During our Indiana road trip, we stopped by Santa Claus, Indiana (more on that later!) We absolutely adored the town and the down-to-earth friendly people. One of the town’s main attractions is Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park.  We seriously had the best time exploring the park, splashing around, and, of course, eating all the food. Here are all the reasons you’ll love Holiday World too!

Disclosure: Our family was provided complimentary admission to facilitate this review. I was not required to express a particular point of view, and all opinions are my own

All the freebies

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Unlike most theme parks, you’ll find freebies you don’t normally see. Parking is free. Forgot your sunscreen? Don’t worry, they have you covered with sunscreen stations. All day your drinks are unlimited.  These free drinks include Pepsi Products and even fountain Gatorade. My kids loved having their “root beer,” and I loved the peach tea. With every ticket to Holiday World, access to their waterpark, Splashin’ Safari, is included.

Something for everyone

Whether you prefer thrills or mild rides like my kids, the whole family can have fun. Holiday World is divided into 4 different sections: Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and, of course, Christmas. We spent the majority of our time in Fourth of July where they had the tamer rides. Christmas is where you’ll find all the kiddie rides. Thrillseekers with their larger amusement type rides are located in Thanksgiving and Halloween.

A splash-tastic waterpark

Just like Holiday World, Splashin’ Safari offers rides for everyone whether you prefer thrills or mild rides. Unfortunately, their water playground Kima Bay was closed, but we found fun elsewhere at Safari Sam’s SplashLand. The area had plenty of different slides for the younger ones as well as a splash pad and their wave pool, The Wave.

Plenty of food choices

If you’re looking for food, you don’t need to look very far. Everywhere you turn you’ll find concession stands and restaurants including the new Santa’s Merry Marketplace. One of the greatest things about Holiday World is that they give you the entire menu of all their food online.  So if you’re a planner like me, you can see what your options are. There are also gluten-free options including a concession stand with all gluten-free food. 

Dole Whip and other yummy treats

The kids had the rides, I had food on my mind. Everyone was in charge of choosing a treat. I, of course, heard about Holiday World and Splashing Safari having Dole Whip so that was one of the first things I had. Not only do they have the delicious pineapple whip but they had a strawberry flavor as well. For the best of both worlds, we tried the twist. SO GOOD!

Other delicious treats include the blue/red ice cream at UdderBerry, a funnel cake and a fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup from Funnel Cake Factory, an Icee machine with so many different flavors.

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Meet Santa and friends

See Santa! Of course! We were so excited to find Santa (again!) in Holiday World. 

Family business

The theme park started as Santa Claus Land back in 1946 by Louis J. Koch. Seven decades later, the theme park is still owned and operated by the Koch family. 

Nitty Gritty:

Website: https://www.holidayworld.com/
Location: 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus IN 
Hours: Check website for schedule.
Prices: $54.99 for general admission and $44.99 for Under 54″/ Senior (60+) Admission. Children ages two and younger get in free.
Parking: Plenty of FREE parking. (Yes, that’s right — FREE!)