Spring Break is here, and there is nothing worse than a house full of bored kiddos for a week. Luckily, there is plenty to do in northwest Indiana, both inside and out! Here are some places to go and things to do throughout the region for you and your family to escape boredom!
Indoor Activities:
- Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center, Lake Station - This play zone is perfect for families with children from infants to 9 years old to use their imagination through engaging activities.
- Challenger Learning Center, Hammond - This space-science-themed education center uses simulation programs, hands-on science and engineering activities, and media presentations to engage learners in the STEM fields.
- Fair Oaks Farms, Fair Oaks - With primarily indoor activities and some walking outdoors, there is plenty of fun to be had around the farm plus some delicious food.
- Ninja Kidz Action Park, Hammond - A great place to let the kids burn off some energy on the battle beam, the world's bounciest basketball court, ziplines and more.
- Net Par, Munster & Crown Point - Swing the day away at Net Par. Their simulators deliver the most powerful and accurate golf technology in an inviting, upscale atmosphere.
- Public Bar & Rec, Crown Point - Discover endless fun with simulators, ping pong, arcade games and more!
- Great Lakes Sports Hub, Crown Point - Whether you're looking to improve your athletic performance, have some fun, or just relax and unwind, they will have something for you. Rent out the Batbox simulator, batting cage or pitching machine, or just grab a bite in the cafe.
- Monon Connection Museum, Monon - Explore the largest private collection of railroad items shared with the public in the United States - more than 6,500 railroad items. After the museum, enjoy a delicious meal at the attached Whistle Stop Restaurant.
- Up Your Alley, Schererville - A family fun zone where you can enjoy bowling, an arcade, laser tag, axe throwing (18+) and more.
- Olympia Lanes, Hammond - Reserve a lane for bowling with the whole family.
Outdoor Activities:
- Gabis Arboretum, Valparaiso - Enjoy the beautiful paths for walking with the family. Make sure to try out the Adventure Garden with the kiddos!
- Indiana Dunes National Park - Go on a long hike, climb the sand dunes, take in the beach views and search for beach glass.
- Bison at Kankakee Sands, Morocco - Come see more than 100 bison at Kankakee Sands, a birding and wildflower enthusiast's paradise with more than 7,000 acres.
- Lemon Lake County Park - Grab your frisbees and play a round of disc golf at one of their five world-class courses.
Sweet Stops
- Albanese Confectionery, Hobart/Merrillville - Pick up some gummies, chocolates, and nuts made right in the heart of the Midwest.
- Candy Cove, Crown Point - This old-fashioned candy store offers more than 100 kinds of candy, chocolates, taffy, gummies and many more of your favorites.
- ChicagoLand Popcorn, Merrillville & Gary - They offer more than 250 seasonal flavors of delicious freshly popped gourmet popcorn.
- Morkes Chocolates, Cedar Lake - Since 1920 they have been making premium, hand-dipped, new and old-fashioned chocolates.
- Parlor Doughnuts, Crown Point, Munster & Valparaiso - This craft doughnut and coffee shop offers an array of unique bakery items, including their original layered doughnuts.
- Schoop's Hamburgers, Highland - Their milkshakes are a creamy, indulgent treat made with rich ice cream and a variety of delicious flavors, perfect for any sweet tooth.
- Tethan's Candy, Chesterton - They focus on delicious candies and confections you won't typically find anywhere else, including chocolates, nostalgic candies, craft sodas, and so much more.
You can also check out the event calendar on our site for more to do when your kids are off and find some delicious region restaurants here.
We hope you enjoy your spring break in the South Shore, with fun activities for the family as we wait for the flowers to bloom and the days to get warmer!
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