Holiday World and Splashing Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana
Little Indiana and family spent a (very full) day at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. Roller coasters, giant water slides, thrill rides of all kinds–little Indiana feels nauseous just thinking about it! Who knew that Holiday World would have so incredibly much more to offer?
You know I have a great fear of heights. All this talk of “theme park” and “#1 wooden roller coaster on the planet” (the Voyage Roller Coaster for all you brave folks) made me wonder: Would I still have fun if I didn’t actually go on the roller coasters?
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana
Holiday World and Splashing Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana
Talk about a fantastic range of rides. Here I was so worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do–and we felt like we should have stayed an extra day.
Holiday World lived up to all the hype: This park has won six Golden Ticket Awards from Amusement Today Magazine. That’s kind of like the best you can do. For 11 years, they have beaten Disney World, Kings Island, and everyone else as the cleanest park and for 12 years Holiday World has also snagged the award for friendliest park.
Remember, this is a small Indiana town–so that makes this win even more amazing. Guess you just can’t beat Hoosier hospitality, eh?
Holiday World is divided up by themes. There’s Christmas (this is Santa Claus, Indiana you know!), the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Each section contains colors and rides that relate to that theme. It’s so cute.
Santa Claus, Indiana Theme Park
Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana: I Can Ride The Boats!
We had a great time playing Gobbler Getaway in the Thanksgiving section, of course. The four of us sat in a car that whisked us through various scenes. When a turkey popped up–you had to shoot the target located below. It even kept score.
Both of the kids had such an awesome time. The toddler (sometimes joined by Kid #1) who rode the canoes about 9 times before we were “allowed” to keep exploring. Even then, we were only “allowed” to move just down the line to the planes.
When there were cars you can drive–well, we rode just about every variation on that theme too. The teen years won’t be fun.
Go There
This place was non-stop fun. Of course, the free drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking didn’t hurt either. It really felt people-focused. I mean, seriously, does anyone else offer free drinks–including water?
Of course, I will have to tell you all about the other side of Holiday World: Splashin’ Safari. It was a fabulous attraction–and we hadn’t even planned on swimming that day.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is Little Indiana.
Just don’t forget to tell them that Little Indiana sent you.
Holiday World and Splashing Safari
452 E Christmas Blvd.
Santa Claus, IN 47579
812.937.4401 or 877.463.2645
Special thanks to Paula Werne at Holiday World and Spencer County Tourism Bureau for hosting our stay. Opinions are always mine and mine alone.
Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! Little Indiana advertising.
