08/12/2021
FREE FAMILY FUN!!!
Hi friends,
Looking for FREE (or nearly free) short vacations or family friendly places to hike and explore?
There are many beautiful hiking trails scattered across the Hoosier state, and not all of them are short or easy enough for kids to tackle. That’s why we’ve gathered 9 easy, totally kid-friendly hikes in Indiana that are under 1 mile, but still completely breathtaking.
The VanSlyke Team is continuing to feature destinations that help to make our state wonderful. We believe that supporting local attractions is more important now than ever before and we hope to inspire your adventures!
1. Trail 9 at Clifty Falls State Park
This gorgeous park is well known for its numerous waterfalls and incredible hiking trails. Trail 9 offers a moderate 1-mile trek through the campground to the nature center, with plenty of incredible sights in between. Hike this trail at 1501 Green Rd, Madison, IN 47250.
2. Trail 3 at Indiana Dunes State Park
For a unique hike through sand dunes while taking in the sites of the stunning Lake Michigan, visit the Indiana Dunes State Park. Trail 3 is perfect for kids at .75 miles and even offers incredible wildflower sightings in the spring. Hike this trail at 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304.
3. Trail 5 at Pokagon State Park
At just .7 miles long, this scenic trail is perfect for kids looking for adventure. Hike through the woods Pokagon State Park is so well known for while observing colorful wildflowers and unique birds. This hike ends at the beach, so you can explore the lake right after your trek. Take this hike at 450 Ln 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703.
4. Trail 5 at Turkey Run State Park
This unique state park boasts gorgeous canyons and gorges that will have you feeling like you've stepped onto another planet. Kids will love exploring the tall trees and lush greenery you'll find along Trail 7. It's only .7 miles but connects to other trails in the park if you're feeling particularly adventurous that day. Hike it at 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859.
5. Strahl Lake Trail at Brown County State Park
This popular state park is bursting with kid-friendly activities and hikes. The Strahl Lake trail offers a .75-mile hike around Strahl Lake up to the nature center, offering glimpses of some of the park's most remarkable trees and rolling hills along the way. Explore it at 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448.
6. Fall Creek Trail at Fort Harrison State Park
Walk along the scenic Fall Creek during this 1-mile hike through Fort Harrison. Kids will love exploring small bridges and patches of woods and enjoy the duck pond awaiting at the end of this hike. Hike it at 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216.
7. Trail 10 at McCormick's Creek State Park
This .7-mile moderate trail goes through some of the best parts of Indiana's first state park. The trek starts at McCormick's Creek, passes through the old quarry, and heads upstream, where it eventually leads out of the canyon. Kids will love all the incredible views of the canyon and trees along this quick hike. Explore it at 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460.
8. Trail 4 at Chain O'Lakes State Park
This amazing 1-mile hike takes your family past four of the park's nine gorgeous lakes. Enjoy the best of this park by passing through woods and swamps to explore the different types of ecosystems found throughout this natural gem. Take this hike at 2355 E 75 S, Albion, IN 46701.
9. Trail 5 at Spring Mill State Park
This incredible park is bursting with fun for kids, but if you're looking for an incredible hike, Trail 5 offers an amazing 1-mile journey. You'll loop around the park's lake while taking in some of the best natural scenery and end up in the park's picnic area where you can reward your kids with a quick snack. Hike this trail at 3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446.
Hope you enjoy this fun spots!!!
The VanSlyke Team, your realtor team for life
