14 Michigan Summer Vacation Destinations for Your Family

1. Look Out Over the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Melody’s family loves Sleeping Bear Dunes and she’s got the scoop on all the fun and tips to know before you go! Read about where to stay and what fits best for your family’s next adventure.

The stars seem to pop out at you in this remote part of Michigan! Climb the dunes to the look out point with the kids and reward yourself with views of Michigan and Glen Lake. There’s opportunity for biking, tubing, kayaking and much more. – Melody

2. Dip Your Toes into Torch Lake

Julie’s family loves Torch Lake so much that they go back every year!

Torch Lake is an amazing place to see.  To understand the depths of its beauty and appreciate the deep aqua and turquoise colors throughout this lake, you really have to take it in with your own eyes. – Julie

3. Charlevoix is a Hit with Kids and Adults

Who knew there was so much fun waiting for you in Charlevoix?! See what you need to do when you visit with your family.

4. Chase Waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula

Kate’s family loved the land north of the bridge so much that they wanted to become honorary Yoopers! Chances are you will, too!

We saw such a small portion of the U.P. but had a memorable time. Our kids have talked about our trip all year and can’t wait to go back again. – Kate.

5. See What’s Hot in Detroit

Detroit is on the rise! Melody visited and couldn’t get over how safe her family felt and what a great time they had while they were there. She suggests visiting now before it gets expensive again!

We rented bikes (wish we would have thought to bring our own) and spent hours cruising along the riverwalk and around the city. They have a new rails-to-trails project that cuts through the city, the Dequindre Cut. You’ll like it because of the graffiti art, it’s below street level, and it takes you out to the Eastern Market. -Melody

6. Zoom the Dunes at Silver Lake

Even the most energetic kids will be wowed with over 2,000 acres of sand dunes, located just a mile from Lake Michigan.

There is even so much more to see and do besides a visit to the dunes. – Tiffany.

7. Beach it Up in Traverse City

Options abound when you visit this bustling resort town in the summer. Clinch Park Beach offers a splash pad, beach and lots of treats and is just across the street from downtown restaurants. Lots of hotel and camping options, plus a ton of outdoor activities, make Traverse City a favorite summer destination.

Beaches, fruit, festivals, you name it, it’s probably happening in Traverse City in the summer. – Melody

 

8. Live Like a Pioneer at this Sutton’s Bay Farm

You can really step back in time by taking your family to a 1910 farm experience in Sutton’s Bay. Stephanie’s girls clamored to feed the pigs and collect eggs every day.

You’ll feel you are more than the 2 ½ hours from Grand Rapids as you enter into a different era. – Stephanie

9. Visit the Dinosaurs at Ann Arbor Museums

Stephanie’s kids delighted in the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and U of M Museum of Natural History and wished there was enough time for The Petting Farm and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

I loved that all of the kids were occupied here despite their varied ages! The older ones could have spent hours in the Google Liquid Galaxy, flying around the globe on multiple larger than life screens, while the youngest had fun splashing around the water table. – Stephanie

10. Ride the Coasters at Michigan’s Adventure

“There truly is something for everyone at Michigan’s Adventure, from babies to grandmas and from wimps to daredevils,” – Kate.

11. Bike Around Mackinac Island

Cut your ties to technology with a trip to Mackinac Island. Show your kids how to have fun without tablets and smartphones as you bike around the island, relax with a (paper bound) book, and pet a horse or two.

Many people do not realize that over 80% of Mackinac Island is a Michigan State Park.  If you venture further than main street, you are apt to find yourself in a state park ripe for exploring. – Melody

12. Watch the Polar Bears at the Detroit Zoo

This barrier-free zoo features over 3,300 animals of 280 species. Wide pathways lined with lush trees and beautifully landscaped grassy areas guide you from exhibit to exhibit.

I loved seeing the polar bear through the tunnel! He sat on top of us! It was so hilarious! – young Olivia.

13. Make a Splash in Frankenmuth

Did you know that Michigan’s Little Bavaria is home to a huge Splash Village? Yeah, it’s more than just the town with the world’s largest Christmas store, famous chicken dinners and German charm.

This feeling of a mini Bavarian vacation is what brings my family back to visit each year. – Julie

14. Lansing is So Close and So Fun!

Just want a quick trip? Head to Lansing and see what’s happening there! There’s so much to explore in Lansing, you and your family could be busy for days!