Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park
Michigan's largest amusement and waterpark with 60+ rides and WildWater Adventure water park
Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb
Thrilling sand dune climb for families; kids love running down; views of Lake Michigan from top
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Interactive exhibits for children ages 2-12 focused on science, art, and world cultures
Detroit Zoo
100-acre zoo with 2,000+ animals including polar bears, arctic ring of life, and butterfly garden
Henry Ford Museum + Greenfield Village
Cars, planes, and historic buildings; children love the carousel, steam-powered vehicles, and Model T rides
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Powerful amber waterfall accessible via easy walk; rowboat rental to Lower Falls island thrills kids
Mackinac Island by Horse Carriage
Horse-drawn carriage tours of the car-free island; kids love the horses and fudge shops
Frederik Meijer Gardens (Grand Rapids)
Botanical gardens with butterfly exhibit, children's garden, and outdoor sculpture park
Lake Michigan Beach Day
Sandy freshwater beaches perfect for children; shallower entry points and warm summer water
Kalamazoo Air Zoo
Interactive aviation museum with flight simulators, rides, and WWII aircraft exhibits that captivate older kids
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Crystal Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain Resort
Grand Hotel Mackinac Island
Detroit Zoo adjacent hotels (Holiday Inn Royal Oak)
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor has kid-friendly counter service with sandwiches children enjoy; expect a wait
Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth serves family-style fried chicken dinners that kids love; +1-989-652-9941
Detroit's Buddy's Pizza offers kid-sized portions of their famous square pizza
Most Michigan state parks have picnic areas ideal for family lunches — bring a cooler from a Meijer or Kroger grocery store
Happy Frog Toys in Traverse City (224 Lake Ave, Traverse City) can help identify kid-friendly dining in the area
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.