Top Michigan Vacation Ideas For Families

1. Mackinac Island

Located at the very top of the Mitten, right between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is the beautiful Mackinac Island. Perfect for a day-trip or a lengthier stay, this island boasts an old-fashioned charm with soda shops, horse-drawn carriages, and absolutely no cars anywhere.

Featured Attractions:

• Fort Mackinac - Founded in 1780 and located within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park, this historical landmark brings the past to life with live demonstrations and tours throughout the summer season.
• Mackinac Island Bike Trail - Bring your own bike or rent one on the island in order to check out the incredibly scenic Mackinac Island Bike Trail. This 8.2 mile trail takes you all around the island with notable stops along the shore line as well as at the famous Arch Rock.

2. Auburn Hills

Many of Michigan's best Family Vacation spots include scenic outdoor views and activities, but we all know that Michigan's weather doesn't always cooperate...

When the heat starts to get too brutal or a summer storm is brewin', indoor fun is at a premium! That's when Auburn Hills, Michigan's greatest destination for all-weather family fun, saves the day.

The 'Entertainment District' of Auburn Hills is easily accessible, right off I-75, and is home to unique attractions, entertainment, dining, and outlet shopping experiences that you can't find anywhere else in the state!

Featured Attractions:

• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
• SEA LIFE Aquarium
• Peppa Pig World of Play

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Michigan's ONLY ultimate indoor LEGO® playground is the perfect place for families with young children to learn, build and play together.

You'll see dozens of Detroit-area landmarks built entirely out of LEGO bricks, save the day on two interactive LEGO-themed rides, then get hands-on in the build and play areas!

SEA LIFE Aquarium

'Dive' into Michigan's largest aquarium with over 250 species and 2,000 creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles and more!

At SEA LIFE, you'll explore the freshwater lakes & rivers of Michigan all the way to the depths of the ocean and meet the amazing creatures who live there.

Peppa Pig World of Play

Peppa Pig World of Play is the perfect attraction for families with young children! You and your little piggies will enjoy exploring (and playing in!) more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all lovingly inspired by the cherished TV series.

3. Grand Haven

Located right along Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is the perfect beach town getaway for families! Be sure to check out the miles of beautiful beaches, historic lighthouse and pier, and quaint downtown area.

Featured Attractions:

• Grand Haven Musical Fountain - During the summer months, be sure to check out one of the nightly shows at the Musical Fountain featuring a mesmerizing synchronized display of lights, music, and water.
• Coast Guard Festival - During the first weekend of August, Grand Haven explodes with visitors during its annual Coast Guard Festival. Featuring a carnival, parades, and numerous other activities, this festival is not to be missed!

4. Frankenmuth

Just an hour and a half north of Detroit, you'll find Frankenmuth, Michigan's own 'Little Bavaria.' This quaint little city has its roots in German culture, which can be found in the architecture, food, and more. Be sure to get a world famous chicken dinner before you leave!

Featured Attractions:

• Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland - At the size of 1½ football fields, Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store that is open 361 days a year. Be completely surrounded by the sights, sounds, and the spirit of Christmas as you browse through over 50,000 trims and gifts.
• River Place Shops - Enjoy over 40 unique shops and attractions at Frankenmuth’s very own “German themed” outdoor shopping mall. River Place also holds a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year!

5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Awarded America's first National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula is a place of true beauty. This National Park has everything from beautiful pristine beaches to miles of picturesque hiking trails. Pack up the kids and the camping supplies and get away from it all.

Featured Attractions:

• Waterfalls - Take a day or two to visit all 8 of the main waterfalls located within the boundaries of the park including the 50-foot Munising Falls, which is the only waterfall that is still easily accessible in winter.
• Scenic Views - While visiting Pictured Rocks, you do not want to miss out on the dozens of scenic sights around you including the colorful Pictured Rocks Cliffs or the Grand Sable Banks and Dunes.

6. Holland

To get another taste of Europe right here in Michigan, head to the west side of the state and visit the Dutch-influenced city of Holland. You can even stop by 'Big Red Lighthouse,' the state's most photographed lighthouse, at Holland State Park.

Featured Attractions:

• Windmill Island Gardens - For the full Dutch experience, visit Windmill Island Gardens to walk amongst thousands of beautifully cultivated gardens and tour the historic windmill, 'de Zwaan', which is still functioning. Visit in late April and early May and you'll get to walk through 150,000 blooming tulips.
• Nelis' Dutch Village - Be sure to check out this unique Dutch-themed amusement park. With 6 different rides, a petting zoo, and daily cultural demonstrations, Nelis' Dutch Village is the perfect outing for a family.

7. Bay City

Located near the base of Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, Bay City is the perfect place for a family day-trip or weekend stay. With tons of outdoor recreation areas, wonderful museums, exciting festivals, and tons of great restaurant options, this is a not-to-be-missed city.

Featured Attractions:

• Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum - One of the most popular attractions in Bay City, the Naval Ship Museum numerous exhibits all of which are located on the USS Edson, a 418-foot destroyer from the 1940s.
• Delta College Planetarium - Located at the start of historic Center Avenue, the Planetarium is open six days a week and offers a variety of educational shows on its 360-degree screen. It is also within walking distance of several parks, restaurants, and the Public Library.

8. Traverse City

Nestled along Grand Traverse Bay, you'll find Traverse City, the second largest city in Northern Michigan. Traverse City offers the best of both worlds with world-class restaurants and exciting shopping options downtown as well as beautiful beaches and picturesque hiking trails. Traverse has a little something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Featured Attractions:

• National Cherry Festival - If there is one thing Traverse City is most known for, it's their delicious cherries and every summer they celebrate the sweet fruit during the National Cherry Festival. Over the course of a week, you'll enjoy concerts, markets, parades, a carnival, and even special air show demonstrations!
• Clinch Park Beach - This is arguably the most popular beach in the area with a splash pad, lots of open space, and concessions. It is also just right across the street from the downtown area making it easy to grab lunch or do a little shopping.

9. Marquette

Located along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, you'll find Marquette, Northern Michigan's largest city. Marquette has the best that the UP has to offer with stunning hiking and nature trails as well as tons of family-friendly attractions in town.

Featured Attractions: 

• Dead River Falls - After just a short drive out of Marquette, you'll find the stunning Dead Water Falls, which is a series of waterfalls along a half-mile stretch of the Dead River. Enjoy a family hike along the river to take in all of the different waterfalls.
• Upper Peninsula Children's Museum - When you want to take a break from all of the outdoor activities, head over to the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, which features numerous interactive exhibits on natural science, culture, and history.

10. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

If you're looking for a family vacation where you can get away from it all, head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park in Northern Michigan. This National Park offers numerous camping opportunities and activities for kids of all ages including biking, swimming, and hiking.

Featured Attractions: 

• Manitou Islands - For the nature lovers in your life, head to the Manitou Islands. These nature refuges are perfect for bird watching, camping, and hiking. On North Manitou Island, you'll find a small historic village and on South Manitou Island you can explore the lighthouse and keepers quarters.
• The Dune Climb - You can't visit Sleeping Bear Dunes without climbing the dunes themselves. Start at the Dune Center, located at the bottom of the climb, and then begin the strenuous trek up the dune, which ends with a beautiful view of Glen Lake. Don't worry though, the walk back down is much easier!