SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — It's the last week of school for students in Jefferson County Public Schools, and parents are looking for ways to keep those kids busy. All this week on Good Morning Kentuckiana, we're featuring some of the best local spots for summer fun!
First up: Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. This beloved park in Santa Claus, Indiana is festive fun for the whole family. The park is broken up into different holiday "themes" such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween with unique rides and attractions for each.
Festive family fun at Holiday World
New this year at Holiday World is Santa's Merry Marketplace. One of the old dining buildings has been revamped and expanded to make it a one-stop-shop for lunch, coffee, candy, and more. The updated building maintains the magic of the original, including the classic Santa murals, while providing a variety of options for hungry (and thirsty) guests.
Once you've had your fill, it's time to take on the rides. Holiday World features a variety of classic carnival rides in the park's signature themes. For something more thrilling, head to the Thanksgiving park for a trip on the Voyage. The 1.2-mile-long wooden roller coaster is one of the longest on the planet, and with its steep drops and banks, you experience weightlessness for more than 20 seconds of the ride.
If the Voyage isn't enough, you can take a spin on one of the park's newest rides: Thunderbird. This steel coaster launches riders out of the station - reaching 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. What follows is a soaring journey that skims the clouds, nearly touches the ground, and has you ducking as you fly through trees, chimneys, and barns.
The fun doesn't stop at the dry park. To cool down, head over to Splashin' Safari to experience a variety of action-packed water rides. The Mammoth is the longest water coaster in the world. In 6-passenger rafts, adventurers cover more than seven stories in height, three acres in space, and a third of a mile in length. Word of warning: You WILL get wet on this ride!
What should you expect to spend on a trip to Holiday World? A one-day ticket starts at $39.99 and there are different ticket options available. If you're in the Louisville area, it's about a 75-mile drive to Santa Claus, so you may want to figure in travel to your budget.
Other than food and souvenirs, there isn't much else you'll need to pay for once you're in the park. Holiday World offers free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking.
Ready to start your summer adventure? Head to the Holiday World website to get your tickets and stick with Good Morning Kentuckiana all week to learn about more local, family-friendly options for summer fun!
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