Michigan ‘Staycation’ Ideas for Spring Break
Explore Your Home State of Michigan this Spring Break
Sometimes it’s just not in the cards to head out of state for a Spring Break vacation, but don’t fret, there are still tons of places you can explore in your very own state. Luckily, our beloved Great Lakes State has ample opportunities for spring fun from educational museums to Michigan state parks, water park hotels and exotic butterfly gardens to explore.
Air Zoo in Kalamazoo
It’s a well known fact that Michigan weather in spring can be fickle, so we’ve rounded up some great ideas that include both indoor and outdoor activities for your kids to enjoy. Explore a new-to-you city for the day or maybe an inexpensive overnight stay can be a fun option for a Spring Break “staycation”. Book a hotel with a pool, or better yet an indoor water park for an overnight adventure. We’ve selected a variety of vacation destination’s chocked full of fun.
Continue reading as we highlight ideas for a staycation in Michigan that won’t break the bank. Here’s a list of 8 destinations throughout Michigan to head to this Spring Break.
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Lansing
Murals in downtown Lansing
Boasting Michigan’s state capital, play and learn as you explore the city of Lansing. When heading Downtown Lansing, kids will love learning through hands-on science exhibits and an interactive water room at the Impressions 5 Science Center. With bold murals displayed around the city, it creates interest as you walk downtown, perhaps even see how many you can find and snap fun pictures with the colorful backdrops.
Impressions 5 Science Center
When in Lansing, make sure to take a tour of the capital building and learn about the judicial branch. Next, journey back in time as you delve into the past at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, with great interactive exhibits for kids. Enjoy the river trail system and head to the Lansing Brewing Company or Lansing Shuffle, which has a variety of restaurants to choose from in walking distance of the capital. Check out Fleetwood Diner, it was voted best Michigan diner in Lansing.
With discounted rates in March, petting and viewing animals at the Potter Park Zoo is a definite must, especially with tickets being only $5 adults/ $3.00 kids. Check out what’s happening at MSU Waharton Center or take in a sporting event during your trip.
Have fun till your hearts content at Zap Zone, a newer facility in Lansing that has laser tag, bowling, roller skating, ninja obstacle courses, trampolines, axe throwing, go carts and more!
Inside the Capital in Lansing
If the weather proves to be kind, then a visit to Sleepy Hollow State Park is in order. Amazing hiking and biking trails traverse the park, including an impressive sized playground and yard game area. Try out Geocaching for a modern day treasure hunt while you visit.
Only 15 minutes away in Grand Ledge, make a point to hike the gorgeous Ledges Trail at Fitzgerald Park. For only a $3 entry fee, enjoy multiple playgrounds and a fun day exploring the trails at the park.
Where To Stay:
Stay downtown at the Courtyard by Marriot, which is within walking distance of the science center and restaurants, or opt for the Hampton Inn & Suites Lansing West for a pool and hot tub, including a free breakfast.
Grand Rapids
Every spring, one of our families all-time favorite places to visit is the scenic Frederik Meijer Garden’s and Sculpture Park. With thousands of butterflies in spring, towering sculptures, picturesque bridges and waterfalls in the Japanese Gardens, there are nonstop sights and experiences to keep you entertained. Kids will especially adore climbing the tree fort and wandering through the Children’s Gardens.
If the weather is a bit chilly, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is always a good choice for little ones. GRCM has two floors chocked full of hands-on interactive exhibits.
Treehouse at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Mix in a ton of fun at Craigs Cruisers, which has activities galore from go carts, laser tag, to a trampoline park, plus an all you an eat buffet.
Enjoy time together on a nature playscape at Plaster Creek Family Park or head to John Ball Zoo to view animals of all shapes and sizes. In addition, don’t miss out the phenomenal Grand Rapid’s Lantern Fest occurring April 10- June 16 at the John Ball Zoo. This incredible night time experience will keep your children raving long afterwards.
If you have some monster truck fanatics in your family, then secure your tickets now at Van Andel Arena’s Monster Jam night of destructions occurring March 22-24, 2024.
Where to Stay: With numerous hotels to stay, check Bookings.com to find the best deals in the Grand Rapids area.
Frankenmuth
With a host of kid-friendly activities, both indoor and outdoors, this German Bavarian Town in Frankenmuth makes a memorable Michigan day trip or weekend vacation for families. There are plenty of Spring Break festivities in Frankenmuth this season.
Where To Stay
Boasting not one, but two indoor water parks the fun just won’t stop. Enjoy activities outdoors and then splash away in the heated water park hotel during your stay. Our favorite is Zehnder’s Splash Village Water Park, which has something that will appeal to all ages. It also shares a parking lot with Bronner’s Christmas World, the largest Christmas store in the US. Only minutes from downtown Frankenmuth, Holiday Inn Birch Run Michigan provides its hotel guest with Wi-Fi, a free breakfast, and an indoor swimming pool. Located in the heart of downtown, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is another great option for families.
Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen
During your stay, spend some time outside at the Kids Kingdom, an epic wooden playground that children will love. Plan extra time to stroll around and view the many sights in the town of Frankenmuth. Cross Michigan’s longest wooden covered bridge, the Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke, on your way to grab delicious treats at River Place Mall.
With unique shops and loads of yummy deliciousness to fill your bellies, visit Sugar-High Bakery or the Popcorn Wagon.
While in Downtown Frankenmuth, stop at Cheese Haus, a family owned business with 270 different varieties of cheeses. Don’t skip the Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen for treats to take home. Kids can watch fudge demonstrations and savor the smells, while you chose which mouth watering fudge you’ll pick.
Another great restaurant for dining includes the Frankenmuth Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Michigan with pub style food and delicious burgers! If you desire authentic German style dishes such as Schnitzel and Sauerbraten, then you must try the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.
Detroit
It goes without saying, everyone knows where Detroit is located, but have you actually explored this famous Michigan city?
Lighthouse on Detroit River
With a multitude of kid-friendly activities, planning a trip for Spring Break to experience Detroit with your family is an ideal adventure. Spring season starts for Tiger’s baseball fans and it’s a great time to take your kids out to a ball game. Ride the baseball themed carousel, eat your fill of soft pretzels and hotdogs while cheering on the Tiger’s.
Head outside to explore the beauty of Belle Island Conservatory or make your way to Milliken State Park, for a relaxing picnic. Have the option to rent bikes or walk along the Detroit Riverwalk where you can take in views of the Milliken Lighthouse, Detroit River and Windsor Canada.
Afterwards walk across the street to the Outdoor Adventure Center, this incredible building features indoor playscapes, camping replicas, fishing and kayaking simulators and a wealth of hands on educational opportunities.
One of the benefits of cooler weather in spring is that animals are much more active. Detroit is the home of one of the best zoos in Michigan, featuring an amazing polar bear exhibit the entire family will love!
Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit
In addition there are several museums to choose from like the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for those in local counties, or venture to the Detroit Michigan’s Science Center or Greenfield Village.
Where to Stay: Boasting the title of the largest city in Michigan, there is truly a wealth of options to keep your family entertained, as well as hotels to choose from. Stay in Detroit at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and enjoy their large pool, free breakfast and modern amenities.
Kalamazoo
Balloon Ride at Airzoo
Venture to the west side of the state and get lost for hours at the Airzoo, which features planes, space exhibits, indoor rides and flight simulators. Maybe you’ve got dinosaur fans, head to the WMU campus to check out the larger than life dinos for free.
Spend some time in the sun while checking out a number of parks that have hiking trails, or better yet visit one of our favorites, Ramona Park, located on Long Lake that features a water front inclusive playground, sandy beach, pickle ball courts and soccer fields. Monopolize on the cooler temperatures in spring by headed to one of the nearby zoos, both Binder Park and Boulder Ridge are great options.
Older children and adults alike will love strapping on roller skates with parents as they take a nostalgic lap around the rink at Rollerworld, then top off the fun at D’Nicio’s Parlour for a ginormous serving of ice cream in a 50’s style diner.
Ramona Park in Kalamazoo County
Learn about wildlife at the Kalamazoo Nature Center with a visitors center, nature’s playscape, and live animal exhibits, plus 14 miles of trails. Afterwards, grab some pub style food while playing arcade games, pinball, darts or board games at One Well Brewing.
Airway Fun Center has so many activities to chose from including both indoor and outdoor activities. This place has something for everybody in the family including daring activities outdoors like a go cart track and high ropes obstacle course.
If the weather doesn’t co-operate you can enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games, an escape room, or painting with a twist inside.
Where to Stay:
Stay overnight in the area at Homewood Suites by Hilton while you swim in the pool and enjoy a free breakfast. Need additional ideas of things to do in Kalamazoo, here is a full list of inside activities.
Midland
Butterfly Gardens
Start off visiting Midland, Michigan with a trip to Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest. These are combined on one ticket so you can enjoy a canopy walk through the treetops, gorgeous paths and the butterfly house.
Want more outdoor activities, grab a picnic and head to Chippewa Nature Center with a little farmstead, interactive exhibits at the welcome center, and wooded trails.
Visit the unique Tridge downtown, and enjoy watching the riders at the skate park. Never a dull moment as you explore Campus Midland Center for the Arts, which offers STEM exhibits for kids. Add in a ton of fun at Valley Lanes with laser tag, bowling, mini golf and even escape rooms.
Venture to neighboring towns to explore the Bay City Planetarium. Swing by Clare to visit Cops and Doughnuts or Colonville Country store for Amish goods. Need outdoor gear, explore Jay’s for all your outdoor recreation needs.
Where To Stay:
Splash and play at Soaring Eagle Waterpark during your vacation. Your kids will love every minute of your time at this indoor water park.
Holland
Lighthouses, windmills, and beaches…oh my! Visiting Holland, Michigan with your family this spring will surely be memorable. Enjoy outdoor adventures at the beautiful Holland State Park and Ottawa Beach.
Outdoor Discovery Center
Visit early May and enjoy thousands of colorful tulips against the back drop of the DeZwann Windmill during Tulip Time Festival. Immerse yourself in Dutch heritage at Nelis’ Dutch Village as you sample cheese, watch Dutch dancers, ride on a Ferris wheel, and pet animals at the petting farm.
Another reason we adore Holland, is there are lots of free and inexpensive activities for kids. The Outdoor Discovery Center is a hidden gem and it’s all free. Spend hours viewing birds of prey, hiking, exploring the visitor’s center, ziplining or climbing on the nature playscapes.
Tunnel Park, known for its unique tunnel to get to the gorgeous Lake Michigan beach, is another great option if you want to get outside. In addition, play volleyball, run down the sand dunes and climb on the playground.
Where To Stay:
Holiday Inn Express Holland makes staying overnight an adventure. The best aspect of the hotel is the huge pool with indoor/ outdoor hot tub featuring a waterfall. It also has a game room with arcade games and ping pong. Plus after 10, the pool is open later for adults only and parents will appreciate coffee available all day in the lobby’s cozy, fireplace area.
Tunnel Park
Boyne City
When most families head south for warm weather, instead head up north to Boyne City. No matter if you have sun or snow, thankfully, there are endless indoor and outdoor recreational activities to enjoy in the area.
In fact, spring is an ideal time to grab discounted deals on lodgings and lift tickets. Both Crystal Mountain and Boyne Mountain are wonderful resorts that have a wide range of activities for the entire family. Take to the slopes or tubing hill during your stay, then afterwards head to the hot tub to warm up and relax sore muscles. In addition there are kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and craft projects.
Where To Stay:
If you really want to go all out, reserve a night at Boyne Mountain Resort’s Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park for a splish-splashing good time for all.
Boyne City
I highly advise to extend your stay longer and explore the surrounding towns of Petoskey, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Traverse City or visit the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes. You’ll discover scenic overlooks, gorgeous sand dunes, beaches, hiking trails, unique shops, and great food & drinks.
Don’t miss out on one of the newest additions in the vicinity, Sky Bridge Michigan, the longest wooden towered suspension bridge in Michigan, is a unique adventure. Until the end of March, you can enjoy the brilliant lights in the sky as you traverse across the lite tunnel bridge. Afterwards, warm yourself at the cozy fire and grab delicious cuisines from the SkyBridge Food Truck. Discover the best deals at Boyne Mountain Resort.
Mackinac Island
Ferry’s to Mackinac Island open up for business on April 21 , 2024, so if your Spring Break falls later this year, capitalize on the off season and get great rates on one of Michigan’s most famous islands. You can easily spend a day or two exploring this unique island, which is devoid of any automobiles.
Try some divine Mackinac Island Fudge, learn history hands-on at the Mackinac Fort, or ride around the island on a bicycle. The entire family will love all the sights on the island, especially when you don’t have to worry about the crowds like later in the summer season. Here is a guide to visiting Mackinac Island with kids.
Ride a horse drawn carriage at Mackinac Island
Where To Stay:
Book as quickly as possible to secure your lodging for this area. You’re sure to find something that fits your families needs, since Mackinac Island features so many hotels, resorts, and cottages perfect for relaxing fun. Stay at the Grand Hotel if you want the best of the best, during the off season you can find some good deals. Check out the island’s availability and the best deals here.
Save Money with the Michigan Activity Pass
Do you have a library card? A simple way to save money this Spring Break is to utilize the Michigan Activity Passport and get BOGO free admission at many museums, zoos and state parks. In addition there are extra programming for both children and adults that you can participate in, make sure you register online and check out all of the establishments that participate at https://miactivitypass.org/
Closing Thoughts
As you start planning your much needed break, hopefully this list of Spring Break vacation destinations in Michigan will make your job easier as you plan a short getaway. These cities offer tons of unique adventures, especially for families with kids. So why not make one of these Michigan cities the spot for your next family trip? If you want to venture further here are 15 Spring destinations in the US filled with outdoor adventures.
We would love to hear about your favorite place to visit for Spring Break! Don’t forget to Pin and Save this post and follow Discovering Anew on Facebook for more family travel, vacation guides, and Michigan camping recommendations. If you found this content helpful, share it with a friend!
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