Plan a Family Vacation
Let us help you plan a Midwest family getaway right here along Lake Michigan's South Shore in Indiana. Young and old alike will enjoy exploring something new and off the beaten path. Cherish all the seasons at the Indiana Dunes - splash on the beach in the summer, discover all the migrating birds in the fall, view the shelf ice on the lake in the winter and watch the flowers bloom along the trails in the spring.
View bison roaming the prairie at Kankakee Sands, learn something new during a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms, let your little ones explore their imagination at Bellaboo's Play and Discover Center, and taste candy fresh from the factory at Albanese.
In the summer, fly down the slides at Deep River Waterpark. From spring through fall, explore the children's garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens or the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Visit the orchards and pumpkin patches in the fall and ice skate or go sledding in the winter.
Grab your kids and start making memories with your family along the South Shore today!
Your Adventure Starts Here
Begin planning your trip here. Below you'll find links to great outdoor adventures, unique family attractions and kid-friendly events coming up.
Family Blogs
Easter Brunch & Events in Northwest Indiana
- 3 min read
Eureka! You have come across our list featuring 2024 Easter Sunday brunches and events throughout Northwest…
Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Northwest Indiana
- 3 min read
Some days you want to spend a rainy day indoors, sipping tea and reading a book or binge-watching your…
Spring Break along the South Shore
- 3 min read
Spring Break is here, and there is nothing worse than a house full of bored kiddos for a week. Luckily, there…
Maple Syrup Time in Northwest Indiana
- 1 min read
Every March, maple trees in the South Shore awaken with the warmer days of springtime 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 Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center
- 3 min read
You know it’s the holiday season when it’s time to unwrap the "A Christmas…
Delectable Desserts & Treats Along the South Shore
- 2 min read
When your sweet tooth is screaming or you want to finish off a delicious meal with a mouthwatering treat, you…
Halloween Events around Northwest Indiana
- 1 min read
It’s spooky season, which means it’s time for all the spooky events! If scares are not your…
Getting Creative at Art Barn's Art Blitz
- 4 min read
Art Blitz for 2023 is set for September 16, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. My teenage daughter, Jules and I…
FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!
- 5 min read
Nothing feels more like fall than walking outside on a cool, crisp morning to find hints of orange and yellow…
Finish Planning Your Trip
Are you planning your family vacation to Northwest Indiana during the summer or fall? Does your family crave delicious foods like fried lake perch or steak fajitas? Do you need to find a hotel with a pool for the kids or free breakfast? Put the finishing touches on your trip with these links.
Request More Information
Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request an area guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
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