10 Best Family Beaches in Indiana
Natural splendor abounds in Indiana, a stunning state in the heart of the Midwest.
Indiana is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful and kid-friendly beaches.
The Indiana coastline is packed with family-friendly attractions and services that make vacationing with kids a breeze.
Playing beach volleyball, sunning yourself, water skiing, fishing, and boating are fun things to do here besides swimming in the clear waters.
Get ready to be amazed as you learn where to find the most lovely Indiana beaches for families.
- Indiana Beach — Monticello
The amusement park that houses Indiana Beach is spectacular.
Everybody comes to this beach to have a good time.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Indiana Beach, part of a resort with rides and attractions, is one of the state’s top spots for family fun.
It has a sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles, sun loungers for lounging in the sun, and a shallow, enclosed swimming area that’s great for kids.
An amusement park with thrilling rides like roller coasters, slides, swings, and more is located right on this beach.
Outrigger Resort is one of the best hotels in Indiana for families, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a place to stay.
Expert Tip
Don’t stress out about having to make and bring food for your family.
Burgers, tacos, pizza, elephant ears, ice cream, and more can be purchased along Indiana Beach’s expansive boardwalk.
- Fairfax Beach — Bloomington
Fairfax Beach, located on Lake Monroe, is a lovely stretch of shoreline with beautiful scenery.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Fairfax Beach is a fantastic place to unwind and spend time with the kids, so I hope you’ll consider making it the destination of your next family vacation.
This stretch of coast is convenient to get to and offers a peaceful retreat perfect for a family.
Assist your kids in building sandcastles or other sand sculptures, cool off in the water, enjoy a peaceful picnic by the water’s edge, rent a boat from the nearby marina, or relax and soak up some rays.
Expert Tip
Fairfax Beach is best visited in the warm summer, as the area is completely inundated by water during the wetter seasons.
- Pot Inn Beach — Angola
Pokagon State Park’s Pot Inn Beach (short for Potawatomi Inn Beach) is a family-friendly stretch of sand along the shores of Lake James.
The beach is one of two at the state park.
Why We Recommend This Beach
As one of the best Indiana beaches for families with young children, Pot Inn Beach is perfect for a day at the beach.
It has calm, shallow water where children can play without fear of being swept away by currents, a roped-off area for their protection, and an absence of sharp rocks or pebbles.
Also, the beach is spotless and well-kept.
Rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, pontoons, and fishing boats make this beach great for families with teens looking to spend the day on the water.
Expert Tip
Enjoyable family activity in Indiana is a horseback ride through the nearby woods.
Horseback riding through Pokagon State Park is an unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.
- Pike Lake Beach — Warsaw
Pike Lake Beach, one of Warsaw’s two summer beaches, is highly regarded for its family-friendly facilities.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This family-friendly beach is perfect for keeping the little ones occupied and happy.
Construct sandcastles on the beach, take the kids swimming in the clear water, and let them run wild in the playground while you relax on the beach.
Pike Lake Beach is equipped with modern restrooms, snack vending machines, and a boat launch for those who wish to bring their watercraft for a day of fun in the sun.
Fishing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all possible here.
Expert Tip
I recommend staying at one of the nearby campgrounds to get the most out of this getaway.
Make a cozy campfire, cook some s’mores, tell some tales, gaze at the stars, and drift off to sleep at the ocean’s sound.
- Deam Lake State Recreation Beach — Borden
The Deam Lake State Recreation Beach, named for Indiana’s first state forester, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re planning a trip to Indiana with your family, I highly suggest spending some time at Deam Lake State Recreation Beach.
Sunbathing, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and row boating are just some fun things you and your loved ones can do here on vacation.
In addition to exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy, this coastal area also features convenient services that make taking a vacation a breeze.
Nearby, you’ll find playgrounds where your kids can run around safely, horseback riding facilities that the whole family will love, an aquarium where you can see exhibits, and, during peak seasons, concession stands selling all sorts of treats.
Expert Tip
There are fun and engaging events for people of all ages to enjoy this summer.
If you get in touch with Deam lake State Recreation in advance, you can arrange for group activities, like hands-on nature programs, to be done at the park.
- Indiana Dunes West Beach — Gary
West Beach at Indiana Dunes is a popular spot because of its location on Lake Michigan.
It is convenient to get to and offers views that are just as beautiful as those at the beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The expansive shoreline at Indiana Dunes West Beach is perfect for family activities like kite flying, sandcastle building, burying each other, and playing beach games like tag or catch.
There is a large parking lot, great for loading and unloading your things, and a bathhouse, ideal for cleaning up after a long day at the beach, among other amenities.
The lifeguards at Indiana Dunes West Beach are among the best in the country, making this one of the few beaches in the Hoosier State where it is safe to swim.
Expert Tip
The 3 Dune Challenge is a must-do for any family vacation to Indiana Dunes.
This exciting and one-of-a-kind adventure requires a 1.5-mile hike over steep dunes.
The hike is not only a great way to spend time together as a family but also presents some stunning photo ops.
- Kemil Beach — Beverly Shores
This beach is recommended because of the scenic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding lush vegetation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you and your loved ones need a break from the monotony of city life, this peaceful beach is the place to go.
Very few people visit at once, there is no annoying city noise, and there are no vendors to hassle you.
Indulge quality time with your loved ones on weekend getaways by visiting this private beach in Indiana.
Spend time with your family building sandcastles and flying kites, cooling off in the water, reading a book, or going for a swim.
Expert Tip
Kemil Beach has a small parking lot, so if you plan on coming during the summer, you should get there early to find a spot.
- Washington City Beach — Michigan City
The beach is part of Washington City Park, which spans 140 acres, and is a beautiful urban beach that stretches for two miles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Washington City Beach in Indiana is a great place to take the kids.
There are dunes for the kids to play on, picnic tables to enjoy your delicious packed lunch, and clean, easily accessible restrooms.
Visit the beautiful lighthouse, play a volleyball game on the sand, or bring a frisbee or ball for some enjoyable family time.
Moreover, if your children aren’t in the mood to swim, they can burn off some energy at the nearby playground.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to schedule plenty of time to see the rest of the park!
There is a zoo nearby where the kids can cool off in the water and play, in addition to the restaurant and splash park.
- Whihala Beach — Whihala
While Beach is considered among the finest on all of Lake Michigan.
It’s a hit with both natives and visitors.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Whihala Beach is a fantastic place to take the kids for a beach vacation in Indiana.
Activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and even a friendly game of beach volleyball can be enjoyed by the whole family along this stretch of coast.
Quickly launch your watercraft from this beach, which also provides a public boat launch and ramp, restrooms, rinse showers, walking paths, food concessions selling tasty snacks, and a rail for a leisurely bike ride.
The WhoaZone is one of the most impressive features of Whihala Beach.
Slides, trampolines, monkey bars, wiggle beaches, and more can all be found in this water park that sits directly on the water.
Expert Tip
Aqua shoes are recommended for swimming at Whihala Beach due to the sharp rocks on the sand.
- Morse Park Beach — Noblesville
If you’re looking for a beach that’s great for the whole family, look no further than Morse Park Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Take advantage of the on-site waterpark, play a game of beach volleyball, get some sun, do some fishing, and swim in the clear waters at one of the best family beaches in Indiana.
Not far from the shore is a boat dock for those who bring their watercraft, as well as picnic shelters and tables for those who prefer to eat on the sand, 18-hole disc golf course with a playground.
Expert Tip
Lockers can be rented so people can relax and take advantage of the beach’s facilities without worrying about their belongings.
