Things To Do with Kids in Northwest Indiana
The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Fun in Northwest Indiana
Looking for family-friendly adventures in Northwest Indiana? Whether you're planning a weekend outing, a birthday bash, or just need to burn off some energy, this guide has you covered. From indoor play zones to outdoor escapades, here's your go-to list of kid-approved destinations.
🎢 Attractions & Entertainment
WhoaZone at Whihala Beach
1561 Park Rd., Whiting, IN 46394
A floating water park featuring inflatable obstacle courses on Lake Michigan.
Zig-E’s Funland
8176 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN 46373
Offers go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and more.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
1035 Eagle Ridge Dr., Schererville, IN 46375
Indoor trampoline park with freestyle jump, foam zone, and ninja warrior course.
Urban Air Adventure Park
3249 E. 81st Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410
Features trampolines, ropes courses, climbing walls, and more for all ages.
Zao Island
1050 Horse Prairie Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46385
Family entertainment center with mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, and live alligators.
Deep River Waterpark
9001 E. Lincoln Hwy., Crown Point, IN 46307
One of the Midwest's largest water parks, offering slides, a wave pool, and lazy river.
Albanese Candy Factory
5441 E. Lincoln Hwy., Merrillville, IN 46410
Known for its gummy bears and chocolates; visitors can shop at the factory store.
Chuck E. Cheese
2961 E. 80th Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410
Family-friendly venue with arcade games, pizza, and entertainment.
Up Your Alley
1048 Indianapolis Blvd., Schererville, IN 46375
Offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and dining options.
Team Combat
8183 Grand Blvd., Merrillville, IN 46410
Provides tactical laser tag experiences suitable for older kids and teens.
hobart.teamcombat.com
Hesston Steam Museum
1201 E. 1000 N., La Porte, IN 46350
Features rideable steam trains and vintage machinery exhibits.
hesston.org
Public Bar & Rec
210 S. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307
Family-friendly until 9 PM, offering duckpin bowling, AR darts, and sports simulators.
🧗 Active Indoor Play
Empire Kids
221 Indianapolis Blvd., Schererville, IN 46375
Indoor play center with inflatables and soft play areas for younger children.
empirekidsplay.com
Ninja Kidz Trampoline Park
2825 J.F. Mahoney Dr., Hammond, IN 46323
Combines trampolines with ninja-style obstacle courses for active fun.
Fireflies Fun Zone
1505 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton, IN 46304
Indoor playground featuring spinning cups, trampolines, slides, a toddler area, laser tag, and an arcade.
FunFlatables
Dyer Location: 101 Joliet St., Unit 700, Dyer, IN 46311
Southlake Mall Location: 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
🛝 Playgrounds & Parks
ValPLAYso
1400 Glendale Blvd., Valparaiso, IN 46383
Community-built playground offering various play structures for children.
valplayso.org
Indiana Dunes National Park
1215 N. State Rd. 49, Porter, IN 46304
Offers hiking trails, dune climbing, and beach access along Lake Michigan.
nps.gov/indu
Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm
618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, IN 46304
Historic sites with trails and farm animals, providing educational experiences.
nps.gov/indu
Lake County Parks
Lemon Lake: 6322 W. 133rd Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307
Oak Ridge Prairie: 301 S. Colfax St., Griffith, IN 46319
Parks featuring trails, playgrounds, and seasonal activities.
