Fun Kid-Friendly Activities in Northern Indiana

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Indiana's Cool North

We like to think of Northern Indiana as America’s backyard. Did you know that half the U.S. population lives within a 12-hour drive of the region? Proximity is just one of the reasons Northern Indiana is the perfect family vacation destination. The main attraction is the abundance of kid-friendly activities you’ll find here! We’ve listed a few fun family activities to help kick start your vacation planning.

Hit the Beach or the Dunes

Northern Indiana is home to many beautiful lakefront beaches. A blissful beach day is a must during a family vacation. The Indiana Dunes boasts a 15-mile coastline along Lake Michigan with gentle waves that make it a perfect playground for little ones. In fact, Parents magazine selected Indiana Dunes as one of the top five family beach destinations in the United States!  Winter offers other adventures along the dunes.

In Michigan City, kids love to splash into Lake Michigan waters from a supreme stretch of powder-soft sand along the shore at Washington Park. This popular enclave features the expansive public beach plus 99 acres of tree-shaded grounds where you can picnic or buy seasonal concessions. The Washington Park Zoo is right next door.

 

 

Lions, Tigers, and Bears – Oh My!

Animal lovers and nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love about the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City.  The zoo has over 90 years of protecting wildlife and educating the public. When you visit the zoo—located on 15 acres near Lake Michigan—you’ll have the pleasure of seeing over 90 different species of animals, including furry animals, bald eagles, grizzly bears, and otters, just to name a few

Both kids and adults love visiting the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. It’s Indiana’s first zoo and home to more than 400 animals.  During the off-season, check out their winter days at the zoo.

Learn all about the beast that is an American icon when you visit Broken Wagon Bison.  Take a tour aboard a wagon that travels into the resident bison herd. Shop for an assortment of bison meat, bison hides and skulls, as well as handmade bison leather purses and other bison leather products and jewelry.

MOOVE on to Farms

Fair Oaks Farms is a working dairy farm that also gives fun insight with their Dairy Adventure, Pig Adventure and Crop Adventure. An on-site restaurant, café and the seasonal Mooville are also part of the campus.

Kids of all ages and their parents too fall in love with the domestic and exotic animals at Dutch Creek Animal Farm, located just 10 minutes from the bustling Amish community of Shipshewana. A safari-style wagon ride gives visitors an up-close look at antelope, water buffalo, zebras and more. Visit the petting zoo and feed the monkeys.

Choo Choo! All Aboard

At Hesston Steam Museum,  guests can watch steam locomotives in action, as well as enjoy a one-eighth scale miniature railroad that is a hit with armchair conductors young and old. And, depending on the time of year, visitors will have a chance to hop aboard the Halloween Ghost Train, the Candy Cane Express, and more specially themed locomotive rides.

History and nature combine at the Gabis Arboretum & Gardens. The Arboretum is a vast oak preserve with miles of hiking trails, several formal gardens, as well as protected prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. It’s home to birds, butterflies, and many endangered plant and wildlife species.  However, the highlight of your trip to the Gabis Arboretum will likely be visiting the award-winning Railway Garden that spans nearly a full acre and is sure to amaze both kids and adults! Learn all about the history of steam engines in America and their influence on the Civil War, Western Expansion, and the Industrial Revolution. Beyond being informative, the Railway Garden is just plain cool! With 30 handcrafted bridges, more than 500 varieties of plants, and six water features, it’s  incredibly beautiful, making it an ideal spot to pose for a family vacation photo.

Down a Lazy River

It’s an outdoor adventure for the whole family when you head out on a leisurely kayaking or canoeing trip down one of the clear, calm, and scenic rivers.  In the dunes area you can travel majestic water routes lined with dunes and surrounding communities.   In Elkhart County outfitters provide everything you need, including your craft and transportation to your departure point. Wildlife abounds in the wilderness areas along these waters, and you may spot deer, ducks, heron and more along the way, and even see otters play.  The older kids will love it and younger ones can get involved too.

Find a Camping Spot

Camping is fun, affordable, and can be as relaxing or adventurous as you desire.  Kids will love spending time together with the family in a new setting, or an old favorite.  Northern Indiana’s campgrounds offer a true camping experience while being conveniently close to numerous attractions and activities, allowing you to easily switch up your plans.  Find the best camping spots in Indiana’s Cool North HERE.

Have a Sweet Escape

When you’re in Indiana Dunes, pay a visit to Designer Desserts – you won’t regret it! There are over 107 flavors of decadent cupcakes, including key lime pie, dark chocolate raspberry, and Pink Champagne!

Indulge in a little retail therapy during your Northern Indiana vacation and pick up a sugary souvenir! Your family will love the quaint boutiques and markets that sell delectable desserts and sweet treats.

While visiting Amish Country, don’t miss the Wakarusa Dime Store. Established way back in 1907, this classic candy shop is famous for its jumbo jellybeans and huge selection of nostalgic candies.

In Merrillville make a stop at the Albanese Confectionery.  Stock up on the “World’s Best Gummies,” chocolate or nuts at either the Albanese Confectionery Factory Store or the Albanese Confectionery Outlet.

Step Back in Time

 

Northern Indiana is home to a rich, fascinating history. Explore it with your kids during your vacation! They’ll be having so much fun, they might not even realize they’re learning along the way.

History buffs of all ages will love visiting Amish Country, where a plethora of museums and historic homes await.  How can you pass up a trail named one of America’s “Most Scenic Drives”? Winding its way through seven communities—Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Shipshewana, and Wakarusa—the Heritage Trail is a picturesque loop that makes for a great starting point on your adventure through Elkhart County. Discover charming country scenes, welcoming small towns, area attractions, and much more. Plus, a free audio guide (get it here) gives you unique insights and fun facts to enrich your experience.

The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres, is a living history destination that celebrates authentic Amish culture. Tour the farmstead, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, shop handcrafted goods, and take in a show at the Round Barn Theatre.  This unique venue in a vintage reconstructed barn brings you the best of Broadway, and some original shows.

A visit to The History Museum in South Bend will be a hit with the whole family, thanks to their unique Kidsfirst Children’s Museum. Little ones love the museum’s regular Story Time. While at the museum, tour the historic 38-room Oliver Mansion and adjacent gardens for an inside look at how the wealthy Oliver family lived. The mansion’s original furnishings and elegant architecture make it a must-see.

Creative and Imaginative Play

Let the kids be creative and use their imagination!  Bellaboos Play and Discovery Center is designed for children up to age 9.  The pretend village allows them to interact in a child-sized supermarket, construction zone, and pizza parlor.  Pirates, trains and water are also part of the indoor play.  Outdoor play areas include buried dino bones, a tree pee and a garden.

Visit Fairs and Festivals

For a surefire good time, plan your family’s vacation during one of Northern Indiana’s famous festivals or fairs.

In Amish Country, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is the event of the year. For nine days in July, it’s a mecca of family fun and excitement. See prize animals, hop aboard thrilling rides at the midway, check out the rodeo, and indulge in classic fair food.  See the dates for other fairs in Indiana’s Cool North HERE.

Autumn in Northern Indiana brings family-friendly festivals galore, including the Nappanee Apple Festival  and Wanatah’s famous Scarecrow Festival.

No matter the season, your clan is bound to have a grand time in Northern Indiana! Start planning your next family getaway today.

See more ideas of things to do for family fun.

• in Elkhart County
• in Michigan City LaPorte
• in  Indiana Dunes
• in South Shore