Are you planning a family trip to the Indiana Dunes? The Indiana Dunes region offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities that make it a perfect destination for families. This guide seeks to answer the question: “What are the best kids' activities near me?” From outdoor adventures to sweet treats, here are some of the best things to do with kids in the Indiana Dunes.
Watch a Movie at the 49’er Drive-In
Experience the nostalgia of a classic drive-in movie at the 49’er Drive-In. This family-friendly venue is perfect for a fun-filled evening under the stars. Load up your car with blankets and folding chairs, arrive early to secure a spot, and enjoy the double feature with your loved ones. The affordable pricing here makes it an excellent family outing: $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 11, and free for kids 4 and under.
Visit the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
The Gabis Arboretum is a wonderful destination for families with young children. The Railway Garden Train, an outdoor G-gauge model train garden, tells the fascinating story of America's railroads. For a short and accessible walk, try the Heron Trail, a 0.28-mile paved and mulched path named for the Little Green and Great Blue Herons that frequent the pond it encircles.
Have a Picnic at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Sunset Hill Farm County Park is an ideal spot for a family picnic. With plenty of picnic areas, trails, and even farm animals like goats and chickens for kids to interact with, it's a perfect place to spend a day outdoors. The park also features the Illiana Garden Railway Society's G-Scale Garden Train Layout, which operates every Saturday.
Enjoy Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails
Coffee Creek Preserve is a great choice for family-friendly trails. It features a 1.3-mile short loop and a 3-mile long loop, boardwalks, bridges, and plenty of wildlife. Indiana Dunes National Park also features popular family-friendly trails, including the Calumet Dunes Trail, the Bailly/Chelberg Trail Loop, the West Beach Trails, and the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail.
Enjoy a Sweet Treat at Tethan’s Candy & Confections
Tethan’s Candy & Confections in Chesterton offers a delightful array of sweets that will thrill kids and parents alike. This family-owned business specializes in unique and delicious candies, from a wide variety of chocolates to novelty candies like freeze-dried Skittles.
Don’t miss the chance to play the Beanboozled game, a fun and adventurous way to taste-test different candies. If you haven’t filled up on sweets, explore Chesterton for local restaurants and family-friendly dinner options, including Lucrezia Café, Duneland Station Deli, The Port Drive-In, and Gastro 49.
When planning a trip to the Indiana Dunes region with a family in tow, you’ll surely be asking yourself the essential question: What are some fun things to do with kids near me? And you won’t be lacking in options! The Indiana Dunes region offers a fantastic mix of activities that cater to families with kids. See you soon!
