If you want to plan your own Indiana adventures, check out:

• Lilly Scholars Network Instagram: @lillyscholarsnetwork
• Visit Indiana: www.visitindiana.com
• My Instagram: @alainateachergoals

Quick Travel Snapshot

• Drive Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Beech Grove, Indiana, with a quick gas + snack stop in Jasper along the way
• Perfect For: Families, large groups, summer reunions, and anyone who loves both coasters and water parks in one ticket
• Recommended Stay: At least one full day (but two if you want to have plenty of time to do the water park and rides without rushing)
• Vibe: High-energy, clean, nostalgic, well-shaded, full of surprises—from wild rides to quiet recharge spots

Why This Made My TravelGoals List

Holiday World isn’t new to us—it’s a place we’ve loved before, but this time felt different. With three kids, a wide-open summer, and the chance to dive into it through the Summer Explorers program, we were ready to experience it all over again with fresh eyes (and maybe a little more bravery for The Voyage).

Spoiler: it lived up to the hype. And then some.

We wanted thrills, shade, snacks, and laughs. We got all of that!

What Makes This Place Special

1.) The Park Entrance & Theming

From the moment you walk through the main entrance, Holiday World makes it clear—this place is built around joy. Holiday-themed music greets you, colorful signage surrounds you, and the kids immediately start planning. “Halloween? Christmas? Thanksgiving? Wait—there’s a 4th of July section too?”

We grabbed a fold-out park map (yes, the kind that still makes you feel like a competent grown-up) and stood there like we were plotting a cross-holiday treasure hunt. 

That’s when it hit: we weren’t just spending a day at a theme park—we were about to walk through holidays in one afternoon.

2.) The Coasters (Yes, Including The Voyage)

James was ready for The Voyage. I wasn’t expecting that. This towering wooden coaster is intense—and yet, he was calm, focused, and confidently walked into line like he’d done it a dozen times. I followed his lead.

It delivered. The speed, the drops, the length—we felt like we rode through a forest at 100 mph. As soon as we got off, we went straight to the photo station and found our ride photo turned keychain-worthy. They had pricing clearly displayed, and we made the easiest souvenir purchase of the day. That keychain is now on my car keys, and it’s not going anywhere.

3.) Splashin’ Safari & the Art of Cooling Off

The central park opens at 10:00 AM CST, and Splashin’ Safari opens at 11:00 AM CST, so we timed our rides early and made our way to the water park just as the temps started climbing. It closes at 6:00 PM CST, so you’ve got a solid window to hit the highlights—if you plan well.

We relaxed, played in the splash zones, and raced down slides. The vibe was energetic but not chaotic, and there’s plenty of seating, free sunscreen stations, and shady rest areas where you can regroup. If you have sensory-sensitive kids, this space is especially thoughtful, with enough room to observe without participating.

TravelGoals Tip: Pack your snacks. While Holiday World doesn’t officially allow outside food, the staff are very understanding, especially if you’ve got little ones with specific needs. Also, Drink Oasis stations throughout the park offer free, unlimited water, soda, and Powerade, so be sure to take advantage.

Accessibility Notes & Sensory-Friendly Moments

Holiday World is one of the most accessible and inclusive theme parks we’ve visited. There are ramps, wide pathways, and shaded rest spots across the park. The staff were quick to offer help, and Guest Services offers an Accessibility Guide with everything from ride access passes to a sensory calming room.

The water park in particular is spacious, with excellent visibility and soft spaces for observation. If you’re visiting with a stroller, wheelchair, or sensory needs, you’ll feel supported here.

Hidden Gems, Shade Zones & Holiday Magic

This is the part where I get a little emotional: I genuinely love this park. It’s not just the rides or the themes—it’s how friendly the staff are, how clean the park always feels, and how every experience feels intentional and warm. That kind of environment makes a big difference when you’re spending a whole day with kids under the sun.

The kids were obsessed with the holiday transitions, one moment you’re walking through Halloween, the next you’re surrounded by Christmas trees and carols. There’s whimsy in the air. And the photo ops are everywhere—we easily filled a whole album.

BIG pro tip: The Thanksgiving section stays open a full hour later than the rest of the park—and it’s the best spot to view the fireworks and drone show at night. Grab a seat early and soak it all in.

My Favorite Part / Least Favorite Part

Favorite: Watching James take on The Voyage, then proudly holding our ride photo turned keychain. It was a full-circle parenting win I didn’t see coming.

Least Favorite: The soggy uphill walk to the car with wet flip flops, a half-eaten ice cream, and three souvenir cups rolling around in a towel bag.

TravelGoals Tips & Tricks

•  The central park opens at 10:00 AM CST and closes at 7:00 PM CST; the water park opens at 11:00 AM CST and closes at 6:00 PM CST
• Thanksgiving section stays open an hour later until 8:00 PM and is the best spot for fireworks + drone viewing
  

• Pack your snacks—staff are understanding, especially with young kids
• Use Drink Oasis stations for free water, soda, and Powerade
• Sunscreen stations are available throughout the park—use them often
• Take advantage of photo ops and keychain souvenirs
• Sensory-sensitive kids will find quiet spaces and supportive staff
• Grab your lounge chair early at Splashin’ Safari to lock down a shady spot

Support Local. Leave a Review.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari continues to be one of the best-run, cleanest, and most joyful places we’ve visited in Indiana. The staff are kind. The rides are incredible. The theming makes even walking around feel magical. And the water park? Essential in the Indiana heat. The whole family had a blast—and we left with full hearts, wet towels, and the kind of memories we’ll be talking about all year.

Support local! After your visit, leave a review to help these gems thrive.

Google Maps Collection

We added Holiday World to our Indiana Family Adventure Trail—and it earned a top spot. Between coasters, water slides, photo ops, and those sweet, sweet keychains, this one’s worth repeating.

 Click here to explore my map and plan your trip.

Plan Your Trip

• Holiday World Tickets: www.holidayworld.com