With the price of gas these days it is a good idea to offset the cost with free activities. Whether you live in northwest Indiana or plan to visit, consider the following free or cheap things to do. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a good time, and I have found the opposite to be true. Northwest Indiana is a great source of fun things to do and see, and some of the best times I had were totally free. Save money on things to do and offset the high price of gas. You will discover or even rediscover many fun and free or cheap things to do in northwest Indiana and the best things in life truly are free.
Deep River County Park in Northwest Indiana
If you have never been to Deep River County Park in northwest Indiana you really need to visit this free northwest Indiana park if you are looking for free things to do. It is one of the few county parks left that does not charge a fee. You can visit the old mill, walk the many shaded and scenic trails, fish in the river, picnic near the playground on the far side of the park or at the entrance near the river, and you can browse the general store – all for free. Deep River County Park has always been one of my favorite places to visit in northwest Indiana, and it is a peaceful place with a lot of interesting things to do and see. This beautiful 1,200 acre park is located at 9410 Old Lincoln Highway in Hobart Indiana, and it opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at dusk year round. The general store and old mill open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 between May 1st and October 31st.
Cheap and Free Movie Showings in Northwest Indiana
Who says the movie theater is too expensive for a family? The Portage 16 IMAX Theater in Portage Indiana offers many specials that will enable you to take your family to the movies for a very cheap price. Watch their website for upcoming specials such as $1 movies for kids, and they sometimes offer movies completely free of charge! You do not have to go without popcorn and snacks either. They offer a kid’s pack that is great for kids and adults alike. It contains a generous amount of popcorn, a sweet treat, and a drink, all for a reasonable price. The Portage 16 IMAX Theater is located at 6550 U.S. Highway 6 in Portage Indiana. Call 219-764-7469 for the latest specials and showings.
Visit Albanese Candy Factory in Northwest Indiana
One of my favorite places to visit in northwest Indiana is the Albanese Candy Factory at 1910 U.S. Highway 30 in Merrillville Indiana. They offer free samples of their candies as well as a free factory tour. Through large glass windows you can see how they make many different types of candy. Albanese candy factory in northwest Indiana also has a chocolate fountain that constantly flows from a large vat all the way up to the ceiling. It is a kid’s dream come true, and adults love it too! You will want to buy some of their delicious specialty candy, but you will not have to spend a dime to have a good time at this northwest Indiana attraction.
The Old Jail Museum in Valparaiso
How many museums can you think of that do not charge an entry fee? The old jail museum located downtown at the corner of Indiana and Franklin in Valparaiso Indiana offers free fun for kids as well as adults. Although this northwest Indiana museum accepts donations, they currently do not charge to get in. The museum displays more than 10,000 interesting artifacts within 5,000 square feet. Kids will enjoy this museum because it has interactive displays that make learning fun. Even the parking is free! It is currently open from 1:00 to 4:00, Friday through Sunday.
Visit Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana is home to a 794 acre lake that is great for boating, fishing from the public access site, and watching beautiful sunsets. Although gas is quite expensive, seeing Cedar Lake is worth the drive. Besides the lake, you can drive just a short distance down the road and visit Lemon Lake County Park which is right off of 133rd avenue. Although this northwest Indiana Park charges a nominal parking fee, it is well worth the price. You will discover a lake you can fish, hiking trails, basketball courts, an open dog run so you can bring your four-legged family member, and much more.
Instead of spending a small fortune on commercial entertainment and other expensive things to do in northwest Indiana, look into the many free things you and your family can experience. Free activities and fun things to do bring families closer together, and they can be just as enjoyable as expensive activities. Gas prices may be high, but the free fun in northwest Indiana never ends!
