Things to Do and Gift Ideas for Father’s Day in Northwest Indiana

Father’s Day is just around the corner! Whether your dad is a master of bad dad jokes, a serious chef, or a local sports coach, we’ll help you find the right Father’s Day activity around the region.

How are you celebrating Father's Day this year? Share photos with us on Facebook or Instagram @AlongtheSouthShore.
 

Things to Do with Dad
 

Journeyman Distillery

258 S. Campbell, Valparaiso

Savor a delicious Father's Day brunch at the new Journeyman Distillery - American Factory. Their menu will feature a variety of sweet & savory delectable dishes, along with craft cocktails. 

US Steel Yard

1 Stadium Plaza, Gary

Enjoy a Grand Slam Brunch on the infield of the US Steel Yard! Afterward enjoy catch with dad, then watch the SouthShore RailCats take on the Lincoln Saltdogs at 2pm. Ticket includes brunch and admission to the game.
 

Hesston Steam Museum 

310 Lane Street, North Judson

During Father's Day weekend dad's ride for $1! Grab some delicious food at Doc's Soda Fountain and take a ride on a Shay Logging Locomotive at Hesston Steam Museum! Sunday only, the American Truck Historical Society will be exhibiting their restored trucks of all eras.
 

Bowl the Night Away

1048 US Highway 41, Schererville

Treat your dad to a fun-filled day at Up Your Alley with bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, more than 50 arcade games and some delicious eats.
 

A Day at the Dunes

Head to the beach with dad and dip your toes in Lake Michigan. Walk or bike miles of trails. Hike along the sunny prairies, peaceful forests and towering sand dunes. The landscapes along the southern shores of Lake Michigan are some of the most biologically diverse in the nation.

Learn about more activities with our list of 61 Things to Do at the Indiana Dunes!

Play Day at Ninja Kidz

2825 J.F. Mahoney Dr., Hammond

Enjoy some friendly competition at Ninja Kidz Action Park! Try the battle beam where you can duel an opponent, soar through the air with the zipline and trapeze swing, play on the world's bounciest basketball court and so much more!
 

Game Time

If dad likes playing on simulators, Net Par in Munster or Crown Point has your game if it's golf. Or head to Public Bar & Rec in Crown Point for their multi-sport simulators and more entertainment like AR darts and duckpin bowling.
 

Cheers to Dad

Is your dad thirsty for a good time? The tap never runs dry along our South Shore Brewery Trail! Make a stop at our more than 20 local breweries. Most of the breweries serve delicious food with their creations, too!
 

Out of the Park Good Time

Gary SouthShore RailCats
1 Stadium Plaza, Gary

You will hit a home run of a good time at the Steel Yard! Catch a Gary SouthShore RailCats game! On Father’s Day, the RailCats play the Lincoln Saltdogs at 2 PM. 

Fish Awhile in NWI

Looking for something a little more relaxing to do with dad? Check out our 10 best fishing spots in Northwest Indiana. Whether you’re looking for a quick trip or an all-day fishing excursion, the region has some place to suit all your wants and needs.

For the Dad Who Likes Trains

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest
450 West 100 North, Valparaiso

If your dad is into model trains, visit Gabis Arboretum to see their award-winning model railroad garden. 
 

A Day Down at the Farm

Fair Oaks Farms
856 N. 600 E., Fair Oaks

The Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms will be an unparalleled hospitality experience for dad, where hallmarks are exceptional food and knowledgeable, caring service. Enjoy a savory meal with fresh ingredients. Spend the rest of your day exploring all there is to do at Fair Oaks Farms including the pig, dairy and crop adventures and the Mooville play area. Don't forget the ice cream in their Cowfe!
 

Father's Day Gifts
 

Karma Cigar Bar

8075 Madison Street, Merrillville

If your Dad enjoys cigars he is sure to appreciate the curated selection of premium cigars at Karma Cigar Bar. Their 3,200 sq. ft. smoking lounge is the perfect place to puff and enjoy a cocktail.
 

Chicagoland Popcorn

5470 W. Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville
5975 E. Melton Rd., Gary

He is sure to love some treats from Chicagoland Popcorn. They are located in Merrillville and Gary and offer more than 250 seasonal flavors of delicious freshly popped gourmet popcorn. 
 

Sweet Home Indiana

8251 Wicker Avenue, St. John

Sweet Home Indiana's shop is not only full of farmhouse, vintage and Indiana-themed items, they also have a Mancave with gifts that are perfect for any dad! 
 

Hole-in-one gifts

If your dad loves to golf, pick up a gift card or book an outing for him at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point or Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond! You can also hit the indoor simulators at Net Par in Munster or Crown Point, Public Bar & Rec and Hyatt Place Munster.