We know that sometimes it can be hard to find ways to entertain children, so we put together a list of our favorite things to do in Michigan with kids, breaking it down based on what to do in each season.
Michigan is known for its renowned natural beauty, and its beautiful weather in all four seasons. No matter which season, Michigan has become a great place to spend time with family, whether for an out-of-state vacation, or an in-state getaway, there are so many different things for you to do year-round.
Summer Activities:
Michigan’s Adventure: Fun for all ages, Michigan’s Adventure is Michigan’s largest amusement and water park. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the sun, or you want to experience some thrills, you will find fun for all ages here. Check out the Funnel of Fear, or the Corkscrew, and you’ll be sure to get some laughs.
Lake Days - You wouldn’t be experiencing a Michigan summer without having a day on the lake. Whether you visit one of the Great Lakes, or want to check out one of the in-land lakes like Lake Charlevoix, or Lake St. Clair, the lake is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy time with your family. Click here to download our app and rent anything you might need for your next lake day, whether that’s a kayak, a water carpet, or even just an umbrella to grab some shade. You can get it all on our app.
Visit Comerica Park: Since it was opened in 2000, Comerica Park has been a great attraction for baseball fanatics and casuals alike. Featuring a ferris wheel, classic ballpark snacks, and a great atmosphere, Comerica Park has been a summer staple in the Detroit area.
Sand Dunes: For one of the most popular things to do in Michigan with kids, be sure to check out one of Michigan’s premier sand dunes such as Sleeping Bear Dunes and Silver Lake Dunes. With so many different activities to take part in, such as riding ATVs, hiking up the dunes, and taking a dive in the water, the Sand Dunes can be the perfect place to entertain your family. Make sure to check out our app for all your Sand Dunes needs.
Pictured Rocks: If you’re looking for a beautiful view to enjoy with the family, look no further than Pictured Rocks. Sitting on the south shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks offer gorgeous photo opportunities, along with guided tours for you to get on the water and enjoy some of the best views Michigan has to offer.
Camping: If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, camping is an all-time family classic. From the smores at the fire, to the morning dew, it’s tough to beat a camping trip with the family. For most, the biggest problem with going camping is insufficient gear, we can help you with that. On our app, you can find anything from tents, beds, and sleeping bags, to stoves and power stations. Download the app today to start planning your next trip!
Fall Activities:
Cider Mills: Visiting a cider mill is a Michigan Fall must-do. Whether you’re checking out Yates Cider Mill or one of Blake’s multiple locations, you’ll enjoy beautiful views, amazing cider and donuts, and different activities to take part in with your family. Make sure to bring a flannel or sweater, because it can get a little cold on some days.
Greenfield Village: Greenfield Village is one of the few places where you can travel back in time. Travel the 80 acres of old Americana land in classic cars, see the lab where Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, and take a look at the workshop where the Wright brothers realized they would become the first humans to fly.
Frankenmuth: Frankenmuth is your stop to get a little taste of Bavaria. Take a ride in a horse drawn carriage, eat traditional bavarian foods, and get lost in the immersive town. This is the perfect spot for those families who like to act impulsively, in this town you can take a stroll and find a multitude of fun activities for all.
Hiking: Finding a trail and going for a hike is a great way to get your family outside, and experience nature in a challenging and fun way. Michigan is full different trails for you to explore and see it’s beauty. A couple famous trails are the Empire Bluff Trail and the Manistee River Trail, but you can find any trail near you to have a good time. For any of your hiking needs, download our app and rent the gear you need.
TopGolf: For those Fall days that are little too cold to stay outside (there are quite a few of them in Michigan) TopGolf is the perfect spot to bring the family. Located right by Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, another Michigan attraction which is covered later, TopGolf gives you a separate heated bay for your group which means it is perfect even for those who have never swung a club before.
Winter Activities:
Go to a Lions/Pistons Game: Winters in Michigan can get pretty cold, so it is generally a good idea to find indoor activities to do with kids. For this reason, going to a Lions or Pistons game is a perfect escape from the harsh elements. With both stadiums located in the heart of Detroit, gameday is a great way to experience Detroit in a new way.
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is Michigan’s largest outlet center. Perfect for the whole family, you can find stores to satisfy the desires of everyone in the family. Grab some Auntie Anne’s, stop by your favorite stores, and spend quality time with your family. Some of the attractions they have are: Round 1 Arcade, AMC Theatres, Sea Life, Rainforest Cafe, and the Legoland Discovery Center to name a few.
Go Skiing/Snowboarding: If there is anything worth facing the cold of the winter for, it’s a ski/snowboard trip with the family. If you’re an experienced rider, or you’ve never been, Michigan has the perfect spots to check out. Boyne Mountain, Treetops Resort, and Pine Knob Resort are all premier snowboarding destinations in the state. While skiing/snowboarding is a great activity with the family, renting gear from the resort can get pretty pricey. Check out how much you can save by renting gear from our app!
Indoor Water Parks: Water slides, lazy rivers, pools, hot tubs, who doesn’t enjoy a trip to the water park? Providing a great way to spend time with your family, and entertain your kids while still having an opportunity to relax yourself, water parks like Great Wolf Lodge and Splash Village are great spots to enjoy time with your family.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland: Located right next to the previously mentioned Splash Village, and in Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the perfect place to get you and your family in the Christmas mood. Bronner’s is the “World’s Largest Christmas Store”, as advertised by themselves, with their building being 7.35 acres in size (maybe their claims are true). They have possibly every conceivable Christmas knick knack in the world, and it is a great place to walk around and make memories.
Spring Activities:
DIA: With the weather finally getting warmer, Springtime in Michigan can prove to be a little challenging when planning an activity with kids. Depending on the day, you can get caught with a cold, rainy, or sunny day. For those rainy days (which seem like most days in the Spring), museums are a perfect way to spend the day. The Detroit Institute of Arts, or DIA, is an art museum located in Midtown Detroit, and it features one of the largest art collections in the United States. Check out the artwork of notable artists like Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, and Edgar Degas.
Henry Ford Museum: If you want to spark your child’s desire to create, invent, and innovate, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is the place to bring them. Visit exhibits showcasing the progress that was made in American culture by the innovation brought throughout the ages. Learn about the innovations that were made in flight, check out the vehicles that carried the presidents of the 20th century, and take a look at their world-famous historic car collection.
Visit Mackinac Island: If you happen to find yourself on one of the warm Spring days, a visit to Mackinac Island is a perfect activity for the family. With no recreational vehicles allowed on the island, it is an amazing place to rent a bike, explore nature, and visit some historical Michigan locations. Enjoy great food, with great views, and an amazing atmosphere for a family. Make sure to check out a personal favorite Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor while you’re there.
Detroit Zoo: When looking for things to do in Michigan with kids, the Detroit Zoo will always be a great idea. With the property sitting on 125 acres, and housing more than 2,000 animals, it’s almost impossible to get bored. Being located in the city of Royal Oak, it is surrounded by many great restaurants and places to eat, making this a great option for a full day activity.
