Michigan has become one of the top destinations for families looking for the best vacation ideas. There are fantastic places to visit that will enchant your family members. From awe-inspiring dunes stretching for miles to many great lakes, Michigan has a dramatic coastline, beaches, and watersport options. You can add to that several national parks and many small islands making it a great place for families. Visit the many unique towns or enjoy a themed weekend based on food or aquatic adventures. We will list the 12 best weekend getaways in Michigan with kids that will make you feel like you traveled to another country.
Weekend Getaways in Michigan
1. Mackinac Island
On Lake Huron, one of the popular destinations, Mackinac Island offers a huge variety of things to do with the family from tasting the world-famous fudge, cycling the island, riding horses, hiking natural trails, and yesteryear horse-ridden carriages with elegant hotels. Carrying an old-fashioned charm with its soda shops, you won’t find cars anywhere in this quaint town. Visit Fort Mackinac, and learn the history through live demonstrations and tours.
Book Hotels in Mackinac Island
2. St. Ignace
One of the highlights of St. Ignace is the 200-foot-tall geological wonder besides being a quiet retreat for those who have a minimal agenda. Sitting on the northern edge of the Straits of Mackinac, the charming town has a rich history that you can learn at The Father Marquette Mission Park and the Museum of Ojibwa Culture. The place is rich with Native American crafts, books, and music that will educate your children about the diverse cultural history of the people.
3. Holland
If you want a taste of Europe without leaving the country, Holland is the best choice for a weekend getaway. Known for its Windmill Island Gardens and Nelis Dutch Village, Holland is full of Dutch experience. You can tour the historic windmill, walk among the blooming tulip gardens, learn about Dutch history, or see art at the museums. The children will love Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park, with 6 different rides, a petting zoo, and cultural demonstrations.
4. Detroit
Known for its sweet tours, museums, amusement parks, and great outdoor adventures, Detroit is packed with kid-friendly activities that will surely create long-lasting memories. Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to learn the history of cars, explore the Detroit Zoo, and get crazy at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center where kids can engage their imagination and creativity. There are plenty of other activities like the Sea Life Aquarium, Greenfield Village, and Michigan Science Center that you can participate in with your family.
read more: Romantic Getaways in Michigan
5. Traverse City
One of the unique destinations that invite you in every season, Traverse City is a perfect weekend getaway where you can experience northern Michigan’s favourite pastime, climbing the dunes. You can also spend time walking the shoreline of Lake Michigan and enjoy the flora and fauna specific to these regions. Visit the Mission Point Lighthouse, take your family to America’s largest children’s museum, or hike through the Grand Traverse Bay State Park. Known for its delicious cherries, the city hosts the National Cherry Festival, where you can experience concerts, markets, parades, a carnival, and air show demonstrations.
6. Bay City
A waterfront town, Bay City is one of the best destinations if you are planning a family vacation. Many attractions and activities will keep your children busy and create memorable experiences at the same time. The city’s most loved attraction is Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, and you can take boat tours for a sunset or stargazer cruise. They also have an amusement park and some water parks that will be fun for your family.
7. Grand Rapids
Home to Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Children’s Museum of GR, Art Museum Of GR, and Public Library, where there are interactive exhibits that your children will love. Public art, music, and food scenes create a vibrant mood – in fact, in the evenings you can check out the live music scene. Your children will love visiting the Natural History Museum which has hands-on activities including an insect zoo where they can touch live bugs and learn about them and an aquarium.
8. Ann Arbor
A city known for its supreme value in sports and culture, Ann Arbor is an excellent place for family vacations. Attracting thousands of visitors of all ages, Ann Harbor Hands-On Museum is an educational, interactive, and fun place to be. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History has towering dinosaur bones. You can also participate in scavenger hunts, and visit the Nickels Arcade and the Petting Farm at Domino’s Farm.
9. Frankenmuth
If you want an authentic German experience without leaving the country, then Frankenmuth is the best option for your weekend getaway. You will enjoy the small-town Bavarian vibes with themed lodging, food, and culture. You can get in the Bavarian mood with a rolled pretzel from the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and even join in to take a pretzel rolling class. Spend an afternoon at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, known to be the best Christmas market in the USA.
10. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Immemorable and unforgettable places, Sleeping Bear Dunes is not just a national park but a conservation area and home to one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. Known for its stunning beauty and natural playground, it is one of the best places to visit. Go for Dune Climb, while hiking and picnicking along the Dune Trails. There are 35 miles of shoreline with beaches, inland lakes, and streams ideal for your family, and you can go kayaking or swimming in. Don’t forget to stop at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum to get a lesson in maritime history from the late 19th century.
Book Hotels in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
read more: Things to Do in Holland
11. Great Lakes Bay
To experience a unique culture of Oil Boom Hit which led to the biggest economic boom in American history, the Great Lakes Bay Region is a popular historic region known for its German attractions. The region covers six cities which are Bay City, Frankenmuth, Midland, Chesaning, Birch Run, and Saginaw. Enjoy a sunset cruise, stop at Birch Run for retail therapy, or enjoy cultural and natural exposure at Hiwassee Wildlife Refugee or Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House.
12. Saugatuck
A 2.5-hour drive from Chicago, Saugatuck is a town nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan. The town is family-friendly and is known as the Art Coast of Michigan. They have award-winning beaches, scenic waterways, grassy dunes, local harvests, and world-renowned restaurants. You can play at the Oval Beach, stroll down the Village Square Playground, or go on a Dune ride. Don’t forget to hike Mount Baldhead Park and visit the Crane Orchards, where you can pick apples, peaches, cherries, and pumpkins.
Conclusion
You will love creating memories in picturesque towns reminiscent of Europe, getting lost in history, and exploring museums built for children. Climb the dunes, enjoy a thrilling ride on the zipline, indulge in skydiving, or spend days chasing down lighthouses in this wonderful state.
