Weekend Field Trips Under an Hour from Fishers, Indiana
(No Hotels, No Packing Chaos—Just Easy, Local Family Fun)
Some weekends, we’re all about the backyard water balloons and lawn chairs. But other times, we need a change of scenery that won’t wreck nap schedules or require suitcase Tetris.
That’s when we turn to our list of easy day trips from Fishers, Indiana—fun, local adventures that are under an hour away and totally doable with kids (and yes, even with a dog in tow).
So if your crew is getting a little stir-crazy, here are five family weekend ideas that are close, affordable, and packed with memory-making potential.
Tuttle Orchards – Greenfield, IN (35 min)
This spot is a classic for a reason. Tuttle Orchards has everything: apple picking, a sunflower trail, a fall market, and a giant kid-friendly play area.
In late summer, you can pick your own sunflowers, take a hayride, and grab sweet corn and cider slushies at the farm store.
Why we love it:
It’s stroller-friendly and shaded
Educational signs help kids learn about how food grows
The grilled cheese from their cafe is top-tier
Conner Prairie – Fishers, IN (Right Here in Town!)
We’re lucky to have Conner Prairie right in our backyard. It’s an interactive outdoor museum where kids can explore 1836 Prairietown, climb through treetop obstacle courses, and even experience a tethered hot air balloon ride.
They also host themed weekends like STEM days, animal encounters, and Civil War reenactments.
Pro tip: Wear sunscreen and bug spray—especially if you’ll be exploring the nature trails near the White River.
Splash Island – Plainfield, IN (45 min)
This outdoor water park is the perfect summer cool-down spot. It has everything from a lazy river and big kid slides to a zero-entry splash area for littles.
We pack a cooler, snag a shaded picnic table, and let the kids go full mermaid mode while we relax with a book (okay, or scroll our phones).
Bonus: There’s also an indoor aquatic center for cooler weather.
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields – Indy (30 min)
Don’t let “museum” scare you—Newfields is incredibly family-friendly. You can tour the indoor galleries, but most families spend time outside in the expansive gardens, art trails, and fountains.
There’s also a seasonal Beer Garden and evening light installations that are perfect for older kids.
What our kids love:
The seasonal family art projects
Giant swings and outdoor sculptures
Ice cream at the Garden Terrace
Strawtown Koteewi Park – Noblesville, IN (25 min)
Looking for something active but different? Koteewi Park offers horseback rides, archery (with kid-friendly gear), canoe rentals, and a natural history center.
Our daughter calls it “wilderness school,” and we’ve spent full days here without hearing the words “I’m bored” once.
Dad Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the evening—shade is limited.
Backyard Bonus: Bring the Day Trip Vibes Home
Some weekends are better spent right at home. When we’re not out exploring, we love turning our yard into a backyard campground, splash zone, or dinner party. But we didn’t always enjoy evenings outside—mosquitoes used to drive us back inside by dusk. Ever since we had our yard treated by Blue Duck Pest Control, our evenings are way more relaxed.
Takeaway: You Don’t Need a Vacation to Make Family Memories
These quick field trips are the perfect mix of local charm, kid engagement, and low-stress planning. Whether you’re looking to burn energy or simply reconnect outside your four walls, Central Indiana has more than enough to fill your summer calendar—without burning through your PTO or your gas tank.
So pack a snack bag, grab the sunscreen, and hit the road—but not too far.
