This article is presented in partnership with Holiday World.
One day is fun. A two-day trip? Now we're talking. Here's what we're changing for our next family getaway.
Here's something we learned after another visit to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari this year: we might be doing this whole day-trip thing wrong.
Don't get us wrong. We've had some pretty great days at Holiday World. But between the roller coasters, water park, snacks, shows and everything else happening around the park, there's a lot to fit into one visit.
And when you're traveling with kids (especially teenagers with very specific roller coaster priorities), the day goes by FAST.
So as we start thinking about our 2027 family travel plans, we're making one change: Holiday World deserves two days.
Here's what we're doing differently next time.
Why We're Making Holiday World a Weekend Trip in 2027:
1. We're giving ourselves two days instead of one.
One of the biggest takeaways from our latest visit? Everyone wants to do something different.
The teens want the biggest coasters. Someone wants to explore the shops. Someone else wants snacks. And suddenly you've spent half the afternoon negotiating what comes next.
Next year, we're building in more time.
Think one day for Holiday World's holiday-themed lands, roller coasters and favorite rides, and another for Splashin' Safari's water coasters, slides and pools.
Two days also means there's room for a second ride on everyone's favorite. Or a third. We're not judging.
2. We're making the overnight stay part of the experience.
A hotel shouldn't just be where you collapse after walking 20,000 steps.
For our next Holiday World weekend getaway, we're looking at accommodations that make the trip feel like an actual vacation.
Santa's Cottages, located just a couple of miles from Holiday World, offers family-friendly cottages with amenities like a pool, splash pad and playgrounds.
Prefer a cabin? Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort offers furnished cabins, outdoor activities and space to unwind after a full park day.
And if you're looking to simplify the booking process, Holiday World offers lodging packages that pair nearby accommodations with park tickets, including two-day options.
Our advice? Find somewhere you'll actually want to spend time. The kids will have plenty of entertainment at the park. Your evening deserves a little something, too.
TAKING YOUR TRIP A LITTLE FARTHER?
3. We're leaving room for the things we usually skip.
On our recent Happy Halloween Weekends visit, my teens headed straight for the coasters, which gave me a rare opportunity: exploring Holiday World at my own pace.
And you know what? I loved it.
I finally rode the old-timey cars on the Lewis & Clark Trail, wandered through the different holiday-themed areas, browsed the gift shops and enjoyed a giant pretzel without anyone asking for a bite.
A small victory for moms everywhere.
It reminded me that Holiday World isn't just about squeezing in as many thrill rides as possible.
With an extra day, there's time for the smaller attractions, family rides, entertainment and spontaneous stops that sometimes get overlooked.
Consider this your permission to slow down a little.
4. We're bringing the grandparents next time.
Here's an idea we hadn't fully appreciated until this year: Holiday World makes a pretty great multigenerational family getaway.
Our own Sarah put that theory to the test in the spring when she brought both her parents AND her in-laws along for a family visit.
And what could have been a complicated outing with multiple generations turned into one of those trips everyone genuinely enjoyed.
The beauty of Holiday World is that everyone can find their own version of fun. Grandparents can join the family rides, explore the park, enjoy a show or simply spend time with the grandkids while the bigger kids tackle the coasters.
And with two days instead of one, there's less pressure for everyone to stick together every minute.
A little time exploring separately, plenty of opportunities to reconnect and memories that go well beyond the rides.
Plus, having grandparents along means a few extra adults to share the fun. We're calling that a win.
Sarah’s spring 2026 family trip, when she brought both her parents and her in-laws along for the adventure!
5. We're thinking beyond the park gates.
If we're already making the drive to Santa Claus, Indiana, why not explore a little more of Southern Indiana while we're there?
The surrounding area offers opportunities to turn a theme park visit into a full weekend away.
Depending on your family's interests, that could mean spending time outdoors at Lincoln State Park, visiting the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial or exploring the Christmas-themed attractions around Santa Claus.
We're not suggesting you fill every hour with activities. Quite the opposite.
A relaxed morning, a little sightseeing and a drive home that doesn't start immediately after the last roller coaster? Sounds pretty good to us.
6. We're planning earlier (and paying attention to the perks).
The other lesson we're carrying into 2027? A little advance planning goes a long way.
Holiday World offers ticket and lodging packages, so we're starting there when comparing options for a longer stay.
And one of our favorite things about the park is how many extras are already included in admission.
Free parking. Free unlimited soft drinks. Free sunscreen.
Those little expenses can add up quickly on a family vacation, especially when you're spending more than one day at a destination.
We're also keeping an eye on what's new for 2027, including Cannonball!, the new water roller coaster coming to Holiday World’s 4th of July section.
Because apparently we needed another reason to go back.
Bonus tip: Two days at Holiday World? Do the season pass math.
Here's one more thing we're looking at for 2027: whether buying a season pass actually makes more sense than purchasing individual tickets.
Holiday World’s passes can pay for themselves in just a few visits. And with 2027 passes already on sale, it's worth comparing your options before booking. With Summer Fun Cards, Season Passes, and Platinum Passes available, there are plenty of perks to explore.
Our advice? If you're planning two or more park days, compare pass prices before checking out. Especially if there's a chance you'll come back later in the summer or fall.
Because once you've convinced everyone to make it a weekend, a return trip isn't exactly a hard sell.
COMPARE HOLIDAY WORLD PASSES →
So, is Holiday World worth a two-day trip?
We're voting yes.
Not because you need to do absolutely everything, but because having more time means you don't have to.
More rides for the kids. More time to explore. Maybe a few grandparents along for the adventure. A little less rushing. And possibly even an entire pretzel to yourself.
As the 2026 season comes to a close, we're already looking ahead to our next visit. This time, we're packing an overnight bag.
