Family events in Mishawaka, IN

Advance registration is required. Enjoy two complimentary games each day throughout the summer. The offer is available all day on weekdays and for a limited window on weekends.

Kennedy's Kitchen will be at the Battell Bandshell. Bring chairs and blankets for comfortable seating.

Elkhart County residents can enjoy complimentary garden admission every Tuesday, made possible by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. The offer covers up to a $10 value per person, and visitors may arrive at any time until the final admission window, which is 30 minutes before closing. Please bring proof of residency. If you are not an Elkhart County resident, or cannot provide proof, admission fees apply. Wellfield memberships are available for those who prefer not to register in advance, want to save on tickets to events and classes, and would like free entry to other gardens. Staff can share membership options.

An informal program created for young children through early elementary age, held in the Children's Garden with time for stories, activities, and crafts. Participation is included with a Wellfield membership or with regular admission, and Elkhart County residents receive free entry on Tuesdays. Advance registration is recommended.

The new Kid’s Garden Club offers a friendly introduction to gardening in the Children’s Garden, where young participants learn practical skills like watering plants, weeding, and composting. This activity is designed for elementary-aged students. Participation is free with membership or admission to Wellfield. Elkhart County residents receive free admission on Tuesdays, and pre-registration is recommended.

This event offers a relaxed session of Pokémon play with casual games. Participation is free, and players who sign in with a Player ID can receive promotional packs for attending.

Start your engines for a community car show featuring great cars, delicious food, and community fun. Meals are available for $5.00 and include a burger or hot dog, chips, and a drink. Raffle baskets will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. All cars are welcome. To reserve a spot, email jcoleman@prioritylc.com.

A welcoming starter course designed for puppies and adult dogs at least six months old who are new to this program. Across eight weeks, handlers focus on everyday manners, foundational obedience, and building reliable responses to common cues. The first meeting is reserved for people to set expectations and lay the groundwork, and dogs attend the seven sessions that follow. The fee is $185 for the full series. For registration or questions, call 574/710-0693.

Cars gather at Niles Riverfront Park for a relaxed cruise-in hosted by the Olde Boys Toys Car Club. This event is part of a 13-show series at the park, with free entry for both participants and spectators. Expect DJ-spun music, door prize giveaways, and awards for those who bring vehicles to show, creating a welcoming outing for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Enjoy an all day pass to unlimited laser tag for $20 per person. Challenge your group, aim for the top of the leaderboard, and keep the games going without limits. Suitable for families, friend groups, teams, and players of any age. Available at Generations Adventureplex in Mishawaka.

This session at Howard Branch Library features stories, songs, and a craft.

Homeschoolers in the tween and teen range can gather in the Community Room for a casual game day. Bring a favorite board game, card game, or puzzle to play and enjoy connecting with other homeschool families from the area. No registration is required.

Set along the river at NIBCO Water and Ice Park in downtown Elkhart, the Summer Chill Concert Series offers free live music in a relaxed setting. Bring a chair or blanket, pick up food from local vendors, and settle in for an easygoing evening. It suits a casual meetup after work as well as a low-key family outing, making for a mellow start to the weekend. Band lineups and other details will be shared as each show approaches.

Live music from The Buddy System comes to Elkhart Public Library (Downtown). This is a free concert, with food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a camp chair, a blanket, or your dancing shoes to make the most of it. Local musicians are central to the experience, and the event is presented with support from the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Take on Ninja Nation Mobile's obstacle course at Ironworks Plaza. Each session runs an hour and twenty minutes, with additional inflatables available throughout. The first session is reserved for ages 5 to 8, and all participants must be at least 5 years old. Kona Ice and Sun King Concessions will be open. Multiple session options are available and may fill quickly. The cost is $5 per participant.

Members and visitors can enjoy designated Dog Days at Fernwood, when leashed and well-socialized dogs may accompany their people on a walk through the garden and nature preserve. Guests are encouraged to look over the guidelines in advance and note the areas where pets are not permitted. Members receive early entry, and with an active membership both the owner and their dog are admitted at no charge. Visitors may enter during designated visitor hours, with standard general admission applying plus a $5 fee per dog. For everyone’s safety and comfort, dogs must remain on leash and under supervision at all times, including in the parking lot, and should have current vaccinations and registrations. Please stay on paved and dirt paths to help protect plants and wildlife, and remember that owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior. Clean up after your pet and use the outdoor trash receptacles, with bags available at the Visitor Center. Some locations are pet free, including natural springs, ponds and other water features, the Fernwood Café, the Fern Conservatory, manicured garden beds, and the Gift Shop. Dogs are allowed only on designated days and during specified hours. Service animals are welcome, while emotional support animals are not permitted.

Hosted by Urban Co. Market & Events, this outdoor market fills The NODE - Niles Outdoor Downtown Experience with 18 rotating vendors alongside a few returning favorites. This edition features BLUEY and music from DJ Jor-EL. Explore a lineup that includes Urban Collective, Baked With Love, Drye Family Farm, Coopers Creations, B. Linked offering permanent jewelry, The Little Kusina, Crafty Day Co. with Blind Date With A Book, Cedar River, Spooktacular Sips & Sweets, June Bug Thread Co., Patio Life Creations, Pixi's Apothecary, Drip Mobile IV, The Creative Cottage, and Coastal Shells By Kim featuring shell jewelry, plus chair massages from Rooted balance Massage & Esthetics. The CHICK-FIL-A FOOD TRUCK will be on site, and AT&T will also participate.

Registration is required to enjoy two complimentary games each day throughout the summer. Availability depends on open lanes, and reservations are not accepted. Weekend hours are more limited than on weekdays, so plan accordingly. For the most current operating schedule, check the webpage before heading out.

Rivals Gaming hosts a Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament with a $5 entry fee. The format uses Swiss pairings, with the number of rounds determined by total entries, and matches are played as best of one. No deck list is required, but a currently legal Standard deck is needed. Every participant receives one Prize Pack, and at the end of the Swiss rounds an additional Prize Pack is awarded for each match win. After the tournament, there is an open play and trading session, and weekly side events are also available. Updates about side events are shared on the organizer’s Facebook page. For questions, contact Professor Seifer at seifer.a1985@icloud.com.