5 Things To Do In Gary Before The Kids Go Back To School

It's hard to believe, but soon summer will be winding down. So before the kids head back to school, why not spend some time as a family enjoying all that our community has to offer?

If you're looking for a place to get started, we've rounded up five fun things to do in the Manchester area before the kids head back to school. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and access, stay hydrated, and if you're heading outdoors, bring plenty of SPF and bug spray!

1. Rail Cats Baseball Game At The Steel Yard

Address: 1 Stadium Plz, Gary, IN 46402-2600
Phone: 219-882-2255
Enjoy a day at the ballpark for non-stop fun watching the Rail Cats play baseball! In addition to the game, there’s laugh-out-loud between-inning entertainment, great giveaways, jaw-dropping fireworks and a family-first, kid-friendly atmosphere. Click here for more info.

2. Marquette Park

Address: 1 N Grand Blvd, Gary, IN 46403-1940
Phone: 219-938-7362
Spend a day in the sunshine at Marquette Park! Enjoy the park’s playgrounds, beaches and trails with the whole family. There’s free parking on-site in addition to pay-to-park lots elsewhere in the park. Click here for more info.

3. Paul H. Douglas Center For Environmental Education

Address: 100 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403
Phone: 219-769-3820
Enjoy award-winning environmental education programs or hike through the unique ecosystems of the Indiana Dunes National Park, where the Center for Environmental Education is located. Families can visit the outdoor Nature Play Zone and learn more about the local environment while having fun outdoors. Click here for more info.

4. West Beach

Address: 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46303
Phone: 219-926-7561
Spend a day at the beach — the ultimate summer activity — before heading back to school. Swim in the cool waters of Lake Michigan and hike through the dunes at West Beach. Lifeguards will be on duty to protect swimmers through Labor Day. Click here for more info.

5. Gary Public Library

Address: 220 West 5th Avenue, Gary, IN 46402
Phone: 219-886-2484
Enjoy all the free resources the Public Library has to offer before school starts this season. Check out a book or attend a craft workshop — there’s fun for all ages at the library! Click here for more info.

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