C – Noblesville (Forest Park) 46060. NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS. 825 Forest Park Drive, Hobbs Station (1 mile north of SR 32 off SR19, West of downtown Noblesville) Phone:  (317) 674-3840       https://nickelplateexpress.com/  Season: May thru holidays. Train rides themed for the season/holiday. Admission: Most family excursions are 60 minutes and run around $25.00 per person. Caboose rides are $12.00 (30 minute rides). The train travels through Atlanta, Arcadia, Cicero and Noblesville. All trips are round trip. Passengers will stay on the train for the duration of the trip and will not disembark during ‘stops.’ Note: Light concessions are available on the train in all cars. Adult and regular beverages are also available. Outside food is allowed on the train for small children or those will dietary restrictions. Choo Choo Café – This charming railroad-themed cafe is located right across the street from Nickel Plate Express in Atlanta. Before or after your train rides, visit for breakfast and lunch or decadent baked goods.

All aboard Central Indiana’s newest train excursion! The Nickel Plate Express is a historic train for kids and adults that runs between Atlanta, Indiana and Noblesville, Indiana. The El Capitan Hi-level cars feature two levels, similar to the classic London double-decker buses. Discover the magic of rail travel as you wind through picturesque landscapes, creating lasting memories with loved ones.

RAIL BIKES rides – White River Family Cruise, a delightful, short rail bike adventure departing Hobbs Station. This family-friendly journey takes you on a charming “bike” ride over the tranquil White River and into the heart of Downtown Noblesville.

CE – Cliff Jumping and Swimming at White Rock Park. 7080 South 750 East, Saint Paul, IN 47272. https://www.whiterockpark.com/

The main lake is great for relaxing on a raft or getting a thrill by jumping off a cliff. There are four platforms to jump off, all at different heights, the tallest being 10 meters. ​There is also a great rope swing and two zip-lines on the main lake. All visitors must have a floating device (raft, tube, swim noodle, life jacket, etc.) at all times when in the water. The quarry is very deep and can be dangerous without one. All guests must wear life jackets when going off jumps, ziplines, or the rope swing. Guests under the age of 12 must always wear a life jacket while in the water.

NW – Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center is a facility that offers fun, self-directed activities for children from infancy through age nine. Bellaboo’s mission is to provide kids with learning opportunities while playing. There are over 20 unique areas for children to play, imagine, and learn at Bellaboo’s. Imagine a garden designed for both children and their grown-ups in mind. Vibrant, lush, tranquil with exciting journeys around every turn. Perhaps, there’s a 60 ft. custom pirate ship complete with a captain’s wheel and climbing treasures to find. Experience workshop spaces and picnic areas framed by native plants and not-so-native palm trees. We are ready for play! * B.I.G. play is always weather pending. Once open for the season water elements are typically on at 70 degrees or higher.

Inside at Bellaboo’s guests can find several spots for hands-on learning fun. Some of these activities include a water room with water tables. A child-sized supermarket, pizza parlor, and other areas for imagination play in the pretend village.  There is also a huge indoor playground plus a baby zone for the youngest guests. 

Admission to Bellaboo’s is $11 for everyone over the age of 1. Children under 1 are free.

Hours:

• Tuesday-Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

SE – Jeffersonville (New Albany). Silver Hills Historical Nature Trail and Wildlife Sanctuary. This Former Trolley Car Line is Now a Nature Trail & Wildlife Sanctuary Read More: https://bit.ly/3AOeyZg

NE – HUNTINGTON. ANTIQOLOGY. www.antiqology.com (a note from a long-time reader…) First, thanks so much for writing your books. As our children were growing up, we used them to find some locations that turned into great family memories.

I ran across a great little store last Sunday in Huntington, Indiana called ANTIQOLOGY, located in the historic downtown at 401 N. Jefferson. It combines antiques, soda, and ice cream. Eclectic would be a great word for the store’s antiques. And, everyone should get the chance to have a Strawberry Fanta float at least once in their lifetime!

www.flickr.com/photos/28301083@N08/sets/72157635454889051/ 

NW – WHOAZONE 1443 Park Service RD Whihala Beach, Whiting, IN 46394. Phone: 219-234-2615 https://whoa.zone/whiting/. Hours: 11am – 6pm daily, weather permitting (mid June – mid August). Admission: Single Splash (50 minutes, ages 7+ & 45″+) $23.00 per person. Sessions start on the hour.

WhoaZone is an inflatable playground, the largest one in the Midwest! The obstacle course is provided by Wibit – the leader in the industry of water fun. Whihala Beach is the area’s best kept secret featuring a beautiful white sandy beach on Lake Michigan, lots of parking, restrooms, concessions and a safe place for summer family fun!

CLOSED

C – Indianapolis, Peewinkles Puppet Studio; C – Nashville, Melchior Marionette Theatre; C – Trafalgar, Appleworks Farm; CE – Cambridge City, Huddleston Farmhouse Museum; NC – Elkhart, Walter Piano and River Queen tours; NC – Kokomo, Automotive Heritage Museum; NC- Sound Bend, Healthworks; NC – Hannah Lindhal Children’s Museum; NC – Winona Lake, Billy Sunday Home; NE – Howe, Greenfield Mills

Order book: https://kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/

(search KIDS LOVE INDIANA, 6th Edition)