Family events in St. Joseph County, IN

Things to do with kids around St. Joseph County this week, each one checked against where it was posted.

16 this weekChecked Wednesday, October 21

Family events this week

16 picks that work with kids in tow. All events →

Thursday, October 22

2 events

  • 3pm

    Unlimited Laser Tag Thursdays

    Mishawaka · Generations AdventurePlex, 1018 W Edison Rd

    Enjoy all-day access to unlimited laser tag for just $20 per person. Rally your group, battle through game after game, and work your way up the leaderboard for nonstop excitement. A great fit for families, friend groups, and teams across all age ranges. Available exclusively at Generations Adventureplex in Mishawaka.

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  • 5:30pm

    SBAR Trunk or Treat

    South Bend · South Bend Area REALTORS, 1357 Northside Blvd

    Now in its fourth year, this Trunk or Treat delivers a cheerful Halloween gathering for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, especially imaginative ones, and a candy bag will come in handy. Children can trick or treat with one round per participant so everyone gets a fair share. Expect festively decorated trunks with recognition for the standout designs, along with plenty of lighthearted family fun. SBAR members interested in hosting a trunk can register through the website or by reaching out. The event is open to the public and celebrates all things spooky, silly, and sweet. Plans may be adjusted, postponed, or canceled in the event of inclement weather.

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Friday, October 23

4 events

  • 2:30am

    King’s Fur-Tastic Fall Pet Contest & Vendor Village

    Mishawaka · King's Play Cafe, 1022 W Jefferson Blvd

    Pets take center stage at an outdoor fall celebration at King’s Play Cafe, where costumed companions strut a cute and spooky runway surrounded by seasonal decor and a lively vendor village. Entrants compete for the grand title of King’s Play Cafe Kingdom Animal 2026–27 with a $75 cash award, a brief photo session, a full year of promotional and social spotlights, recognition at the cafe, and gifts from sponsors. Extra honors will be presented for best costume, funniest costume, most creative, and crowd favorite. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from King’s, and with Noble Roman’s Pizza Month there will be pizza to enjoy while cheering on the contenders. Registration is required in advance, with early bird entry priced at $7 and regular entry at $10, and space is limited. The gathering is held outdoors. Pets must remain leashed or otherwise securely contained and under owner control at all times, they will not enter the indoor food and play areas except for service animals, and owners are responsible for cleanup. The vendor village offers $25 spaces for local pet boutiques, treat makers, groomers, trainers, photographers, and other pet businesses, with opportunities available to sponsor prizes.

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  • 10:30am

    Storytime

    Walkerton · Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library, 406 Adams St

    This event features a story followed by a craft activity. It offers a warm, creative way to pair reading with hands-on fun.

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  • 3pm

    SBOrthoNow Trunk or Treat

    South Bend · South Bend Orthopaedics, 53880 Carmichael Dr

    Free

    SBOrthoNow is hosting a family-friendly Trunk or Treat in the South Bend Orthopaedics parking lot. Open to children and their families, costumes are encouraged for a fun, festive Halloween outing.

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  • 6pm

    Movies in the Park

    South Bend · Howard Park, 219 S St Louis Blvd

    Settle in on the event lawn at Howard Park for an outdoor movie night for families. Bring a picnic blanket, chairs, or an umbrella and enjoy a relaxed evening together. October features Encanto in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Concessions from the Public House will be available, along with candy and giveaways.

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Saturday, October 24

8 events

  • 9am

    Fall Craft Fair

    Mishawaka · Twin Branch Elementary School, 3810 Lincolnway East

    A festive fall community event showcasing talented local artisans, handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal décor, and other one-of-a-kind finds. It is ideal for anyone starting holiday shopping, hoping to support small businesses, or simply enjoying an autumn atmosphere. Attendees can browse beautiful handcrafted items, connect with local makers and vendors, and experience it all at Twin Branch MPG. Organizers note they will not comment on posts or send direct messages first, encouraging everyone to stay alert for potential scams while seeking vendor or event information.

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  • 11am

    Trunk or Treat & Falloween Fest

    South Bend · St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St Johns Way

    The event features a Trunk or Treat, with candy handed out while supplies last. A Falloween Fest takes place alongside it.

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  • 11am

    Fall Family Health Fair

    South Bend · Innovation Park at Notre Dame, 1400 E Angela Blvd

    Free

    A free, family-friendly community health event brings local healthcare providers, community organizations, and neighborhood families together to make wellness resources accessible, approachable, and fun. Indiana Health Centers’ Mobile Health Unit will be on site, accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, with a sliding fee scale available for those who qualify. For mobile health services, attendees should bring a valid photo ID and an insurance card if applicable. Those applying for the sliding fee scale should bring proof of income from the last 30 days, such as recent pay stubs, tax forms or 1099s, or a notarized letter from an employer. Festivities include a bounce house, the Hoop South Bend trailer, family-friendly fall activities, and chances to connect with community resources that support health and wellness. Complimentary treats include hot cocoa, a caramel apple station, and candy, and costumes are welcome. The South Bend Medical Foundation’s blood donation mobile will also be on site, offering an opportunity to help patients in need through lifesaving donations that support emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other serious conditions. Everyone is welcome. Admission and family activities are free, and medical services may be billed to insurance or subject to income-based fees. Presented by Indiana Health Center, Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization, Northeast Neighborhood Council, Oaklawn, South Bend Heritage, and Historic Firehouse #7.

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  • 12pm

    Oktoberfest

    South Bend · Indiana Dinosaur Museum, 7102 Lincoln Way W

    Oktoberfest comes to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum with a family-friendly celebration featuring live music from Die Musikmeisters, hearty German fare and beer, and a full lineup of seasonal activities. Test your strength in stein holding contests, enjoy wagon rides from Continental Divide Park, and savor treats like caramel apples and Butterbeer floats. Enjoy a pumpkin patch with carving, face painting, and outdoor games that add to the autumn fun. Everyone is welcome, and the Oktoberfest festivities have no admission fee.

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  • 12pm

    Kids Bowl Free

    Mishawaka · Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center, 5419 Grape Rd

    Free

    Kids can enjoy two free games each day all summer with advance registration. The offer is available all day on weekdays, and on weekends it is limited to a shorter window. Play is first come, first served since availability depends on open lanes, and reservations are not accepted. Check the bowling center’s webpage for any updates to operating hours on the day you plan to visit. Family pass options are offered.

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  • 4pm

    Trunktastic

    Mishawaka · Cornerstone Church, 308 S Byrkit Ave

    The event features food, enjoyable activities, and candy treats.

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  • 5:30pm

    Halloween Spooktacular

    Mishawaka · Emmons Elementary School, 1306 S Main St

    Emmons Elementary hosts a family-friendly Halloween event with games, interactive activities, and prizes for all ages. Admission is $10 per family for up to six people. Costumes are encouraged for a spirited night of Halloween fun. Dinner will be available for purchase in the café. This celebration returns each year and continues to grow, offering a simple way to enjoy the holiday with kids and friends.

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  • 7pm

    Yokai Walk (and s'mores with Basho)

    Granger · Ninja Golf, 12080 Adams Rd

    Following the Halloween Party, Ninja Golf presents its first annual yokai-themed walk, a lantern-lit stroll around the property inspired by creatures and legends from Japanese folklore. Participants are encouraged to bring a lantern, lamp, or flashlight and keep watch for playful nods to these stories along the route. The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with a light dose of spookiness rather than real scares. After the walk, everyone can enjoy s’mores with Basho. A suggested tip is $5 per person or $20 per family.

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Sunday, October 25

2 events

  • 12pm

    Strikes & Spares Fundraiser

    Mishawaka · Strikes & Spares, 5419 Grape Rd

    Enjoy a day of fun at Strikes & Spares while helping the JAHS Band Boosters. Tell the staff you are there for the fundraiser and 100 percent of your activity costs will benefit the Boosters. Pricing options include $10 per person for two games of bowling with shoe rental, $12 per person for one game of bowling with shoes and unlimited mini golf, and $15 per person for one game of bowling plus mini golf and two go-kart rides.

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  • 12pm

    Kids Bowl Free (Family passes available)

    Mishawaka · Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center, 5419 Grape Rd

    Free

    Kids Bowl Free offers two free bowling games for kids every day throughout the summer. Registration is required, and family passes are available.

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