Choose Your Own Adventure This Spring Break in Northwest Indiana

Spring Break is the perfect time to shake off winter and explore all the South Shore of Lake Michigan has to offer. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a staycation, or looking for easy day trips, these flexible itineraries mix indoor attractions, outdoor adventures, and plenty of sweet stops along the way.

Option #1: Indoor Adventures & Family Fun
Option #2: Explore the Outdoors
Option #3: Sweet Treats & Local Favorites
Option #4: A Full Day at Fair Oaks Farms
Option #5: Seasonal Events & Nature Finds
 

Option #1: Indoor Adventures & Family Fun

Kick off Spring Break in Northwest Indiana with activities that are perfect rain or shine.

Start the morning at Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center in Lake Station, where little ones can explore hands-on exhibits designed to spark imagination and creativity. For kids a little older, head to Up Your Alley for bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, arcade and more! Both locations have tasty bites for a snack or lunch.

After eating, let the kids choose their own adventure at Ninja Kidz Action Park (located in the KUBE Sportsplex in Hammond). From the battle beam and ziplining to the trapeze swing and the world’s bounciest basketball court, they are sure to have an exhilarating time. The KUBE Sportsplex also has open ice-skating times and a lounge bar, if that is more your vibe. Check their site for days and times.

Wrap up the day with a casual dinner nearby at Schoop's or Fuzzyline Brewing in Highland, or Byway Brewing in Hammond, before heading back to relax.
 

Option #2: Explore the Outdoors

Spring weather makes this the perfect day to enjoy fresh air and wide-open spaces.

Begin the day at Lemon Lake County Park in Crown Point for disc golf, playgrounds, or a peaceful stroll along the water. Afterwards, go down the road to Cedar Lake for a sweet treat at Morkes Chocolates.

Then, for lunch, sit down for some pizza at Rosati's nearby Thursday-Sunday, or plan for a picnic at your next stop by grabbing some sandwiches from Jimmy John's.

Next, take a trip to Purdue Northwest's Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, where winding paths, themed gardens, and an adventure area invite visitors to explore at their own pace.

From there, head to Indiana Dunes National Park's West Beach or Miller Woods in the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary to hike scenic trails and climb the dunes.

End the day with a relaxing beach walk or sunset view along Lake Michigan, then dinner at one of Downtown Miller's delicious food spots.

Option #3: Sweet Treats & Local Favorites

No Spring Break is complete without indulging your sweet tooth.

Start the day with breakfast or brunch at Parlor Doughnuts in Crown Point. Known for their layered doughnuts and coffee drinks, they also have savory doughnuts like Buffalo Chicken and Pig & Fig! 

Spend the day exploring Downtown Crown Point, popping into local shops, including a visit to Candy Cove, located inside the historic courthouse. 

Next, let the kids play outside at Sauerman's Woods with its large playground and pickleball courts, or head indoors with Public Bar and Rec's golf simulators, ping-pong tables and more. 

Once you've all built up an appetite, enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants downtown, followed by some delicious ice cream at Sundae Funday.

Before heading home, grab some treats at Albanese Candy Factory and ChicagoLand Popcorn right across the street from each other in Merrillville, where creative flavors make for a fun snack or souvenir. 
 

Option #4: A Full Day at Fair Oaks Farms

Dedicate a day to an immersive experience at Fair Oaks Farms, where education, entertainment, and agriculture come together in a way that’s engaging for all ages.

Make a stop in the Pork Adventure Museum first, where the kids will love their indoor playhouse, and everyone can enjoy the thrilling 3-STORY indoor ropes challenge course, where you can “fly with the pigs”! Their Dairy Adventure Museum also features an indoor play space and engaging exhibits for all ages, while the Crop Adventure Museum lets you explore how farmers feed our growing world population.

Pick up a snack or lunch at their Red Barn Milk Bar or Dairycatessen, then hop aboard the Pig or Dairy Adventure Farm Tour. These two interactive tours (both included in admission) take you on a bus to a behind-the-scenes look at a working dairy/pig farm through hands-on activities, videos, and live animal viewing. Kids will enjoy the playful elements, while adults appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at how food is produced.

At the end of the day, grab a delicious farm-to-fork dinner (literally) at the Farmhouse Restaurant, and stop in their bakery shop to pick up fresh cheeses, local treats, and souvenirs that make great take-home reminders of your visit.

See what all Fair Oaks Farms has planned for spring break here. If it's too much to pack all into one day, plan an overnight stay at the Fairfield Inn on-site. 
 

Option #5: Seasonal Events & Nature Finds

Check our events calendar for seasonal activities like maple syrup festivals, spring markets, or family-friendly celebrations happening throughout the region.

Many county parks and nature areas also offer spring programming that highlights wildlife, history, and the changing season. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to explore conservation areas, bird-watching spots, or watch bison roam before wrapping up your South Shore Spring Break adventure.

From indoor excitement and outdoor exploration to local eats and sweet stops, the South Shore offers something for every Spring Break style. Mix and match these ideas to create a trip that fits your schedule, pace, and interests—and discover why spring is such a great time to explore the region.