Visitors Guide

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Plan a South Shore Family Vacation

Home of the Indiana Dunes National Park

Let us help you plan a Midwest family getaway right here along Lake Michigan's South Shore.

In the summer, fly down the slides at Deep River Waterpark and splash on the beach. In the spring, hike the trails to see blooming flowers and explore the children's garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens or the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Visit the orchards and pumpkin patches and camp under the stars in the fall and ice skate, sled or view shelf ice in the winter.

Hop aboard the world of locomotions at one of our train museums, 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, taste candy fresh from the factory at Albanese, plus so many more attractions!

Grab your kids and start making memories with your family along the South Shore today!

Seasonal Getaways

Use the links below to plan an unforgettable adventure for your family, any season of the year!

Your Adventure Starts Here

Swipe through the topics below to begin planning your trip. You'll find links to great outdoor adventures, unique family attractions and kid-friendly events coming up.

Events 13 days ago

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 18 days ago

A Trip to Sandy Oak Ranch

2 min read

Sandy Oak Ranch in Lake Village is a unique experience that you can only really find in one place in Northwest…

Things to Do 23 days ago

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…

Things to Do a month ago

Steamboat rides at Lassen's Resort in Cedar Lake

Steam Through History on Cedar Lake

3 min read

It's full steam ahead for Cedar Lake historians to take visitors on a floating tour through time! At…

Things to Do a month ago

A Farm-to-Fork Road Trip Through the South Shore

3 min read

If your ideal getaway includes scenic backroads, local flavor and unforgettable food stops, the South…

Events 2 months ago

South Shore Summer Festival Preview

5 min read

From carnivals and cultural celebrations to art fairs and an air show, cities and towns across the South Shore…

Great Outdoors 2 months ago

South Shore’s Ultimate Summer Bucket List

4 min read

Must-Visit Attractions for Family Fun, Outdoor Adventure & Local Flavor Summer is finally here, and with…

Great Outdoors 3 months ago

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…

Things to Do 4 months ago

Up Your Alley Schererville - family at arcade

Spring Break along the South Shore

4 min read

Spring Break is here, and there is nothing worse than a house full of bored kiddos for a week. Luckily, there…

Things to Do 5 months ago

Cross Country Skiing in Northwest Indiana

8 of our Favorite Sledding and Cross-Country Skiing Spots in Northwest Indiana

3 min read

The snow is here! Will you be building a snowman, holiday shopping, or curling up on the couch to binge-watch…

Finish Planning Your Trip

Does your family crave restaurants serving delicious foods like fried lake perch or steak fajitas? Looking for a hotel with a pool for the kids or free breakfast? Want to visit a family-friendly brewery, winery or distillery while you're here? Put the finishing touches on your trip with these links.