Things to Do in Michigan With Kids
Michigan is an awesome place for families with kids. There you’ll get many things to do in Michigan with kids. You can enjoy beaches along the beautiful Upper Peninsula and Lake Michigan.
During the last few holidays, I explored Michigan with my elder son Farhan, and the experience was unforgettable. We climbed to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s big sand dunes and found clear water to swim in. Also, we explored the Detroit Zoo, Michigan Science Center, and many things with my son Farhan. So I decided to share my full experience visiting Michigan with my kid.
The Henry Ford Museum
This museum has iconic American artifacts such as the Wrifht Brothers’ bicycle shop, the Rosa Parks bus, and JFK’s limousine. This was a great opportunity for me and my kid to learn about historical exhibits and artifacts such as famous cars and buses. This museum is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124.
The experience was informative and fun. This was a wonderful learning experience for us. It’s one of the best spots for a family day out. So I will recommend you add The Henry Ford Museum to your list of the best things to do in Michigan with kids.
Michigan Science Center, Detroit
The Michigan Science Center is one of the best destinations for your kids who love to know about science and technology. Michigan is located at 5020 John R St, Detroit. Here, my son and I enjoyed interactive exhibits that covered technology, engineering, science, and math topics.
We visited this place on Tuesday. Actually, we planned to visit this place on Monday but before we went there one of my friends told me that this science center closed on Monday. So we go there on Tuesday. When we arrived there we had to take our ticket but I think their price is a little bit high. The combo ticket price for ages 3 and up is $23.
This place was delightful for me and my son. My kid tried my science experiments and as a father, it was a great moment for me. So if you are around Detroit don’t compromise this place on your list of best things to do in Michigan with kids.
Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
Do you want to explore interactive exhibits, animal feedings, a 4-D theater, and Tauber Family Railroad then Detroit Zoo is your best choice. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067. You can go there by car or SMART bus routes.
Here my son and I enjoyed a wide variety of animals from around the world. Detroit Zoo has beautiful landscaping that provides a pleasant environment for us. We also visited the Arctic Ring of Life where we watched seals swim.
In the end, we talked about what we love. It wasn’t only educational or fun for us but also inspired an appreciation for wildlife. It was an awesome place to enjoy a day with my kid.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Here you can do activities with your kids like hiking, dune climbing, kayaking, swimming, and ranger-led programs. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located at 9922 Front St, Empire, MI 49630. You can access it by car or limited public transportation.
We were awestruck by the towering dunes. Some of them were over 450 feet above the lake. My kid and I enjoyed hiking with scenic overlooks. We spent some time swimming and relaxing in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. This is one of the best places for adventure, relaxation, and educational experiences.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is famous for biking, horse-drawn carriage tours, scenic trails, and historical reenactments. This place has many highlights like Mackinac Island State Park, Fort Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel. No cars are allowed on the island but horse-drawn carriages and bikes are available for rent.
My kid and I loved the peaceful atmosphere. We learned about the rich history of this island and explored Fort Mackinac. This island was a perfect blend of history, beauty, and leisure. We enjoyed biking around the island and a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Here you will get a lighthouse, museum exhibits, and guided tours. You can go there by car and parking is also available. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is located at 18335 N Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, MI 49768.
My son and I explored information displays and the poignant story of Edmund Fitzgerald. Also, we explored a moving tribute to the sailors who lost their lives. That was a great memory for us. So it’s a must-visit destination for you and your family.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has the STEAM PARK, The Legacy Gallery, and technology. There are many things to explore such as hands-on learning stations, interactive science experiments, and educational workshops. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is at 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48140. You will find a parking structure nearby and also the TheRide bus service.
My kid and I had a wonderful time exploring exhibits covering many scientific topics. The water table which is useful for learning about fluid dynamics was a highlight for us. We realized a quote during our visit and that was “Science is everywhere and for everyone”. It was a memorable day for us. So if you want to spend an unforgettable day with your kids then don’t forget to add this place to your list of best things to do in Michigan with your kids.
Greenfield Village
The highlights of this place are the Model Trides, working farms, and historic homes. There are many things to explore here such as watching artisans at work, participating in hands-on history activities, watching artisans at work, and riding in historic vehicles. The Greenfield Village is at 200900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48124. You can access this place in your car and with the SMART bus system.
This place takes me back in time. This is an extraordinary place of education and entertainment. My son and I explored the famous Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, Thomas Esdison’s laboratory, and the historic buildings. The village is designed to be full of information. Also, we enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride and watching live demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades. Over all this place was much more enjoyable than any other place in Michigan.
Binder Park Zoo
The highlights of Binder Park Zoo are the Wild Africa exhibit, Zoorassic Park, and Conservation Carousel. There are many things to explore such as animal feedings, the zoo’s diverse habitats, and zoo train rides. The Binder Park Zoo is at 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 47014. You can easily access this place by Car and free parking is available.
This is a wonderful destination for a family adventure. My family and I were thrilled by the Wild Africa exhibit. We saw giraffes and observed zebras and other African wildlife. My son and I also enjoyed the Railroad which was a unique and fun way to explore the zoo. So if you want to spend a day surrounded by the beauty and wonder, include this place on your list of the best things to do in Michigan with kids.
Legoland Discovery Center
The highlights of Legoland Discovery Center are a 4-D cinema, Miniland Michigan, and Legothemed rides. There are many things to explore such as interactive play zones, building with Lego bricks, and special themed events. The Legoland Discovery Center is at 4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. You can go there with your car and parking is free for cars.
We had an amazing time exploring many attractions. My son and I explored LEGO replicas of local landmarks, 4D cinema, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. That was the first time my son watched the 4D cinema. The experience was unforgettable for both of us.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The highlights of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are waterfalls, the Pictured Rocks Cruises, and colorful sandstone cliffs. You can explore there on boat tours, hiking, beachcombing, and kayaking. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is at Headquarters at N8391 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862. Car parking is available there.
This palace mesmerized us with crystal-clear waters, colorful cliffs, and unique rock formations. My son and I enjoyed the boat tour there. Overall this was a great tour for us. So don’t miss this place on your list of the best things to do in Michigan With kids.
Michigan’s Adventure
You can explore water slides, live entertainment, Amusement rides, water slides, and many more things there. The highlights of Michigan’s Adventure are Wildwater Adventure water park, Camp Snoopy, and Shivering Timbers roller coaster. The Michigan’s Adventure is at 4750 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445. Car parking is available there. So you can access this place with your car.
The Michigan Adventure was great for me and my son. We enjoyed many types of rides and attractions. At first, we enjoyed riding on the roller coaster. That was a thrilling experience for us. For a relaxed pace, we enjoyed rides like bumper cars and the Ferris wheel.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
There are many things to explore with your kids such as themed gardens, seasonal events, and interactive children’s exhibits. The Japanese Garden, Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, and the outdoor sculpture park are the main highlights of Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park. Car parking is available there. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is at 100 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
My son and I visited this place last week and this place was unforgettable to us for its beauty of nature with the creativity of art. We are enchanted by the beautiful garden. We saw many types of flowers and plants. There was a play area for children in the Children’s Garden. Also, we discovered works by renowned artists. This is a place where nature meets art.
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
If you are in Michigan with your kids then Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is recommended. Your kids and you can explore their hands-on science exhibits, educational programs, riding simulators, and many more things. The Vintage aircraft, flight simulators, and space exhibits are the main highlights of Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum. It’s located at 6151 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002. Car parking is available there.
That was a thrilling experience while we visited aircraft, interactive exhibits, and spacecraft. This place was a great opportunity for learning about fighting and space exploration fun for my son. Also, we enjoyed the 4D theater. Overall the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum was an unforgettable experience for us. So I recommend you add this place to your list of best things to do in Mechigan with kids.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
You kid and you can explore many things here such as visiting historical buildings, enjoying the vintage carousel, and Train rides. Historic buildings, amusement rides, and a narrow-gauge railroad are the main attractions of this place. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is at 6140 Bray Road, Flint, MI 48505. You can access this place with your car.
My son and I had a great time there. We explored the meticulously restored village. The village has 30 historic buildings, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, and a general store. This place takes us back in time. This is a place where I want to go next time.
Soo Locks
You can explore the boat tours, ship navigate the locks, and boat tour with your kids. The observation deck, the Soo Locks Visitor Center, and Watching large freighters pass through the locks are the main attractions of this place. The Soo Locks is at 329 W Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Mare, MI 49783. You access this place with your car or local transport. Parking is available there.
This is a place where we witnessed witness of power of human ingenuity and explored the beauty of waterfront scenery and the Great Lakes. Also, we explored the massive locks which was a great experience for us. Overall we had a good time together here. So you should include this place on your list of the best things to do in Michigan with kids.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum
You and your family explore interactive play zones, hands-on learning, and special educational programs there. The Great Lakes and the Environment are the main highlights of this place. The Great Lake Children’s Museum is at 13240 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. You can come here with your car and parking is available.
This perfect balance of learning and playing made a great spot for a family. My kid and I enjoyed the water table where we learned about the Great Lakes’ water cycle. Here, we explored, discovered, and imagined the deeper relation with the natural world around us.
Belle Isle Park
The highlights of Belle Isle Park are Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle National Center, and The Belle Isle Aquarium. Your kids can explore their nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, conservatory, and aquariums. The Belle Isle Perk is at Detroit, MI 48207. DDOT bus service is available for transportation.
My son and I explored the cultural and natural treasures across the island. This is an island oasis in the heart of the city. Also, we explored the Belle Isle Aquarium which is the oldest aquarium in the USA. We also visited the Great Lakes Museum which was full of maritime history. If you want to visit Michigan with your kids then don’t miss Belle Isle Park.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
There are many things to explore with your kids such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and winter sports. Upper and Lower Falls, year-round natural beauty, and the Tahquamenon River are the main attractions of this place. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park is at 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768. Car parking is available there.
Last month my son and I visited the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. We enjoyed the beauty of the park’s waterfalls. The Upper Falls was iconic. The park has hiking trails. We didn’t miss the opportunities to enjoy the nice views of the surrounding wilderness and the falls. Also, we enjoyed the boat ride. That was a great day for us. So if you want to spend a day with your son in Michigan then include this place on your list of the best things to do in Michigan with kids.
Cherry Republic
Cherry-themed products, the Cherry Pit Spitting Arena, and the Great Hall are the main attractions of this place. Your kids and you explore their cherry-related activities, sleeping bear dunes, and sampling cherry products. The Cherry Republic is at 6026 S Lake Street, Glen Arbor, MI 49363. Car Parking is available there.
Cherry Republic was a great destination for exploring the charming store and food lovers. Cherry jams and salsas are very famous here. My son and I enjoyed dinner here. That was a great day for us.
I hope you enjoyed this article and it will help you in your next journey with your kids—best of luck. Do you have any traveling experience with us? Share with us by using the Contact Us form.
