Don’t have spring break plans yet? Maybe we can interest you in some options that either don’t cost a thing — or are at least very friendly on the wallet.
If you’re looking to pull off spring break without breaking the bank, start with these budget-friendly things in and around the resort. There’s plenty more ideas at Visit French Lick West Baden and Discover Southern Indiana. And speaking of free: don’t forget about French Lick Resort’s Experience Design Team, who can customize your visit at no extra cost.
Fun at the Activities Center
From face painting to chalk walk to bingo and weekend movies, several of the safari-themed offerings during the spring break season (March 10 to April 19) are complimentary. Another free attraction to put on your spring break radar: Silly Safari Animals performances (March 18 and April 1) where you can see wild animals up close including armadillo, tortoise, owl, hedgehog, kinkajou and coatimundi. Oh, and don't forget the lawn games outside the Activities Center which are free and set up ready to play.
11+ miles of hiking trails
It doesn’t cost a penny to explore the trail system at the resort, which includes everything from 1-½ mile easy/moderate trails to hillier, challenging treks. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Hoosier National Forest that spreads across our part of southern Indiana is a hiking wonderland. It’s worth making the 30-minute drive to Hemlock Cliffs, a secluded and serene box canyon with views you won’t find anywhere else in Indiana.
Ride the Rail Trolley
If your little ones are in the “obsessed with trains” phase — everyone has this at some point, right? — good news. Rides are always free on our rail trolley that makes regular runs throughout the day between hotels. Ask your driver to share some of the history about the rail trolley. There’s quite a bit, since the trolley first started running in 1903.
Bowl with the Crew
Got a party of 5? It’s the perfect number for a round of bowling at Pluto’s Alley. Lane rentals are $40 an hour for up to five people, shoe rental included. For 8 bucks a person per hour, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bang for your entertainment buck.
Free Golf for Juniors
Sticking on the golf course … did you know children age 12 and younger can play free on any resort course, and ages 13 to 18 can play for half price? (Both when playing with paying adults.) If the kids are beginners to the game, Valley Links is the perfect starting point with six sets of tee markers with youth-friendly yardage.
Big Splash Adventure
A day at French Lick’s indoor water park: it’s every pool-loving kid’s dream, and it’s pretty easy on mom and dad, too. Water park day passes range from $20-$25 for a single day, or $35-$40 for two-day admission.
Marengo Cave
Indiana’s most-visited natural attraction is just a hop, skip and a jump away from French Lick Resort, and you can ooh and ahh at this wonder of Mother Nature at the right price. Kids age 4-12 can try their Crystal Palace Tour or Dripstone Trail Tour for under $15, or a combo tour of both for just $18.95. Ages 3 and under are admitted free.
Patoka Lake
Whether it’s on the water or the airspace above, there’s so much to take in at Patoka Lake, which is within 30 minutes of the resort. Rent a kayak at Gilligan’s Boats and head out on the water – take advantage of their 2023 Early Bird Bonus through the end of February. Patoka Lake Marina has plenty more ways to enjoy some springtime lake life. And whether it’s afternoon on the Frisbee golf course or bald eagle spotting at the Nature Center, Patoka has so many outdoor discoveries that don’t cost a thing.
