The Indiana Insider Blog

Kid Friendly in Indiana Dunes

by on Aug 5, 2014

Posted in Indiana

I packed a lot into my two short days at Indiana Dunes last month (you can see the outdoor rec highlights here). What I didn’t get to highlight yet was the kid friendly places we visited. Two places in particular stand out in my mind …

Valpo VelvetIMG_6577When I asked for recommendations on places to eat with my five-year-old, Valpo Velvet kept coming up. I figured I couldn’t go wrong. And that proved correct. I got the tuna melt and Maggie got a special for kids.IMG_6580 IMG_6579We visited on Tuesday and apparently each meal is served with a free scoop of ice cream on Tuesdays – score! But, we ate it too fast for pictures. Sorry. :(

After full bellies and the dunes all afternoon, we spent the evening at Zao Island. IMG_6604Who doesn’t love putt-putt …IMG_6610 IMG_6608Giant slides …IMG_6612And games galore …IMG_6611I won’t even tell you how many games of ski-ball I played. :)

That’s not even mentioning the go-karts, laser tag, batting cages and alligators. Seriously Zao Island is a great stop!And new to me your money is put on a card which is swiped at each game and attraction AND keeps track of your tickets so you can use it to buy yourself something nice. Quite dreamy, actually.

The evening wore out not only Maggie, but me too. We slept like babies.

So, if you are looking for some kid friendly attractions to add to your trip to Indiana Dunes … look no further!

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Written by : Living in Indianapolis since 2001, Carrie is no stranger to traveling throughout the state. She has worked at Conner Prairie and at the Indiana Office of Tourism. Now working for the Indiana Tourism Association and having a young daughter, Carrie has even more opportunities to take advantage of Indiana's many attractions. Carrie receives compensation from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development for blogging. For more information, see our FTC Disclosure page.