Michigan’s Adventure Theme Park
Michigan’s Adventure, Michigan’s largest amusement park and waterpark is one of the state’s favorite destinations for family-friendly summer fun.
From roller coasters to water slides, this theme park promises a wild and unforgettable day trip.
People love it because it’s the perfect blend of thrill rides and modern attractions, peppered with nostalgic amusement park staples, like cotton candy, carnival games and the Ferris wheel.
With some simple planning, it’s easy to have a blast at Michigan Adventure. This article will help you put your trip together and even find discount tickets!
This article is brought to you by Lake Michigan Family Campground.
Gorgeous family-friendly campground on Lake Michigan just south of Pentwater Lake, an easy drive from Muskegon, Silver Lake and Ludington. Enjoy cabins, bunk houses, and roomy wooded campsites with water/electric (a few full hook-up sites). A Grace Outside Destination.
The roller coaster theme park opened for the season on May 24, 2024.
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The Scoop on Michigan’s Adventure
Michigan’s Adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445
We decided to put Michigan’s Adventure to the test. One of our families purchased season passes and worked hard to discover the ins and outs of the theme park firsthand.
So, how did it measure up?
Compared to other amusement parks, Michigan’s Adventure has a lot going for it, and it’s a destination we recommend.
- It’s affordable
- Food and necessities can be easily retrieved from the parking area
- Summertime weather in Michigan beats the weather in the southern parts of the Midwest or Florida.
- You spend much less time waiting in line
- You can revisit your faves without fear of missing out
- Water park admission is included
About the Amusement Park Rides at Michigan’s Adventure
52 rides and experiences are currently listed on the Michigan’s Adventure website.
Five rides are aggressive thrill rides.
These include four coasters: Corkscrew, Shivering Timbers, Thunderhawk, and Wolverine Wildcat.
The RipCord is the fifth thrill ride.
*Ride access is determined by height. To see ride height requirements, download the app or look here.
Roller Coasters
This is where you can ride Shivering Timbers, the mile-long wooden roller coaster that is over 125 feet tall and travels up to 65 miles per hour!
The amusement park has a total of seven roller coasters.
Corkscrew Roller Coaster
Thrill level 5, min height 48″
Be flipped upside down on this spiraling coaster ride. It’s the park’s first roller coaster and remains a fixture here for a reason: people love it.
Shivering Timbers
Thrill level 5, min height 48″
Good to know: the ride time for Shivering Timbers is long for a roller coaster. Also, the wooden timbers mean the ride is pretty bumpy.
Thunderhawk
Thrill level 5, height between 52″ – 78″
A smooth, thrilling ride you’ll dare yourself to do again and again.
Wolverine Wildcat
Thrill level 5, min height 48″
Another classic wooden roller coaster.
Mad Mouse
Thrill level 4, min height 48″ (44″ with supervising companion)
This high-in-in-the-sky coaster takes you through a series of hairpins turns and steep drops designed to make you feel every single change.
Woodstock Express
Thrill level 3, min height 42″ (36″ with supervising companion)
Part of Camp Snoopy, this kiddie coaster is a great first-time coaster experience for many.
Zach’s Zoomers
Thrill level 4, min height 46″ (40″ with supervising companion)
Once you’ve mastered Woodstock Express, it might be time to level up to this ride.
Popular Family Rides
A few highlights for families in the ride department include:
Swan Paddle Boats
Min height 54″ or accompanied by a supervising companion. No hand-held infants.
Take a break from the thrill rides and enjoy a relaxing paddle across the lake into the refreshing mist of the grand fountain.
Timbertown Railway
Minimum height 46” or accompanied by a supervising companion. No hand-held infants.
Chug-chug along on this small-scale replica of an authentic steam locomotive for a classic train ride. Choo-choo!
Grand Rapids
Minimum height 48″ or 42″ and accompanied by a supervising companion.
Prepare to get wet on this fun raft ride through the rapids, canyons and waterfalls.
Logger’s Run
Minimum height 46″ or 36″ and accompanied by a supervising companion.
Always a family favorite, enjoy the log flume’s final drop and splash!
Sea Dragon
Minimum height 48″ or accompanied by a supervising companion. No hand-held infants.
Climb aboard the Viking ship and swing into the skies!
Frog Hopper
Minimum height 36″.
This miniature drop ride will lift little croakers up to tree-top levels and then bounce them gently up and down until they return to the ground.
Carousel
Guests under 46” tall must be held by a supervising companion who is standing on the platform between the horses; only one rider per horse.
Whirl around on this classic merry-go-round!
Gondola Wheel
Minimum height 48” or accompanied by a supervising companion. No hand-held infants.
Enjoy incredible bird’s eye views of the park and beyond from the ferris wheel.
Kiddie Rides & Camp Snoopy
Camp Snoopy is a charming section of the park that is themed after the beloved Peanuts characters.
Find a handful of gentle rides perfect for younger children to tweens, including the Woodstock Express roller coaster, the Camp Bus ride and Mud Buggies.
Camp Bus Ride
Height Requirement: 36” min or with supervising companion.
Let Snoopy take you on a ride that goes up, down and all the way round!
Pigpen’s Mud Buggies
Height Requirement: 36” min or with supervising companion.
Pint-sized adventurers will climb aboard their very own all-terrain vehicle for a thrilling trek around the rocky mountains.
Beagle Scout Acres
Features a large climb-and-play structure that kids can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content.
Water Park at Michigan’s Adventure
Voted the best waterpark in Michigan by our readers, WildWater Adventure outdoor water park stands apart from the crowd. (This seasonal park opens on June 8, 2024.)
Add to the mix these popular waterpark features and you have a winning recipe:
- Lazy River
- Wave Pool
- Waterslides
- Kiddie Area
Please note: The waterpark opens later in the day and closes earlier than the main park. For the most part, Wildwater Adventure is open daily from noon to 6 PM starting on June 8, 2024.
Also, swimwear is required to participate in the waterpark attractions.
Water Park Attractions & Water Slides
If your crew loves the water, spending the bulk of your day in the waterpark might just hit the spot. There’s never a line for the wave pool or lazy river, making it easy to linger for hours on these popular rides.
Wave Pool
This wave pool is the real deal.
When it’s rocking and rolling, the waves are giant near the front for anyone wanting a wild ride. The zero-entry pool is mild at the rear, letting little kids enjoy a romp in the wavy water, too.
Lazy River
Float around on a double or single tub and soak up the sun. The lazy river never ends, giving you infinite time to chill out and cool off.
Ride the gentle current or splash a friend while you meander on your inner tube. The river is just under 3 feet deep, making this attraction easy for kids and adults alike.
Ridge Rider / Wild Slide
Double the fun! Choose from two high-speed body slides for single riders.
The yellow Ridge Rider offers one drop after another, while the orange Wild Slide is for the fearless – one single drop to infinity!
Funnel of Fear
Dominates the skyline and challenges you to ride it if you dare!
Water Park Areas for Kids
We give props to Michigan’s Adventure for the thoughtful design on the kiddie pool and slide area.
The park is busy, yet they’ve managed to carve out a little oasis for kids and parents with the Beach Party, Tropical Twist, and Half-Pint Paradise attractions.
Beach Party
Height Requirement: 36” or 40″ in bare feet
This is what happens when you build a treehouse-type playground in a waterpark!
You end up with lots of landings and rope bridges outfitted with super-soaker spray guns, kiddie water slides, giant geysers and a massive dumping bucket.
Half Pint Paradise
For a bit more chill experience, this seven-waterslide with splash pad water area is designed for small children and families.
Interactive water play features like dumping buckets and geysers make this a sought-after corner of the park.
Kiddie Area Map & Tips
If you’re heading to the waterpark with little kids, these are the places to seek out.
After you enter the waterpark, find the main kiddie attractions tucked away on the left-hand side.
Michigan’s Adventure waterpark for little kids – map
The lazy river and wave pool are a lot easier to find – they’re front and center – but they are not located with the kid-specific water rides/features.
Life jackets are required for children who are less than 42″-48″ tall in bare feet, depending on attraction. Life jackets are also available to use at no charge for inexperienced swimmers or anyone else who wants one.
For babies and toddlers, pack extra swim diapers for WildWater Adventure, as they are required. The waterpark gift shop sells swim diapers and water related gear, too.
Water Park Amenities
*Towels are not provided at Michigan’s Adventure water park.
Lockers
Lockers are available to rent. They are located near the waterpark entrance along with changing rooms and restrooms.
Water Fountain
Bring empty water bottles and top them off at the water refill station at the entrance of the waterpark.
Food and Dining Options
Hungry park patrons can choose to tailgate, dine in, or do both.
Pack a Lunch
Outside food and drink are not allowed inside of the park BUT you are allowed to leave and re-enter the park throughout the day, making tailgating in the parking lot a popular option if you want to pack a lunch.
* You can bring in empty water bottles and fill them at the waterpark entrance.
Dining and Meals at the Park
The park is loaded with dining options, including restaurants and concession stands. You can find everything from sit-down dinners to street food to ice cream snacks and carnival items.
The app is the best place to peruse the options and find locations near you.
Drink and dining plans can be a good deal.
A single meal deal in 2024 is $16.99 per person and includes and entrée, side, and choice of drink.
Adult beverages are available at the Beer Garden and Sunshine Oasis.
Park Layout
As you can see, Michigan’s Adventure has used every nook and cranny on its campus for something.
Navigating the park is pretty easy, but it’s also easy to miss some of the more tucked-away features.
Or underestimate how long it will take you to get from point A to point B.
This birds-eye view of the park might help as you plan your day.
Using the App
The Michigan Adventure app is really good. You don’t have to use it, but if you do, you’ll be able to see ride wait times, locate dining and restroom locations, sort the attractions by type, thrill level and more.
It’s free to use and we recommend you download it prior to your visit so you can hit the ground running.
Michigan’s Adventure Ticket Deals
We have partnered with aRes Travel to bring you exclusive Michigan’s Adventure ticket deals!
We currently have hotel package deals & daily ticket deals. Tickets do NOT need to be used at the same time as the hotel stay.
Daily Ticket Deals
We have special 1 & 2-day ticket prices that we’re not allowed to publish here.
If you’d like to see these prices, you’ll need to get a password to unlock the next page.
You can get that code by signing up for our newsletter or using Facebook Messenger to send the word: unlock to our Facebook Page.
About this deal: We are working with a travel company to bring you this deal for the third year in a row. They will not allow us to publish our ticket price this year due to changes at Cedar Faire (the owners of Michigan’s Adventure.) If you purchase using our link, we get a tiny amount for any purchase you make. Like 20 cents a ticket or something. But it all adds up for us. If you purchase through Groupon, you’re supporting Groupon. If you purchase through us, you’re supporting a local small business that is currently powered by 40 work-from-home-moms. We appreciate your support.
HOTEL PACKAGE DEALS
Exclusive! Michigan’s Adventure Hotel Package Deal
GR area residents: Several Grand Rapids area hotels are part of this package and you don’t have to use the Michigan’s Adventure tickets at the same time as your hotel stay. (So you can have a stay-cation one night and then use your park passes two other times over the summer — whenever you want.)
All for under $400!
Hotel Packages
Save when you bundle!
Select Your Dates & Hotel
Choose 1 or 2 Day Admission
Select Number of Tickets
Michigan’s Adventure Open Days & Hours
*Michigan Adventure Rides and the Water Park operate on separate schedules.
Michigan Adventure Hours 2024
| Michigan’s Adventure | Wildwater Adventure |
|---|---|
| 11 AM – 8 PM | Noon – 6 PM |
- Michigan’s Adventure opening day is May 24, 2024.
- WildWater Adventure Waterpark opening day is June 8, 2024.
Fall 2024: Tricks & Treats Weekends
The park’s 2024 season will extend past Labor Day with Tricks and Treats in the Fall.
Every Saturday and Sunday from September 14 – October 13, visitors will find a transformed amusement park.
2024 Fall Weekends
Look forward to a candy trick-or-treat trail, seasonal activities, treats and drinks – adult beverages and special magical potions for the kids at this event.
Sept 14 – October 13, 2024
*Tricks and Treats will offer select rides. A season pass includes admission to Tricks and Treats.
Regular Michigan Adventure Tickets & Admission
Wondering how much it costs to visit Michigan’s Adventure?
Ticketholders get access to both the water park and amusement park for the day.
Pricing may change. These prices were up-to-date as of 6/17/2024. For discount tickets, check here.
| 2024 Single Day Admission Valid only for the day selected in the 2024 season. Ages 3 & up. Guests 2 and under are free. | $60 gate price $42.99+ online with a $6.99+ processing fee per transaction |
| 2 Day Pass Come for a weekend or split up the days. | $ 64.99 plus $6.99 transaction fee |
| Fun Day Pass Single day admission + All Day Dining | $62.99 plus $6.99 transaction fee |
| 2024 Regular Season Pass Unlimited Park Visits, water park visits, food & merchandise discounts, and pass perks rewards All Park Passport Add-on: Includes free parking all season, admission to ALL Cedar Fair Parks | Regular: $105 All Park Add-on: Additional $105 |
| Parking Regular Vehicle Oversized Vehicle | $25 $35 |
| 2024 Fast Lane Bypass the lines on 14 rides & attractions | $49 $150 (Fast Lane Season Pass) |
| 2024 All Day Dining Pass All Day Dining wristband includes an entrée and a side at participating restaurants during your day at Michigan’s Adventure. Valid for the 2024 season. Enjoy an entrée and side as often as every 90 minutes during your visit in 2024. Drinks are not included. | $32.99 |
| 2024 Single Meal Deal Single Meal Dining Plan voucher good for one entrée, one side and a fountain drink at your choice of participating locations during the 2024 season. | $16.99 |
| Cabana Rental 10’x10′. 8 guests. Lounge chairs, patio table, shade. | $169 ($139 with season pass) |
| Extras Wagon Single Stroller Double Stroller | $15 + tax $17 + tax $22 + tax |
Michigan’s Adventure Packing List
Going to both parks? Use this checklist to help prep for a day at Michigan’s Adventure.
Essentials
- Sunscreen
- Beach Towel
- Sunglasses or hats
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- change of clothes
- bathing suit / swim diapers
- plastic bags for wet swimwear
- waterproof pouch for credit card or cell phone
- lip balm
- tummy-trouble medicine
- comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops for the water park bathroom & changing areas (footwear is not allowed on WildWater Adventure attractions. )
Nice to Have
- Guests are permitted to bring their own life jacket if they’re Coast Guard certified. The park provides life jackets.
- A wagon or stroller to cart around all the things, especially for the water park portion.
- disposable rain ponchos
- a hairband/clip for long hair
Michigan’s Adventure FAQs
Where is Michigan’s Adventure located?
Michigan Adventure is located on the West side of Michigan’s lower peninsula, just north of Muskegon, Michigan, and a half-hour south of Silver Lake, Michigan.
The park is about an hour’s drive from Grand Rapids or a little over 3 hours from Detroit, MI.
Are there Rides for Little Kids at Michigan’s Adventure?
Yes, Michigan Adventure has rides for little kids in the new Peanuts®-themed area, Camp Snoopy.
This kid-friendly spot includes Beagle Scout Acres, a large climb-and-play structure with lots of interactive features.
The whole area is filled with rides geared toward kids and families. The biggest thing to pay attention to is ride height requirements.
Does Michigan’s Adventure offer School Field Trips?
Yes, the amusement park has several days in 2024 set aside for school field trips: May 24, May 29, May 30, May 31, June 5, June 6 and June 7. $35.00 per person.* Advance registration is required.
What was Michigan Adventure before it was Michigan Adventure?
Michigan Adventure used to be called Deer Park Funland. It changed its name to Michigan’s Adventure in 1988.
Are there animals at Michigan’s Adventure?
Yes, the amusement park has animals! As a throwback to the park’s roots, there is a petting zoo at the amusement park. Funland Farm is home to llamas, alpacas, a mini horse, and more. Find them near the Mad Mouse roller coaster.
How many roller coasters does Michigan’s Adventure have?
Michigan’s Adventure is the largest amusement park in Michigan. It has seven rollercoasters among its 52 rides. The most extreme roller coasters are the Corkscrew, Shivering Timbers, Thunderhawk, and Wolverine Wildcat.
Does the Waterpark at Michigan’s Adventure cost extra?
No, the waterpark is included in the price of your ticket. Michigan’s Adventure is unique because your ticket gets you into both the amusement park and the waterpark for the day
Safety Notes & Special Considerations
If one of your family members has mobility challenges or requires special accommodations, review this page.
Michigan’s Adventure has systems in place for those with autism or mobility challenges (to help minimize wait times), to a Kid Track system to keep families together.
Tip: Dress your kids in bright colors take a photo of each child as you enter the park.
Bonus Tip: Establish a group meeting place as soon as you enter the park.
Hotels Near Michigan’s Adventure
*This section contains affiliate links that help us pay our employees. Thank you for your support!
Comfort Inn Whitehall
2822 N Durham Rd, Whitehall, MI 49461
Free Hot Breakfast; Indoor Pool and Whirlpool
5.3 miles from Michigan’s Adventure
Country Inn & Suites Muskegon
1675 E Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49444
Free Hot Breakfast; Outdoor and Indoor Pools.
12.5 miles from Michigan’s Adventure
Shoreline Inn & Conference Center
750 Terrace Point Rd, Muskegon, MI 49440
Muskegon’s Only Waterfront Hotel
Amenities include free WiFi, fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, meeting space, and restaurant. Guest rooms feature microwave and Refrigerator, coffee Maker, flat-screen TVs, premium cable channels, and iron and ironing board.
9.4 miles from Michigan’s Adventure
Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown
939 3rd St, Muskegon, MI 49440
Indoor Pool, Whirlpool, Fitness Center, Free Wi-Fi
9.2 miles from Michigan’s Adventure
Hampton Inn Muskegon
1401 E Ellis Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444
Free hot breakfast and On the Run breakfast bags, Free Internet (Wired, Wireless and Public Wi-Fi)
16.1 miles from Michigan’s Adventure
Love Michigan’s Adventure! The water park is our favorite place to cool off during the summer. The kiddie pool areas are always a hit with the little ones, and the slides are so much fun for both kids and adults. Can’t wait to check out the amusement park this year and try out some of the new rides. Thanks for the tip on the ticket deals, will definitely be using them for our next visit!
How soon after ordering from aResTravel in the link you provided, does it take to get your tickets? Wondering for a same day purchase.
You should get your tickets in your email as soon as your credit card goes through. If you’re concerned about timing, though, you can call (800) 919-1814 for assistance. They will be able to answer your questions and can even take your order over the phone.
When are the season pass bring a friend days
i am a grand mother with a walker is there any motorize scooter for us disability people ?
If so how much ia rental fee ?
Yes 60$ a day reserve it abead if time
If you have food allergies and don’t feel comfortable eating there, you can bring your food in the park. You have to get a tag on your cooler but then you can join your family when they’re eating in the park.
We enjoy opening the park so we can get the big rides done without a wait. Then we do the not as popular rides, eat then head for the water park to finish our day.
Get an adult meal to split between the kids. More for your money that way.
Hi I have a 3 year old aND a 2 year old I was just wondering how much there ticket is..
If you get the tix thru Meijer, it’s $24.99 per person (3 and up). We went last week, with five children (ages 18mo thru 10yrs). There is truly something for everyone. It’s an annual summer thing for us.
We do the amusement park in the morning (from the kid section back to the scrambler), picnic in the car for lunch around 2pm, work from the Corkscrew back to the waterpark and cool off in the afternoon, then when we’re sick of being wet do the bigger coasters and ride the rail cars and wind down with whatever kid rides we can fit before close.
Note about the new children’s waterpark area – we did NOT like it. There’s no way to keep track of your children in it. It’s packed, it’s big, and it’s overwhelming. Thinking like a pedophile, it’s the perfect place to snatch a kid. I was incredibly uncomfortable with it. We had more fun in the kid-sized wave pool near it, and in Pirate’s Cove… which is now much quieter what with the new park getting all the attention.
Meijer sells discounted tickets- check at their customer service, I am not sure what the price is. Does anyone else know?
Does anyone know of discount tickets for MI Adventure? There are 5 of us and that is pretty pricey….
Thanks for the review. I have been debating on whether or not it would be “fun” for my 3 and 5 year old. Looks like it will be.
Don’t tell my kids that we are going later on in August! I’m excited to try out the new water park- finally something the little people will enjoy and can do! Thanks for the report, Katie!