Shipshewana, Indiana is a great destination for the family. You are sure to make memories with your kids with these family-friendly trip ideas including animal encounters, hand-rolled pretzels, doll making, and canoeing!
Here are our top 15 things to do with kids in Shipshewana. Start planning your trip now!
This animal encounter is unlike any other! At Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, your family will take a ride on the horse-drawn wagon through the fields to see all sorts of animals - from zebras to ostriches!
Everyone gets a bucket of feed, and will love watching the animals come right up to the wagon for a snack. This Amish-owned park also has a small petting zoo, and a walk-through area. So fun!
Love dolls? This store in downtown Shipshewana lets you build your own 18" doll...from the head to toe! You even get to put a "heart" inside their chest. Your kids will love getting to customize their own doll, and will remember the experience for a lifetime! Walk in and you'll be stepping into a little girls' dream.
Kids Kreations also has a huge supply of doll clothes, including Amish-themed outfits so your child will never forget their experience in Indiana's Amish Country.
One of my personal favorites is sitting down and enjoying a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven JoJo's pretzel with a freshly made Vanilla Coke.
Your kids will love watching the workers hand roll the dough and bake them into perfection inside the Coca-Cola themed store.
In the same building as JoJo's pretzels, make sure to wander up to the third floor. There you'll find one of the most beautiful hand-painted carousels you've ever seen.
With horses and other farm animals, taking a quick ride on this historic carousel is sure to please kids of all ages.
After you've finished the carousel rides, take a stroll down to the Red Wagon toy store, also in the Davis Mercantile. You'll find an incredible line of Melissa & Doug, Thomas the Tank Engine and everything from puppets to puzzles.
Don't forget to take a picture with the fun character cut outs!
Simple Sounds, an unusual music store- also dubbed "The World's Finest Dulcimer Shoppe" has unique finds and novelty treasures. Walk away with a ukelele, dulcimer, guitar, or kazoo.
Kids will enjoy learning about music as they test out different instruments and even learn to play a lap harp.
Lotions and Potions is a girly-girls must-stop. Find bubbly bath accessories and customizable scents from perfumes to lotions. Need a little sparkle? You can even add some sparkle to your customized lotions!
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is such a peaceful experience! Rent some bikes (available to rent at the Farmstead Inn or the Visitor's Center) and take the family on a bicycle trip on this paved path.
You'll love seeing the Amish countryside go by as you peddle along.
It wouldn't be a trip to Shipshewana without a good old fashion buggy ride.Get an inside view of Amish culture. Some buggy rides also offer trips to local Amish farms and homes - which would be a great experience for the kids to learn about different cultures!
There are lots of different local companies that offer buggy rides, so grab your kids, grab your sunglasses and enjoy the ride!
Are you planning on taking your family to Shipshewana in the fall? Be sure to take your family to the A-MAZEing Shipshewana Corn Maze.
With lots of different activities like barrel rides, corn cannons, campfires and the maze, it will keep your kids entertained for hours. Check here for more things to do in Shipshewana during the fall.
Load up the stroller and bring your walking shoes to the Shipshewana Flea Market (open May through September). You'll find lots of knick knacks, toys, and fun games for the kids.
During the Christmas season, your family will love going through this huge display of light scenes - all within the comfort of your own vehicle.
Shipshewana's Lights of Joy is a one-mile drive through with over 2 million LED Christmas lights.
Few people know that the Shipshewana area is great for canoeing and kayaking!
Your kids will love seeing the turtles, geese and other wildlife as they float down the river. There are short, easy trips that are perfect for young ones as well as longer trips if you're looking to be more adventurous!
Visit T&L Country Canoes or the Trading Post to rent your boats and take the trips.
Make it an overnight trip by booking a room at the beautiful Farmstead Inn & Conference Center, located in beautiful downtown Shipshewana.
The kids will love swimming in the indoor pool, playing basketball and ping pong in the rec area, and eating the delicious free breakfast! Check room availability.
Get more trip ideas by downloading our free Shipshewana Amish Country Trip Planner.