Family events in Mishawaka, IN

Enjoy a full day of unlimited laser tag for $20 per person. Team up with friends, go head to head, and aim for the top of the leaderboard with nonstop rounds. Ideal for groups, teams, and players of all ages. Taking place at Generations Adventureplex in Mishawaka.

A welcoming carnival experience features exciting rides, plenty of food, and fun games. Created with families in mind, it provides a lively setting for all ages to enjoy time together.

Enjoy a storytime that features a read-aloud followed by a craft activity. Spend some time with a shared story and a bit of hands-on creativity.

Wellfield transforms into a playful realm of heroes and villains for a Halloween-themed celebration created in partnership with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum and Comic-Collection Of Michigan Indiana Cosplayers. The gardens set the stage for trick-or-treat fun alongside comic book characters and colorful cosplay. Stroll the main promenade to catch live character performances inspired by favorites like Dr. Doom, the Ghostbusters, the Joker, Deadpool, and Wolverine. The Hall of Heroes will showcase special statues, and photo opportunities will be available throughout. Local frontline professionals will also be present to share safety tips and talk about how they serve the community. Costumes are encouraged. Dress as a superhero, a villain, a Halloween original, or simply come as you are. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, and food and drink will be available for purchase from onsite vendors. Candy will be distributed at designated stations across the gardens, and small bags are welcome. Children 12 and under receive free admission, and a ticket is still required for each child. Extra tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are nonrefundable, though they may be gifted by forwarding the confirmation email. Unused tickets are treated as a donation to Wellfield Botanic Gardens and the Hall of Heroes Museum. The event takes place rain or shine except in severe weather. Wellfield may delay or cancel because of conditions, and in the rare case of cancellation due to dangerous weather, tickets may be used for one regular admission to Wellfield within one year of the event.

Skate into sunset at Howard Park during the Sunset Skating series, a casual roll-around with a live DJ and a relaxed atmosphere. This edition spotlights Fall Vibes with DJ Cherry. Bring personal skates, or pick up a rental on site for $3. All ages are welcome at no cost, and no registration is needed.

On certain Saturday mornings, Fernwood Dog Days welcomes leashed, well socialized dogs to explore the garden and nature preserve alongside their owners. Members receive early entry, and with an active membership both people and pets are admitted at no charge. Visitors are welcomed during public hours with standard general admission and a $5 fee for each dog. To keep the experience safe and enjoyable, dogs must remain under supervision and on leash at all times, including in the parking lot, and should be current on vaccinations and registrations. For the protection of plants and wildlife, please remain on established paved and dirt paths. Owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior. Clean up after your pet and place waste in outdoor receptacles; waste bags can be picked up at the Visitor Center when you arrive. Some spaces are reserved as areas where dogs are not allowed, including natural springs, ponds and other water features, the Fernwood Café, the Fern Conservatory, manicured garden beds, and the Gift Shop. Dogs are admitted only on designated days and during designated hours. Service animals are welcome. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

A two day golf camp for children and young adults who want to get better at the game, presented by Scratch Golf LLC at Parmore Golf And Driving Range.

Enjoy a 16,000 square foot expo showcasing reptiles, amphibians, tropical birds, and other small exotic animals. The layout features broad aisles that make it easy to move at your own pace while you explore, with opportunities to observe and handle animals, learn about them, and possibly bring one home. Vendors offer new and used tanks and enclosures, plus heating and lighting gear, filters, substrate, and other supplies for proper care. Live feeders including crickets, mealworms, silkworms, hornworms, and superworms are available, along with live and frozen rodents and additional essentials for exotic pet needs. Hosted at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Think Outside the Box is a drop in program offering hands on experiences and themed activities, including crafts, puzzles, and problem solving games. It is family friendly and open to all ages, with a special focus on children under 10. Families can drop in and participate at their own pace.

On the first Saturday of each month from March through October, Ninja Golf turns the course into a ninja-themed celebration. Show up in full ninja attire and your round of mini golf is free. Effort matters, so think beyond a single accessory and bring your best look. Staff may hand out extra rewards for standout style, including treats like ice cream, a Japanese soda, or another surprise. Favorite costumes are also recognized with special prizes.

Kids can enjoy complimentary bowling all summer with advance registration. Each day includes two free games. Weekend access is limited to a short window, while weekday play is available all day. Lane use depends on availability and reservations are not accepted. For the latest operating hours, check the venue’s website before you go. Optional family passes are offered.

This family-friendly fall festival offers a hayride, a kids’ train ride, bonfires with s’mores, tasty food, and vendors. It features autumn-themed fun and additional seasonal activities.

The St. Joseph County and Marshall County Out of the Darkness Walk brings the community together at Howard Park in South Bend for a day focused on remembrance, support, and hope. The event begins with check-in and community activities, followed by an opening program that includes an Honor Bead ceremony. The walk takes place after the ceremony. Proceeds support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, advancing research, education, advocacy, and programs that offer help and work to prevent suicide in local communities. Participants come together as part of a nationwide effort to elevate mental health and suicide prevention in Indiana. The AFSP Indiana Chapter has been honored with the Richard E. Kirkoff Overall Chapter of the Year award, and it earned Mid-size Market Chapter of the Year recognition in 2024 and 2025.

Advance registration is required. Enjoy two free games each day throughout the summer. Weekend availability is limited to set hours, while weekday access is available all day.

Celebrate inclusion and support individuals with special needs at the 2nd Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk/Run at Centennial Park in Plymouth, Indiana. The event features opening ceremonies, a 1 mile fun run, and a 5K walk/run, along with registration and T-shirt pickup. Registration is $25 for the 1 mile fun run and $30 for the 5K. Family-friendly activities include basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing where the winner must be present, and food trucks. All proceeds benefit individuals with special needs in the local community. Last year more than 350 participants helped raise nearly $20,000 that provided equipment and resources for local therapists and students, and this year aims to expand support for additional organizations and programs.

Elkhart County residents receive complimentary garden admission, up to a $10 value per person, thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. This offer is available every Tuesday. Guests may arrive any time, with final entry 30 minutes before closing. Visitors who are not Elkhart County residents, or who do not provide proof of residency, will be charged admission fees. If you prefer to skip advance registration, want to save on tickets to events and classes, and enjoy free access to other Gardens, consider a membership. Ask the staff about available options. Thank you for supporting Wellfield.

This program is designed for children ages 2 to 4 and blends conversation, reading, early writing practice, singing, and play to build beginning literacy skills. Activities support very young learners through simple, engaging interaction. Registration is not required.