Family events in Gary, IN

Presented by the City of Portage, the 2026 edition of Food Truck Fridays highlights featured vendors at a food truck centered gathering.

American Legion Post 260 hosts the Annual Steamed Corn Picnic, a family friendly celebration with food, music, raffles, games, and community activities. Guests can enjoy steamed corn on the cob along with burgers, brats, hot dogs, and more. Live music is provided by Rocky Road. Kids can have fun with a bouncy castle, face painting, and a piñata. Additional highlights include an auxiliary baked goods sale, a silent auction, a cash raffle, and raffles for a grill, a lawn mower, and a campfire. Food tickets are sold at the door, with options for all you can eat meals, an all you can eat package that includes the beer garden, and a kids price. This event is open to the public and welcomes all ages, and free parking is available. Proceeds support Post 260 programs, community donations, scholarships, and the maintenance and improvement of the Post and its grounds.

Learn about the Douglas Center's animal ambassadors and what makes them unique. Discover their diets, habitats, and the care they receive from park staff. Get answers to these and other questions.

A reunion and celebration honors the legendary coach, Rodney Fisher, bringing together former players, team parents, friends, and family in the Banquette Hall at Marquette Park Pavillion. Guests may RSVP through Eventbrite or by contacting committee members Bernettra Grayer, Amanda Robinson, Ralynn Crockett, Tamara Somerville, Tai Adkins, Tarnisha Thompson, or Thomas Neal.

Sensory Friendly Day at the ballpark offers a calmer game experience with reduced public address and music volumes, no flashing messages on the video board, and a quiet train horn. Players will wear special jerseys created for Sensory Day, and those jerseys will be available to purchase through a jersey auction held during the game. This day is sponsored by Sandra Lee's In-Home Care.

This nature-focused program welcomes children ages 3 to 6 with a caregiver to Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, encouraging curiosity by heading outside to see what is happening in the natural world. Every session features story time, a creative craft, a snack, and plenty of outdoor exploration. The cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-844-3188 or by using the ticket link.

A weekly, family-friendly open mic welcomes all ages. From first-timers to seasoned pros, participants can share their talents.

At the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education, participants can play in the Nature Play Zone, admire more than 20 works of art created in the dunes, and make a craft in the craft room. Set out on the interactive Pollinator Trail for a hike, try a frog themed scavenger hunt, and borrow a Naturalist Backpack for added discovery. Complete the Junior Ranger book or the activity sheet on the last page of the Singing Sands newspaper to earn a badge or sticker. These activities are available during regular Douglas Center hours.

Each Thursday in Downtown Hammond, a market that puts producers first brings together local farmers, makers, foragers, and other producers. Admission is free and open to all ages, with artisan vendors offering high quality goods and plenty of locally made food and drinks. The experience features live music and a changing lineup of entertainment, along with activities for families. Each market also supports a local nonprofit. SNAP shoppers can triple their benefits. Spend $20 with EBT and receive $60 in vouchers for eligible items.

Experience an evening by the fire at Portage Lakefront Park & Riverwalk as a ranger leads a casual program focused on the park, with sunset views adding to the atmosphere. A National Park pass is required for this program.