Family Friendly Things to Do Near Lafayette, Indiana

If you’re in search of your next family-friendly Midwest road trip destination, I have the perfect spot...and the location may surprise you! Greater Lafayette, Indiana is located along the scenic Wabash River offering access to two great cities and one historic university with a perfect blend of history, modern attractions, unique animal encounters, and hands on exploration for kids of all ages. We visited when my daughter was around 2 years old and we had the best time. Many of the places we stopped at would also be great for older kids and even teenagers. 

Disclaimer: Our trip was planned in partnership with Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Day 1: Columbian Park Zoo, McCords Candies & Flourish Studio

After arriving to town, our first stop was Columbian Park which offers so much to see and do. One of the highlights of the park is Columbian Park Zoo which is home to nearly 200 animals throughout seven different exhibits including a wallaby walk, butterfly garden, and penguin cove. The zoo is easy to navigate with children and we loved how close you could get to view the animals. You can also purchase tickets to ride the train that departs every hour and circles the entire park. We also loved exploring the SIA playground which has three towering climbing structures and multiple hillside slides. 

Next we headed to the historic downtown Lafayette to grab a sweet treat at McCords Candies. This vintage candy shop is located within the same building it originally opened in back in 1912 and features the original candy cases and soda fountain counter. You can shop a variety of specialty handmade candies and other treats or enjoy one of their signature shakes or sodas which are mixed right in front of you. 

A short walk down the street is Flourish Studio and Classroom where kids let the creative juices flow as you create a one of a kind craft or attend one of their many workshops. They had a variety of pieces to paint and decorate which my daughter had so much fun doing as well as regularly scheduled classes with everything from macrame and slime to crochet and painting. 

Where to STay: Union Club Hotel

After a full afternoon of fun we checked into our room at Union Club Hotel located on the campus of Purdue University. Shortly after you enter you'll notice the design is inspired by the colors and history of the university and the majority of employees are students. We loved walking through campus each morning and it was the perfect location for exploring the Greater Lafayette area. On the first night of our stay we enjoyed an amazing dinner at 8Eleven Modern Bistro which gets its name from Purdue alum, Neil Armstrong who piloted the iconic Gemini 8 and Apollo 11 space missions. Guests can also enjoy Leaps Coffee and Artisan Pastries as well as the Boiler Up Bar, a full service spa, and fitness center on site. If you're looking for another fun activity for the family, be sure to visit Union Rack and Roll located next door at Purdue Memorial Union.

Day 2 Morning: Triple XXX Family Restaurant, Imagination Station & Arni's 

Our second day started with breakfast at Indiana's oldest drive-in diner, Triple XXX Family Restaurant. The nostalgia hits as soon as you enter and take a seat at one of the bar stools that line the wrap-around bar. We went for breakfast (which was delicious) but they also hold the claim to fame for one of the best burgers around which was put to the test by Guy Fieri when it was featured on the hit show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. 

The rest of our morning was spent playing and exploring at Imagination Station - a hands-on, interactive museum where children can discover the world of space, science, engineering, and technology. The exhibits change regularly so there is always something new and exciting to see. The lower level is geared more toward school-age children with lots of science experiments and simulations. Upstairs is a preschool and toddler area which is where we spent most of our time with a slide, giant building blocks, pretend play and so much more. 

After we had worked up an appetite we headed to Arni's Market Square location which has been serving up delicious pizzas for over 60 years. The interior design is so fun. Be sure to ask for a table in the toy room where the walls are lined with vintage toys and sports memorabilia. We tried the Maui Wowie pizza which was fantastic. If pizza isn't your thing, the menu also features salads and subs.

Day 2 AFternoon: Wea Creek Orchard, Nom Nom Tacos & Tequila & Igloo Frozen Custard

Wea Creek Orchard is an amazing fall adventure but they also have lavender and sunflower fields throughout the summer months. We loved taking a tractor ride around the property and wandering through the apple orchard to pick our own. You can also sip on an apple cider slushie or lavender lemonade while you shop a variety of mums, preserves, jams and other goods. 

For dinner we enjoyed a lively cantina vibe with authentic Mexican flavors at Nom Nom Tacos & Tequila. The interior has lots of fun photo-worthy spots and they also have a small outdoor patio. We had the guacamole, shrimp tempura tacos and chicken quesadilla and it was truly some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. They also have a full bar serving up irresistible margaritas and speciality cocktails. 

We ended the night enjoying a sweet treat at Igloo Frozen Custard which holds the claim to fame as the oldest continuously operated frozen custard stand. They have a menu chocked full of recipes passed down for generations like Aunt Kathy’s Dirt Sundae and their Famous Fruit Drink which was created specially for their grandma who didn't like soda. Seasonal flavors for fall include pumpkin, cinnamon and their signature apple dumpling sundae. 

Day 3: Wolf Park INdiana, Farm at Prophetstown, TC's Restaurant and Tavern, Kent's Cucurbits

After fueling up with coffee from Leaps Coffee & Artisan Pastries located within Union Club Hotel, we were off to explore the 78-acre Wolf Park which celebrates 50 years of dedicated wildlife conservation. We enjoyed a guided tour around the property to observe and learn more about the resident wolves, bison, and foxes. It was fascinating to learn more about the wolves and watch them interact with each other and the animal caretakers. Reservations are recommended for tours.

Next, we made the short drive to Prophetstown State Park to explore the 1920s farm onsite, called The Farm at Prophetstown. There is a fee to the enter the state park at the main entrance. When we arrived at the farm, it truly felt like we were stepping back in time as we learned what life was like decades ago. You can tour the main farmhouse as well as the barn and grounds while you visit with horses, pigs, chickens, ducks and goats. You can even help feed the livestock and chickens, collect eggs, and work in the garden. Barn chores are done each day at 8 am and 3 pm. While in Battle Ground, we stopped for lunch at TC's Restaurant and Tavern which had a full menu of burgers, handhelds, wings and more. 

To end an amazing trip we stopped at Kent's Cucurbits which is home to one of the largest pumpkin patches I think I've ever been to - the selection here is insane. They also have a gigantic 'prizewinner' pumpkin on display as well as unique pumpkins that have grown with their own faces - you'll have to see it to believe it. You can also get lost in a corn maze, shoot an apple cannon, take a ride on a pumpkin train and feed adorable goats.