Family events in Elkhart County, IN

Baby & Me Lapsit offers gentle, play-filled learning for the youngest community members and their caregivers. Activities nurture early literacy through singing, talking, reading, writing, and interactive play. The gathering takes place in the auditorium, located in the basement to the left of the stairs. No sign up is required.

August First Fridays brings Goshen Games back to Downtown Goshen, turning the streets into a hub of friendly competition and play. The lineup includes cornhole and pickleball tournaments in the street, a BMX bike show, rock climbing, board games, lawn games, video game tournaments, and activities for kids.

Join Goshen Theater for First Fridays, a community get-together taking place in the theater. Stop by for a few hours of programming and entertainment, running from early evening into the night.

The Movie in the Park series concludes at Ullery Park with a screening of Hoppers. Enjoy a free outdoor film with family and friends, and bring blankets or lawn chairs for your own seating. Concessions will be available, and City of Elkhart departments will be on site to connect with the community. Arrive a little early to grab snacks and settle in for a final summer movie night.

Settle into an easygoing crafting session in Room 5 at Goshen City Church of the Brethren. Bring an in progress project or contribute to collaborative efforts that benefit Camp Mack and the Blessing Box ministry. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Children are welcome, and friends can come along.

The Renegade Car Show will be at the Elkhart Grand Prix, presented by Coachmen Auto Club. More elements are being planned, and further details will be shared soon.

This free, easygoing dad group with Nest and Grow Co. is all about genuine connection without any fuss. Bring your children and a cup of coffee, come as you are, and spend unhurried time getting to know other dads. There is space to trade stories about both successes and stumbles, offer support, and leave feeling a bit lighter. No registration is required, and kids are welcome to be with you the whole time.

Enjoy train themed stories for children, with time for simple crafts or coloring and snacks for kids. If allergies are a concern, let the organizers know or bring your own snacks. Museum admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12, with free entry for those 3 and under. Storytime is included with admission.

An immersive puzzle adventure at the Goshen Historical Society Museum centers on the newly found diary of 1940s gangster Victor "The Viper" Vane and the lingering mystery of stolen war bonds in Goshen, Indiana. Through the TOBI App by Think Outside the Box, participants make their way along Main Street in Goshen, visit historic locations, search for clues and solve puzzles that advance the tale. It is designed for ages 10 and up and works well for families and friends, with everyone welcome. The price is $15 per player over 14, and players 14 and under participate free. Start times can be reserved in advance.

Take a free group tour of The Birthplace at Goshen Hospital to get acquainted with the unit. Tours run about 30 to 45 minutes and require advance registration. All participants must follow Goshen Hospital visitor guidelines. Depending on room availability, a tour may need to be rescheduled, in which case the Childbirth Education Coordinator will reach out to set a new time. If available options do not fit your schedule, call (574) 364-BABY or email ChildbirthEducation@GoshenHealth.com to request additional dates.

Set at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen, this festival brings together unlimited burgers from 25 different companies, with desserts and refreshments included. Adult tickets include an open bar, and the live music lineup features the Whistle Pigs with headliner The 1985 performing Totally 80’s Mixtape LIVE. Families are welcome, and kids 12 and under get in free. Early bird pricing offers a regular ticket for 70 dollars, a designated driver ticket for 30 dollars without the open bar, and a student option for ages 13 to 20 at 20 dollars, with a 20 dollar savings off day-of pricing for the regular ticket. The event supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County.

Center for Healing & Hope’s signature summer celebration returns to Goshen Brewing Company with live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, community vendors and nonprofits, and activities for all ages. The program features the vibrant cultural dances of Ballet Folklórico México en el Corazón, plus dynamic sets from local Latin fusion rockers Lalo Cura and Fort Wayne’s Latin Cumbia rock group Los Electro. Food and drink highlights include tacos from Saca Los Tacos, a full Goshen Brewing Company menu with freshly crafted beer and food, including the festival collaboration brew Thirst Aid Kit. Diana’s Dulces offers homemade chamoy and coated candies, and the Tropicana Ice Cream truck serves cool treats. Families can enjoy free face painting, a balloon twister, giant bubble making, a bounce house, and a mechanical bull. Admission is free, with the option to donate in support of Center for Healing & Hope’s Day of Giving, the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, which helps provide affordable healthcare access for uninsured individuals and supports advocacy programs for immigrants.

Wyatt Marshall and the Tumbleweed Jumpers perform at the Woodland Pavilion in Wellfield Botanic Gardens during Monarch Music Fest, a family friendly benefit for Lexington House of Elkhart. Each ticket includes admission to the gardens, parking, and live music. Guests may explore the gardens throughout the event and should check in at the admission desk upon arrival. Food and beverages will be available from Navarre Cash Bar, Sweazy Q, Pink Cow Ice Cream, and Rulli's Pizza Truck. Folding chairs are provided at the pavilion, and personal chairs are welcome. Because this is a special ticketed program, dogs are not allowed. Tickets are also available at the door if additional passes are needed. All ticket purchases are nonrefundable, and any unused tickets will be treated as a donation to Lexington House. Purchases support the missions of both Lexington House and Wellfield Botanic Gardens.

Discover scent work alongside your dog in a hands-on class that introduces the fundamentals of sniff searching. The training focuses on building independent hunters while working with target odors such as birch, anise, and clove. Dogs of any size, age, or training background are welcome if they can be safely managed around other dogs and people. The cost is $20 for each hourly class.

Spark creativity at The Hunny Pot Studio’s Summer Social Club in Downtown Elkhart, a hands-on art experience for kids ages 8 and up. Participants paint pottery and canvases, hand build with clay, and make on-trend DIY projects, with mocktails, snacks, and time to connect with new friends. The program is designed with tweens and teens in mind and blends artmaking with social time for a full creative experience. Each week brings brand-new projects inspired by current trends, with themes that include options like Coastal Cowgirl, Main Character Energy, a Taylor-inspired era, Paris café, Sweet Shop, TikTok made me try it, and Sunshine and Surf. Kids create functional pottery, custom room décor, canvas pieces, and handmade clay work while building confidence and creativity in a welcoming studio setting. Flexible scheduling is available with daily drop-ins or full week options. Families appreciate the screen free focus, indoor creative enrichment, a safe and friendly environment, and the care of a locally owned small business. Space is limited each week and some themes may fill quickly.

Supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Wellfield provides complimentary garden admission for Elkhart County residents every Tuesday, valued at up to $10 per person. Individuals who are not Elkhart County residents, or who do not present proof of residency, will need to pay admission fees. Guests may arrive at any time, and final entry takes place 30 minutes before closing. Those who prefer not to register in advance and want to save on tickets to events and classes, as well as visit other gardens for free, can consider a membership. Staff are available to share membership options. Thank you for supporting Wellfield.

Enjoy a seasonal walking meet-up for moms at Abshire Park in Goshen. These casual strolls offer time outside to stretch your legs and connect with other mothers in a friendly, low-key setting. Expectant, postpartum, and experienced moms are all welcome, and children are invited to come along. Bring what helps you feel comfortable, such as a stroller or snacks, and look forward to unstructured time focused on conversation and community.

Guided bird walks at Wellfield are led by Mary Kauffmann-Kennel, a Wellfield volunteer and member of the Audubon Society. Open to all ages, with parents accompanying minors, each outing typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and takes place outdoors rain or shine, so dressing for the weather is recommended. If severe conditions arise, cancellation updates will appear on the organization’s Facebook page or be shared by phone. Participation is included with regular admission.

Little Sprouts offers a relaxed, come-and-go program designed for young children through the early elementary years. Held in the Children’s Garden, it features story time, engaging activities, and simple craft projects. Participation is included with membership or regular admission to Wellfield. Elkhart County residents receive free admission on Tuesdays, and preregistration is recommended.

Kids can dig into gardening in a brand new club held in the Children's Garden. Designed for elementary-age participants, the session introduces practical skills such as watering, weed removal, and compost care. The program is included with Wellfield membership or regular admission. Tuesday free admission for Elkhart County residents applies, and advance registration is encouraged.

Come to the Children’s Garden area for free, interactive Storytime at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. It’s geared toward kids and families, and the program runs during the garden’s free Tuesdays. If weather is iffy, check the event page and their Facebook for updates.

Designed for puppies and dogs older than six months who are new to this training series, this beginner class builds everyday manners and foundational obedience while developing reliable responses to common cues. The course runs eight weeks with a fee of $185. The first meeting is for people only, and dogs attend each of the seven weekly sessions that follow. For registration or questions, contact 574/710-0693.

Shipshewana Trading Place holds Antique & Miscellaneous Auctions Every Wednesday, year-round, at 9 am. Holidays could affect these days. Move from ring to ring catching the best deals on a wide variety of merchandise as six to ten auctioneers simultaneously sell inside the Shipshewana Antique Building every week. Find furniture, antiques, primitives, art, glassware, pottery, household items, tools, sporting goods, architectural salvage, estate items, books, and the list goes on and on! Each Wednesday the auction is completely different as sellers from all over bring in their picks and finds. An average auction will take from 9 am until 1 pm – 3 pm. The auction is held in the Shipshewana Auction Misc. & Antique Building (an 80′ by 200′ enclosed facility, heated in the winter and open-air in the summer). Restrooms and the Auction Snack Bar are located inside. Every Wednesday we have people in attendance from all across the country. Many of our customers are here every week, both buyers and sellers, while every week there are people in attendance for the very first time. First time or for the last 40 years, we appreciate your business. If you are interested in selling, give us a call at 260-768-4129 to reserve your auction space. If you are wanting to buy – one time or a box truck full, this is the place! Watch our schedule on AuctionZip.com – we post photos of items for sale each week!