Hendricks County is just 10 minutes west of Indianapolis and home to lots of family fun. This past weekend we were hosted by Visit Hendricks County to explore Avon, Plainfield and Danville. Our two days were jam packed with fun and there are definitely some places we’re coming back for. Best part yet, it’s all very affordable for our family! Let me take you through our weekend and all the fun we had:
Saturday
Tie Dye Lab
We started the day by getting creative at the Tie Dye Lab in Avon. As soon as we walked in I knew it was going to be a fun time. With colorful shirts arranged on the walls in rainbows and large tables for creating, the Tie Dye Lab is perfect for creating some awesome clothes without getting messy! You can stop in or make a reservation. Once you sign in you’ll fill out a sheet of paper with what sizes and articles you’ll be dying. TIP: There is a section where you can try on the clothes to see what size fits and how they will shrink with washing.
They also have all of the colors on swatches so you can mix and match to see what colors look best together. I’m ok with getting messy but my husband and daughter aren’t fans which is what makes them hesitant to tie dye. They were both very happy with the smocks and gloves for protection and I was happy without having dye in my house! We’re adding this to our summer bucket list for each summer and keeping it in mind for team building activities for the future with girl scouts and sports! Be sure to check out their events calendar and their specials before planning your trip!
Embassy Suites
Being from the hospitality industry I’m always watching for new hotels being built in the greater Indy area. When I saw Plainfield was getting a full service Embassy Suites near the airport I was really excited. They’ve got free cook-to-order breakfast and two-hour evening reception plus a modern vibe that is sure to make travelers and family’s pleased. We were very appreciative of the double queen suite. It allowed us to have a separate room for naps during the day but at night there was plenty of room for all of us in one space.
Oasis Diner
I have always wanted to go to a diner because of Luke’s Diner in Gilmore Girls. I think the friendly atmosphere of the small community is priceless. We had multiple families talk to us while at the diner so my dreams came true. Before heading to the water park we stopped by Oasis Diner in Plainfield for lunch. We stayed longer than expected because of the rich history and delicious food.
The Oasis Diner, manufactured by Mountain View Diners in Signac, NJ, was shipped via railroad to the east side of Plainfield, Indiana in 1954. I loved picturing how people would have dressed and the cars they would have driven during those times. With a full renovation in 2014 this diner is now is only 1 of less than 5 historical diners to remain on US 40 from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. Don’t forget to get a dessert while you’re there. From ginormous cinnamon rolls to strawberry rhubarb pies, everything is like grandma’s cooking.
Splash Island Water Park
Just a couple minutes down the road from Oasis Diner you’ll find another oasis from the heat. Located on 4.3 acres, the tropical-themed Splash Island includes three waterslides, an interactive play area for all ages including kiddie slides, water jets, ropes and guns, a gentle winding river, lily pad crossing, two pulsating vortexes, and plenty of deck space and grassy areas for sun bathing and family fun. The park also includes a six lane competition pool with an attached diving well featuring two 1-meter springboards and a water basketball court within the 900 ft lazy river. We were really impressed with the amount of things to keep little ones busy. Sophia was too short for the big slides but had a ball in the kiddie area and lazy river.
Sunday
Mayberry Cafe
The next morning, after a very restful sleep, we headed to the town of Danville for a trip back in time to the Mayberry Cafe in The Andy Griffith Show. Again, the charm of a small town was comforting and a fun thing for my very outspoken daughter to experience. With a full all you can eat buffet, it was really hard to choose off the menu but we wanted to try some of their signature meals. Potatoes, eggs, ham, biscuits and gravy and pancakes were the perfect fuel for our family before heading to our next destination. The Mayberry Café seats up to 150 guests on two floors. An elevator makes the second floor completely accessible. TIP: If kids eat their full meal they get a token that lets them pick out a toy.
Fairy Trail
The Centrail Indiana Enchated Fairy Trail was Sophia’s favorite part of the trip. We were shocked to see the Queen of the Fairies Queen Odonata waiting for us at our first park! She helped us find our first fairy home at Pecar Park in Avon. At the fairy’s (Puck) home there is a QR code you can click to watch a video about that fairy! Sophia was so excited to go on our hunt for the other fairy homes. Before we left, Queen Odonata blessed Sophia with fairy dust that she may have a magical day. It was the sweetest display of magic and wonder of a little kid.
There is a Fairy Festival in May including live unicorns, dress up, crafts and lots more! Check their Facebook Page to follow along with events! If you have little fairy believers you would love my friend Abby’s Adopt a Fairy program! Also, if you’re looking to make your own fairy garden, we LOVED Avon Gardens.
After posting on social media (there is a Hendricks Co highlight in my stories) I got so many more suggestions of fun places to visit around Hendricks County so we’ll definitely be making another trip to experience it all! Thank you so much to Visit Hendricks County and everyone mentioned above for hosting us and showing us such wonderful hospitality. Indiana is the cross roads of America and Hoosier Hospitality is very strong in this part of Indiana!
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