The best things to do in Porter County

11 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 11 places · showing the latest additions first

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…

638 N 700 W (Hobart)

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

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Forest Park Golf Course is classic parkland up front and a challenging back nine with elevation changes and small greens across 18 holes…

1155 Sheffield Dr (Valparaiso)

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, September 10, 2026

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Creekside Golf Course & Training Center makes practice actually fun with a lighted, heated 48-station range, two indoor TrackMan…

2355 Clifford Rd (Valparaiso)

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, September 4, 2026

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When the kids are bouncing off the walls, let them sprint through the jets at Valparaiso Splash Pad in Central Park Plaza. Weather…

50-70 Lafayette St (Valparaiso)

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 Porter County newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Cinemark Valparaiso

Entertainment

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

700 Porters Vale Blvd (Valparaiso)

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

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Whether you’re chasing tree-lined fairways, an easy swim for the kids, or a dinner that feels a notch fancier than Tuesday, Valparaiso…

2501 Country Club Rd (Valparaiso)

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

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Zao Island

Entertainment

Need a low-effort, high-smiles outing this week? Zao Island packs mini golf, go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, an arcade, an alligator…

1050 Horse Prairie Ave (Valparaiso)

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 the Porter County newsletter, August 29, 2026

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From kids cooking camps and Harry Potter themed classes to ServSafe classes with instructor Gina Zieniewicz, Nana Clare's Kitchen makes…

3907 N Calumet Ave #106 (Valparaiso)

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

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The Course at Aberdeen brings classic, tree-lined fairways, preserved wetlands, and rolling countryside, plus a full driving range and…

245 Tower Rd (Valparaiso)

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

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Tucked at Central Park Plaza, Indiana Beverage Activity Center has a reservable lobby area plus a year-round conference room perfect for…

51-75 S Napoleon St (Valparaiso)

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

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Let the kids go all-in on bounce time at FunFlatables - Valparaiso, with open play, birthday parties, and field trips that make rainy days…

52 Marks Rd (Valparaiso)

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

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