Kids Activities, Field Trips in Michigan & Other Fun Places: 2025 Guide

Field Trips in Michigan & Kids Activities Ideas

One of the best ways for kids to experience Michigan? Take them on a unique field trip in Michigan.

We have so many fascinating museums, zoos and interesting learning experiences in every corner of the state.

Whether you are a teacher making plans for your class, a homeschool parent brainstorming ideas, or a chaperone for an upcoming trip wondering what exactly you have gotten yourself into, our Field Trip Guide will help you as you prepare.

Search for outing ideas based upon the age level of the kids participating, or by the type of outing.

*feature image is Grand Rapids Public Museum

8 Types of Field Trips in Michigan

Michigan offers a wide variety of activities for kids that are both fun and educational. Here are a few broad topics to explore:

1 – Play at an Amusement Park or Family Fun Center
Michigan’s biggest amusement park is Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon. It’s open during the warmer months.

Family Fun Centers, both indoors and out, pepper the state’s landscape as well. In West Michigan, Craig’s Cruisers, Rebounderz of Jenison, BattleGR and Allegan Event are popular options.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Peppa Pig World of Play offer fun and learning in Auburn Hills.

For a sensory-friendly option for play, We Rock The Spectrum offers multiple locations throughout Michigan.

2 – Visit a Water Park
Michigan has several water parks, such as Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Boyne Falls.

3 – Explore Nature
Michigan has many parks and nature preserves that offer kids’ activities as well as hiking, biking, and park ranger programs.

Some popular Michigan parks include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Ludington State Park and Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.

4 – Go to the Zoo or an Animal Sanctuary
Michigan has several zoos and animal sanctuaries, such as John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta.

5 – Visit a Science Center
Popular Michigan science centers are located throughout the state, including Michigan Science Center in Detroit, the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo.

6 – Visit a Museum
Michigan has several children’s museums, such as the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum.

In West Michigan, popular museums include the Ford Presidential Museum, Holland Museum, Michigan Maritime Museum, and the White River Light Station and Museum

Michigan offers many art museums too, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, and in West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Muskegon Museum of Art.

7 – Tour a Factory or Farm
Some factories offer tours that are educational and entertaining for kids, such as the Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, where you can learn about the history of the factory and how cars are made.

In West Michigan, learn about farming at Plainsong Farm and Ministry in Rockford or Post Family Farm in Hudsonville. Or visit the MSU Tollgate Farm in Novi.

8 – Attend a Sporting Event
Michigan has professional teams like the Detroit Lions, Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings, regional teams like the West Michigan Whitecaps or Lansing Lugnuts, and also college teams like the Wolverines and Spartans.

Attending a game is a great way to spend a day with family, friends, or classmates.