Last updated: 2025-04-22
Portage’s indoor scene offers a treasure trove of entertainment for families, art lovers, and adventure seekers. From interactive play spaces to artistic havens, the city provides engaging experiences that transform rainy days into memorable moments.
Whether exploring hands-on discovery centers, catching a performance, or enjoying creative workshops, Portage’s indoor attractions showcase the region’s vibrant cultural landscape. These destinations promise excitement and learning for visitors of all ages.
Discover Portage’s best indoor adventures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Portage
- Zao Island (Valparaiso)
- Albanese Candy Factory (Merrillville)
- Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center (Lake Station)
- Lakeshore Lanes (Chesterton)
- Portage IMAX
- 4th Street Theater (Chesterton)
- Indiana Ballet Theatre (Merrillville)
- Art Barn School of Art (Valparaiso)
- Lake Street Gallery (Miller Beach)
4th Street Theater (Chesterton)
What to Expect
Award-winning community theater productions in Northwest Indiana
Description
4th Street Theater delivers professional-quality community theater productions in downtown Chesterton, featuring contemporary and classic plays. The venue showcases local talent through diverse performances, including musical song cycles and satirical works by renowned playwrights like Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Where: Chesterton | More Info: 4th Street Theater
Albanese Candy Factory (Merrillville)
What to Expect
World's Best Gummies with authentic fruit flavor profiles
Description
Albanese Candy Factory produces award-winning gummies and chocolates featuring innovative flavor profiles and premium ingredients. Their signature offerings include World's Best Gummies with True to Fruit™ flavors, extensive chocolate collections, and seasonal specialty items like Spring Gummi Kabobs and Mini Gummi Butterflies.
Where: Merrillville | More Info: Albanese Candy Factory
Art Barn School of Art (Valparaiso)
What to Expect
Nature-integrated art education center in Northwest Indiana
Description
Art Barn School of Art offers comprehensive art education programs for all ages and skill levels. Located in a nature-based setting, the school provides inclusive art workshops, exhibitions, and creative exploration opportunities. Participants can engage in diverse artistic learning experiences across multiple mediums and techniques.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Art Barn School of Art
Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center (Lake Station)
What to Expect
Comprehensive children's discovery center with multiple interactive play zones
Description
Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center offers an interactive learning environment with 20+ unique play areas designed for children to explore, learn, and engage through hands-on experiences. The center provides diverse educational programming, supporting developmental play through multiple interactive zones and engaging activities.
Where: Lake Station | More Info: Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center
Indiana Ballet Theatre (Merrillville)
What to Expect
Northwest Indiana's only dance company presenting nine full-length classical ballets
Description
Northwest Indiana's premier dance company offering comprehensive performing arts education and performances. Specializes in classical and contemporary dance styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Presents nine full-length classical ballet productions annually with a 41-year history of enriching local communities through dance.
Where: Merrillville | More Info: Indiana Ballet Theatre
Lake Street Gallery (Miller Beach)
What to Expect
Regional art collection highlighting Indiana Dunes landscape
Description
Lake Street Gallery showcases original local art inspired by Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan, featuring works by regional artists like David Hugg and Therese Carey. The gallery offers a diverse collection of artisan jewelry, pottery, glass crafts, and vintage South Shore poster reproductions, celebrating Northwest Indiana's creative community.
Where: Miller Beach | More Info: Lake Street Gallery
Lakeshore Lanes (Chesterton)
What to Expect
Multi-activity entertainment complex with bowling, arcade, and mini-golf
Description
Comprehensive entertainment center offering bowling, arcade games, and mini-golf. Features a newly expanded Arcade Game Room with the latest games and prize selections. Provides versatile event spaces for birthday parties, team celebrations, and group gatherings with multiple indoor and outdoor activity options.
Where: Chesterton | More Info: Lakeshore Lanes
Portage IMAX
What to Expect
Large-format IMAX projection system with premium digital sound
Description
State-of-the-art cinema featuring premium large-format IMAX screens with immersive digital projection and surround sound. Offers cutting-edge movie experiences with advanced audiovisual technology, delivering crystal-clear picture quality and powerful sound for blockbuster films and special screenings.
Where: Portage | More Info: Portage IMAX
Zao Island (Valparaiso)
What to Expect
High-end family entertainment complex with multiple attraction types
Description
Zao Island delivers a comprehensive family entertainment center in Northwest Indiana, offering multiple interactive attractions. The venue features a range of engaging activities including arcade games, go-karts, and various entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy diverse experiences designed to appeal to different age groups and interests.
Where: Valparaiso | More Info: Zao Island
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