Despite its reputation as a college town, Bloomington is also home to plenty of family-friendly destinations. Here are five options to consider when planning your next day of fun, affordable family time.
The Pottery House Studio
Located at 223 S. Pete Ellis Drive, The Pottery House Studio is a great option for families looking to enjoy a creative activity together. The studio offers a variety of activities including pottery painting, wheel throwing sessions and pottery classes, making it a viable option for different skill levels and ages.
Unless your family happens to be full of professional potters, I would recommend heading to the studio to paint pre-made pottery pieces. This can be a great way to exercise creativity while spending relaxed, quiet time with family. A variety of bowls, figurines, plates, vases and more are available to paint with prices starting under $10.
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology provides a variety of interactive exhibits and activities related to science and the arts, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Hands-on exhibits include bubble domes, magnetic sculpture building, a heartbeat drum, a beehive builder and many more activities parents can enjoy with their children.
The museum is closed most Mondays but is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.50 for non-museum members and free for infants under the age of 1.
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Although its hours and location change throughout the seasons, the Bloomington Community Farmers Market remains a reliable option for families to enjoy. The market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during April through September at 401 N. Morton St.; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays in October at the same location; and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays during November through March at the Switchyard Park Pavilion.
The market hosts a variety of local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, beverages, seasonal flowers and other goods. Families can attend the market for free as a way to connect with Bloomington’s community and culture.
Monroe Lake
As Indiana’s largest lake, Monroe Lake is a great spot for families who prefer to spend their quality time outdoors. Located 4850 S. State Road 446, the lake and its surrounding areas offer ideal space for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, picnicking, boating, camping or just enjoying nature.
Surrounding the lake are nine recreational areas including Salt Creek, Pine Grove and Crooked Creek which each have boat launch ramps. A large portion of Monroe Lake is also surrounded by Indiana’s only national forest, the Hoosier National Forest, which offers optimal space for families to enjoy outdoor activities within nature. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is a space within the forest that offers trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and a public swimming beach.
Monroe County History Center
The Monroe County History Center, located at 202 E. Sixth St., offers a wealth of information for families interested in the history of Monroe County. The center houses several permanent exhibits within its Cook Gallery, which traces the history of Monroe County back to its first European settlement. The gallery offers interactive displays such as an 1880s classroom where attendees can sit at a desk, and a sports gallery where guests can view a visual history of Monroe County sports through photographs.
The center is also home to a collection of over 50,000 historical items, as well as a research library. The history center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and memberships to the center can be purchased starting at $40 per year for an individual.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's spring 2026 Source Campus Visitor's Guide.
