There are so many great things to do in the state of Michigan with kids. I should know; I live here with my own kids. And the truth of the matter is, there are so many wonderful things to do that it is next to impossible to do them all while your kids are still, well, kids.
As a mom of three boys – ages 10, 13, and 15 – I have a tried-and-true list of things to do that will make everyone cheer for more trips to Michigan (or around Michigan, if you’re lucky enough to live here, too).
All moms know that a great kid-destination has to deliver lots of hands-on fun, plenty of space to run, and a thing or two to convince them to stop asking for the Wi-Fi passwords. With this in mind, here’s a rundown of the best things to do in Michigan with kids, organized by area and tested by one chaos-loving family of five.
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Best Things to Do in Michigan With Kids: Quick Answer
If you’re planning a family trip to Michigan, some of the best places to visit include Detroit, Ann Arbor, Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Frankenmuth and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Families can visit world-class museums, explore Great Lakes beaches, ride ferries, hike to waterfalls, see wildlife and experience attractions ranging from The Henry Ford to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
| Best for… | Best Michigan destination |
|---|---|
| Museums | Detroit |
| An island getaway | Mackinac Island |
| Beaches | Lake Michigan shoreline |
| Outdoor adventure | Michigan’s Upper Peninsula |
| Small-town experience | Frankenmuth |
| Younger kids | Ann Arbor or Detroit |
| Teens | Detroit or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula |
| Families w/ mixed ages | Mackinac Island |
What Kids Love To Do in Metro Detroit
Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, Dearborn
There’s no such thing as a quick visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. In fact, I would suggest setting aside at least two to three days to explore this massive complex.
Upon entering The Henry Ford Museum, visitors are greeted by glittering marble hallways filled with every kind of car imaginable, including iconic vehicles, like the limousine in which JFK was assassinated and the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
Be sure to check out the Driven to Win: Racing in America exhibit. There is something for every age and stage, whether it’s sitting in a race-car simulator (using the same technology that trains the pros) or designing a wooden car to race against other young designers.
During the warmer months (April-October), Greenfield Village comes alive with outdoor activities like an immersive tour through Henry Ford’s birthplace, childhood home, original workshop, and first factory. The tour culminates in the best way of all to see the village – a ride in an original Model T.
The Greenfield Village experience includes an expansive (bring the stroller!) living history museum. Ford had the homes and workshops of some of America’s greatest inventors shipped to Dearborn to be preserved and treasured! Here, guests can see The Wright Brothers workshop and Thomas Edison’s Laboratory. It’s like a Disney Park for history and car buffs, but without the massive lines and swampy heat.
My son (a few years and inches ago) in front of a race car exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum. ©Steffy McCourt
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
For older kids, the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) is engaging, to say the least. First-time visitors will feel like they have walked into a movie set. The DIA, rated as one of the top 6 art museums in the USA, is composed of palace-like passageways inviting guests to get swept up in masterpieces like Van Gogh’s self-portrait or Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog (1969). My boys loved sketching in the kids’ gallery and pretending to be art critics. We all loved finishing our day in the Kresge Court, an indoor courtyard where drinks and treats are served.
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
On our last visit to the Detroit Zoo, the penguins stole the show, mainly because they swam right up to the glass at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center while my middle child narrated like he was Sir David Attenborough himself. Truthfully, it’s hard to pinpoint the very best exhibit or experience, but the gorillas, lions, and polar bears are always at the top of my boys’ list of furry friends to visit.
The zoo’s wide open spaces and nature center make it a great place for kids of all ages to explore. Don’t miss the wooden, animal-themed carousel and the thrilling 4-D theatre! And, for more animal-friendly fun, kids will love visiting these cuddly cat cafes in Michigan – where they can actually pet the cats!
Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park & Ford Field, Detroit
No trip to the D is complete without a visit to HockeyTown – Little Caesars Arena. Don’t even dream of showing up in anything other than red, and be ready to explain that while it’s okay to fight on the ice, it is not okay to fight in the stands, especially if the family makes the Jumbotron. Watching the Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park is a spring-time highlight – especially when the boys discovered the Ferris wheel and carousel. And Ford Field is where the youngest learned that football is awesomely loud and nachos are half the reason to attend a game (even if most of the nacho cheese ended up on his shirt). These stadiums are in the heart of Detroit, surrounded by ice cream parlors, trendy restaurants, and loads of live entertainment (sometimes in the form of people watching).
My son cheers on the Red Wings. ©Steffy McCourt
Belle Isle, Detroit
If our family was the kind of family that picnicked, this would definitely be our favorite place to do it! Belle Isle has biking trails, a nature center, a sandy beach, boat rentals, and a seriously sweet aquarium. It’s the perfect spot for a sunny day in May. And if packing a picnic lunch isn’t in the cards, don’t worry, there are plenty of sandwich shops nearby!
C.J. Barrymore’s, Clinton Township
C.J. Barrymore’s is an indoor-outdoor amusement park for the entire family. Arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, bumper boats, mini golf, and an Indy Skytrack and Grand Prix. This place is a full day’s worth of fun. My youngest cried when we left. My oldest tried to convince me we should move next door.
Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
The indoor play center at Great Lakes Crossing was one of our rainy day go-tos when my boys were all in elementary school. Between scavenger hunts through LEGOLAND and the Peppa Pig Zone, it’s a winner in hands-on fun and friendly activities.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor
This is the kind of science center where all ages will be entertained for hours. Older kids get sucked into the STEAM Park, while younger ones race rubber ducks in H2Oh! and try to trap their parents in giant bubbles.
Pro-Tip: Check out Zingerman’s Deli for lunch then hop over to Ann Arbor’s Natural History Museum in the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus (it’s free!).
Beautiful Ann Arbor at night. ©Photo by Brad Switzer on Unsplash
Where to Stay in Metro Detroit
For a family-friendly stay in Metro Detroit, The Henry, Autograph Collection in Dearborn offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and easy access to attractions like The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Families will appreciate the on-site dining, kid-friendly packages, and proximity to interactive museums and parks.
Another great option is Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit Troy Auburn Hills, where families can enjoy two-room suites, a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, and an indoor pool perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the Detroit Zoo or LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Michigan’s Thumbcoast with Kids
Port Huron
A recent day trip to Port Huron led us to the Pine Center Nature Center. My boys loved visiting the treehouse and strolling the hiking trails. Beyond the nature center, there is so much Thumbcoast fun in this family-friendly town – two BMX parks, a children’s museum, Michigan’s only Challenger Learning Center, and enough splash pads to set some sort of record.
Nothing beats a quiet Lake Huron sunset. ©Photo by Michael Liskey on Unsplash
Harbor Beach
My boys love to fish, and one of their favorite spots to do it is the 1,015-foot pier at Harbor Beach. If the fish aren’t biting, rent a boat to explore the nearby shallow water shipwrecks. There is nothing quite like kayaking through the crystal clear water over the eerie outlines of those sunken schooners.
Where to Stay on Michigan’s Thumbcoast
For a family-friendly stay on Michigan’s Thumbcoast, consider Jellystone Park™ at North Port Huron in Carsonville. This resort offers a heated outdoor pool, a splash park with two-story water slides, a floating obstacle course, mini golf, and character interactions with Yogi Bear and friends, ensuring fun for all ages.
Another excellent option is The Inn on Water Street in Marine City. This boutique hotel provides pet-friendly accommodations, rooms with private balconies overlooking the St. Clair River, and easy access to local shops and family-friendly attractions, making it a relaxing retreat for families.
A cozy room at The Inn on Water Street. © The Inn on Water Street Marine City
West Michigan with Kids
Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids
The science museum and interactive exhibits at Grand Rapids Public Museum will keep the family entertained all day long. My boys especially loved the scavenger hunt through “old city streets” and the classic cars exhibit that made my oldest wonder if I remembered when people rode in horse-drawn carriages. After which, I promptly stuck him on the indoor carousel for a few rounds.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Sand dunes, lapping blue water (sensa sharks), and sunsets. There is not a spot on the map this side of Michigan that I wouldn’t recommend exploring, but, of course, we have our favorites. We once spent an entire afternoon in Saugatuck building a fort from driftwood, only to have it collapse dramatically (and hilariously) when the tide came in.
Drive north up the shore for an hour or so, to Ludington. A charming downtown, dune-filled state park, and this is my family’s favorite place this side of LA to watch the sunset over the water while enjoying the perfect double scoop of ice cream (à la House of Flavors, of course).
Holland
As I write this, I can’t help but think of the psychological thriller starring Nicole Kidman, Holland. This doesn’t make Holland, Michigan, the setting of this thriller on Amazon Prime feel very child-friendly, but trust me – it really is! A ticket to Nelis’s Dutch Village is really a ticket to the Netherlands (for a fraction of the cost). Here, kids will love munching on a Stroopwafel while watching wooden shoes take form under a woodcarver’s skilled hands. Just down the street, Holland State Park beckons – famous for its Big Red Lighthouse and sweeping beach.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
This children’s museum is one of Kalamazoo’s most beloved attractions, especially for families with babies and preschoolers. It’s totally free and features hands-on exhibits (my boys loved the Plastic Ball Raceway and Spaceship). We’ve done a couple rainy days here, and my oldest still remembers the science experiment that involved launching foam rockets across the room. I mean, who wouldn’t remember that?!
My son spots an eagle in Ludington. ©Steffy McCourt
Where to Stay in Western Michigan with Kids
Located near Dutch Village in Holland, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers an indoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, and rooms equipped with microwaves and mini-fridges, making it ideal for families. Its convenient location and family-oriented amenities ensure a comfortable stay for guests of all ages.
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Ludington features a heated indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and pet-friendly accommodations, catering to the needs of traveling families. Its proximity to local attractions and family-friendly services make it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.
For a fun family resort near Grand Rapids, consider White Birch Lodge in Elk Rapids. This all-inclusive, family-owned resort has been welcoming families for over 60 years, offering a range of water sports like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kayaking on the crystal-clear Elk Lake, along with organized kids’ programs and lakeside accommodations.
Going Up North and to the UP with Kids
Traverse City
Traverse City in the summer is the cherry on top of this list. Take a bike ride down the TART trail, which runs along the coast. I remember one August afternoon when my boys ran wild on the beach at Clinch Park, taking turns as “captains” of a washed-up log. Just a short drive will take families to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Older kids will love the Dune Challenge, and their moms will LOVE watching them conquer it while sipping on an iced coffee.
Mackinac Island & Mackinaw City
Taking the ferry across the Great Lakes from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island is a real adventure, albeit a short one. After the quick 15-minute ride, families will love the slow pace of this car-free island. Spend a day or two here, and be sure to walk through Fort Mackinac, see cannons fired, and then try on the soldier hats. Take a carriage ride through the charming downtown and be sure to try the fudge. It’s world-famous for a reason. (And it is one of the tastiest things to do in Michigan with kids!)
The Upper Peninsula
Waterfalls, bike trails, and kayaking on Lake Superior are the three reasons that my family makes the haul way up north to the Upper Peninsula. It is one of the only places in the world where I feel completely comfortable when my boys act as feral as a pack of wolves. Heck, I’ll be the first one to dive into the lake and let a howl rip. The UP is wild, and we love it.
DON’T MISS! 20 Reasons to Visit the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Where to Stay Up North
For a family getaway in Mackinaw City, Michigan, consider the Bridge Vista Beach Hotel & Convention Center, which offers direct beach access, an indoor waterpark, and family-friendly amenities like a game room and fitness center.
Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City offers an all-in-one family getaway with its 84-degree indoor water park, themed suites, and a variety of kid-friendly activities like arts and crafts, character appearances, and mini-golf—all under one roof . With spacious accommodations, on-site dining, and entertainment options for all ages, it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Cedar Motor Inn in Marquette provides a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna, and proximity to local attractions like the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum.
My sons making the most of their time in the UP. ©Steffy McCourt
The Heart of Michigan
Frankenmuth
This is the home of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, and yes, friends, it’s open all year-round. When they were little, my boys lost their minds over the themed zones, especially the trains and, also, the light-up, well, everything. Bonus: a visit here will remind everyone that Christmas is just around the corner, and Santa is always watching.
Where to Stay in Frankenmuth
For a memorable family stay in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the Bavarian Inn Lodge offers an array of amenities tailored for all ages. Families can enjoy four indoor pools, two water slides, a massive gaming area, and even indoor mini golf, ensuring entertainment for everyone.
It’s Christmas every single day in Frankenmuth! ©Photo by Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash
From the sandy shores of West Michigan to Motor City’s ballparks and world-class museums, the state of Michigan delivers serious fun for families with kids of all ages.
Michigan in the Fall with Kids
I’ll be honest: fall is the best time of year to be in this state, and I say that as someone who spends most of October raking.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you about Michigan fall color — it’s not one weekend, it’s four. The color starts in the western UP and works its way down, which means if you miss it up north, you’ve still got two more weeks to catch it closer to home. My family has turned this into a running excuse for three separate road trips every October, and I stand by every one of them.
Roughly how it goes:
- Western Upper Peninsula — Porcupine Mountains, the Keweenaw. Late September into the first week of October. First and best.
- Eastern UP — Tahquamenon, Whitefish Point. First two weeks of October.
- Tip of the Mitt — the Tunnel of Trees, Petoskey, Mackinaw. Early to mid-October.
- Northwest Lower — Traverse City, Sleeping Bear. Second and third weeks of October.
- Southern Michigan — Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, the Irish Hills. Last week of October.
Dressed in their Fall best. Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
The Tunnel of Trees
If you only do one fall thing in Michigan, do this. M-119 runs 21 miles from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, and the trees arch right over the road so it genuinely feels like driving through a tunnel. There’s no shoulder, no center line, and in October there’s a lot of traffic, so take it slow.
Fair warning for anyone with car-sick kids: it is extremely winding. My middle son rode the whole thing with his forehead against the cold window and a plastic bag in his lap, which I mention only so you can pack accordingly.
Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains
Worth the drive, and it is a real drive — plan eight to ten hours from Metro Detroit. The overlook is a short walk from the parking lot, so you can get a genuinely spectacular view without having to hike with a tired seven-year-old. Old-growth sugar maple going off all at once over the lake. It’s the first big turn in the state and one of the most intense.
Pictured Rocks in October
We love Pictured Rocks in summer, but in fall the cliffs with color on top of them are a different thing entirely. Most boat tours wind down in early to mid-October, so check before you book — this is the one place where showing up in late October means you’ve missed it.
Cider mills, which are the actual answer for most families
Not everyone has a free weekend to drive to the UP. Cider mills are everywhere in southeast Michigan, and they are, genuinely, our favorite low-effort fall afternoon. Yates in Rochester Hills, Franklin Cider Mill in Franklin, Parmenter’s in Northville, Plymouth Orchards down the street from us. Donuts, cider, a corn maze if you’re lucky, and usually a bored teenager running the press who my boys find fascinating.
My oldest has informed me he’s too old for the corn maze. He says this every year. He goes in every year.
Planning tip: Book northern lodging early — fall color weekends in Traverse City and Petoskey sell out well before October, and they’re priced like summer. Southern Michigan cider mills need no planning at all beyond a Saturday morning and some cash.
FAQ: Things to Do in Michigan with Kids
Is Michigan a good family vacation destination?
Yes — and it’s one of the most underrated ones in the country. Michigan has something for every type of family: world-class museums in Detroit, a car-free island straight out of a storybook at Mackinac, waterfalls and kayaking in the Upper Peninsula, and some of the best freshwater beaches in North America. The variety means you can plan a completely different trip every year without repeating yourself. I’ve lived here for years and still haven’t run out.
What is the best time of year to visit Michigan with kids?
June through September is peak season — warm weather, swimmable beaches, everything fully open. July and August are the busiest and priciest. Late May and early June give you good weather with smaller crowds. But fall is the season people sleep on: color peaks north to south over roughly four weeks, from late September in the Upper Peninsula through the last week of October in the south, so there’s almost always somewhere in Michigan near peak. Some UP boat tours and seasonal attractions wind down in early to mid-October, so check those dates specifically before you book.
When do Michigan fall colors peak?
Color moves north to south across about four weeks. The western Upper Peninsula — the Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw — turns first, in late September and the first week of October. The eastern UP follows in the first two weeks of October. The Tip of the Mitt, including the Tunnel of Trees, peaks early to mid-October. Traverse City and Sleeping Bear hit the second and third weeks. Southern Michigan, including Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, goes last, in the final week of October. If you miss it up north, you still have two weeks to catch it closer to home.
Where are the best fall colors in Michigan?
The Tunnel of Trees on M-119 is the classic — 21 miles between Harbor Springs and Cross Village with the canopy arching right over the road. Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains is the most dramatic, with old-growth sugar maple turning all at once above the water, and the overlook is a short walk from the parking lot rather than a hike. Pictured Rocks in early October gives you cliffs with color on top of them. And if you can’t get north, southeast Michigan cider mills are the low-effort version — Yates, Franklin, Parmenter’s and Plymouth Orchards all deliver donuts, cider and a corn maze.
How many days do you need to see Michigan with kids?
It depends how much ground you want to cover. Three to four days works well for a Detroit-focused trip with the Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Zoo and a day in Ann Arbor. Add two or three more if you’re heading north to Mackinac Island or Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Upper Peninsula deserves its own dedicated trip — plan at least four days to do it justice with kids.
Is Mackinac Island worth it for families?
Absolutely. The island is car-free, which means kids can roam without traffic worries — a rare and genuinely relaxing thing for parents. Fort Mackinac has cannon firings, hands-on exhibits and soldier hats kids can try on. The fudge alone is worth the ferry ride. Plan at least one full day, and book on the island if your budget allows. Staying overnight after the day-trippers leave is a completely different experience.
Is the Upper Peninsula worth the drive with kids?
Yes — if your kids are past the toddler stage and can handle some adventure. The UP rewards outdoor families: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, waterfalls you can reach on short hikes, kayaking on Lake Superior, and a real sense of wilderness that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Midwest. The drive from Detroit is long — eight to ten hours to the western end — so plan it as its own trip rather than a detour.
What is there to do in Michigan in the winter?
Frankenmuth is the obvious answer, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is open year-round but hits differently in December. Beyond that, there’s skiing and tubing up north, ice caves along Lake Superior in a cold enough year, and most of the Detroit-area museums are indoor attractions that were built for exactly this weather.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
