Whether you’re traveling with youngsters or you’re just young at heart, this area has tons of kid-friendly things to do! Discover outdoor activities, toys and treats, and more kiddo-approved trip ideas…

13 Places to Have Kid-Friendly Fun near Santa Claus, Indiana

1. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Of course you already know this one! At Holiday World, you’ll find rides for little kids, rides for big kids, and rides for adults who want to feel like kids again—including Good Gravy!, the park’s first family roller coaster. Be sure to check out Rubber Duck Days June 8-21 and see The World’s Largest Rubber Duck!
2. Lincoln State Park – Less than 5 minutes from Holiday World, families can spend a day at the beach! Visit Lake Lincoln, inside Lincoln State Park, to soak up the sun, rent a kayak or paddleboat (the duck boat is especially fun), or hit the trails. If your kids love the outdoors, they’ll love all there is to do at Lincoln State Park!
3. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph – Why is this the most kid-friendly place to stay in the area? The resort offers an onsite waterpark, swimming pool and splash pad, mini golf, gem mining, paddleboating, planned activities, and so much more. Plus, it’s right next door to Holiday World and offers a free shuttle to and from the park!
4. Holiday Drive-In Movie Theater – Great movies (from cartoons to classics), popcorn and goodies galore, staying up late for a double feature. A night out at Holiday Drive-In is a kid’s dream!
5. Santa Claus Museum & Village – Want a spot on Santa’s good list? Write a letter at the town’s original post office, part of the museum, and you’re well on your way! Plus, you’ll get a response from Santa’s elves by Christmas. (There’s no age limit, so little and big believers are welcome to write letters!). There is also a working post office at Kringle Place about a mile away where you can have your mail stamped with the famous Santa Claus, Indiana postmark!
6. Santa Claus Christmas Store – The lights, the decorations, the collectible villages… visiting the store is an experience for all ages. But the big draw for the kiddos has got to be the store’s giant cookies and yummy fudge and candies!
   
7. Santa’s Reindeer Ranch – Ever wonder where Santa’s reindeer spend their summers? Take a tour of Santa’s Reindeer Ranch to learn about these amazing creatures and have your very own up close and personal encounter! As part of the experience, you can even snuggle the new wallaby babies! Reservations are required, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
8. Living Historical Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial– Marvel at the beautiful horses, watch sheep romp and play, get up close and personal with the chickens. You never know what animal friends you might meet at the farm! Plus, costumed interpreters are periodically on hand for fun activities.
9. Santa’s TOYS – Kids. Toys. Need we say more? The store offers nearly 3,000 specialty toys, including STEM options, and encourages young visitors to play while they browse.
10. Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum – Who says fun can’t be educational, too? At Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum, kids can explore 13 replica cabins inside and out and get a glimpse of how a young Abe Lincoln might have lived during his time in Indiana.
11. Santa’s Candy Castle – Young kids can find the newest and most popular candies available today. Big kids (aka, adults!) can find nostalgic favorites from their younger years. And all ages will happily risk brain freeze for the famous frozen hot chocolate!
12. Community Parks– The local parks in this area are free, fun, and packed with things to do for all ages. Younger kids will get a kick out of the playgrounds, and tweens and teens can hit the basketball court or even play a game of disc golf!
13. Good Life Designs– Little artists will love painting their own ceramics at this unique studio. There are tons of fun pieces to choose from. And they’ll get to take home their very own masterpiece as a memento of their visit to the area!

Plan Your Kid-Friendly Visit

A truly family-friendly visit begins with the perfect accommodations. You’ll find kid-friendly places to stay offering great amenities like pools, playgrounds, and even train rides. And when the crew gets hungry, find a place to eat that’s sure to satisfy even the youngest and pickiest eaters!

Guest post provided by the Spencer County Visitors Bureau.

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Time Zone Note: While most of the state of Indiana is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), two time zones affect Southern Indiana. Counties along the southern Ohio River border and on the western side of the state are on Central Standard Time (CST). Otherwise, as you travel through Southern Indiana, you’ll be on Eastern Standard Time (EST).