forests - and you won’t go wrong with any of them.
Martin State Forest is over 7,000 acres of forestland and is ready to host your spring break trip! Many recreational activities to choose from give you and your family the opportunity to find something that everyone will love. And just a few miles up the road you can discover Jug Rock - the only freestanding table rock formation east of the Mississippi!
Travel back in time to the early 1800s, as you explore Spring Mill State Park, a restored pioneer village with grist and sawmill. During your stay, enjoy family-friendly outdoor recreational activities, like hiking and fishing. Stay in the freshly renovated Spring Mill Inn or rent one of nearly 200 electric campsites, bike wooded trails up to 2.5 miles in length, or hike them on foot. Picnic areas and playgrounds are available for outdoor enjoyment.
6. Museums & Hands-On Learning Adventures
Spring Break is the perfect time to explore, experiment, and learn something new—and Southern Indiana makes it easy to turn curiosity into a family adventure.
In Bloomington, the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology is a must for families with curious kids. This hands-on, interactive museum is packed with exhibits that encourage children to touch, build, test, and explore, making science and discovery feel more like play than homework. It’s especially great for elementary and middle-school-aged kids who love to ask “why?” and “how?”
If your family prefers learning outdoors, Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum blends art, nature, and exploration into one memorable experience. Wander scenic wooded trails while discovering large-scale sculptures tucked into the landscape—it’s part hike, part art gallery, and a great way to get everyone moving while sparking creativity and conversation.
For a deeper dive into local history, head to the Dubois County Museum, where engaging exhibits bring the region’s past to life through stories, artifacts, and hands-on displays. Nearby, Shubael Little Pioneer Village offers a step back in time, giving families a chance to experience what life was like in early Indiana through historic buildings and pioneer-era demonstrations.
Whether you’re experimenting with science, strolling through outdoor art, or exploring Indiana’s pioneer roots, these museums and learning attractions prove that Spring Break in Southern Indiana can be just as enriching as it is fun.
Spring is calling—and your Southern Indiana Spring Break adventure is ready to answer! As we say goodbye to winter, it’s the perfect time to plan a family-friendly getaway packed with indoor fun, outdoor exploring, and memory-making moments. From splashy water parks to scenic trails and cozy places to stay, there’s something here for every family and every budget. Let’s start planning your perfect Spring Break escape.
