Save on Indiana Getaways

Great getaways without breaking the bank

Summertime means fun. Family vacations, theme parks, camping trips and more. But many families this summer are faced with figuring out how to get away on a smaller budget. Shorter vacations closer to home are becoming popular alternatives to cross-country trips.

Discount packages that include museum and theater tickets, dinner on the town and gift cards are giving budget-minded travelers across Indiana and neighboring states more options and more reasons to get away.

Indiana's tourism Web site, VisitIndiana.com, lists more than 25 getaway packages and coupons that bring down the cost of family fun, girlfriend getaways, romantic excursions or a weekend of golf.

Here's a sampling of the values you'll discover.

FAMILY FUN

The new African Journey at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is part of a Picnic in the Park package. This exhibit offers an interactive experience for visitors, plus all the animals you'd expect in the jungle, including giraffes that you can feed. And don't miss the hyenas - a first for the zoo. For $182, stay overnight at the Staybridge Suites and get four tickets to the Children's Zoo and tokens to the African Journey exhibit. The package includes breakfast and a boxed lunch.

Get four tickets to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme parks when you stay at the Jasper Inn and Convention Center. Opening this summer is Pilgrims Plunge, the world's tallest water ride. The overnight package is $225.

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