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Indiana Dunes
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Close
Search
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State Parktwo bikers on a roadOutdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Arts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationOur CommunitiesPet Friendly: Dog at the DunesPet FriendlyShoppingVolunteer
Eat & DrinkEvents
Places to StayPlaces to Stay
Places to Stay Bed & BreakfastsHotels & InnsRVs & CampgroundsVacation Homes
A family celebrating the 3 Dunes Challenge Header Item 1
Indiana DunesThings to DoFamily Fun

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.

Diana of the Dunes Dare

Don’t just read about history, experience it! In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also know as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain.

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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Arts & Entertainment

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

Featured

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

Featured

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Save on Family Fun

Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of your vacation. Discounts ranging from a free scoop of ice cream to savings on activities are like finding buried treasure.

More Things to See & Do

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Online Gift Shop
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Pet Friendly
Outdoor Theatre performance

Arts & Entertainment
Girls Trash Trekkers

Volunteer Drop-In
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Outdoor Adventures
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Dunes Deals

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Bed & Breakfasts

Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods to award-winning romantic getaways surrounded by gardens.

Hotels & Inns

A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or a place you can bring your four-legged friend? Your unique getaway deserves a distinct accommodation.