'Gramping' Getaway

Posted on September 7, 2022

Whether you call it gramping, skip-gen travel, or a “grandcation”… grandparents and grandkids traveling together is a trend that’s fun and rewarding for all.

And if you’re planning a gramping getaway to the area, here’s where you should stay and play… plus, the best times to visit.

Where to Stay 

Finding a place to stay that both grandparents and grandkids can agree on isn’t the impossible task it seems. There are plenty of great options in the area.

Vacation rentals are a wonderful choice if you want all the comforts of home during your visit. You’ll find rentals that can accommodate up to 21 guests (so bring the whole family along!), plus ones that feature fun amenities like game rooms and outdoor gathering areas.  

Santa’s Lakeside Cottages and Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort are also fun choices. The cozy cottages are fully furnished with themed décor and feature family-friendly amenities, like pools and playgrounds. Santa’s Cottages also offers train rides on the Reindeer Express. And Lincoln Pines has an onsite game room with arcade games!

If camping is what you’re looking for during your gramping trip, you’ll find great places to rough it. For a more traditional camping experience, set up your RV or tent in the great outdoors of Lincoln State Park. Those who like a little comfort with their camping will want to check out the quaint cabins and cottages at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.  

What to Do 

Family fun is the name of the game in Santa Claus, Indiana, and at sites throughout Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home. 

Hit the trails at Lincoln State Park for a leisurely hike. Climb to the top of the fire tower, stop by the park’s Nature Center for an interactive experience, and stroll through the commemorative Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza to round out your visit.
Continue your hiking adventure at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and get a history lesson, too. Pay your respects at the gravesite of Mary Todd Lincoln, see the Cabin Site Memorial, and experience the Living Historical Farm on a self-guided tour. 

Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum is the perfect place for history-lovers. Kids will be fascinated by the 13 replica cabins as they learn how a young Lincoln lived during his time in Indiana.

What’s a trip with the grandparents without a little spoiling? Stop in Santa’s Candy Castle to stock up on sugary treats to take back home. Then head to Santa’s TOYS for a shopping spree among the thousands of unique specialty toys.

And now that the kiddos have toys on the brain... don’t forget to stop in at the Santa Claus Museum & Village so they can write a letter to Santa at the town’s original post office. They’ll receive a response before Christmas. 

When to Visit 

Cooler weather means fall… and that means Family Fall-O-Weekends! Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy fall and Halloween-themed activities as you take in the area’s gorgeous seasonal colors.

In a town called Santa Claus, Christmas is a big deal! Bring the whole family to the three-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration for festive fun.

Looking for fun in the sun? Summer visits include trips to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, lazy days in the swimming pool, and so much more! 

But no matter when you visit for your gramping getaway, you’re sure to make special family memories!