Plan a Family Vacation
Let us help you plan a Midwest family getaway right here along Lake Michigan's South Shore in Indiana. Young and old alike will enjoy exploring something new and off the beaten path. Cherish all the seasons at the Indiana Dunes - splash on the beach in the summer, discover all the migrating birds in the fall, view the shelf ice on the lake in the winter and watch the flowers bloom along the trails in the spring.
View bison roaming the prairie at Kankakee Sands, learn something new during a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms, let your little ones explore their imagination at Bellaboo's Play and Discover Center, and taste candy fresh from the factory at Albanese.
In the summer, fly down the slides at Deep River Waterpark. From spring through fall, explore the children's garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens or the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Visit the orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall and ice skate or go sledding in the winter.
Grab your kids and start making memories with your family along the South Shore today!
Your Adventure Starts Here
Begin planning your trip here. Below you'll find links to great outdoor adventures, unique family attractions and kid-friendly events coming up.
Family Blogs
Getting Creative at Art Barn's Art Blitz
- 4 min read
Art Blitz for 2023 is set for September 16, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. My teenage daughter, Jules and I…
FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!
- 5 min read
Nothing feels more like fall than walking outside on a cool, crisp morning to find hints of orange and yellow…
Pet-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries & More in NW Indiana
- 5 min read
Header photo by margot.ritaaaa on Instagram No matter if you want to grab a bite to eat, relax on the beach…
Big Groups, Big Fish, Big Fun on Lake Michigan
- 4 min read
Going fishing is many things to many people. That’s one of the allures of the sport. For some, the…
Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Northwest Indiana
- 4 min read
Some days you want to spend a rainy day indoors, sipping tea and reading a book or binge-watching your…
4th of July Celebrations Across Northwest Indiana
- 1 min read
Nothing gets us in the summer spirit more than celebrating Independence Day in Northwest Indiana with…
Things to Do and Gift Ideas for Father’s Day in Northwest Indiana
- 4 min read
Father’s Day is just around the corner! Whether your dad is a master of bad dad jokes, a serious chef…
Beach glass on Lake Michigan's South Shore
- 1 min read
I don’t exactly remember how long ago I got into collecting beach glass, but from the first piece I…
10 Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana
- 7 min read
There are a variety of good fishing spots within the Northwest Indiana area, whether you're looking for a…
Sand and Salmon - Treasures of Indiana’s North Coast
- 3 min read
Indiana residents kept a secret for many years. Hoosiers knew their Lake Michigan beaches ranked among the top…
Finish Planning Your Trip
Are you planning your family vacation to Northwest Indiana during the summer or fall? Does your family crave delicious foods like fried lake perch or steak fajitas? Do you need to find a hotel with a pool for the kids or free breakfast? Put the finishing touches on your trip with these links.
Request More Information
Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request an area guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
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