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Things to do in Michigan with kids
Michigan isn’t just lakes and lighthouses—it’s one of the Midwest’s most fun-filled, family-friendly states. With a perfect mix of natural beauty, educational attractions, and kid-approved entertainment, Michigan offers nonstop things to do with kids of all ages. Whether you’re road-tripping the Great Lakes or exploring metro hubs like Detroit or Grand Rapids, you’ll find new adventures around every corner.
From science museums and hands-on play spaces to wildlife parks, sandy beaches, and even shipwreck tours, Michigan is made for memory-making.
One of the state’s biggest wins for families is its wide variety of museums and learning spaces. In Dearborn, don’t miss The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where kids can walk through a real train, step into a presidential limo, and learn how America was built—literally. In nearby Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a favorite for interactive STEM play.
Over in Grand Rapids, families love the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, John Ball Zoo, and the scenic riverside parks that offer plenty of green space to run and explore.
In warmer months, Michigan’s outdoor scene shines. Explore the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, go fossil hunting near Alpena, or enjoy a family beach day on the shores of Lake Michigan. For more unique fun, hop aboard a glass-bottom boat in Munising and check out real shipwrecks below the waves.
Looking for indoor fun? Cities like Lapeer and Troy offer everything from trampoline parks and bowling alleys to escape rooms and indoor play centers—great for rainy or snowy days.
Top Tips for Visiting Michigan with Kids
• Plan around seasons: Michigan has real winters and hot summers—pack accordingly
• Book ahead for big attractions: Popular museums and zoos can fill up on weekends
• Combine city and nature: Visit both indoor spots and lakeside adventures for the best experience
• Bring sunscreen and layers: Even in fall, lakefront breezes can surprise you
• Use rest stops creatively: Michigan’s highway stops often have picnic spots and short trails
FAQ – Visiting Michigan with Kids
Is Michigan toddler-friendly?
Yes! Many museums have toddler zones, and most beaches and parks are stroller-accessible. Try indoor play spaces in places like Lapeer or Grand Rapids for age-specific activities.
What’s the best time to visit Michigan with kids?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for outdoor adventures, lakes, and parks. Winter is great for snow tubing, indoor play centers, and cozy museum days.
Are there free things to do with kids in Michigan?
Tons! Explore state parks, beaches, free museums on select days, and seasonal festivals across the state. Nature trails and community splash pads are everywhere.
Do we need a car to explore Michigan?
Yes—public transport is limited outside of major cities. A car is the best way to explore Michigan’s many towns, parks, and hidden gems.
Are attractions close together?
In cities like Detroit, yes. But across the state, expect 30–90 minute drives between regions—perfect for family road trips.
Michigan Map
Planning your Trip to Michigan
Michigan has all the classic entertainment factors for kids. Everything from wooden roller coasters, preserved historical sites, carousels, and plenty of museums built to entertain the little ones’ imaginations.
Michigan hosts some wonderful nature centers and recreation areas to fully explore, and exhibitions to immerse yourself in whilst enjoying the abundance of Michigan’s nature up close.
Spend a day at one of the many aquariums or planetariums or take a ride in the full-motion flight simulator; the Model T.
Depending on the season you plan on traveling, there are some great water parks to visit. Each season in Michigan brings its delights from ziplining in the winter, and apple orchards in the summer. Michigan keeps you coming back for more.
Entertaining the little ones in Michigan is an easy task. This wonderful city has a whole host of things to do with kids. Everything from candy tours, to award-winning museums. When it comes to vacationing with your kids, Michigan has a lot to offer with a long list of family-friendly places to visit.
Legoland Discovery Centre and Sealife Aquarium
Nestled on the opposite sides of the Great Lakes, both destinations are jam-packed with play zones and interactive games for kids to play. Both sites offer lots of things for your little ones from a 4-D cinema and sea animals. Spend the day at Legoland and take part in building your own adventure with the little ones.
Detroit Kid City
This popular family-friendly venue allows little ones to play their very own mini-Detroit, everything from dressing up to Motown Legends and Baseball stars. Detroit Kids not only applies to the kids but parents too. Get involved and release your inner child!
Meadow Brook Theatre
Visit Broadway and immerse yourself in a family-friendly show. Performances tailored to keep your little ones entertained and ignite their interests and imagination in all that theatre has to offer.
The Mall at Partridge Creek
There’s a lot more than shopping at Partridge Creek. Visit in May and see the pop jet fountains. Or visit during the summer and see one of the many concerts.
Michigan has very cold winters and warm and humid summers. During winter you can expect plenty of snowfall and summer offers plenty of action from raging hot days to wet thunderstorms the next. Rainfall can happen throughout the year, so be sure to pack your umbrella just in case! Lake Michigan plays a major role in the weather pattern for Michigan, so it’s best to pack for all weather conditions.
The best time to visit Michigan depends vastly on the type of activities you want to pursue. If you’re looking to enjoy the snowfall and enjoy winter sports, then the best time to visit is between November and February. Wintertime means visiting the slopes in Traverse City and exploring the Upper Peninsula.
To take advantage of the open-air activities and perfect weather conditions then visit Michigan in the late Springtime, where the weather is mild and enjoyable and less likely for summer thunderstorms!
Summertime involves vacationing on the beautiful Mackinac Island and swimming in the waters of Lake Michigan. Or visiting during the fall is when you can hit the scenic scenes of upper Michigan and experience the first glimpse of the changing leaf colours.
No matter when you visit Michigan, you will not be disappointed. Michigan offers so many activities and attractions to enjoy all year round.
From the urban edge of Detroit to the natural sands on the Western shores, Michigan is an enjoyable state to visit with the kids. Each region of Michigan has its own unique and diverse landscape, with plenty of experiences that change every season.
Detroit
Detroit is known as the motor city. The vibe is friendly and upbeat, but don’t be put off as this is a wonderful place to visit with kids. One of the top attractions of the Detroit area is the Henry Ford Museum. This museum is steeped in history and a celebration of American innovation. Be sure to also visit the Motown Museum and immerse yourself in the magic that is Motown. This museum holds much originality from the Motown business days.
Frankenmuth
Stepping into Frankenmuth is like stepping into a cute Bavarian village. Located near Saginaw, this part of Michigan is very easy to get to with children. One of the biggest draws to visiting Frankenmuth (in the winter months) is the Bronners Christmas Store. This store is open all year round, but best visited during Christmas to experience the true Christmas spirit.
Another fantastic place to visit whilst in Detroit is Comerica Park. We recommend watching a Tigers game whilst in the area.
South Haven
Known to have the best beach in Michigan, South Haven is close to the Indiana border. Long golden sands to enjoy, this town is quaint and offers lots of wonderful restaurants that keep the visitors coming back year after year.
Not only is South Haven beautiful, but it also hosts many fun attractions for the little ones. Everything from a large splash pool, indoor water park, and lots of hiking and biking paths to explore.
Many families that visit South Haven tend to go camping. This wonderful town offers lots of private camping sites. Be sure to book early as many of the sites become booked up very quickly.
Traverse City
Known for producing delicious cheery wine, Traverse City is one of the places to visit for natural beauty. Traverse City sites in the Northern part of the Peninsula, due to their location is can be colder than other places in Michigan in the summer. This means that winters can be rather cold! Still, don’t let that put you off. So much to do in nature, from winery walks, visiting the local nature reserves, and walking along the beach.
Michigan offers lots of kid-friendly resorts that are perfect for families looking to enjoy history, outdoor sports, and history. Many of the hotels are either lakeside or slope side depending on when you visit.
Michigan is known for its craft beer and wineries which is perfect for the parents whilst their children enjoy the variety of adventurous activities you can find at most family-friendly resorts in Michigan.
Grand Hotel
Location: 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
The Grand Hotel is an iconic place to stay for many who visit. This Grandeur hotel dates back to 1887 when it first opened as a summer retreat. Today, many families flock to this luxury resort to enjoy its famous afternoon eating and horse-drawn carriages.
The Grand not only caters to adults but little ones too. With its very own biking trails, tennis courts, family pool areas, lawn games, and movie nights, this resort is a fantastic stay for families with young children.
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Location: 1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
The Bavarian Lodge has perfectly located in ‘Little Bavaria’ This family resort is action-packed for children. Spend days chilling by the pool or around the resort’s very own indoor waterpark. The Bavarians also offer a dedicated family fun centre where children can play endless games and take part in games such as indoor miniature golf, making homemade pretzels, and air hockey!
After a fun day of action-packed activities, why not dine at their famous German-style restaurant.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Location: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
The Grand Traverse Resort is located in Northern Michigan and hosts spa facilities and its very own golf course. Here families can enjoy lots of outdoor activities and endless games of golf! This hotel is suitable for families with older children due to its entertainment offerings. This family vacation offers three fabulous golf courses, multiple pools, and its bowling alley and escapes the room.
Mission Point Resort
Location: One Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
The mission point resort has been voted as one of the top resorts to stay in due to its beautiful 18 acres of waterfront property. This historic island can be explored via bike, horse-drawn carriage, or by simply taking a walk around the area.
This resort also offers many restaurants and plenty of inviting swimming pools. One of the main draws to this hotel is kids under 13 eat for free during their stay.
If that’s not enough, you can also unwind after an action-packed day and watch a movie at their very own movie theatre. Young children can also enjoy complimentary activities at the resort.
Crystal Mountain Resort
Location: 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville, MI 49683
Crystal Mountain is conveniently located just 30 minutes drive from Traverse City. This family-orientated hotel is great for families that enjoy an action-packed adventure. Everything from bike riding, hiking, and outdoor activities, crystal mountain is the perfect option for families.
The Crystal Mountain Resort has its very own water park and one-acre outdoor water playground. You can also book extra activities such as outdoor laser tag, archery, and biking. Speak to the hotel concierge for further information.
Inn at Bay Harbour
Location: 3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Most rooms at this hotel feature a balcony view of the lake or quarry. This family relaxed hotel is the perfect resort to stay in during the summer months. Families can play on the local beach, chill by one of the resort’s outdoor pools and participate in lawn games. Here at the Inn at Bay Harbor, you can hire a bike and explore the local area or simply discover all the beauty on foot.
The Inn at Bay Harbour is the perfect hotel to stay in if you’re looking for a chilled-out vacation.
Detroit Pizza
If pizzas are your thing, then be sure to try the Detroit cheesy pizza. Anywhere you go you can get pizza, but the Detroit cheesy pizza is something else. First served in 1946 in a small restaurant called Buddy’s Rendezvous, this square delicious delight is one of the best pizzas in the world!
Chapati
Michigan is known for serving a wicked choice of Chapatis and in fact, these go down a treat with the local students. You can find this sandwich-like salad/pizza all over Michigan, although Ann Arbor is the most famous for the Michigan Chapati.
Island Fudge
If you’re looking for some delicious fudge, then be sure to visit Mackinac Island. In under 3.8 square miles you will find several fudge shops selling this local delicacy. The smell of fudge is prevalent on this island. With dozens of varieties to choose from be sure to head over to Mackinac Island and pick yourself up some Island Fudge.
Pasty
The pasty is a Michigan staple and many restaurants have devoted their menus to this delicious stuffed shell shape delicacy Popular fillings include pork, chicken and beef, and potatoes.
Coney Dogs
The Coney dog isn’t unique to Michigan but like with pizza, Michigan offers its very own spin on this hot dog. You can find a Coney Dog on most street corners. Popular toppings from chili, mustard, onions, and the most famous, chili sauce!
Hummer Cocktail
This sweet delight started in Detroit back in the 1960s. Made with ice cream, Kahlua, and rum, this delicious drink is easy to make at home and even better if you’re chilling by a resort pool. This signature drink is a must-try if you’re visiting Michigan.
Traverse City Berries
Traverse City has been long known for its cherries. Every year in late June and July the cherry capital of the world hosts locals and visitors for lots of cherry-filled foods, carnival games, and a local parade. Be sure to pick yourself up some cherry jam if you’re in the area.
