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.
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…
Plan Your Trip Around Northwest Indiana’s Signature Summer Events
- 2 min read
Plan your trip around these can't-miss events, and turn your getaway into an adventure filled with live…
Find the Artist Within You - Northwest Indiana Art Classes and Workshops
- 4 min read
Art comes in all styles and colors, shapes and sizes, big and small. Check out these artsy places along the…
Choose Your Own Adventure This Spring Break in Northwest Indiana
- 5 min read
Spring Break is the perfect time to shake off winter and explore all the South Shore of Lake Michigan has to…
Maple Syrup Time in Northwest Indiana
- 1 min read
Every March, maple trees in the South Shore awaken with the warmer springtime days, and the sap begins to…
Snow Day Indoor Activities in Northwest Indiana
- 3 min read
Winter is here, and you don’t want to be caught with the classic “I’m bored…
A to Z list of things to do this summer in Northwest Indiana
- 6 min read
It’s never too early to plan your South Shore summer activities. We’ve compiled an A to Z list…
South Shore Showdown: A Family-Friendly Itinerary with a Competitive Twist
- 3 min read
If your crew turns everything into a competition, take it up a notch and turn your family outing into a…
South Shore Hikes for Beginners
- 4 min read
Lake Michigan’s South Shore is full of opportunities to get outside, especially if you’re just…
Top Winter Activities Along Lake Michigan's South Shore
- 5 min read
Winter is here, and lucky for us we have so many fun things to do all around Northwest Indiana. If you are…
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.
