Road Trips: Family Fun
Jump, splash, soar at one of our two waterparks. Have fun while learning at Bellaboo’s Play & Discovery Center and Fair Oaks Farms. Relax on the sandy shores, build sandcastles, and make memories along the southern shores of Lake Michigan.
Educational and Fun
If your family enjoys educational entertainment, the South Shore offers many opportunities to have a great time while expanding your knowledge! The kids won’t even realize they are learning with play at Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center. You can spend an entire afternoon in a self-directed play facility. Discover learning opportunities about modern-day dairy farming at Fair Oaks Farms. Here you can take a tour, learn about sustainability and innovation and even see a calf be born.
Indoor Fun
At Ninja Kidz Action Park, duel an opponent on the battle beam, soar through the air with the zipline and trapeze swing, play on the world's bounciest basketball court and more. Up Your Alley is fun for the whole family including bowling, arcade games, and Cyber Sport, a combination of lacrosse and basketball played on Cyber Cars. Bounce around at the trampoline park - Sky Zone! Challenge yourself and friends on the ninja warrior course, or practice your parkour and free climbing. Jump into the Foam Zone or just bounce around with your friends!
Outdoor Activities
Experience all kinds of outdoor activities for the family. Come visit around 250 animals at Washington Park Zoo. Spend the day splashing, sliding and floating at Deep River Waterpark or wade in the water and build sandcastles at one of the area's beaches. Hike miles of trails through forests, marshes and gardens. Play a round of disc golf at Lemon Lake or ride the go-karts and enjoy mini-golf at a fun center. Complete your stay with a few nights under the stars camping.
Related Blogs
Holiday Shopping at the Indiana Welcome Center
- 2 min read
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a headache! Skip the crowded malls and discover unique gifts at the…
Beach glass on Lake Michigan's South Shore
- 3 min read
A glint of blue or green among wet stones, a piece of glass worn soft by decades in the lake: this is beach…
"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center
- 3 min read
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas along the South Shore, and you know what that means…
Halloween Events and Activities in Northwest Indiana
- 4 min read
Halloween events in Northwest Indiana run all October long, with steam-train ghost rides, glowing pumpkin…
FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!
- 5 min read
Fall arrives with a splash of color across Northwest Indiana, transforming trails, parks, and communities into…
Delectable Sweets & Treats Along the South Shore
- 3 min read
Life is sweeter along the South Shore. Whether you're craving gourmet chocolates, colorful gummies…
Fall Fun Is Calling: Your Guide to Harvest Season at Fair Oaks
- 4 min read
There’s just something about fall at the farm. Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, apples ready for…
20 Must-Do Experiences Along the South Shore
- 4 min read
Looking for a list of can't-miss adventures when visiting the South Shore of Lake Michigan? We put…
South Shore Fall Festival Preview
- 4 min read
Crisp air, colorful leaves and festival season are calling! From lively Oktoberfests and harvest celebrations…
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…
Family-Friendly Restaurants
The South Shore has plenty of family-friendly dining options where little ones are sure to find their favorite meal and have a fun experience, too! If you're visiting Fair Oaks, dine at The Farmhouse Restaurant on site or get some ice cream in their cafe. If you're hanging out at the beach and your kids like fish, eat out on the patio at Fish Camp in Michigan City.
Where to Stay
Rent a vacation home for the entire family close to the beach at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals or Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. Stay in a contemporary barn-like setting at the Fairfield by Marriott Fair Oaks Farms or one of the many other hotels in the region.
Family Fun on Instagram
Tag your adventure #alongthesouthshore
More Road Trip Ideas

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.
• Sign me up for Email Newsletters




