Family Fun in the Indiana Dunes

What will your family love about Indiana Dunes Country?

It might be running or sledding down the dunes, building sandcastles, splashing in Lake Michigan, camping under the stars or viewing birds and wildlife you’ve never seen. Maybe you’ll leave Indiana Dunes Country as a Junior Ranger or earn a park patch. Whatever adventures you find, Indiana Dunes Country is a getaway the whole family can agree on.

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Kid-approved Adventure Spots

Indiana Dunes Country is a perfect getaway spot for the whole family! Enjoy towering sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, a water park, outdoor adventures, indoor wonderlands and comfy accommodations.

The 3 Dune Challenge

Conquer The 3 Dune Challenge together as a family! Climb the three tallest dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park, then get a free sticker or buy a shirt to commemorate your accomplishment at the Visitor Center.

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Don't Miss These Family Fun Hot Spots

Plan your trip in advance! Download our Activities Guide or have one sent right to your front door. And for real-time information, connect with us on social media.

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Attractions & Recreation

49er Drive-In Theatre: Family Fun With a 1950s Feel

The 49er Drive-In Theatre is Northwest Indiana’s only drive-in theater. Enjoy all the aspects of a 1950s drive-in merged with modern-day convenience.

Must See & Do

Bass Pro Shops

This 130,000 square-foot store has everything for outdoor enthusiasts, including boats, fishing gear, and hunting equipment. There is also a giant…

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Must See & Do

Broken Wagon Bison

Get up close and personal with our country’s largest native land mammal at this family-owned bison farm. Take a wagon tour to see a herd of more…

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Attractions & Recreation

Hoosier Bat Company

Hoosier Bat is the third-largest manufacturer of regulation-quality wood bats in the world—and probably the only place you can touch a bat destined…

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Casual Dining

The Port Drive-In

A visit to the Indiana Dunes area isn't complete without a visit to The Port Drive-In—a Chesterton icon since 1957. Dine inside or let carhops come…

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Sweets & Treats

Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe

People from all over have been traveling to Valpo Velvet Ice Cream for the same homemade, rich, creamy, old-fashioned ice cream treats made by The…

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Attractions & Recreation

Zao Island Amusement Center

An adventureland for grown-ups and kids alike with two miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper cars, a game room, batting cages, a giant slide,…

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Broken Wagon Bison

Get up close and personal with our country’s largest native land mammal at this family-owned bison farm. Take a wagon tour to see a herd of more…

563 W. 450 North, Hobart

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Chesterton Toys

This shop is a wonderland of classic and wooden toys, as well as unique, modern playthings, all with a strong focus on “kid-powered”…

201 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Want to create a personalized tour of the Indiana Dunes area? Stop by the Visitor Center where our front desk destination concierges will help you…

1215 N. State Road 49, Porter

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49’er Drive-In Theatre

Experience a blast from the past at a place that has been chosen as one of the top drive-ins in the nation. Open weekends in April, May, and…

675 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso

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4th Street Theater

This award-winning community theater produces musicals and plays that are amusing and entertaining as well as classic and sometimes provocative. Call…

125 N. 4th St., Chesterton

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Acorn Acres

Acorn Acres is a local family farm. They raise “good” food with natural and sustainable practices. You will find natural healthy meat, produce,…

360 Indian Boundary Rd., Chesterton

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Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

These two historic sites sit nearly side-by-side. Bailly Homestead is named for Joseph Bailly, the first known non-native region resident, who set up…

618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

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Bass Pro Shops

This 130,000 square-foot store has everything for outdoor enthusiasts, including boats, fishing gear, and hunting equipment. There is also a giant…

6425 Daniel Burnham Dr., Portage

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Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is tucked-away park with two unlit Babe Ruth softball fields, bleachers, parking, restrooms, recreational tennis court, playground,…

175 Burlington Beach Rd., Valparaiso

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Blastcamp Paintball & Airsoft

Built on a former Army base with 28 acres of bunkers, trenches, and towers, this paintball range has open play on weekends, and groups can reserve it…

563 W. 600 North, Hobart