I grew up in the region not too long ago, and now that I’m in college, I miss the days when I could play around at Bellaboo’s or JAK’s Warehouse, or jump around with kids my age at Sky Zone. And now there are a lot more options for kids in the region than when I was a kid. Here are the best places for kids to be kids in northwest Indiana.
Albanese Candy and More
What kid doesn’t love candy? Having the candy factory that makes the "World's Best Gummies" nearby is a dangerous thing for kids, but an amazing thing. I remember how excited I would get as a kid when my parents said we were headed to Albanese Candy Factory in Hobart. And now having Tethan’s Candy and Confections in Chesterton, The Candy Cove in the old Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point and Morkes Chocolate Shop in Cedar Lake gives kids even more access to the region’s sweets.
Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center
Bellaboo’s in Lake Station is the most little-kid-friendly attraction in northwest Indiana. They encourage kids to interact with one another through imagination-based activities, like the pretend village, train and block playrooms. Creativity is a must at Bellaboo’s, and it is perfectly mixed with a staff that cares about the kids. As a little kid, I always hated leaving Bellaboo’s, but when it was time to close, they marched all the kids out with the “goodbye parade”, making the experience that much better. Now, they’ve added an entire outdoor play area including a small splash pad called the Imagination Garden that I wish I could’ve experienced as a kid.
Indiana Dunes
The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park are perfect for a family day out. Camp under the stars, explore on a hike, let the kids play in the sand or by the water, or have a picnic - the family activities at the Dunes are endless. If you’re looking for an educational adventure, Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead provide paths where kids can learn about the history of the area while having the freedom to explore.
Ninja Kidz
There is more than enough at Ninja Kidz in Hammond to entertain kids all day long. It’s perfect for rainy days as it’s all indoors. A place designed for kids of all ages to have fun, including the battle beam, zipline and trapeze swing, the world's bounciest basketball court and more.
Deep River Waterpark
A true “fun for all ages” waterpark, Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point has plenty of options for anyone who visits. As someone who grew up around the waterpark my entire life, there has never been an age where I couldn’t find enough to fill my day. Kids can enjoy the lazy river with their parents, take a trip to the wave pool or race down the slides. Kids can also have fun in the youth section of the park which includes mini waterslides, a huge water bucket drop and much more, allowing parents to watch and relax from the chairs nearby.
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
The Paul H. Douglas Center, part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, is a great place for kids to learn about the world around them. Indoors, kids can connect to nature through educational hands-on exhibits, live animals and nature-based arts and crafts. Outdoors, they can play in the Nature Play Zone where they can dig, build and climb. Families can also go on ranger-led hikes through Miller Woods and in the winter you can learn to cross-country ski or snowshoe through the dunes.
Gary SouthShore RailCats
For any kid or family that likes sports, a Gary SouthShore RailCats game is a perfect day or night activity. With the feel of a professional baseball game in the environment of a local community, the RailCats provide an amazing experience to all who attend. The mascot Rusty moves around the stadium to take pictures with kids, and in-game events like kids running the bases are held to make the games tailored for little ones and their first games. When I was a kid baseball was my favorite thing, and being able to bring my glove to catch foul balls like an MLB game, and play with other kids in a ballpark so close by was amazing. For more ballgames in the area, there's also the Lake County Corn Dogs in Crown Point.
Train Attractions
For any kids who love trains, there is plenty in The Region to explore. Take a ride on an old-timey steam train at the Hesston Steam Museum in LaPorte, explore what life was like during the heyday of vintage trains at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, or visit the Monon Connection Museum, which has the largest private collection of railroad items shared with the public in the United States. As a kid, I always loved Thomas the Train, and even had a mini-track of my own. Getting to see and be in a real-life steam engine would’ve made my month. Kids also love the miniature railway garden at Gabis Arboretum. Read more in our Welcome Aboard train blog here.
Fair Oaks Farms
If you’re looking for a fun educational experience for your kids in the region, Fair Oaks Farms is the place to go. Through interactive games and puzzles and entertaining pig, dairy and crop adventures, the learning experience is disguised in lots of fun. The outdoor games such as the kid’s maze and the jump pad in the summer, the u-pick orchard in the fall and the indoor ropes course are also meant to make the farm a kid-centric experience. My favorite part as a kid was how hands-on all of the educational experiences were. When you’re hungry, you can all grab dinner in the Farmhouse Restaurant or grilled cheese and ice cream at the Cowfe.
Harvest Tyme Family Farm
Harvest Tyme in Lowell offers fun seasonal adventures including the Christmas Tyme Lights walk-through trail in the winter; a pumpkin patch and glow trail, hay rides and petting zoo in the fall; and new adventures at different times of year. They also have a variety of games, small rides like the tilt-a-whirl and carousel, corn maze and much more at one of the most family-friendly spots in Northwest Indiana.
