Summer Family Fun in Southwest Indiana

Summer is almost here! The temperatures are heating up. School is almost out. And that can mean only one thing:

Within a few weeks, the kids are going to be bored out of their minds and looking for something to do!

Fortunately, there’s plenty to do and see around here. Jasper may not be the biggest city around, but there’s a reason we keep popping up on lists of the best places in America to live and raise a family. And the surrounding area has plenty of its own secrets and wonders to explore.

Here are a few of our suggestions for some family fun in the not-too-distant area, though we’re sure you have plenty of your own, too!

Go on a Unique Outdoor Adventure

Southern Indiana may be lacking in urban metropolises compared to other parts of the country. But we make that back tenfold with natural beauty, fresh air and sunlight, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

When you get tired of the local park, your familiar hiking trail, and walking up and down the Riverwalk again and again, you can always try something a little more extraordinary for a change of pace. For example:

• Go on a cave tour. Southern Indiana’s karst topography boasts an impressive collection of caves and caverns, including subterranean rivers and waterfalls and exquisite rock formations.
• Explore the forest. Hoosier National Forest offers plenty of opportunities to camp (rustic or plush), hunt, fish, hike, mountain bike, swim, boat, and even ride horses. Pretty much whatever outdoor activity you like best, you can find a great spot nearby to do it.

Go on a Safari

Er, a Splashin’ Safari, anyway!

We truly lucked out with this one. As we’re sure you well know, one of the best water parks in the country (if not the best) is barely half an hour south of Jasper. On a hot summer day, it’s hard to resist making the drive over! Whether you just need to cool off in the shallow end of the wave pool, or want to brave the scarier slides, there’s a little something for everyone.

Of course, the Holiday World half of the park is also a national mecca for lovers of wooden roller coasters, with not one, not two, but three of the top-rated woodies on the planet—The Voyage (record holder for most airtime on any wooden coaster, anywhere) is unbelievable, and The Legend and The Raven are exceptional as well. And hey, if you prefer the smooth feel of steel, Thunderbird is pretty fantastic, too.

Explore Amish Country

Older kids especially might enjoy the chance to relax and unwind over a few hours of exploring the Amish country here in Southwest Indiana. Enjoy some fresh baked goods (or fried chicken and mashed potatoes); shop for unique hand-made furniture, housewares, jewelry, and clothing; go on a farm tour; or even attend the Friday night auction!

There’s lots to do and discover, and a chance to learn about a completely different way of life for friends and neighbors right here in Southwest Indiana. And you can usually count on spectacular hospitality, too! Gasthof Amish Village is usually a good place to start—the area features a number of restaurants and shops, and if you book at least a week in advance you can enjoy a 2-hour tour with a local guide.

Catch Some Pokémon

It’s a common problem these days—you try to get your kids outside, but even once they get there, they’re too glued to their phones to do much moving around!

Pokémon GO is a mobile game that actually turns phones into tools for exercise and not just sitting around. The game encourages players to get outside and explore their local community. In order to collect Pokémon (basically cute digital animals), items, and other in-game achievements, players have to physically walk to designated local landmarks (“pokéstops” and “gyms”).

Although not as popular as it was during the craze of 2016, the game still has an active community and lots of players of all ages. If mom and dad like cell phone games, too, it’s easy to get into and play—even if you have no idea what a “pokémon” is. The game actually rewards teamwork and cooperation between players to battle and capture high-level pokémon, so your kids might actually want you around for the help!

Get a Taste of City Life

If you ever happen to get a bit of a yearning for the big city, it’s less than 90 minutes to either Louisville or Evansville. St. Louis or Indianapolis might be a bit of a stretch for a day trip with kids in tow—your mileage may vary on that—but a weekend trip should be more than manageable.

Oh, One More Thing … Make Sure Your Feet Are Up to the Task!

All these activities have something in common—they all require you to use your feet! And that can be a problem for those suffering from a recent sports injury or chronic pain.

At Family Foot & Ankle of Jasper, we take pride in helping all members of your family stay active and on their feet—no pain to slow them down! From pediatric conditions to care for adults and seniors, we provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages.

We know what it’s like to have to cancel your plans because your feet just aren’t able to hold up. But that doesn’t have to be your life anymore! We can help.

To schedule your appointment, call us today at (812) 481-7200.