Traveling with Younger Kids
I've been through the days of parenting a toddler and grade school child and finding out what interests them then becomes way different as they reach their teenage years.
So, we decided to break up our trip itineraries for families into two. This one that provides a detailed itinerary for parents with younger kids and another for those with older kids. If you have children who fit into both categories, you may want to try to blend ideas from both.
Looking for ADA-accessible things to do? Browse this list of local attractions, restaurants and shops going above and beyond to provide inclusive experiences for all.
If you're looking more for inspiration instead of a detailed itinerary, take our quiz to find which one of our personalized trip ideas is best for you!
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Morning
You can't go wrong by starting your adventure at The Tie Dye Lab in Avon. This really is the perfect indoor activity for every member of the family.
When you arrive, all you have to do is choose what you want to tie dye, your colors and a pattern and the great staff there will guide you every step of the way. Within an hour, you will have a finished creation that you can take home that same day. They clean up the mess. No experience necessary.
Lunch
Just a few doors down from The Tie Dye Lab, you can dine in a young child's paradise at the Pizza King in Avon. But this isn't your typical Pizza King. In fact, what could be better than pizza if you are a kid? Booths with televisions that also have a window with a train that brings your drinks to you!
If pizza isn't your family's thing, you can also take a look at our list of top kid-friendly restaurants in Hendricks County.
Afternoon
What do kids like better than pizza? How about animals? Well, we have just the thing to entertain them in rural Brownsburg. Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary offers tours by appointment (who must book in advance) to see their vast array of friends headlined by their pot belly pigs.
Your kids will love seeing all the farm animals, which even include a peacock and a donkey, and they likely will learn a little bit, too, about this mission to help save, rehabilitate and find new homes for these animals.
Ice Cream Break
After your visit to the farm, one enjoy a little dessert? Depending on where you plan to stay for the night, we recommend Mandy's Ice Cream in Brownsburg, Frigid Frog & More in Plainfield or Frost Bite or Danny's Mexican Ice Cream in Avon.
Evening/Dinner
We've been there so we know a long day for both the kids and parents means you could use a little downtime. So, instead of recommending a fancy restaurant for dinner, we suggest booking a hotel with a pool and ordering in, whether that's pizza, burgers or any other take-out option. You can find a list of locally owned restaurants here.
Day 2
Morning
The best way to get day 2 off to a great start is with a hearty breakfast, especially considering the activity we are going to recommend for the rest of your day.
Again, depending on where you stayed the night before our recommendations would be Oasis Diner in Plainfield, Emmy's Pancake House in Avon, or if you want something a little quicker, you can't beat the doughnuts from Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg.
Lunch/Afternoon
How about some waterpark fun to end your fun trip in Hendricks County? Our best waterpark for little ones would have to be Murphy Aquatic Park in Avon. It has waterslides, a small wave pool, zero-depth entry water playground and more. You can even rent a cabana to provide some privacy or a meeting spot for the family.
And there is no need to go offsite for lunch as they have an impressive selection of foods for the whole family at their concession stand.