Are you looking for a fun and unforgettable family vacation? Look no further than Michigan! This beautiful state in the Midwest is home to countless family-friendly activities and attractions that will keep everyone happy and entertained. Whether you’re looking to spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring nature, or indulging in some delicious local cuisine, Michigan has something for everyone.
From the bustling city of Detroit to the quaint towns of Traverse City and Mackinac Island, Michigan is the perfect destination for a family getaway. So get ready to make some memories that will last a lifetime in the Great Lakes State!
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#1. The Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is one of the top-rated family weekend getaways in Michigan. In the Upper Peninsula, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned road trip. This forested area will provide you with plenty of beautiful photo opportunities due to its huge, unspoiled views. Furthermore, it provides a wide range of outdoor activities that are appropriate for families. Visit Isle Royale National Park for a wonderful family vacation in Michigan.
A weekend trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an alternative. It provides a wide variety of family-friendly recreational activities, from boat tours to gorgeous walks. Visit the Keweenaw National History Park if you enjoy history and want to learn more about the area’s past with mining and copper. Additionally, the area sparkles in the fall with vibrant hues of crimson and gold.
#2. Peppa Pig World of Play
The best winter vacation spot for families with young children is Peppa Pig World of Play! More than a dozen free-roaming play zones that were all carefully inspired by the adored TV show are available for you and your tiny piggies to explore (and play in!).
Children between the ages of one and eight will enjoy this indoor family attraction at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. You can have fun in Peppa’s Treehouse, Rebecca Rabbit’s Underground Adventure, George’s Fort, Granddad Dog’s Garage, Madame Gazelle’s School Bus, and more of these 14 oink-tactic play spaces.
#3. Visit Michigan Blue Shores
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, guards Port Huron’s coastline. Visit the towering white lighthouse, which dates back to 1825 and is located beneath the opulent Blue Water Bridge to Ontario. Nothing compares to sailing Lake Huron to really appreciate the Great Lakes and Michigan’s shores. Visit the St. Clair River all summer long on the antique yacht Jakab or go on a voyage on the Bermuda-rigged schooner Jade Lady with Lady of the Lakes Sail Charters. Michigan Blue Shore is excellent and it is one of the best family weekend getaways in this region.
#4. Grand Rapids
Looking for a plethora of entertaining activities for kids in Michigan? Grand Rapids undoubtedly has all the necessary ingredients for an enjoyable family weekend escape. Thanks to its museums, you and your family will still have a blast here even when the weather isn’t great.
Your children will enjoy the many interactive exhibits and displays at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. From here, take the kids to the Coopersville Farm Museum to introduce them to rural living in Michigan. Additionally, there is a sizable amusement park and a water park that will make your kids ecstatic.
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#5. Crystal Mountain
The Crystal Mountain is also one of the top-rated family weekend getaways in Michigan. One of the top family resorts in the Midwest for all four seasons, and they excel in winter, is Crystal Mountain, which is close to Frankfort, Michigan. The majority of their activities are family-friendly, making this the ideal weekend trip for a romantic retreat or a Michigan family vacation. Flying high in their chairlifts allows you to enjoy the mountain’s expansive splendor in the winter. The three neighboring counties are beautifully visible from these rides, and the descent includes a snowy trek.
Horse Drawn Surrey rides, which will get you through the winter in elegance, are also simple to enjoy. House guests are welcome to use the ice skating rink in the heart of Crystal’s Village, and activities like Build-A-Buddy allow your kids a creative break when they’re ready for a break from the chilly weather.
#6. Take a Dunes Ride at Silver Lake
Since 1930, visitors have been transported by the 20-person, blazing red dune buggies of Mac Wood’s deep into the Silver Lake sand dunes on the Lake Michigan shore. The buggies soar to the crest of golden dunes that they remind one of the scenes from Lawrence of Arabia before crashing furiously down the opposite side. The only dunes system in Michigan open to ORV travel is generated by natural processes, which buggy drivers explain in between hills.
For an afternoon of waterskiing or picnicking at the base of the dunes, navigate your own boat across the glistening Silver Lake. Swim in the Big Lake and sunbathe on the beach at Lake Michigan’s Silver Lake State Park. Wide-ranging views of the dunes, Silver Lake, and Lake Michigan are guaranteed with a climb to the top of the beautiful Little Sable Point Lighthouse.
#7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
One of Michigan’s most naturally beautiful regions, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, welcomes visitors with its colorful sandstone cliffs and tranquil seas. Families can enjoy miles of walking and hiking paths, kayaking, and boat tours on Lake Superior, one of the most popular lakes in Michigan for family vacations when they visit in the summer.
Other attractions include Miners Castle, Sand Point Beach, the dunes at Grand Sable Banks and Dunes, the Chapel Basin 10-mile circle with breathtaking cliff views, camping at Hurricane River, Little Beaver Lake, or the Twelvemile Beach sites, and so on.
#8. Traverse City
Traverse City is another one of the top family weekend getaways in Michigan. There is no better—or more affordable—way to cool off in the summer than visiting one of Traverse City’s Lake Michigan beaches. One of the top beaches in Bryant Park Beach. This park is popular among children and their parents. Thanks to picnic spots, a playground, the golden sand beneath their feet, and a lifeguard on duty.Â
While Good Harbor Beach, which is relatively uncrowded, promises a more laid-back experience, views of the Manitou Islands, and a crystal-clear stream leading from northern Michigan’s white pine forests and emptying right into Lake Michigan, Clinch Park offers waterside playground equipment in addition to the expected sugar-sand beach right in town. The best of the best is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is only a short drive from the city. The NPS-approved strand offers breathtaking treks over the dunes above Lake Michigan’s waves.
#9. Mackinac Island
The old-world charm of Mackinac Island will transport you to a bygone era because of its Victorian structures and horse-drawn carriages. The island has prohibited automobiles since 1898; thus, the only ways to get there are by plane or ferry. Additionally, the island will undoubtedly keep your family occupied for the entire weekend.
One option is to visit the area’s pristine state park, which makes up more than 80% of Mackinac. You can also tour the island’s other historical sites and go to Fort Mackinac. Don’t forget to treat your kids to some of the island’s renowned fudge while you’re there.
#10. Bay City
The ancient seaside village of Bay City is one of the most well-liked destinations in the state when it comes to family weekend getaways in Michigan. It is a bustling hub of art, culture, and water-related enjoyment. The city, which is close to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, is very family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for all age groups.
Visit sights like the Sunrise Pedal Trolley, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, and the Delta College Planetarium. Likewise, take a cruise, or stroll along the Riverwalk Rail Trail. Along with the stunning performances at the State Theater, the kids will adore the opportunity to go fishing with a guide and reel in their own catch.
#11. Discover the Culture of Ann Arbor
It comes as no surprise that the birthplace of the University of Michigan is teeming with educational events to motivate and enlighten the entire family. At the Hands-On Museum, start off. The exhibits range from vibrant baby-friendly building blocks to engaging Michigan flora and fauna displays for older children (and adults).
The Wild Swan Theater hosts theatrical productions of The Wizard of Oz and Strega Nona, while the Leslie Science and Nature Center entertains tourists with vegetable gardens, stargazing, and butterfly exhibits. Avoid returning hungry! Enjoy mouthwatering and nutritious sandwiches, cheese, and baked goods at Zingerman’s Delicatessen after the performance.
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#12. Great Lakes Bay
Without a doubt, one of the nicest and most interesting family vacation spots in Michigan is Great Lakes Bay. The area is brimming with exciting Michigan vacation options for families, including a world-class indoor waterpark and a kiddie zoo that has received AZA accreditation.
Visit the 50,000-square-foot Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark to begin your family’s weekend excursion. We adore the park’s amenities and features, particularly the family-friendly cabanas, the wild water slides, and the lazy river. Don’t forget to visit the Roll Arena and Valley Lanes Family Entertainment Center as well.
#13. Holland
This is also one of the top-rated family weekend getaways in Michigan. You can experience the finest of the Netherlands without ever leaving the Midwest. Thanks to Holland, a charming must-see country that closely resembles the real thing, right down to the flowers, food, windmills, and tulip festival!
With over 4.5 million tulips blooming in May, the city is a riot of color, complete with entertaining parades and a ton of family-friendly events. Authentic Dutch cuisine can be found at the Nelis’ Dutch Village, which is also a favorite place to catch fun festivals and events. Discover additional family-friendly attractions like the city’s lovely parks, beaches, and lighthouses.
#14. Explore Michigan’s Beachtown
Lake Michigan is immaculate. Since the invention of the vehicle by Henry Ford and the advent of the family road trip, Michigan beaches have attracted tourists. For a delightful trip back in time, visit the oddest of the state’s historic Beachtown remnants. The Musical Fountain in Grand Haven moves to music ranging from Beethoven to Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift throughout the entire summer. Its liquid spray is lit by a variety of colors. Or go see a classic baseball game at the House of David retreat outside Benton Harbor, where players don’t wear helmets or gloves.
#15. Saugatuck
The Chain Ferry, which runs between Saugatuck’s beautiful parks and beaches and the Kalamazoo River, is one of the city’s top attractions for families. Oval Beach, which many residents frequently frequent, is another well-liked destination to check out with the kids. At this location, you can enjoy the fantastic lake and dune views.
Climb Mount Baldhead for beautiful views of Oval Beach, or visit Saugatuck Dunes State Park and the popular Dune Rides for children of all ages. If you’re seeking family-friendly accommodations, Saugatuck has a lot of locally owned beds and breakfasts that you might want to take into account.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Michigan?
May and October are the ideal months to explore Michigan. This is when Michigan experiences its spring and fall seasons, making it the perfect time to take advantage of the state’s abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Is Michigan Expensive to Visit?
A 7-day trip to Michigan costs, on average, $1,196 for a single traveler, $1,816 for a couple, and $3,380 for a family of four. Hotels in Michigan cost between $62 and $286 a night, on average $96, while the majority of vacation homes cost between $190 and $690 per night.
What Is Michigan Known for?
The state of Michigan is renowned for being the center of the automobile industry, for having stunning Great Lakes shorelines, and for having vibrant college towns. Additionally, the state is renowned for its agriculture, with some of the most well-liked fruits being cherries, apples, and blueberries.