Visiting the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery: What to Expect + Mom-Tested Tips
Planning a visit to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Here is your full guide of what to expect from a mom of four . You can easily spend half a day there exploring interactive exhibits on space, dinosaurs and science. With imaginary play stations, hands on science labs, and an indoor climbing tree fort its perfect for kids. This museum is worth the trip to Ohio. To help you plan your visit here’s everything I wish I knew before we walked through the doors.
Growing in Grace: A Mother–Daughter Puberty Party to Celebrate God’s Design
Host a faith-filled mother–daughter puberty party that’s both fun and meaningful! Enjoy a fondue night, play interactive games, and include Christian devotionals to help tween girls learn about growing up, periods, and body changes in a positive way. Create a safe, joy-filled space to celebrate how we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Get ideas for puberty education activities, discussion prompts, and mother–daughter bonding moments—plus tips for decorations, goodie bags, and games to make your tween’s “growing up” night one to remember.
Camping at North Higgins Lake State Park: Our 4th of July Experience
Discover why North Higgins Lake State Park is one of Michigan’s best family campgrounds. From crystal-clear shallow water and sandy beaches to biking loops, volleyball courts, boating, and nearby ORV trails in St. Helen—get the full review, pros and cons, and top nearby restaurants and activities. Plus watch fireworks from the shore during the 4th of July.
Sidewalk Chalk Games Kids Love: Easy Outdoor Fun for Families
Looking for fun sidewalk chalk games for kids? These creative ideas turn your driveway into hours of outdoor fun! Try classic games like hopscotch and 4 square, plus unique activities like a chalk obstacle course, snail jump game, DIY Chutes and Ladders, chalk murals, bike courses, and even a neighborhood color run. Perfect for summer activities, backyard play, and screen-free fun for kids. Save these easy sidewalk chalk ideas for families to keep kids playing outside!
Orchard Beach State Park Family Campground Review
Campground review and guide for camping at Orchard Beach State Park which sits atop a 100-foot bluff over Lake Michigan, offering peaceful sites and incredible sunset views. While there’s no direct beach access due to erosion, several beautiful beaches are just a short drive away—making it a scenic and relaxing basecamp.
Au Train Beach: A Perfect Beach Stop Between Pictured Rocks and Marquette
Looking for a quick, free, and family-friendly stop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Au Train Beach is an underrated gem located right off the highway between Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Marquette. With a sandy shoreline, shallow water, and calm inlet pools created where the Au Train River meets Lake Superior, it’s one of the best places for kids to splash and swim. The river also makes the water feel warmer than most Lake Superior beaches, making this a perfect summer road trip stop for families exploring the UP.
Hidden Gem for Rock Hounds in Manistee: Exploring Magoon Creek
Magoon Creek is a hidden gem near Manistee, Michigan! This quiet Lake Michigan beach has sandy and rocky shoreline, sea glass, creek play for kids, and fewer crowds. A perfect family day trip and rock hounding spot. Save for summer adventures!
How to Build a Rainbow Igloo: Step By Step Directions and Tips
Step by Step Directions for creating a colorful rainbow igloo out of ice blocks. Perfect fun outdoor project that kids will love. The rainbow ice igloo will add some color to those long winter days. Here are helpful tips, directions and supply list to be successful.
How to DIY: Steps for Making your Climbing Dome into a Igloo for the Winter
Turn a climbing dome into a cozy DIY winter igloo for kids! Learn how to transform a metal climbing dome using a ground tarp, plastic wrap, or a premade dome cover to create a fun backyard winter fort. This easy outdoor winter project encourages more outside play during cold months, sparks imagination, and keeps kids active all winter long. Perfect for snowy days, backyard play spaces, homeschooling breaks, and winter STEM or nature play ideas. Save this pin for cold-weather outdoor fun!
Winter Lantern- Lit Night Hikes in Michigan in 2025-2026
Lantern Lit Night Hikes are happening across Michigan this winter! This Michigan Winter Hiking Guide for the 2025–2026 season includes a detailed map to help you plan your adventure. Hike, ski, or snowshoe along glowing trails illuminated by lantern light as you experience the beauty of Michigan after dark. Michigan State Parks, recreation areas, and nature centers are hosting these magical night hikes, many featuring cozy campfires to warm up afterward.
A Family-Friendly Guide to Fifth Avenue Beach in Manistee, Michigan
Fifth Avenue Beach in Manistee is a popular, family-friendly Lake Michigan beach known for its wide sandy shoreline, calm swimming conditions, and convenient amenities. Visitors can expect a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, and concessions making it an easy and relaxing beach day for families with kids. The beach offers beautiful Lake Michigan views, a long pier for walking and fishing, and stunning sunsets, all just minutes from downtown Manistee.
Exploring the CCC Museum at North Higgins Lake: A Family-Friendly Stop Filled With Michigan History
Step back in time and explore two hidden gems in Roscommon, Michigan. Visit the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum to learn how the CCC shaped Michigan’s state parks during the Great Depression, then head to the Higgins Lake Nursery to see where millions of trees were grown to restore Michigan’s forests. Perfect for families, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Add this stop to your Northern Michigan road trip, Higgins Lake vacation, or Michigan history tour.
The Best Handicap-Accessible Hiking Trails in Southwest Michigan
Discover the best handicap-accessible hiking trails in Southwest Michigan, including paved paths and wide packed-dirt routes perfect for wheelchairs, rollators, and strollers. Explore accessible trails at Frederik Meijer Gardens, Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kal-Haven, Lillian Anderson Arboretum, Pierce Cedar Creek, Celery Flats, Dorr Bysterveld Park, and TRACK Trails at various state parks. Perfect guide for inclusive, family-friendly outdoor adventures.
12 Magical Christmas Events in Michigan Your Kids Will Love
Celebrate the holidays in true Michigan style! From dazzling light displays and live reindeer visits to cozy small-town festivals, these 12 magical Christmas events in Michigan are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a festive day trip, you’ll find lights, parades, Santa sightings, and plenty of cocoa.
Fun Things to Do in Line at Amusement Parks: Easy Games & Activities to Keep Kids Happy
Make long lines fun with these easy games and activities for kids, families, and youth groups! From Signs, Simon Says, Heads Up, and Two Truths and a Lie to hand clap games, I Spy, and Star Wars finger duels, these ideas keep everyone laughing and entertained while waiting at Disney, Cedar Point, or Michigan’s Adventure. Perfect for youth group trips, family vacations, or any theme park adventure.
Backyard Climbing Dome Ideas: Games, Accessories, and Winter Igloo Fun
As a mom of 4, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kids active and outdoors — and our climbing dome has been one of the best backyard investments! In this post, I’m sharing our favorite climbing dome games, creative add-ons, and accessories that make outdoor play even more fun. Plus, turn your dome into a cozy igloo for winter, so the kids can enjoy it year-round. Real mom-tested ideas to help your family spend more time outside, no matter the season!
Visiting Oswald’s Bear Ranch: A Fun Stop on Our Family Road Trip Through Michigan’s U.P.
Looking for a family-friendly stop in Michigan’s U.P.? Visit Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry — the largest bear-only rescue in the U.S.! Feed bears apples, snap a photo with a young cub, and learn all about Michigan’s black bears on your Upper Peninsula road trip.
Family Biking Adventures in Michigan: The Best Campgrounds with Bike Trails
Family biking adventures in Michigan! Explore the best bike-friendly campgrounds — from Holland and Petoskey, to South Haven and Mackinac Island. Perfect for families who love camping, biking, and exploring the Great Lakes. Whether its mountain biking in Marquette or a 22 mile paved Little Traverse Wheelway- your family will love every minute.
Best Camping Tents for Big Families – Roomy, Functional & Affordable
Planning a family camping trip? Check out the best large family tents on Amazon —from blackout tents that help kids sleep in to roomy cabin tents with space for everyone. After researching, reading reviews, and chatting with other camping families, here are our top picks for comfort, affordability, function, and easy setup!
Miners Falls Trail: A Family-Friendly Waterfall Hike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Discover everything you need to know about hiking the Miners Falls Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This family-friendly guide covers trail distance, terrain, parking, restrooms, and what to expect along the shaded forest path to one of Michigan’s most beautiful waterfalls. Includes tips for visiting with kids, climbing to the base, and nearby things to do around Munising.