With so many families looking for getaways closer to home, Hamilton County is the perfect location to consider for your next road trip. Even with current social distancing guidelines, you and your family can still find plenty of activities to do like outdoor recreation, museum, outdoor dining, train rides, parks, and more. The possibilities are endless.
Our family recently visited Hamilton County for a long weekend and it was exactly what we needed. These last few months have been challenging and we all needed to escape and explore a change in scenery. Read on to learn more about this family friendly getaway located in the heart of Indiana.
FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
We were surprised at just how much there is to see and do in Hamilton County. You could really spend a week here and never get it all in. For us, we had an itinerary filled with fun activities that were ideal for active young boys.
Nickel Plate Express
Hop aboard the Nickel Plate Express for a caboose ride. It is no secret that my boys love trains and they were bursting at the seams as we arrived at the park. The caboose ride is a scenic 30 minute ride through Hamiltion County and over White River. Watching the boys look out the windows while experiencing the sights and sounds of the train was priceless. Tickets are just $7 per person and if you arrive early then you can ride in the cupola. Due to COVID19, there are precautions in place to keeping everyone safe like wearing mask. For us, we had the whole front section of the caboose to social distance as a family.
Birdies Miniature Golf
Ever since we heard of this location opening last summer, Birdies has been on our bucket list. The boys are really starting to love putt putt and their dad is fiercely competitive. As for me, on the other hand, I can use all the help that I can get. Birdies has a total of 36 holes so your family can choose to play 18 or all 36 holes. Pricing ranges from $6.50 – $14 per person. Also available outside is the Patio Bar with drinks, cocktails, appetizers, and ice cream. The seating looking very inviting with opportunities to social distance. Which brings up another great point, since the venue is outside and guests can social distance, masks are not mandatory at all times.
Monon Waterpark
Swimming is the right of passage through summer. We couldnt wait to spend the day splashing around at the Monon Waterpark! “This place is huge!” said my oldest son as we entered the pool area. We had so much fun that we didnt want to leave. The amenities include slides, kiddie pool area, lap/activity pool, wall climbing, FlowRider, Lazy River (temporarily closed), and cabanas. Daily admission ranges from $9 for Youth and Seniors to $12 for adults 16 and over. Due to COVID19, you will want to bring your own lawn chairs and puddle jumpers/life jackets for the little ones. Also everyone is required to wear a mask to enter the park and in common area when not actively swimming.
Conner Prairie
This is a must see and do! Conner Prairie is living history museum with many unique opportunities to learn through interactions and experiences that you can’t do anywhere else. Our family has visited here on several occasions and we still find new things to see and do each time. The most recent addition to Conner Prairie is the AG Adventures playground. We spent the longest time here exploring all the new and exciting farm themed playground equipment. Even mom and dad went down a few slides and took a spin on the merry go round. We spent the rest of the day visiting the Farm Animals at Animal Encounters and climbing in the Treetop Outpost. Our other favorite spot to visit is the River Crossing Play Area with a ship water table and water canons. During other times of the year, we have also attended events like the Easter Eggstravaganza, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Headless Horseman Hayrides, Dinner with Santa, and A Merry Prairie Holiday. Daily admission ranges from $13 to o$18 per person and due to COVID19 everyone is required to wear a mask.
Monon Trails
Hamilton County has over 500 miles of trails and no shortage of parks to explore. One trail called the Monon Trail actually passed right by our Hotel. We took evening walks here after dinner to enjoy the outdoors and walk off a few calories. Check out these posts from Visit Hamilton County for maps and information on all the parks and trails.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
During our weekend stay, we enjoyed overnight accommodations at Cambria Westfield. Conveniently located near US 31 N in Westfield, it was close to all our attractions for the weekend. We were greeted with friendly staff when we checked in and to my surprise, they sent text messages throughout our stay asking if our room was okay and if we needed anything. I was blown away by this because I haven’t experienced that type of service before. The hotel had very modern and spa-like feel to it. Plus with the current COVID19 precautions everyone had to wear a mask and the hotel was very clean. The boys loved spending the evenings and mornings in the indoor pool. The one thing that we found to be super neat was the Bluetooth speaker bathroom mirror. Mind blown! We would definitely recommend this hotel to family and friends. 5 + Stars
PLACES TO EAT
Feeding a family of 5 with all boys can be a challenge sometimes. Each of them likes different food and can never agree on the same place to visit. This weekend was the perfect opportunity to try new restaurants and foods.
Big Hoff’s Smokehouse BBQ
If you like ribs and BBQ then Big Hoff’s is the place to be! I literally saw drool coming out of my husband’s mouth as I described the process of the ribs being smoked for 12 hours and falling off the bones. My oldest son ordered the ribs too and inhaled them I think. I am a pulled pork kinda girl and the Bucccaneer Sandwich was like heaven on a bun. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant is so unique with vintage chairs and tables plus the mural outside with the pirate ship is impressive. Be sure to add this to your next visit.
Cone & Crumb
We all scream for ice cream! We had to save room after dinner for ice cream at Cone & Crumb. The boys were skipping as we walked up to this quaint little ice cream shop in downtown Westfield. They offered several cake and pastry options along with hand scooped ice cream. So many choices and so little time! We all picked ice cream and enjoyed it outside on the deck. Delicious!
Bub’s Burgers
Our family is always on the hunt for the best burger joints and Bub’s Burgers did not disappoint! We visited the location in Westfield, IN and all ordered their burger and fries. I tried my first ever Elk Burger with a side of jalapenos and it was amazing! Bub’s Burger also offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, soups, and hand dipped milk shakes. This location offers both indoor and outdoor dinning for those looking for safe options during this time.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Surprisingly we have never been to one of these restaurants before but we do love pasta! We visited The Old Spaghetti Factory in Carmel, Indiana. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was the trolley car in the middle of the room that guests can dine in. We couldn’t pass up the photo opportunity in it. My kids said it felt like a mansion inside the restaurant with all the elegant details like red velvet on the seats and stained glass lighting. We all got something a little different and sample each one. My favorite was the Chicken Parmesan and the kids liked the spaghetti with marina sauce and grilled cheese sandwich. I would also recommend the Sicilian Garlic Cheese Bread! It was magnifico!
After a long weekend, we headed home rejuvenated with tons of family memories. Traveling during a pandemic may look different with more outdoor activities and road trips vs plane rides but it can still be done. Change your scenery and head on over to Hamilton County for a visit that your whole family can enjoy.
