Everyone loves summer vacation, but do you ever get sick of figuring out where to go and what to do?
Hendricks County, Indiana, has a solution to take the stress away from summer travel planning at an affordable cost. Here are three summer ideas no matter who you are to get you started:
1. Family Adventure
Back to Top of ListInstead of putting a full itinerary together (though we do have those you can find by clicking here), I want to share some ideas of places families might want to consider in Hendricks County for an affordable summer getaway.
Splash Island Family Waterpark in Plainfield remains the biggest, with multiple waterslides, a lazy river, a children’s spray area and much more. It is an attraction where a family can spend an entire day of fun under the sun.
If you prefer a waterpark with a wave pool or need ADA accessibility, Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon might be a better option for you.
Other top family adventure options in Hendricks County include scenic horseback riding at Natural Valley Ranch, enjoying some of our parks’ top trails or creating psychedelic attire at The Tie Dye Lab.
2. Couples Weekend
Back to Top of ListLooking for a romantic getaway? We have some great ideas for an affordable, fun adventure for two.
If you want that traditional dinner and movie experience, we highly suggest a night out in Plainfield with dinner and drinks at The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge. This former movie theater, recently transformed into an amazing restaurant that includes various options for your dining experience.
You could be seated downstairs where they sometimes have movies playing on the big screen or live entertainment on stage. Upstairs has more of a speak easy vibe inside while outside they have rooftop dining.
From there, and this does take some advanced planning, walk over to Hendricks Live! for a concert or show. They have some type of performance virtually every weekend in their intimate 600-seat theater. Check out their calendar and buy your tickets in advance.
3. Foodie Experience
Back to Top of ListIs there anything better than slowing down and enjoying authentic foodie experiences?
Hendricks County's dining scene offers so much including a BBQ destination that has been ranked as serving the best BBQ in central Indiana by the Indianapolis Star every year since it opened. Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brewhouse in Lizton is everything you would expect from its Ferris wheel of meat rotating over an open fire to its amazing sides and desserts and the type of atmosphere that just can't be replicated.
Another favorite that brings folks from all over the world, the Mayberry Cafe serves down-home, comfort food with a side of nostalgia. Paying homage to the iconic Andy Griffith Show, the restaurant boasts TVs running the show non-stop inside while the deputy car sits outside for the perfect photo opportunity.
And no foodie visit to Hendricks County would be complete without visiting Beasley's Orchard. Shop inside the Civil War-era barn for fresh produce and other goodies. Step up to the cider bar to sip on some award-winning apple cider or enjoy a cider slushie. And then depending on the season, enjoy their u-picks areas of various fruits and flowers and of course their apples in the fall.
Plan Your Own Visit
Back to Top of ListIf none of these ideas strike your fancy, we have plenty more. Click here to head to our summer road trip page.
You will be surprised by what you find in Hendricks County, just west of Indy. Whether it’s signature dishes in iconic destination restaurants or attractions that offer fun, interactive experiences, there’s truly something for everyone.