Here are five fun, budget-friendly day-trip ideas for teens in the Midwest — focusing on the Indiana & Kentucky region, all reachable within around a two-hour drive from major hubs. We’ll include what makes each spot cute or fun, why it works for teens, and tips for keeping it low‐cost.

1. Brown County / Nashville, Indiana

• Nashville (in Brown County) is super charming: lots of local boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops. 

• You can pair shopping + hanging out + nature.

• Good for photos, casual strolling, cute café breaks — all the teen-friendly elements.
  Budget tip: Bring a picnic and stroll rather than hitting expensive restaurants.
  What to do: Start with the downtown village shops, grab a sweet treat, then head a little outside town for a nature walk or overlook in the hills.
  Drive time: If you’re coming say from Indianapolis or a similar hub in Indiana, this is about ~1–2 hours depending on your start point.

2. Clifty Falls State Park + Madison, Indiana

• Clifty Falls has scenic hikes and waterfalls — perfect for nature lovers and Instagram shots. 

• Madison’s downtown is cute with historic architecture, small shops, river views. 
  Budget tip: The state park has modest entry fees (~$7) and you can pack your own lunch for a picnic. 
  What to do: Hike a trail to a waterfall in the morning, then head into Madison for a relaxed afternoon of exploring the town and maybe grabbing dessert.
  Drive time: From many parts of Indiana this is within ~1–2 hours.

3. Bardstown, Kentucky

• Historic downtown with boutique shopping and a sweet, small-town vibe. 

• Even though the area is known for bourbon, you don’t have to partake — there are non‐alcoholic friendly shops, desserts, photo spots and fun architecture. 
  Budget tip: Focus on browsing shops, stop for a milkshake or ice cream in town rather than a full pricey dinner.
  What to do: Walk the historic main street, visit a fun candy/ice cream shop, take photos, maybe relax at a café.
  Drive time: Depending on starting point (e.g., from Louisville, KY or nearby), it’s about 1–2 hours.

4. Bonus Option: Nature + Chill Near Louisville / Kentucky Border

• If you start near Louisville (or from southern Indiana), there are charming small towns just across the border that mix nature + shopping + relaxed vibes.

• Example: Reddit users mention Bardstown (again) and small towns near the Kentucky/Indiana border for cute shops and easy day trips. 
  Budget tip: Use free/low cost outdoor spots + window-shopping + pick one fun treat to keep cost down.
  What to do: Pick a small town, explore downtown boutiques, find a scenic overlook or natural spot nearby for a change of pace.
  Drive time: Within ~2 hours depending on your starting point.

5. Planning & Budgeting Tips for Teens

• Pack your own snacks or picnic: Saves a lot over eating out for every meal.

• Choose free or low-cost activities: Nature hikes, visiting downtowns, taking fun photos.

• Limit the “splurge” to one fun item: e.g., a specialty dessert, cute souvenir — then keep the rest simple.

• Go during off-hours: Weekday visits or early mornings may be less crowded and cheaper.

• Carpool or share rides: If you’re going with friends, splitting gas makes it more affordable.

• Bring water + comfortable shoes: Especially if you’ll be walking or hiking. Good shoes = less fatigue, happier day.

• Check weather + dress accordingly: If nature/hiking is part of the trip, being prepared helps.

Final Word

Whether you’re in Indiana or Kentucky, there are so many cute, teen-friendly day-trip options that combine chill vibes, nature, shopping, and affordability. Pick one of the spots above based on how far you want to drive, what you feel like doing (shops vs. hikes vs. cafés), and go make a fun memory.