Some days you want to spend a rainy day indoors, sipping tea and reading a book or binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows, but other days you want to get out of the house and explore the town while it’s cloaked in grey clouds! No matter if you are getting out with the kids, or need an adult day out, here are some ways to enjoy your rainy day in NWI.
Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center in Lake Station is perfect for ages infant to 9 years old. This play center focuses on learning through STEM, play and imagination. While playing, little ones will improve motor skills and development. They can be chefs, pirates, astronauts or anything they wish in the themed play areas. Check their calendar for special events and shows!
Up Your Alley in Schererville is the perfect place to forget about the rain and have fun with the whole family. They have everything: bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, an arcade and even more. Grab a bite to eat with Square Roots restaurant located inside and listen to live music or catch the game on one of the many big screens.
Perfect for kids of all ages, Ninja Kidz Action Park in Hammond has all kinds of fun activities to get you moving! Take on an opponent on the battle beam, try out the zipline and trapeze swing, bounce on the bounciest basketball court you'll find and so much more!
Get your fix of sweet and salty at some of NWI’s most coveted snack spots: Albanese Candy Factory, ChicagoLand Popcorn, Morkes Chocolate Shop, or Tethan's Candy & Confections Grab your raincoat and get out of the house to stock up on your favorite chocolates, gummi bears or salty and sweet assortments of popcorn before hunkering down, away from the rain.
If you like playing on simulators, check out Net Par in Crown Point and Munster to tee up on the world's most amazing courses. Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point has multisport simulators that bring a whole new level of interactive gameplay. They also have duckpin bowling, AR darts, foosball and more.
Music can be enjoyed rain or shine, and whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual music lover, check out these picks for the best record stores in Northwest Indiana!
Another way to get out of the house on a rainy day, is to go view the beautiful art in our region. Head to Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City or The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster to see their art exhibits. Lubeznik often has tours and camps as well as the CVPA offers theatre shows and other special events for all ages!
Fair Oaks Farms has lots to be enjoyed indoors away from the grey clouds! Try your luck at one of the rope courses for all ages, learn about the ins and outs of sustainability in agriculture, and have a farm-to-table lunch or dinner at The Farmhouse Restaurant. You can even hide away from the rain and stay overnight at the Fairfield Inn & Suites located right next door!
Stop into the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education in Gary to speak with an Indiana Dunes National Park Ranger or volunteer about the different plants, animals, and wildlife found around the park. If the sun peeks out from the clouds, you can venture outside to take on the Paul H. Douglas Trail for some more adventure!
No matter whether it’s rain or shine, a good cup of coffee always takes the rainy-day blues away. You can find a local coffee shop to try in our blog post here!
Share your rainy-day adventure with us using #AlongtheSouthShore on social media!
