Local Theme Parks
I noticed in the news today that Indiana Beach which is in Monticello, IN has been sold to a New York company. We took our oldest son there once when he was only 2 and I didn't think it was very clean and restrooms seemed very outdated. So I am happy to see this change as it may bring another potential summer activity with the kids. What other local theme parks have you taken small children to (within a couple hours)?
Parks
I haven't been to any theme parks but I heard that the one in Shipshawana at Wana Waves is really nice. You have Splash Down Dunes That one was nice. I liked it anyway.
Hotels
My son enjoys swimming so we have gone to Chicago. I got to shop and he got to swim.
Deer Forest
It's on Coloma MI I haven't been there in years but thet got new owners and I've heard they're doing alot of work to it. It's kinda like a petting zoo with rides and a story book theme. I know they have a myspace page you can look it up under Deer Forest. I think I'm gonna check it out with Bekka this summer. I know I'm looking for places to go with her this summer since I'm not working and I'll be doing night classes still. I need some places wheelchair friendly too.
Melissa
Blessed to be Bekka's Mommy
Our miracle is gonna be Four on February 13th!!
1 lb 5 ozs 13" to 28lbs 36" Time sure flies!
Potato Creek State Park
We go to Potato Creek Park almost every weekend in summer to do bicycle in the woods. They have a beach also and mountain bike trails. You can go camping also with horses or without. Our son loves to go see the horses on the camp and look at all the greens in the forest. It’s in North Liberty so very close from home. You have to see also falls colors, wow and really clean park.
Camping
My daughter is 2 1/2 and one of our favorites last year was Ideal Beach it has a few water rides for the older kids, you can rent paddle boats and canoes, admission is low, and it isn't too crowded, it's perfect for those who want to take younger kids to the beach because the water is pretty shallow and there isn't a far stretch of sand to get to it. There is also a kiddie pool with a small slide. Also Curious Kids Museum in St. Joe, MI is great I would recommend it for kids 4 and up everything is interactive and I myself remember going as a child and loving it!
Where is that at?
Where is Ideal Beach at?? That sounds like fun!
Melissa
Blessed to be Bekka's Mommy
Our miracle is gonna be Four on February 13th!!
1 lb 5 ozs 13" to 28lbs 36" Time sure flies!
We've been there too and it
We've been there too and it is nice. We took our travel grill and had a picnic. The kids enjoyed the beach and played in the water and also on the playground equipment. The adults took turns going down the slides!
It is on the north side of Elkhart off of CR 15. It is just north of the toll road on a road called Heaton Vista Rd. It is really easy to get to- Take Cleveland (which turns into CR 6) all the way to CR 15. You will see the signs on how to get there!
Discovery Toys
Educational Consultant
www.discoverytoyslink.com/jhood
Ideal Beach
We've taken our kids there ever since they were little, we love it! What I really like about it is the beach itself. It's never really crowded and the water isn't too deep. It also has a food shack where you can get the kids food and ice cream! I can't wait for summer!
We utilize the local State
We utilize the local State park too,Potato Creek. They are very clean with many different activities going on throughout the year to learn about nature. They do have the canoe, boat, and bike rentals, they have walking, bike and horse trails.And plenty of places to fish from the piers or grass. They have the food shack on the beach and a community store with icecream and snacks. Lots to do there, very clean and handicap accessible restrooms. For someone who likes to go camping the State park in Ludington Mi is very nice to go to, and when it is fall the colors are fantastic with fishing and hiking, they allow snagging for fish too--on a certian timeline. Very nice park. Brown county State park in southern Indiana is a very nice park too. They have alot of scheduled activities I believe as well.
We were to deer forest 8 years ago and had a nice time. It was good for a day outing. Some of the rides adults can ride too. Don't remember about the cost.
We have enjoyed a weekend at the water park in indy. That was a nice weekend too.
We are just getting to the ages where we can take all the kids someplace and truely have "FUN". We are out of the baby stage and out of the toddler stage. Most things all three kids can participate in. But with the farm and animals it is sometimes difficult to do and now with the cost of fuel who can afford to go too far. Hopefully we are going to make a trip to Great America this summer as my nephew is getting married and her parents run the farm across the road from the park. So if things go as planned we will see a few roller coasters this year!
Deer Forest, Wanna Waves updates!
These are three of our favorite things to do.
Deer forest is a throwback to a simpler time. It is wonderful for kids. There is a petting zoo and you can go into the deer yard to feed them. Also, there is a nice playground, mini golf, amusement park rides ( which the price is included) . There is a jewel mine to get jewels, a bounce house, pony rides, and a train. Some things are included in price and others are in addition too. Call them for a list or it might be on their website. My kids cant wait. Don't dress to impress, my kids come out pretty dirty, lol. They open again in May.
Wanna waves is very clean. It is so nice, my kids are 5, 3, and 21months and they like it there. Call ahead because it is not open everyday. Also, they have a limit of tickets to sell. So to make sure you get in come when it opens or a little after. We have never been turned away, but I have heard of it. There are life gaurds at every water thing. They supply life vests, and dont let you bring arm floats or pool toys. There is a kiddy pool that parents can sit in. VERY NICE! It is $20 per person, and 2 and under are free. No discounts for older than 2. Go for the day and the price is worth it I think. Lockers are expensive. ($10.. cough cough)
The Fort Wayne Zoo is awesome, and if you have a pott.zoo pass it is free!
My family loves to go to parks also. There are some great ones.
mother of Bel, Ronny and Kinsey