Beat the Summer Heat

Posted on July 11, 2024

When you visit the Santa Claus, Indiana, area during the summer, you can count on a fun time for the whole family. You can also count on hot southern Indiana temperatures! 

But there are also plenty of ways to beat the heat throughout the area. So, when temps start going up, here’s where to cool down during your visit to the Santa Claus, Indiana, area. 

5 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat 

Just Add H2O—and Water Slides! A water park is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, you can take a thrilling race on the Cheetah Chase Water Coaster. Slip-slide down Watubee with the whole family (🎦 click here to see it in action!). Or enjoy a lazy ride on Bahari River.  Throw in air-conditioned stores and dining, plus free unlimited soft drinks throughout the park, and summertime has never felt cooler!  

Embrace the Lake Life. Lake Lincoln beach inside Lincoln State Park is a no-brainer on summer days. And while you might feel the burn of the sun as you relax on the sand, you’re just steps away from taking a refreshing dip in the lake. Need refreshments? The park’s camp store has you covered! 

Stay. Swim. Repeat. For a lot of travelers, a pool is a must-have amenity when choosing lodging. And this area has some really great options to choose from! Santa’s Lakeside Cottages and Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort offer both swimming pools and splash pads. And Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph has a pool, splash pad, and onsite water park! For a hotel experience, stay at the Baymont Inn & Suites, Motel 6, Santa’s Lodge, or Stones Motel.   

Ice is Nice. You’ve braved the high temps, and now you deserve a treat. A frozen or iced treat! The famous frozen hot chocolate at Santa’s Candy Castle offers an instant cool-down. Ice cream is on the menu at Fat Daddy’s Grill & Chill, Fat Santa’s Pizza & More, Scoops Ice Cream, and Sweet P’s Frostbite. Get a caffeine kick with an iced coffee from Treemans Coffee. Or enjoy BOTH ice cream and iced coffee at Sycamore Street Coffee House and Annie’s Ice Cream & Coffee (🎦 see how they do it)! 

Escape to the Great Indoors. Sometimes there’s only one way to beat the heat of the great outdoors: Head inside! Spend a hot day learning about the area’s unique history at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial visitor center, Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum, and Santa Claus Museum & Village. Soak up some A/C (instead of the sun) while shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas Store and other great stores throughout the area. Or savor both local wines and comfy indoor temps at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery and Pepper’s Ridge Winery.  

A Great Visit No Matter the Weather 

Summer in the Santa Claus, Indiana, area is always great fun. But if you’re craving cooler temperatures, you might choose a different season for your trip. 

Plan a fall trip for colorful leaves, festivals and fairs, and not-so-spooky Halloween fun. Or experience the magic of the holiday season in America’s Christmas Hometown and visit during the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration. 

Regardless of when you come to the Santa Claus, Indiana, area, our convenient trip planner can help you build a memorable visit the whole family will love… no matter the weather!