The best things to do in Merrillville

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“When your crew needs to burn off energy, Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center brings kid-sized adventures to life with a pretend market, construction zone, pizza parlor, art studio, water tables, and a sweet space for babies, all designed for infants through nine and pretty likely to tire them out.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Sports entertainment at a kid-friendly ballpark with fireworks, food, and other diversions.”

“Multipurpose venue for boxing, wrestling, and roller derby, plus historic events.”

“Jean Shepherd Community Center is the local pickleball hub with reservable courts and a lively scene that turns quick games into, well, a few more quick games. When the rallies wrap, on-site Flick’s Kitchen & Picklebar is there for the debrief. Rally the crew this week.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Need an easy win this week? Set 'Em Up nails the vibe with crispy apps, pizzas, and burgers plus cold drinks. When the lanes cool off, their region’s largest year-round patio fires up with live music and bags to keep the good times rolling.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a perfect game or just dodging the gutters, Strikes & Bites Bowl brings 16 slick lanes, cosmic weekends, and leagues that feel like hanging out with friends. Grab burgers, wings, and a cold craft beer in the lounge, then keep the frames rolling. Make it your league night pick this week.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Casual family-friendly venue featuring pizza and other grub, along with a bowling alley and an arcade.”

“Kid-friendly bowling alley with arcade games, a snack bar and a bar, plus leagues.”

“Golf course in good condition with well-rated greens.”

“Challenging golf course with affordable greens fees and a welcoming staff.”

“Private country club boasting 2 golf courses, a pool, a clubhouse and a racquets club.”

“Modern roller-skating facility with seasonal miniature golf, a day-care program & a snack bar.”

“Set on 600 acres with prairies, forests, and streams, this complex features 36 holes of golf, plus a banquet hall.”

“Duck Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-70 track to hit this week, where woods and water keep you honest and the wildlife might just stare you down. Wrap it up at Nab’s Lounge overlooking the 9th hole, sip something cold, replay the round, and pretend that slice was on purpose.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Well-kept golf club with smooth greens and a friendly staff.”

“Forest Park Golf Course is classic parkland up front and a challenging back nine with elevation changes and small greens across 18 holes that keep you honest. Sneak in a round this week or hop into a league with neighbors for friendly competition and a perfect excuse to be outside.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Creekside Golf Course & Training Center makes practice actually fun with a lighted, heated 48-station range, two indoor TrackMan simulators, and a 3-hole Meadows loop plus a 9-hole Glen course. Grab a quick loop, join a league, or book a lesson with top LPGA pro Nancy Bender and feel dialed in by the weekend.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 4, 2026

“When the kids are bouncing off the walls, let them sprint through the jets at Valparaiso Splash Pad in Central Park Plaza. Weather permitting, it’s an easy win for parents too, with benches to chill while the littles wear themselves out.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase birdies or just fix that fade. Chicago’s home for golf since 1995, with The Pier at Harborside to debrief after, and Starboard on Golfweek’s 2025 Best list.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing tree-lined fairways, an easy swim for the kids, or a dinner that feels a notch fancier than Tuesday, Valparaiso Country Club has you covered. Since 1922 it’s been Porter County’s laid-back hub for golf, pool days, dining, and gatherings at The Venue at VCC.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Need a low-effort, high-smiles outing this week? Zao Island packs mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, an arcade, an alligator exhibit, plus a cafe so you can refuel between bragging-rights rounds, all conveniently close to home.”

“From kids cooking camps and Harry Potter themed classes to ServSafe classes with instructor Gina Zieniewicz, Nana Clare's Kitchen makes learning to cook fun and legit this week.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Need a low-stress way to cool down close to home? Deep River Waterpark brings the splash with plenty of slides, big pools, and food that keeps everyone fueled, so you can turn a random afternoon into a mini vacation with the kids or the group chat.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 19, 2026

“The Course at Aberdeen brings classic, tree-lined fairways, preserved wetlands, and rolling countryside, plus a full driving range and practice setup. Tee times are open to the public, so this week, claim a Valpo afternoon that actually feels like an escape.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Tucked at Central Park Plaza, Indiana Beverage Activity Center has a reservable lobby area plus a year-round conference room perfect for club catch-ups, team huddles, or rink-season birthday HQ... quick, easy, and way more polished than cramming around someone's kitchen table.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Let the kids go all-in on bounce time at FunFlatables - Valparaiso, with open play, birthday parties, and field trips that make rainy days a non-issue. It’s a simple, happy way to burn off wiggles this week without wrecking your living room.”

From the Porter County newsletter, August 18, 2026

“3-acre family-fun park with go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, batting cages & an arcade.”