Spring break is a time when parents and school kids are often looking for something to do, and if you’re looking for spring break activities, you’re in luck. Southern Indiana spring break ideas are plentiful for families, and these activities are a great destination for anyone in Indiana and the Ohio Valley. Here are our suggestions for the best choices for spring break in Southern Indiana, and they’ll work for any schedule or budget!
History and Heritage
Located in Corydon, Indiana, the Harrison County Discovery Center is a brand-new facility that aims to bring history alive for visitors. The immersive museum features hands-on exhibits on the area’s caves, history, and nature. Exhibits include a chance to crawl in a kid-size hole that simulates a cave, a Guess Who game, and historical artifacts. With tickets less than $10, it’s the perfect place for a Southern Indiana spring break day trip. It’s a departure from a dusty museum and is fun rain or shine.
The Dubois County Museum celebrates the German heritage of the area with 50,000 square feet of exhibits. Located in Jasper, Indiana and open every day except Monday, the museum has hands-on features and attractions that show what life was like in the 1890’s. You can see farming equipment, a real log cabin, and the new Wildlife Adventure Room, an exhibit on local wildlife. Add to the fun by completing the museum’s activity sheet or going on a scavenger hunt. Elementary and middle school students’ admission is only $2.
After you’ve had a busy day with all of your Southern Indiana spring break fun step back into time at the Butt Drugs Soda Fountain. The Corydon, Indiana institution was established in 1932 and is now in its third generation. The soda fountain serves up ice cream, cream sodas, malts, sundaes, phosphates, shakes, and more. It’s a taste of the past that tastes oh-so-good! While you’re there, be sure you browse through the infamous “Butt Drugs” novelty merchandise or pick up one of the store’s confections, including the bulk candy bin.
Flicks and Fun
If you want to see a movie underneath the stars, head to the Holiday Drive-IN Theater. As one of the few remaining drive-ins in the country, the Holiday Drive-IN is the true movie fan’s experience with two movies for the price of one, and kids are only $5. Be sure to grab a snack from the movie theater’s on-site concession stand, or bring your own food for an additional $7 permit. The Holiday Drive-IN Theater is open April through September weekdays.
On rainy days or during daylight hours, you can catch a movie at the Corydon Cinemas in Corydon, Indiana. The movie theater features state-of-the-art surround sound and stadium seating for an enjoyable movie experience. Five screens are available, with family-fare entertainment. See a matinee for just $7!
Water parks don’t have to be enjoyed outside, as Big Splash Adventure shows us! The indoor waterpark is located in French Lick, Indiana, with 40,000 acres worth of fun. Attractions include fully-enclosed body slides, a lazy river, a splash pool, a three-story play structure and much more. There’s even an outdoor pool, leisure pool, and adults-only zone. The fun continues with the on-site arcade, which has over 20 games to play.
Outdoor and Indoor Recreation
Southern Indiana is home to several caves, many of which offer a chance for families to explore them. The Indiana Caverns in Corydon, Indiana is Indiana’s longest cave and the 7th longest in the United States. Tours are offered year-round and feature a 25-minute boat round on the cave’s underground river. There you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of the cave’s splendor, including the waterfall, ice bones, and various species that call it home. After you’ve explored the cave, you can mine for gemstones or crawl on hands-and-knees through the Cavern on the Sabertooth.
Golf Shores Fun Center lets you have fun with miniature golf no matter the weather. The indoor mini golf center in Corydon, Indiana features two 18-hole courses and is open every day. The Indoor Mini golf with 3-D features a nature-themed course complete with sounds, colors, and black light illumination. You can opt for a set of 3-D glasses to give yourself a real challenge on the course. Outside, you’ll see Golf Shores Fun Center’s other golf course, with pools, fountains, and waterfalls. The course has elevation changes to make it a challenge for even experienced players. Tickets are under $10 a person, and you can even get an all-day pass to come back as many times as you want for a day.
Get wild at the Mesker Park Zoo, Indiana’s first zoo. You’ll find it in Evansville, Indiana, and it’s home to over 700 animals across 45 acres. See animals from the rainforest, Asia, Africa, North America, and more. The zoo is located on beautiful Lake Victoria and also features a gorgeous Botanical Garden. Take a flamingo paddleboat out on the lake and take in the tranquil surroundings, or ride the zoo tram for just 2 tokens.
There’s even more caving fun at the Squire Boone Caverns & Village. This Mauckport, Indiana site features caves that were discovered in 1790 and you can explore everything they have to offer with the attraction’s cavern tours. See streams and waterfalls plus the amazing Rock of Ages, a stunning rock formation 40 feet tall. Outside the caves, you’ll find a working grist mill, gem mining sluice, candle making and a candy shop. The final taste of adventure comes when you go ziplining through the trees with a tour that’s fun for all ages.
Nature is all around you at the Hayswood Nature Reserve which is open 24/7. The 311-acre park is in Corydon, Indiana, and is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. Hayswood Nature Reserve features 3 playgrounds, sports facilities, fishing and more. Pack a picnic and spend the day outside, grilling up burgers and brats at the park’s grills.
Lodging and Dining
If you want to truly explore Southern Indiana spring break destinations, stop in for a stay at the area’s Kintner House Inn, located in Corydon, Indiana. The 15-room bed and breakfast features free WiFi, home cooking, DVD players, A/C and other comforts of home. The Kintner House Inn is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places and is a relaxing place to stay while you explore the area. Children under the age of 12 stay free.
The Dairy Dip has the sweets to help you beat the heat in New Salisbury, Indiana. This popular family spot has hot, fresh food at an affordable price. Burgers, shakes, hot dogs and other summer staples are on the menu here so come on by! If the weather is good, you can enjoy your fare outside, just like the old days.
Get even more ice cream and treats at Emery’s Ice Cream, which is a 1950’s refurbished soda fountain. You’ll find it in Corydon, Indiana, and it’s open 7 days a week. Ice cream isn’t all you’ll find here, however, because the shop also carries a huge selection of saltwater taffy and other candies. Emery’s features a variety of flavors and ice cream dishes, so stop in.
Rough it in the great outdoors of Southern Indiana at the South Harrison Park Campgrounds. There are 29 sites available and the sites feature electric hookups, a shower house, restrooms, and more. It’s modern camping with all of the conveniences. You can even make a reservation online! For those who want to go a little more rugged, the park also features “primitive camping sites” on open ground where you choose the spot.
Southern Indiana has plenty to explore and enjoy year-round, but Southern Indiana spring break can be one of the most enjoyable times for parents and kids. Be sure you check out these attractions and have a great week seeing all that the area has to offer.
