Top Things to Do with Kids Near Silver Beach in Saint Joseph, Michigan
Family-Friendly Activities in Saint Joseph
Splash in the Whirlpool Compass Fountain
Spend a day or two in the easy breezy beach town of Saint Joseph, Michigan. Full of outdoor activities that will keep you entertained as you catch a sunset, splash in the Whirlpool Fountain Compass, ride the carousel, savor Silver Beach Pizza and splash in the waves at Silver Beach. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, we promise you’ll love exploring the charming beach town of Saint Joseph. There is truly something to enjoy for each member of the family, whether young or old.
Concession Stand at Silver Beach
One of the main draws of St. Joe’s is the close proximity to attractions and to the walkable downtown area. You’ll love that you can easily browse the shops, dine at restaurants, explore the Curious Kid’s Museum and grab ice cream while watching the sunset- all within walking distance of the beach. As a local Michigan resident and frequent visitor in Saint Joseph, we’ve created a family-friendly guide to the ideal way to spend a day at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, including our favorite places to visit, many of which are free to enjoy.
1. Dive into the Waves of Lake Michigan at Silver Beach
Love for sink-your-toes-in-sand and picture-perfect sunsets is why Silver Beach County Park is by far the most popular beach in the area, add in the easy walkability and the many features available at Silver Beach and it’s a winning combination.
This family-friendly city beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer, which help parents feel safer at the beach. Kids will love building sandcastle in the sugary, soft sand and diving into the salt free waves of Lake Michigan. Additionally, we love the nearby amenities including restrooms, a foot washing station, volleyball courts, a massive playground and concession stand for beach goers.
Entry Fee $8 residents/ $15 non-county residents parking fee for entry
Accessibility
A accessible walkway runs from the parking lot along the beachfront area to the the Dunes Pavilion and the South Pier. Additionally, you can utilize a beach wheelchair or walker, which can be reserved ahead of time at the office by the restrooms.
Beach view of the North Pier Lighthouses
2. View the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse
Stately lighthouses are a stunning backdrop along Lake Michigan’s sandy shoreline. Taking a stroll out to the pier of the iconic St Joseph Pier ’s lighthouse is a popular past time for beachgoers when visiting. The bright white, black and red colors stand out as a beacon against the blue-green water. Surprisingly, the lighthouse stations, which were first lit in 1907, are still operational today. Both the catwalk and lights are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The two lighthouses adorning the North Pier, are known as the Inner and Outer Lights. If you desire access to the pier and lighthouses, it can only be gained from the St Joseph’s North Pier by Tiscornia Park. Visitors can take a tour of the interior of the lighthouse every Friday and Saturday during the summer. There is a $10 Tiscornia Beach parking fee.
3. Fulfill Your Sweet Tooth at Kilwin’s Ice Cream
In our opinion, the epitome of summer time sweets is rich, creamy ice cream from Kilwin’s. The smells alone will have you salivating as the scent of homemade waffle cones and fudge waft through the doors. Choose from a wide selection of delicious flavors like Salted Carmel, Traverse City Cherry or a dairy free option like Carmel Ripple or raspberry sorbet.
Take it up a notch and choose the waffle cone bowls for an extra special treat. With tons of unique flavors, not to mention decadent chocolates and fudge, your taste buds will thank you.
4. Cool Off at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain & Splash Pad
Squeals of laughter echo across the open air space as children splash and play at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain in Saint Joseph. This Michigan beach town is one of the best kid-friendly spots to enjoy this summer!
Like clock work, every 15 minutes water cannons blast cooling sprays of water 35 feet into the air to the delight of kids and adults alike. In between the mega cannon blasts, children can run around the splash pad. I personally love that after a hot summer day on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a refreshing way to rinse sandy bums and toes off before heading home.
Whirlpool Compass Splash Pad
5. Climb a Sand Dune
Kid’s will appreciate the small stretch of dunes on the edge of Silver Lake Beach area. Although it’s tiny, little legs will love climbing the dune and racing down. Offering visitors a rewarding view of Lake Michigan and bit of shade in the grassy foredune area. To reach the dunes head past the concession stand and it’s located off to the right.
6. Buy Fresh Produce at the Farmer’s Market
Fresh is the keyword when you head to the St Joe Farmers Market. Each week brings local vendors offering a variety of items. Support locally sourced farms and artisans by purchasing fresh bouquets, homemade soaps, organic produce, homegrown flowers bouquets and hand crafted items. This event is held every Saturdays from 9-2pm in the scenic Lake Bluff Park with the cool breezes off Lake Michigan sweeping in.
7. Play Tag on the Play Ground
Play structure at Silver Beach
Ready for a massive game of tag? Silver Beach has multiple play structures across from Lake Michigan that is a popular spot with kids of all ages. Featuring slides, monkey bars, and bridges you can easily spend an hour playing. Pack a picnic lunch to relax on the beach or purchase food at the nearby snack shop.
TIP Bring sandals! Your feet will thank you. There is no shade so the sand can get quite toasty!
8. Take a Spin on the Carousel
Carousel at Silver Beach
Everyone will love this nostalgic carousel, reminiscent of the original 1910 carousel, which resided at the Silver Beach Amusement Park. Although the amusement park is no more, the current carousel was recreated in 2010 and can be enjoyed by visitors today. The intricate details of the hand-carved horses, chariots and even a wheelchair accessible peacock are a highlight for children. For a fee of $3.00, guests can purchase a token to ride.
Besides the Silver Lake Carousel, there is also an attached museum with items from the old amusement park. Deep dive into the history of the Silver Beach Amusement Park during your visit, including memorabilia from the original carousel and Kiddyland rides from 1910-1971.
9. Learn at the Curious Kid’s Museum
Besides all the outdoor activities, we love that St. Joe has a couple indoor attractions in Southwest Michigan, incase the weather doesn’t cooperate. Play and learn hands on at the Curious Kids Museum, which features a variety of exhibits. Located near Silver Beach, Curious Kids’ Museum, plus the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone will appeal to your children’s imagination. Providing an atmosphere that inspires learning your kids can climb on a volcano, play on a giant lighted peg board, power a giant mixer or pretend to be a veterinarian. Make reservations ahead of time online. $8/ per person.
10. Take Picture in front of the Murals
Mural on the bluff stairs in St. Joesph
Adorning the bluff stairs in St. Joseph is a vibrant mural. Over the years, these stairs have seen a kaleidoscope of colors. Most recently the locally based artist, Kim Wood, painted the newest temporary mural. The ombre beachy colors evoke feelings that mirror the tranquility of the sunset. This is definitely an Insta-worthy photo opportunity.
Additional murals can be found throughout St. Joe, including permanent murals at the Welcome Center, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, and the back of the Holt Bosse building. Originally started in 2018, these artistic murals continue to add beauty to the St. Joe area through the collaborated efforts of the Schalon Foundation and community supporters.
11. Eat at Silver Beach Pizza
After a filling day of fun in the sun, satisfy your appetite with a scrumptious slice, or two, of pizza at Silver Beach Pizza. While waiting for your food, your children can play with a container of pizza dough, creating doughy shapes. This iconic restaurant set in a train depot is well-known for their specialty pizzas. We tried the boom pizza, and it didn’t disappoint.
Not your every day pizza, it had lightly breaded shrimp with boom boom sauce, sweet pepper, sliced cherry tomato, and light mozzarella cheese topped with fresh cabbage, scallions, and a drizzle of boom boom sauce to top it off!
Their delicious and unique pizza offerings make for a great lunch or dinner stop. Fair warning, you may have longer wait times for this popular restaurant. Luckily, our children were easily entertained by the pizza dough they hand out and could fashion into fun shapes.
TIP Shoot for non-peak hours or opt for a to-go order. While you wait for your order, your children can splash and play in the adjacent Compass Fountain. In addition, save your receipt if you park in the city lot, since they will reimburse the $5 parking fee.
12. Stroll and Shop Downtown
Tons of unique shops, restaurants and cafes line the downtown area in St. Joseph. Looking for a fun toy for your child, your kid will love the adorable shop, Oh My Darling, which has both classic and imaginative toys. Need items for the beach then stop at Third Coast Surf Shop. It’s easy to spend a couple hours shopping, dining, playing at the Curious Kids Museum or grabbing a sweet treat.
13. Hike the Trails at Sarett Nature Center
When we head to Saint Joseph, we love to stop at the Sarett Nature Center on our way. Easily spend half the day exploring the trails, nature playscape, boardwalks, and scenic overlooks. Inside the nature center you can find live critters, reptiles and owls visible, as well as tons of exhibits on wildlife, plants and rocks. This gem of a place also is home to a butterfly garden, which you can visit for an additional free. Children are free and adults are only $2.00 for entry into the nature center, so it’s a budget-friendly activity. Open 10-5 pm.
14. Experience a Festival in St. Joe
St. Joseph, Michigan has a lively social atmosphere with tons of events, concerts and festivals occurring throughout the summer.
Antiques on the Bluff: 1st Sunday of the Month, May-Oct.
Memorial Day Parade: May 24
St. Joe Farmers Market: Saturdays, May 25-Oct. 12
Lake Bluff Artisan Fair: June 1, July 20, Aug. 17, Aug. 31
Makers Trail Festival: June 8
Wednesday Brown Bag Concerts: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28
Wednesday Night Market: Wednesdays, July 17-Aug. 28
Friday Night Concert Series: Fridays, July 19-Aug. 30
Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: July 19
Chalk the Block: August 2-4
When visiting St. Joseph, you can easily stop by nearby South Haven for their special events.
South Haven Blueberry Festival Aug 8-11, 2024
South Haven’s Light Up the Lake Fireworks July 3, 2024
15. Camp at a Michigan State Park
Two different Michigan State Parks are less than 30 minutes away from Silver Beach and have options for overnight camping. To the North in South Haven, Van Buren State Park is a great option for families who want a relaxing time surrounded by nature and the shores of Lake Michigan. With over 200 wooded sites offering electric hookup for tents and RV campers you can easily explore the Southwest side of Michigan. Check out this Trip guide for Camping at Van Buren State Park.
Another popular option, which is only 20 minutes away, is camping at Warren Dunes State Park. With a gorgeous beach, hiking trails and the immense dune climb, you can’t go wrong staying nearby. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance for Michigan State Parks.
16. Stay Overnight in St. Joseph
Although the town of Saint Joseph makes a great Michigan Day Trip, we suggest staying longer to have more time to savor Lake Michigan beach activities. With a generous variety of accommodations from bed and breakfasts, beach homes or hotels with pools, there is something for each desire.
Whether you want a bit more space, a private hot tub or close proximity to the beach, you can easily find accommodations through VRBO. Whatever your specific needs and desires, click here to discover the perfect place for your next vacation.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-Saint Joseph This IHG Hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and lots of space in the family suite for larger family. Good breakfast and only 2 miles from Silver Beach.
The Inn at Harbor Shores Gorgeous lake front views, including an indoor and outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. On site spa for parents looking to relax.
2 -Day Sample Itinerary for Vacationing in St Joseph
DAY 1
10-3 Beach Day
12-1 Grab lunch at Concession Stand
3-4 Splash and Play in the Whirl Pool Compass Fountain
5-7 Dinner Silver Beach pizza
7-8 Ride the Carousel/ Explore the Museum
8-9 Ice cream at Kilwins
9-10 Take a stroll out to the lighthouse/ Watch the Sunset
Spend the night
DAY 2
8-9 Breakfast at Hotel
9-10 Swim at the Pool
11-1 Farmers Market/ Downtown Shopping
1-3 Visit Curious Kid’s Museum
3-5 Hike & Explore the Trails at Sarett Nature Center
Closing Thoughts
If you enjoy the beachy atmosphere of Lake Michigan towns, then visiting Saint Joseph needs to be added to your summer vacation plans. It’s the perfect family vacation spot whether you visit for the day or the weekend.
During your vacation, get sun kissed as you dive headfirst into the waves and build sand castles on sugary shores of Silver Beach. It’s the perfect Michigan day trip for kids, since the whole family can enjoy exploring the Curious Kid’s Museum, riding the historic 1910 carousel, enjoying a scrumptious slice of Silver Beach Pizza and complete the day by watching the sun disappear in a blaze of colors at Silver Beach.
Spend delightful summer days in St Joe, as you enjoy all that the Michigan’s Great Lakes has to offer. Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews and tons of Michigan day trip adventures for families.
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