Who, What, When

Posted on January 10, 2020

Sometimes, planning a family getaway can be intimidating and even a bit overwhelming. Who are you planning the trip for – what ages, what interests? What are the must-see sites and attractions? When is the ideal time to visit and for how long? We are happy to help!

Who 

Calling kids of all ages, outdoor adventurists, historians, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who is looking for a family-friendly vacation. Feel like a kid, no matter how many years you have under your belt, when you visit with Santa at the Santa Claus Christmas Store or slurp up a delicious frozen hot chocolate from Santa’s Candy Castle. Fulfill your thirst for adventure by flying across the lake at Santa’s Express Ziplines or meandering through the woods at Santa’s Stables by horseback. Walk on the very grounds where Abraham Lincoln grew from a seven-year-old boy to a 21-year-old man and learn about his legacy at Lincoln State Park, Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, and Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. Sit back and relax at a local winery while sipping your soon-to-be favorite wine at Pepper’s Ridge Winery or Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery.

What

Head over to the Living Historical Farm inside Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and get your hands dirty while learning about how the Lincolns lived 200 years ago. Take the kids to Santa Claus Museum & Village where they can write a letter to Santa... even in June! All letters to Santa will receive a reply before Christmas Day. Relax under the stars and watch a movie the old-fashioned way, at Holiday Drive-In. Or drop off the golfers to take in a round at Christmas Lake Golf Course and browse the themed shops like Santa’s TOYS and Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop. Spend two or three days exploring Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. From the thrilling loops and rolls of Thunderbird to the exciting power of Cheetah Chase, the world's first launched water coaster (coming Summer 2020), this theme park/water park combo is a great spot to spend some time. Little ones can enjoy the Holidog Express and Safari Sam’s SplashLand, while those looking for a bigger thrill can ride one (or all!) of the park’s three top-rated wooden roller coasters: The Raven, The Voyage, and The Legend. Need more ideas? Click here to see all area attractions.

When

Of course, we’re in the Midwest so weather can be unpredictable at times. By May, temperatures are usually in the high 70s and it’s a perfect time to get outside and shake off the winter blues. Springtime provides beautiful scenery, lots to do, and guess what? Spring and early summer make for the perfect time to visit for fewer crowds and better deals. In fact, all year long we keep a list of current travel deals and discounts available right here. By mid-June through August, summer temperatures are in full swing and it’s the best time to make the most of water rides throughout Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari or on the beach at Lake Lincoln inside Lincoln State Park. Once fall rolls around, the temperatures cool down a bit as color bursts from the breath-taking scenery and it’s hard to stay indoors. With tons of festivals and fall activities, weekends in September and October are full of family fun. Visiting soon? Don’t forget to check this link for a flyer showing the current month’s hours of operation for attractions throughout the area. And if you’re planning ahead, just fill out the form here to request destination information be emailed or mailed, including a sample of a specific month’s hours of operation if requested.