National Play In The Sand Day and Northwest Indiana Beach Accessibility

August 11th marks National Play In The Sand Day!

Whether you can spend time on the beach with your toes in the sand or join the grandkids in the sandbox, spending some time outside playing in the sand is a great opportunity to spend some mindful moments reconnecting with nature.

In Northwest Indiana we are lucky to be near beautiful, sandy lake Michigan beaches! Traversing the sand can be difficult for any of us, but if you use a mobility aid it seems easier to avoid the beach altogether. Luckily, many beaches in NWI offer accessibility features that make the beautiful lake Michigan coast available to all of us. Whether you choose to visit the shore through the state park, national park, or city beaches; there are accessible options at each.

Accessible Beach Sites in Northwest Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park | Northwest Indiana

For entry fee and annual pass information click here.

• West Beach | Gary, IN; A beach wheelchair is available to be rented, free of charge, from lifeguards on a first come first serve basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk | Portage, IN; A wheelchair mat is installed in the summer to provide access to the beach

Indiana Dunes State Park | Chesterton, IN

For entry fee and annual pass information click here.

• Beach wheelchairs are available to rent, free of charge, at the beach on a first come first served basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Lake Street Beach | Gary, IN

For entry fee and annual pass information click here.

• Lake Street beach is wheelchair accessible.

Washington Park Beach | Michigan City, IN

For entry fee and annual pass information click here.

• Washington Park Beach has a large, paved walkway with view of the beach.

The Health Benefits of a Beach Day

There are more benefits to a beach day than just a suntan! Time in the sun boosts your vitamin D, a compound essential for bone health. It is also found that time in nature can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. The time in nature and the sun is a mood booster but it has also been found that the sound of the waves themselves are neurologically beneficial. According to Piedmont.org "research on sound healing has found that the sound of the beach is very healing; just listening to the waves relaxes the neurophysiology."

Conclusion

So this National Play in the Sand Day, take advantage of the many accessible beaches in Northwest Indiana for a beneficial day in nature! This special day, celebrated annually on August 11th, encourages individuals and families alike to step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in the simple joys of playing in the sand. With a variety of stunning beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan, Northwest Indiana offers the perfect backdrop for a day filled with fun, relaxation, and connection with nature.

If you are interested in personal care for yourself or a loved one, please call Total at 219-937-2811 for an in home assessment.