- The list below includes 81 free or cheap things to do in or near Portage, Indiana, including 92 different types of inexpensive activities like Bowling, Beaches, Movie Theaters and Pubs.
 - From Ogden Dunes Beach to Imagination Glen Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Portage and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Valparaiso, Gary, Michigan City and Hammond.
 
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        9.3 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Popular for large gatherings, private events and its scenic surroundings is the Butterfield Pavilion. Aside from large events, the area is great for spring picnics or open field sports play.        
    
    
        9.4 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            One of two Stardust Bowl locations, Stardust Bowl No 2 offers open bowling as well as league and tournament play. The alley offers loyalty programs, and hosts birthday parties, corporate events, and other gatherings.        
    
    
        9.4 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Built in 1994, Valplayso is a recreational playground that spans 17,000-sqft and boasts a poured rubber surface. The park features a Little Viking Tot Lot, a Spider Climber, and a Zip Krooz.        
    
    
        9.6 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Part of Central Park Plaza, Porter Health Amphitheater is an outdoor stage with ample lighting. A common venue for musical concerts in the summer time, it is surrounded by a splash pad and children's play area.        
    
    
        9.7 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            The Porter County Museum was first established in 1916 when the local historical society gathered a large collection of local artifacts to celebrate the town's centennial. The museum remains open daily with guided tours, traveling exhibitions, and educational programs.        
    
    
        9.9 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Zao Island features a range of recreational activities including batting cages, mini golf, laser tag, go karts, bumper cars and an arcade. Zao Island also has a real alligator exhibit where patrons can feed the alligators from a pole.        
    
    
        10.0 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    22%
                9 votes
                            
			
            
                
                2590 Southlake Mall Drive, Merrillville, IN 46410
                MoreLess Info
            
        
            Offering RealD 3D technology, AMC Showplace Hobart 12 shows the latest indie and blockbuster films in its auditoriums. Its concession stand offers standard movie snacks like popcorn, in addition to chicken tenders and fruit flavored sodas.        
    
    
        10.4 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            An entertainment center, Inman's Bowling and Recreation features 32 bowling lanes, a miniature golf course, a roller skating rink and go-karts. The center also offers event rooms, video and redemption games, bounce houses and a snack bar.        
    
    
        10.5 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Bouncers, slides, wacky worlds, and all sorts of other inflatable obstacles are found at Funflatables. There is also a small children's area in here.        
    
    
        10.5 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Part of the Valparaiso University campus, the Brauer Museum of Art is an art museum featuring a collection of 19th, 20th, and 21st-century American art. This collection includes art by Frederic Edwin Church, Childe Hassam, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Ed Paschke.