Top Ten Fun Places for Teens Along the South Shore

As a former region teen, I’ve experienced a lot of the options across northwest Indiana for teenagers, but I haven’t even come close to doing it all. There are countless places for older kids to go and have fun, and here is a list of the top 10.

 

Activities Available All Year

Up Your Alley

Up Your Alley in Schererville is the perfect place to spend a day with lots of activities for teens and families. With 20 bowling lanes with numerous unique games to play, a Cybersport arena, laser tag and, if you’re older than 18, axe throwing, each one of these activities could fill up your entire afternoon. They also have an on-site restaurant with delicious food and drinks.
 

Shop the Region

Shop for treasures in the downtowns of Crown Point and Valparaiso or the Gary neighborhood of Miller Beach. Or check out the variety of stores at Southlake Mall in Hobart. From antiques and decor to gifts and clothing, you’ll find more than enough stores to fill up a shopping day. Grab your family and friends and see what you can discover!
 

Net Par

At Net Par in Crown Point or Munster, spend an afternoon with your family trying out your golf swings without breaking the bank at the links. Made by, and for, friends who love to golf, the high-powered and futuristic golf simulators allow participants to golf around the world without leaving the room. Enjoy many different game modes and golf how you want, where you want.
 

Public Bar and Rec

Multi-sports simulators, duckpin bowling, AR darts, foosball, shuffleboard, arcade games - and that’s just scratching the surface. Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point focuses on much more than just the food and drinks - however you like to unwind, they've got you covered!
 

Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes provide countless activities to enjoy with friends or family in every season. Take a hike along one of the trails, wade in Lake Michigan and relax on the beaches, paddle a kayak or canoe, camp under the stars or climb the dunes - the Indiana Dunes is perfect for anyone looking for a day full of outdoor activities.
 

Art Classes, Workshops and More

If you’re missing school in the summer, or maybe you just love the arts, the region provides more than enough opportunities to learn a wide variety of art activities. Whether it be pottery, painting ceramics, or even working with hot glass, you can find everything you need to know about art classes, workshops and more here.

Seasonal Activities

Baseball

You don’t have to be a sports fan to check out the two biggest baseball teams in northwest Indiana - the Gary SouthShore RailCats and the Lake County Corn Dogs in Crown Point. Baseball games are a great place to just chill, relax and snack on ballpark classics with family and friends.  For something different, catch a Deep River Grinders vintage baseball game in Hobart, where they play with old-timey rules. Make sure to try an ice-cold sarsaparilla while you’re there!

Fun in the Water

The most adrenaline-inducing activity along the South Shore, Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point, provides everything from the relaxing lazy river to hitting up to 35 MPH on the Dragon Speed Slides. Deep River is cooler-friendly, too which is great for families.

Another spot where teens can have a blast in the water is WhoaZone at Whihala Beach - an action-packed, floating obstacle course right on Lake Michigan.

Lemon Lake Disc Golf

Disc golf is one of the easiest sports to learn, and is equally relaxing. Compete with family and friends on one of Lemon Lake’s 18-hole, championship disc golf courses. It’s a fun way to explore the outdoors, just make sure to bring extra frisbees in case one gets lost in the trees along the way!

Fishing Charter

For those who enjoy fishing, why not experience one of the premier fishing spots in the entire Midwest on Lake Michigan? Move away from the small-lake fishing and catch fish like salmon or steelhead and lake trout. Book a charter with family and friends for an experience like no other.