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Pack towels, buckets, and sunscreen for a simple summer outing at Gary’s lakefront. Families can enjoy sand play, shoreline walks, and watching boats on Lake Michigan. This works well for a half-day adventure with younger kids.

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Hours: Open from dawn to dusk daily - Sunday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty 10am to 6pm. Fees: $8 parking fee for Gary residents; $10 for non-residents. Lot capacity: Plenty of parking available. Amenities: Boat launch (7am to 6pm) and wave-runner ramp (check the Re-Imagine Gary Facebook page for any closures), fishing access, restrooms, lifeguard, wheelchair accessible. Dog-friendly. Directions: Take U.S. 20 to Lake Street in Miller and head north. Safety note - Do not swim in Lake Michigan when Rip Current warnings are posted or in large crashing waves, which can cause rip currents. These strong currents rushing out into Lake Michigan can carry even the strongest swimmer with them. If you get caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current. Check for beach hazard warnings before you go.

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Take a family-friendly walk through Marquette Park to explore green space, lake views, and room to move around. Bring water, comfortable shoes, and a camera for a relaxed outdoor day. This is a great option for kids who like open spaces and short walks.

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Marquette Park, Gary, Indiana - Marquette Pavillion

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Marquette Park is a municipal park completely surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Its primary elements include 1.4 miles of white sand Lake Michigan beaches, inland ponds, impressively high sand dunes, wetlands, a lagoon and indigenous oak savanna. The Park includes the Octave Chanute museum, registered as a National Landmark of Soaring.

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Look for nearby splash pads, spray features, or simple backyard-style water play events during hot summer weeks. These outings are usually best in the morning or early evening. A change of clothes and water shoes can make the day easier for families.

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Get excited for the City of Gary's 2026 upcoming events. Download the event calendar via the button below.

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Fall is a wonderful time for a family apple-picking outing within driving distance of Gary. Kids can learn where food comes from, enjoy a hayride if available, and bring home apples for baking. Check the farm’s hours and age-friendly activities before visiting.

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Northwest Indiana Orchards | U-Picks, Pumpkins & Apple Picking

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Explore Northwest Indiana’s dozens of U-pick farms and orchards along the South Shore! Find pumpkin patches, apple picking, sunflowers, and sweet corn.

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A pumpkin patch visit can be a fun fall tradition for families with children of different ages. Many farms offer photo spots, simple games, corn mazes, or petting areas. Choose a smaller, kid-friendly patch if you want a more relaxed day.

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As leaves begin to change, a short family walk is an easy way to enjoy the season. Encourage kids to collect leaf colors, listen for birds, and talk about signs of fall. This can turn into a simple science and observation activity outdoors.

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During colder weather, library story times, craft sessions, and reading programs are great low-cost options for families. These activities are especially helpful on snowy or icy days. Check local library calendars for children’s events and seasonal programs.

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The Gary Public Library (GPL) is one of seven independent library systems in Lake County, Indiana. Founded in 1908, its Main Library, five branches, Extension Services, and Bookmobile serve the residents of Gary and the surrounding areas.

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A family drive or walk to see holiday lights can become a cozy winter tradition. Bring hot chocolate in travel mugs and let kids look for favorite colors or themed decorations. Community event calendars may also list public light displays nearby.

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Where to Go For Christmas Lights - PanoramaNOW Entertainment News

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Seems like the one thing popular this year during the Pandemic is to go see Christmas lights from the safety of your own car. We’v

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When temperatures drop, an indoor learning trip can keep kids active and curious. Look for museums, cultural centers, or hands-on exhibits within Gary or nearby communities. Pick one place and keep the day simple so younger children do not get overwhelmed.

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Parks and playgrounds are useful year-round for fresh air, movement, and unstructured play. Families can plan a quick visit after school or a longer weekend outing. It helps to check park conditions and restroom access before heading out.

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It shall be the purpose of the department of public parks to stress the value of recreation, both active and passive, for individual growth and development. We are dedicated to the common cause of assuring that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to find the most satisfying use of their leisure time and enjoy an improved quality of life. Consistent with this purpose, every opportunity shall be afforded to plan, procure, develop and maintain the park and recreational resources.

Mattiee Fitzgerald
Director
‍mfitzgerald@gary.gov

455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-7099
fax (219) 881-0008
‍
Download the 5 Year Gary Parks Plan

BEACHES AND AQUATICS
‍
‍ Ambridge Park
‍1900 W 2 nd Ave
Gary, IN 46404

Borman Square Park
750 Madison Street
Gary, IN 46402

Brunswick Park
‍700 Clark Road
Gary, IN 46406

Buffington Park
200 E 7th Ave
Gary, Indiana 46402

Glen Ryan Park
4220 E 6th Pl
Gary, IN 46403

Howe Park
E 39th Ave & Vermont St
Gary, IN 46409

Ironwood Park
1119 W 24th Ave
Gary, IN 46407

Jackson Park
600 W 4th Ave
Gary, IN 46402

Pittman Park
303 E 51st Ave
Gary, IN 46409

Reed Park
1534 Connecticut St
Gary, IN 46407

This location includes a splash pad.

Rees Park
520 Johnson Street
Gary, IN 46402

Roosevelt Park
‍2145 Harrison St
Gary, IN 46407

This location includes an indoor pavilion.

Tolleston Park
1709 Ellsworth Pl
Gary, IN 46404

This location includes a pool, an indoor pavilion, and picnic shelters.

PARKS DEPARTMENT
Mattiee Fitzgerald
Director
‍
455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-7099
fax (219) 881-0008

MARQUETTE PARK PAVILION
1 North Grand Blvd
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 938-7362

PARKS MANAGER
Don Plohg

455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-7099
fax (219) 881-0008

Team Email
cogparks@gary.gov

AQUATICS DIRECTOR
Tawanna Lyons
Director
‍
455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-7099
fax (219) 881-0008

RESERVATION SPECIALIST
Angela Noel-Peasant

455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-7099
fax (219) 881-0008

HUDSON-CAMPBELL
FITNESS CENTER
Jon'Vae Johnson
Director

455 Massachusetts St.
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-2814
fax (219) 881-5207

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It shall be the purpose of the department of public parks to stress the value of recreation, both active and passive, for individual growth and development. We are dedicated to the common cause of assuring that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to find the most satisfying use of their leisure time and enjoy an improved quality of life.

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A local calendar is one of the best ways to find kid-friendly festivals, performances, and neighborhood activities in and around Gary. Check often because event details can change by season. This is a helpful starting point when planning weekend outings.

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Get excited for the City of Gary's 2026 upcoming events. Download the event calendar via the button below.

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Community recreation centers often offer swim times, youth classes, sports, and family programs across the year. These can be especially helpful for ongoing routines, active play, and indoor options. Look for schedules, age ranges, and membership details before visiting.

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Thank you for being part of the YMCA family. The Crossroads YMCA has never been stronger. With the expansion of the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA and the renovation of Hammond Family YMCA, our ability to serve the adults, children and families of the community is increasing and so exciting to see.