Blog - Eastern Indiana Dining Blog

At this time of year, many families are looking for affordable ways to give their children fun activities and trips, especially cool adventures for the hot weather.  Fortunately, Grant County has a great option for Eastern Indiana residents, as well as five different locations for delicious ice cream, the perfect summer treat! 

The Splash House of Marion has the enjoyment and activities of a water park, but the astounding fact about this place is the affordability.  Regular admission is a mere $5.00.  In these economic times, five dollars for a small water park experience could be the rainbow at the end of the recent tortuous weather season.  To make it even better, seniors over 55 years are $3.00, children under 2 years are free, and there is a group rate and season passes as well.  Features consist of a wave pool, “The Big Flush,” waterslides, a lazy river, bucket dump, and a concession stand for a family’s snacking needs during a fun-filled day. 

The City of Marion debuted Splash House on July 1st, 2007 and opened the wave pool in the summer of 2010.  Their goal, says Parks Department Director Belinda Hussong, is to add the city’s BMX track and Skate Park to the aquatic facility, creating a youth center and an active area within the city.  For Grant County locals, the Splash House currently offers “Fun and Fitness,” offering classes and lessons.  

Marion has also opened Snack Shack, a concession and ice cream stand, right in the beautiful 101-acre Matter Park with two playgrounds, a special needs playground, tennis and volleyball courts, and other features.  Besides this local park, there are other locations to grab ice cream on a hot day.  

The Potter’s House of Marion also offers hand-dipped ice cream, chocolates from the South Bend Chocolate Company, and fair trade items for sale. 

  • Cool Beans in Fairmount can be your ice cream stop, should you choose to stop by the Fairmount Historical Museum, which showcases history of the famous James Dean and the cartoon fat cat Garfield.
  • Sophie’s Ice Cream Deluxe in Gas City is a rare gem as you can only catch this delicious ice cream spot during the warmer months. 
  • Ivanhoe’s Drive In is a nationally known place for shakes, sundaes, and hand-dipped ice cream right in Upland.  Stop here for some delicious food as well! 

Make the Splash House one of your destinations and the great part is that you can come time and time again.  The varied aquatic facility is affordable and has something to offer everyone, whether it is the new wave pool or a relaxing time in the lazy river.  In addition to Fun and Fitness lessons, there is a Fourth of July celebration coming up with a battle of the bands, surf contest, and fireworks!  Check out the website for more information and have a recreational summer!  

Splash House!
2601 S. Adams St.
Marion, IN 46953
Splash House Direct Line: 765.668.1794
www.marionindiana.us/parksSplashHouse.cfm
Fun & Fitness: www.marionindiana.us/pdf/FlyerLessons.pdf

FIVE Ice Cream locations! 
Cool Beans
Coffee/Ice Cream
116 W. Washington St.
Fairmount, IN 46928
765.948.5122

Ivanhoe’s Drive In
American & Ice Cream
979 N. Main St.
Upland, IN 46989
765.998.7261
www.ivanhoes.info

The Potter’s House
South Bend Chocolates & Ice Cream
3700 S. Western Ave.
Marion, IN 46953
765.674.7400
www.thepottershouseofmarion.com 

Snack Shack at Matter Park
Concessions & Ice Cream
Matter Park – River Road & Quarry Road
Marion, IN 46952
765.668.1781

Sophie’s Ice Cream Deluxe
Seasonal/Ice Cream
306 W. Main St.
Gas City, IN 46933
765.677.0155