Winter Themed Children’s Books to Read during Winter Solstice
Snuggle up and celebrate Winter Solstice by reading aloud these winter themed books. We’ve rounded up a great list of children’s picture books about winter solstice. Plus, check out these winter solstice activity ideas.
Winter Lantern- Lit Night Hikes in Michigan in 2024-2025
Lantern Lit Night Hikes are occurring throughout Michigan this winter. Here is your Michigan Winter hiking guide for 2024-2025 season, including a detailed map. Hike, ski or snowshoe as you journey through a glowing trail lit with lanterns. A variety of Michigan State Parks, MI recreation areas and nature centers are hosting these magical night hikes with cozy camp fires afterwards.
Top 12 Things to Do in Houghton Lake, Michigan with Kids
Visiting Houghton Lake area in Michigan with your family this year. Here is a family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Roscommon, Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake with kids. Activities, restaurants, beaches, ORV trails and outdoor adventures at beautiful South and North Higgins Lake State Park.
Full Guide to Reindeer Encounters this Christmas in Michigan
Make Christmas extra magical for your children with a special experience of meeting and petting real live reindeer. Add this fun tradition to your holiday schedule. Visit a Michigan reindeer farm or attend a Holiday events where you can visit with Santa and pet live reindeer. Check out the map of reindeer farms and Christmas events in Michigan to find one close to you.
Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Kids to Encourage Outdoor Play
Unique, non candy, ideas for children’s stocking stuffers that are useful, practical and fun. These toys will help children to get outside more in nature playing in the backyard or while hiking and camping. Kids of all ages will love these unconventional ideas including pocket sized games, water balls, nature toys.
The Coolest Rocks to Find in Michigan with Kids
If you have a child whose pockets are constantly overflowing with rocks, then you’ll need to find these 6 Michigan rocks to add to their collections. Luckily, the Great Lakes State is ideal location for kid’s to rock hunt with it’s rocky shores. Here’s a Family Guide to the best spots to find Puddingstones, Lake Superior Agate, Petoskey Stones, Charlevoix Stones and Leland Blues from a lifelong Michigander. Make it a Michigan Day trip to Lake Michigan, Lake Superior or Lake Huron while vacationing and rock hunting.
Lovely Lake Views while Hiking Marl Lake Trail at South Higgins Lake State Park, Michigan
A lovely hike awaits at South Higgins Lake State Park. Marl Lake Trail in Roscommon, Michigan skirts along the lake, all while providing lake views and a chance to see birds and wild life. Located near Houghton Lake, it’s a perfect stop for a fun Michigan day trip, camping or fall weekend getaway for families and children.
Spectacular Hikes in Michigan Guaranteed to Make Your Kids Fall in Love with Hiking
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly hiking trails from a local Michigan mom. Help your kids fall in love with hiking as you explore lovely wooded trails, lake views, waterfalls, a magical Narnia trail and gnome hunt. These locations are the perfect spots for a Michigan day trip. Save this list of Michigan hikes for families with children for your next adventure.
Hunt for Gnomes at Pond Hill Farm: A One of a Kind Hike for Kids
Go on a whimsical gnome hunt at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Here is your guide for taking the winding 1.5 mile trail to collect all 12 letters, located on the hand crafted gnome homes. Combine the letters to form a secret word, solve and win a sweet prize. Besides the hike, enjoy wine tasting, live bands, delicious food, plus tons of activities whether its fall, summer or winter for children and families. These outdoor activities for families will be a hit with kids as you spend the day on a northern Michigan Day Trip.
12 Things to Do at Pond Hill Farms: A Perfect Day Trip for Families in Northern Michigan
12 Top Things to Do at Pond Hill Farm in Northern Michigan. This scenic spot has it all -rustic barns, wine tasting, live bands, delicious food, plus tons of activities whether its fall, summer or winter. With a wide variety of outdoor activities for families with kids, you can enjoy a hike on a gnome hunt, pet animals, and play on the playscape. This makes a perfect Michigan Day Trip. You can’t help but fall in love with Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs.
Escape into Nature at Platte River Campground at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Michigan Camping Guide
The ultimate guide to camping at Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here is our honest review of the camp sites and facilities. This is a Michigan Bucket List trip for families. Numerous outdoor activities will keep kids occupied as you swim, catch a sunset at Lake Michigan, race down a sand dune or hike the miles of scenic trails and overlooks.
Top 15 Activities to Do with Kids in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Michigan
Lauded as one of Michigan's most beautiful areas. Here is our family guide for the top things to do while visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with kids. During your next family trip explore numerous outdoor activities as you swim at the beach, race down a sand dune, cruise through Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, catch a sunset at Lake Michigan, ride on the Heritage Bike Trail or hike the trails to Empire Bluff. Your children will treasure the summer memories made together. Here's our the best tips on where to stay and play at Sleeping Bear Dunes from a Michigander.
Waterloo State Recreation Area: Learn About Nature at the Eddy Discovery Center
A fun destination for families while visiting Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan. The Eddy Discovery Center has educational exhibits, animals, nature trails. Enjoy this fun day trip in Michigan to the nature center. Kids will love playing on the outdoor nature play area, exploring the trails, searching for the carnivorous pitcher plant. Great Michigan spot for field trips or homeschool outings.
Visit, Explore and Camp at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Visit and camp at the largest state park in the lower peninsula of Michigan, Waterloo State Recreation Area. This expansive park contains 21,000 acres of land, 11 lakes and miles of hiking, biking and even equestrian trails. Here is a full review and trip guide to Waterloo, highlighting the many features from two beaches, large modern playgrounds, both electric and rustic campsites and tons of trails. Camp near Jackson and Ann Arbor at this Michigan State Park
Explore and Learn at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Stop in and explore the Throne Swift Nature Preserve. It’s a fun destination for families to experience the joys of the great outdoors while in the Harbor Springs or Petoskey Area. Enjoy this fun day trip in Michigan for kids as you hike the trails, play at the beach and learn at the nature center, which contains educational exhibits and nature displays. Check out their nature programs and workshops too.
Unmissable Outdoor Adventures in Petoskey with Kids
Petoskey is full of fun activities for kid and families. Soak up time outdoors while exploring the beaches, trails and bike paths in northern Michigan on you next family vacation. This Lake Michigan beach town is a family-friendly destination to explore the beauty of the Little Traverse Bay area. Here is a list of 30 summer activities and things to do with kids in Petoskey when visiting this area from fishing and hiking, to swimming and biking- your kids will never be bored.
Experience Scenic Views, History and Adventure Along the Little Traverse Wheelway
A family-friendly bike path that has topped our list of favorites is the Little Traverse Wheelway. Specifically, we love the easy accessibility, beautiful scenery, close proximity to downtown and the convenient access from Petoskey State Park. Stretching for 26 miles between three delightful beach towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix, The Wheelway follows the shores of Lake Michigan, providing stunning views and tons of entertaining stops to enjoy for families with kids.
Summer Pool Games for Kids, Adults and Large Groups
Summer is here and the pool is our favorite place to be. We’ve rounded up the best pool games to play for a fun-filled day. These kid-friendly pool games are great ones for your family get togethers or when you have a large group of kid’s swimming at the pool. These games promise hours of play for groups and include both no props game ( requiring no equipment) and also some that require simple toys like beachballs or pool noodles. This list includes some classics, new games and fun pool games with a twist.
Hike the Trails at Petoskey State Park: Detailed Guide
Petoskey State Park is a beautiful state park on Little Travers Bay in Petoskey, Michigan. Here is guide with all the tips for visiting and hiking the trails at Petoskey State Park for your next family vacation. Numerous outdoor activities will keep kids occupied as you swim, catch a sunset at Lake Michigan, and hike the 3 miles of trails. Here is what to expect while hiking the trails at Petoskey State Park, including pictures and answers to all your questions; are dogs allowed on the trails and the trail lengths for Old Baldy, Portage Trail and the Campground Trail.
Eco-Friendly Family Travel: Sustainable Practices on the Go
Eco-Friendly Family Travel: Sustainable Practices on the Go. From sustainable dining, packing light and eco friendly activities to help reduce our carbon footprint and maintain the beauty of our world for generations to come.