Things to Do

Family Fun

Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor activities to enjoy between games, you can find them along the South Shore of Lake Michigan!

Walk miles of hiking trails or swim and dig at the beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park. See a map of all the beaches in the area here.

Cool off on the slides or wavepool at Deep River Waterpark, check out the bison at Kankakee Sands, visit with the animals at Sandy Oak Ranch or stroll the gardens at Gabis Arboretum or Friendship Botanic Gardens.

Kids 9 and younger can open their imaginations at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center, offering indoor and outdoor activities.

For indoor fun, check out all the fun you can have in Schererville at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, Up Your Alley entertainment facility in Schererville or Ninja Kidz Action Park in Hammond. For older kids, visit Public Bar and Rec in Crown Point for all kinds of games like AR darts, foosball, air hockey, duckpin bowling and 13 multi-sport simulator games.

Don't forget to get some treats at Albanese Candy or ChicagoLand Popcorn!

For more things to do, click here or for restaurants click here. We also have a page with outdoor dining options here.

Great Outdoors

Indiana Dunes

Learn about the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Find things to do, camping and hotels.

Deep River Water Park

The South Shore's premiere waterpark, Deep River opens each summer on Memorial Day weekend. Families from…

Bison at Kankakee Sands

The Nature Conservancy has an extensive bison conservation program, with herds now found on 13 preserves…

Public Gardens

The South Shore has a number of public spaces featuring formal gardens, Japanese gardens, prairies, woods and…

Beaches

There are miles of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan's South Shore, including the Indiana Dunes. 

Biking & Hiking Trails

Northwest Indiana and parts of Eastern Illinois contain 125 miles of biking and walking trails.

More To Do

More for Kids