Valparaiso for Kids (Michigan City, Merrillville, Chesterton: school, live, outlet mall)

[ambi007]

Hey everyone! My family is moving back to Valpo pretty soon here from Orlando. We lived there from Oct 06 to March 07, all the while I was pregnant and so sick I could barely leave the house. So I didn't get to go out and explore much. I'm wondering what activities there are to do for pre-schoolers in the area besides what I saw on their website. I'll drive up to 25 min away (since that's how long it takes to go up the street here in OTown!) I don't remember hearing about a mall close by either.

For anyone else that may be considering moving there, it seemed like a really great place - customer service shouldn't even be compared to Florida's. And I love the diners you just can't find down here anymore. The cold didn't seem to bother me too much, esp being a beach girl, but it was just the annoyance of not being able to throw on sandals and run out the door.
Any info is much appreciated! Thanks!

[domergurl]

Valpo has a nice parks system with activities for kids. When we lived there, I went to Gymboree, hope it's still there. I don't know what I would have done without it. You are also a short trip to Merrillville if you need to go to a big mall. I lived in Valpo for over 2 years and only felt the need to go mall shopping once. I did most of my shopping locally in Valpo. Also, don't forget, you are also very close to the national lakeshore in Chesterton, so at least in the summer, you can be a beach girl again.

[ambi007]

Thanks for the reply! Yes, Gymboree is still there. And I see that bookstores and the library hold activities for children (practically free)!

[domergurl]

I'd imagine the Barnes & Noble over by the Target has story time. I don't know what I would have done without Gymboree.

[wendyjane]

Gymboree in Valpo great, but has been intermittently opened and closed due to management changes...it's always a good place for preschoolers, although the class schedule was a little lacking at times in the past. My kiddo had his birthday party there and it was WONDERFUL! It is "the" place in Valpo for preschoolers!

Barnes and Noble and the library are great suggestions. There is really not a lot going on in Valpo unfortunately for the really young ones. I think there is a Mommies group/club also that may be a good resource for playgroups, activities, etc. There is a kids haircut place downtown called Locks of Fun. A few kids clothings stores downtown; one with a kid's playhouse inside to keep them busy while you shop called Piper's. Ceramix 101 is a paint-your-own pottery place -- very kid-friendly.

And as domergurl says, the beach is always a great option in the summer! Michigan City (about 20-30 min drive) has a great outdoor outlet mall you can walk around with a stroller, and Michigan City Zoo is great! Inexpensive, but a good variety of animals, not crowded, a small playground and you can feed the goats. The zoo is next to a park and public beach on Lake Michigan.

Valplayso and Kirchoff parks are my two favorites. There are a lot more options for things to do as your kids get older, which is true almost anywhere. Good luck with your move!

[ambi007]

Thanks for your reply. It's true about finding things to do for preschoolers. In Orlando we have quite a few indoor playgrounds/gyms that the kids can go crazy in and not get hurt (hopefully). But it takes me at least 20 minutes to get to one of them, so looking outside Valpo shouldn't be a problem. Thaks again!