When the weather turns warmer, the Hoosier State offers a vibrant playground full of fun, sober-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for scenic outdoor adventures, iconic sporting events, or small-town festivals filled with charm, exploring our great state and reinforcing your daily recovery practice is easy to do. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
Enjoy Fun Festivals Across the State
Indiana shines in the summer with community-driven festivals that combine entertainment, education, and local flavor.
The Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival serves up family charm with homemade strawberry shortcake, live music, craft booths, and children’s games. It’s a sweet start to summer in one of Indiana’s most picturesque small towns.
Down south, the Jasper Strassenfest celebrates the region’s German heritage with parades, polka music, artisan demonstrations, and delicious food—all in a welcoming, culturally rich environment.
For a dose of culture, head to the Carmel International Arts Festival. Held in late September but with many lead-up summer events, this juried art show features over 100 artists from around the country, live performances, interactive art stations for kids, and international food vendors. It’s a great way for families to explore global culture in a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Explore History, Science, and Imagination
When it’s time to cool off or take a break from the sun, Indiana’s cultural attractions are great options for hands-on learning and imaginative play.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest of its kind in the world, is a must-visit. With exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to space exploration to world cultures, it’s as exciting for parents as it is for kids. In summer, the outdoor Sports Legends Experience is open, letting kids—and adults!—try out 12 different sports in an interactive, energetic setting.
Other excellent options include Conner Prairie, a living history museum near Fishers, where guests can step back into the 1800s. It offers a range of immersive experiences like candle-making, blacksmithing, and pioneer games. Their “Symphony on the Prairie” series, while more subdued, is a great evening under the stars with live music and picnic blankets.
Find Sports and Spectator Fun
The legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts more than just the Indy 500 in May. Throughout the summer, it offers other races like the Brickyard Weekend in July, along with behind-the-scenes tours and kid-friendly activities at the on-site museum.
Baseball lovers can catch a game with the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, which play at Victory Field, known as one of the best minor league stadiums in the country; or the Evansville Otters, whose home stadium is Bosse Field, the fourth oldest in the U.S.
For soccer fans, Indy Eleven matches offer an exciting and fast-paced environment. The team plays at IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium and hosts themed nights, giveaways, and pre-game family zones. Hoop enthusiasts must take a trip to the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum.
If you’re eager to try a new activity to expand your exercise goals in recovery, there are more than 300 disc golf courses in our state, or for something truly different, explore the fine art of “chess on ice” at the Fort Wayne Curling Club.
Take a Chance on Outdoor Adventures
Indiana’s natural beauty comes alive in the summer, offering a variety of outdoor destinations that are ideal for active families, nature lovers, and those just wanting to unwind.
At the top of the list is Indiana Dunes National Park, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park features over 15 miles of beaches, more than 50 miles of hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities for bird-watching, picnicking, and sand sledding. The adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park offers even more beach access and scenic views, making the area a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
Further south, Brown County State Park near Nashville, Indiana, is often called the “Little Smokies” because of its rolling hills and scenic vistas. It’s a favorite for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and camping. Families can explore nature centers, spot wildlife, and take part in ranger-led programs designed to engage younger visitors.
For a more adventurous twist, head to Marengo Cave or Bluespring Caverns. These underground attractions offer guided tours through spectacular cave formations and boat rides on subterranean rivers. They provide both a cool retreat from the summer heat and a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
Need more ideas for sober summer fun? Visit the Indiana Tourism site.
Create a Successful Recovery Journey at Northern Path
When you decide to choose sobriety through residential treatment, you also have the opportunity to design life on your terms. At Northern Path Recovery Center in Fort Wayne, IN, our board-certified professionals provide you with a whole-person care mindset and individualized techniques that complement your daily recovery practice. Through our dedicated continuing care program, you’ll not only learn to find new ways to have fun, but also what truly matters most to you in sobriety. Ask our admissions team for more information.
