Northwest Indiana with Kids (3-Day Itinerary)
If you’re looking for things to do in northwest Indiana with kids, this 3-day itinerary is a great place to start. Whether you’re planning a quick family getaway or looking for fun stops on a road trip between Chicago and Indianapolis, this area has more to offer than you might expect.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a high-level itinerary of how we spent three days exploring northwest Indiana as a family, including what our young kids loved and tips to help you plan your own trip.
If, however, you’re looking for detailed guides for each stop (including timing, logistics, and what not to miss), be sure to check out the full posts linked below.
Why visit Northwest Indiana with kids?
I get it… when you think of family travel destinations, northwest Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind. But if you just so happen to be driving the roughly 3-hour stretch between Chicago and Indianapolis (and don’t want to drive straight through), there are actually a handful of cool places along the way to break up your trip.
We turned this drive into a 3-day family adventure, and each stop ended up being a hit with our kids (which, as any parent knows, is a big accomplishment)!
Day 1: Fair Oaks Farms with kids
If you’re into unique stops, Fair Oaks Farms is a good bet.
Part working farm, part interactive museum, and part kid-friendly attraction, this place is much bigger (and more engaging) than you might expect. Think farm-themed amusement park.
The farm is spread out across multiple buildings and “adventures,” where you can learn about dairy cows, pigs, crops and modern farming practices. Inside, there are hands-on exhibits that walk you through farming technology and how food is produced, along with opportunities to see animals up close in a real, working farm environment.
And just when your kids start to lose steam, there are play areas scattered throughout the property, including a ropes course, giant jumping pillow, a train ride and more!
We ended up spending most of the day here without planning to. It really is that big, with that much to do.
Why Fair Oaks Farms works for families
I have to admit, I was worried my kids would be unimpressed with visiting a farm. But if you picture a farm in your head, I can guarantee you that this place is NOT that. Heck, it impressed me. And coming from the suburbs, our kids were fascinated seeing farm animals in their everyday environment because its honestly just not something they’re exposed to.
I also really appreciated that Fair Oaks Farms was super clean and well-kept, in addition to being suited for a wide range of ages. Unlike other tourist attractions, which tend to appeal to a specific age group only, there’s something for everyone here:
Younger kids will love:
The play areas
Seeing animals up close
Interactive exhibits
Older kids (and adults) will enjoy:
The behind-the-scenes farm tours
Learning how modern farms operate
It’s one of those rare stops that feels just as interesting for adults as it is for kids.
Tips for visiting Fair Oaks Farms with kids
Arrive early. There’s enough here to easily fill most (or all) of a day.
Book your tours right away. There are two main “adventure” tours that each last over an hour and include bus rides to different parts of the farm. Spots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan those first when you buy your tickets.
Give yourself some time between the tours. Make sure to plan a lunch break at one of the onsite restaurants, and give yourself time to make the most of everything available on the farm.
👉 If you’re planning a visit, I break down exactly how to structure your day (including what’s worth it and what to skip) in my full guide here.