Looking for a fun weekend getaway for the entire family? Something within a reasonable driving distance with lots of entertainment and dining options?
Hamilton County, Indiana is a great pick. Located just north of downtown Indianapolis, Hamilton County has plenty of towns to explore, each with their own attractions. A short four hour drive means more time for adventure and less time trying to keep the kiddos happy in their car seats.
First Stop: Carmel, Indiana
This bustling city just keeps getting bigger and better. Shopping, dining, concerts and festivals. You will not be disappointed in all that Carmel has to offer.
Entertainment:
Midtown Carmel: Connecting to the Monon Trail, this indoor/outdoor community space has so much to offer. Sit at one of the cozy places near the fire pits. Play corn hole, ping pong, or pool at one of the many outdoor tables. Kids can kick soccer balls at the astroturf green space. Playgrounds with climbing structures and splash parks are just down the sidewalk. Bike rentals are available for those wanting to explore the Monon.
Dining: Indiana’s own Sun King Brewery at Midtown is a family friendly space where parents can enjoy a local brew and kids can eat pizza from Queenie’s, nachos from La Margarita, or sandwich and salad selections from The Den by Foxgardin.
We really loved Queenie’s Pizza Fresca. This white sauce pizza was amazing. The Spicy Sun Dried Tomato was delicious, but it really packs the heat!
More to explore:
The Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Palladium, the Tarkington and the Studio Theater. This venue hosts world class concerts, theater productions, and entertaining acts for the whole family.
The Monon Community Center is a family friendly sports complex that has it all. Indoor and outdoor pools, courts, water parks and playgrounds. The Monon Trail offers eight cross-city bike trails and five loops for the cycling enthusiasts.
Shoppers will find plenty of options at Clay Terrace, with a unique combination of well known retailers like Orvis, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and BlueMercury along with specialty shops and boutiques. You will also find plenty of dining options.
Next Stop: Noblesville, Indiana
Historic Noblesville is home to the Hamilton County Courthouse and boasts a downtown square that is filled with unique boutique shops and restaurants. Situated along the White River, the downtown area is very walkable. This town is known for their farmers markets and festivals.
Entertainment:
Forest Park offers 150 acres to explore. Featuring a nine hole golf course, putt putt, “Little Beauty” carousel, skate park, playgrounds and courts, and the Forest Park Aquatic Center. Train enthusiasts will love the newly renovated Hobbs Depot Train Station, which features rides on the historic Nickel Plate Express. Book a special themed train ride like the Ice Cream Express, Caboose Rides, Fall Foliage tours, a Harry Potter Wizard Express, or the holiday classic Reindeer Express. Families can also rent railbikes for short trips to the historic downtown, or longer eight mile excursions along the rails.
Dining:
Try brunch at Rosie’s Place in downtown Noblesville! This charming cafe offers a variety of menu items along with delicious baked goods, coffees, and more.
Looking for an evening treat? Alexander’s on the main square is the town favorite for an ice cream dessert.
More to explore:
Morse Lake Reservoir is the place to be for boating, fishing, swimming, and more. Enjoy dinner on the water at Wolfie’s and watch the sunset.
Shoppers can pop in to Hamilton Town Center for retailers like Duluth Trading Company, let the kids play at one of the outdoor playscapes, or grab a bite to eat at fun restaurants like Chuy’s or Ford’s Garage. Rainy day? Catch a movie at Emagine Theater.
Next stop: Fishers, Indiana
Fishers has undergone some major infrastructure improvements in recent years, making it a popular place for festivals, events, shopping and dining.
Entertainment:
Conner Prairie, Indiana’s living history museum, is the place to explore and learn about days gone by. Re-enactors will teach you about farm life, native American life, and more. Want to churn butter? Hoping to try your hand at ax throwing? Ready to feed some barnyard friends? This is the place. Take a ride on a hot air balloon. Catch a concert at the amphitheater. Check the museum’s schedule of events for special programs all season long.
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Dining:
Need to combine family meal time with fun time? Try Pinhead’s! Kids will love the bowling alleys, arcades, outdoor patios and volleyball. Alley’s Alehouse Scratch Kitchen offers a variety of family friendly fare that’s sure to please even the picky eater.
More to explore:
Nickel Plate District in downtown Fishers has a lot to offer, with shopping, dining, and the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. Check out the Nickel Plate Trail.
Geist Reservoir is a 1,900 acre park for boating, water sports, and dining.
Next stop: Westfield, Indiana
If you are a traveling sports family, then you have probably heard of (and maybe even visited) Westfield, Indiana. This once-little town became THE destination in the tri-state area and beyond for sports enthusiasts, and is the reason why you will probably see so many teams and athletes at the local hotels on the weekend.
Entertainment:
Grand Park Sports Complex is celebrating its tenth anniversary as the premier sports destination. With over 400 acres, this “field of dreams” boasts 26 ball diamonds, 31 multi-purpose fields, and a 377,000 foot event center that houses three full indoor synthetic fields, offices, and a full service restaurant. It is also home to the Indianapolis Colts training center and the Pacers Athletic Center.
Dining: We were lucky enough to enjoy the Grand Opening of Urban Apples Cidery, a fun farm-to-table experience. This relaxed barn style location offers a selection of ciders, along with an evolving menu of German inspired starters like homemade pretzels and sauerkraut balls. Choose from entrees like brats, salads, and sandwiches. Kids will enjoy making their own ice cream cones, playing arcade games, and dancing to live music performances throughout the week. The 25 acre property will host future events, with plenty of room indoors and out for the kiddos to roam.
Looking for another Farm-to-Table experience? Check out Traders Point Creamery in nearby Zionsville. (Okay, technically, this is in Boone County. But who’s counting?) This full scale farm offers self guided and guided tours where you can pop into the barns, hike the trails and even see the milking of the dairy cows firsthand. Enjoy a hand-crafted ice cream treat or visit the store for cheeses and specialty products. Lunch and dinner at The Loft offers a variety of seasonal farm-to-table options.
