Being a family-friendly destination is something The Bend takes seriously.
Many of our attractions feature something designed specifically for kids or, even better, are totally kid-centric. Sports fans, animal lovers, chocolate enthusiasts or adventure seekers — there’s a little something for all of them around here.
Howard Park
Howard Park is at its best when the state-of-the-art ice skating trail is open. Skaters can work their way around the park, gliding past the playground and over the bridge. They can also stick to the ice pond for a more traditional skating environment. The massive playground is ADA accessible and features equipment that’s both innovative and traditional.
Elsewhere you’ll find a splash pad, trails and an on-site restaurant, Howard Park Public House.
Potawatomi Zoo
Located right in South Bend, Indiana’s first zoo is home to over 400 animals. Kids can feed the giraffes, take a ride on the Potawatomi Zoo Train, stroll through Zoo Farm or get a hands-on experience with a rhino.
After you visit the zoo, stop by the playground and splash pad in Potawatomi Park for some extra fun.
Ironworks Ice Rink
Downtown Mishawaka's newest crown jewel is Ironworks Ice Rink. Open during the winter, its ice skating ribbon is very popular with families. You can also reserve spots in the ice bumper cars and on the Icebykes.
Studebaker National Museum
Put on your work jacket and pop the hood at the Studebaker National Museum’s hands-on, interactive exhibit just for kids. The Super Service Center exhibit offers kids the chance to learn how a car works and try their hand at automobile repair. Equipped with tools and life-like sound effects, this exhibit is sure to keep their attention.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Mishawaka to experience the weightlessness of bouncing and flipping on wall-to-wall trampolines. Kids can also enjoy a game of ultimate dodgeball, a high-flying basketball slam dunk or flying into 10,000 foam cubes.
South Bend Cubs Games
Nothing says summertime in The Bend like the South Bend Cubs. Four Winds Field is more than just a place to watch a ball game – it’s a full-on kid-friendly experience. The splash pad is a perfect place to cool off on hot summer nights and the Fun Zone is a great place to burn off energy.
The History Museum
Kids can imagine growing up in a log cabin, attending a one-room schoolhouse, bargaining at a trading post and journeying through the wilderness in a Conestoga wagon when they visit Kidsfirst Children’s Museum at The History Museum. Kidsfirst engages children’s imaginations through hands-on environments and provides fun ways for young ones to discover history. Kids can get a glimpse of what life was like when South Bend was just a lightly settled trading post on the St. Joseph River.
Indiana Dinosaur Museum
Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history. Located in South Bend near the South Bend International Airport, the museum features 43 dinosaur sculptures and 30 skeletons. Real dinosaur skin — an extremely rare archaeological find — is also on display. But it's not just a place to look. The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is an interactive attraction for adults and children alike. Where else can kids dig for their own fossils and check out a working research lab?
South Bend Chocolate Company
Get the inside scoop on how everyone’s favorite treat is made with a tour of the South Bend Chocolate Factory and museum. Don’t forget to try a piece of freshly made chocolate and grab a box to take home. South Bend Chocolate Cafe in downtown South Bend is also a great place to fuel up and play. The cafe has a food and drink menu that will please the kids as well as the parents, an indoor play area and the world’s largest chocolate store.
Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center
This is no ordinary bowling alley. Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center offers all types of indoor recreation from black-light mini-golf and go-kart races to bumper cars and mini-bowling, arcade games, and of course, bowling.
Generations AdventurePlex
Head to Mishawaka a whole lot of entertainment in one spot. Generations AdventurePlex features bowling, laser tag, dozens of arcade games and a rock climbing wall. There's also axe throwing for the adults.
