Top Things to Do with Kids in South Haven, Michigan
Family-Friendly Activities in South Haven
Planning to visit South Haven, Michigan with your family this summer? We’ve got you covered. Here is your family-friendly guide to the best things to do in South Haven with kids. This list includes recommendations for activities, kid-friendly restaurants, the best beaches and outdoor adventures at Van Buren State Park. Many of these summer activities are even free!
One of the draws of South Haven is the walkable downtown area where you can easily browse the shops, restaurants, art galleries and museums. We guarantee you’ll love exploring the charming beach town of South Haven and partaking in Lake Michigan activities for the whole family. Numerous outdoor activities will keep you occupied as you catch a sunset, bike for miles, hike nature trails, walk the pier to the lighthouse and splash in the waves of Lake Michigan.
1. Dive into Lake Michigan at the Beach
South Haven isn’t lacking for gorgeous beaches, with 9 available ones to choose from you’ll have plenty to visit.
The North and South Beaches are the most popular and largest beaches. Both offer concession stands, restrooms, playgrounds, and parking lots. South Beach has the iconic red lighthouse to enjoy. North Beach features volleyball nets for those who want to be active.
If you visit Van Buren State Park Beach there is a day use area with a 1 mile strip of Lake Michigan shoreline with a sand dune and swimming beach area. Bring water shoes since the beach can be rocky, but kids will love finding unique rocks. Other noted features are restrooms and foot washing stations for guests.
Deerlick Creek Beach A smaller, less busy beach to head to is Deer Lick Park. It has a small creek opening that is ideal for kayaking or playing with your dog.
South Haven Lighthouse
2. View the South Pierhead Lighthouse
The lighthouse is a stunning backdrop on Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The iconic South Haven ’s bright red color marks the entrance of Black River on Lake Michigan. Surprisingly, the lighthouse station, which was built and lit in 1872, is still operational today. The original catwalk is a showstopper in both the summer and winter months. There are only four remaining lighthouse catwalks in the state of Michigan. Choose an evening or morning when it’s less crowded to enjoy colorful sunsets and beautiful photo opportunities at South Beach.
3. Fulfill Your Sweet Tooth at Sherman’s Ice Cream
Choose from 32 flavors of ice cream as you sit under the shaded picnic tables at Sherman’s. Take a leisurely stroll down the pier with an ice cream in hand with the picturesque red lighthouse as the backdrop. Try a new flavor like Marion Blackberry, Salted Carmel, Sherman’s Tracks, or a dairy free option like raspberry sorbet.
4. Cool Off at Friend’s Good Will Splash Pad
Splash and play at the South Haven splash pad. Modeled and built as a replica of the Michigan Maritime Museum's tall ship, Friends Good Will, this unique splash pad will entertain your children for hours in the summer heat. Located just east of South Beach on the Black River channel which connects the Marina to Lake Michigan.
5. Climb a Sand Dune at Van Buren State Park
Van Buren Sand Dunes
On the north end of Van Buren State Park there is huge sand dune that is always a great workout. Offering visitors a challenging climb with a rewarding view of Lake Michigan. Get your legs and heart pumping as you tackle the Van Buren Dune climb and race down. To reach the dune you can come directly from the beach or take the less steep path through the woods from the parking lot area.
Located in Southwest Michigan, Van Buren State Park is situated next to beautiful Lake Michigan and is home to a modern wooded campground. This Michigan State Park is a prime place to visit during the summer with tons of opportunities for biking, hiking, splashing in the Lake Michigan, climbing sand dunes and savoring gorgeous sunsets during your vacation.
5. Experience a Festival in South Haven
South Haven Blueberry Festival
Occurring Aug 8-11, 2024. South Haven comes alive with a parade, live music, a craft show, kid activities and, of course, blueberries.
Fourth of July Light Up the Lake
Planning to visit South Haven over the Fourth of July then head to the city beach at Riverfront Park or North and South beaches, on July 3, 2024. An impressive firework display, Light Up the Lake is synchronized to patriotic music. Here is a detailed list of the best places to camp to see the 4th of July Fireworks.
6. Shop in South Haven
No summer trip is complete without visiting the downtown area in South Haven. This Michigan beach town is filled with unique stores, cute shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Black River Books, a locally owned independent bookstore has a wide selection of children’s books to browse and a designated children’s area. Looking for that special toy for your child, your children will adore the store, Oh My Darling, which has a collection of classic and imaginative toys.
7. Visit the Farmer’s Market
On Saturdays, head in town and grab some fresh produce or homegrown flowers. Browse the vendors and hand crafted merchandise. Enjoy some heirloom tomatoes for BLT sandwich’s or fresh ingredients for a salad or yogurt parfait.
8. Go Blueberry Picking
Picking juicy, sun-warmed blueberries is a summertime delight. July and August in Michigan is synonymous with blueberry picking. Blueberries have a long season beginning early July and lasting through August. Due to the moderate lake effect and unique soils Lake Michigan’s shoreline is ideally suited for blueberry production, which literally means West Michigan can boast the best blueberries in the entire country.
Blueberry picking
Two local farms that have u-pick include DeGranchamp Farms and Bumbleberry Farms, which provides family activities including a petting zoo, wagon tours, market and bakery. If you’re in town on August 8-10, 2024, you’re in for treat while you attend the South Haven Blueberry Festival. Here is a full list of blueberry u-pick farms in West Michigan that you could visit.
9. Look for Rocks and Splash in the Creek at Pilgrim Haven’s Nature Area
Located about a 1/2 mile from the state park, Pilgrim Haven is a beautiful little park with hiking trails. Rock hounds will love the beautiful pebbled Lake Michigan beach. Kids can happily play in the creek and explore the trails natural habitats throughout the park. Free parking is available.
Mount Baldhead: A one mile loop trail that showcases the sandy dunes in nearby Saugatuck. Get your legs ready as as you tackle 302 steps to climb with panoramic views of Saugatuck and the lake.
10. Climb the Kids Corner Wooden Play Ground
This impressive wooden playscape across from Lake Michigan is a hit with kids of all ages. Featuring a large grassy area that is ideal for a summer day. Pack a picnic lunch to relax and enjoy during your visit. *there are future plans to replace this current playground with a more inclusive one.
11. Bike the Kal- Haven Trail
Take advantage of the smooth paved path just outside the campground. Great for leisurely biking or walking on the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which runs into the beach town of South Haven, approximately 4 miles away. The Kal-Haven Trail connects in South Haven and provides 33 miles of additional trails, all the way into Kalamazoo. This rail to trail route is enjoyable for bikers, dog-walkers, runners and even rollerbladers. We especially love that it is handicap and stroller accessible. I highly recommend bringing bikes or a jogger stroller. My littlest one was only a few months old and I loved running in the mornings on the trails. During our children’s infant and toddler stages, we appreciated the Instep Bike Trailers. Even now that our children are older we still utilize it for hauling our towels, cooler, and sand toys to the beach.
13. Enjoy the Lake Arvesta Sports Complex
Everyone will love time spent outdoors at this adventure water park. Expect a day filled with fun. The sports complex features a floating obstacle course, paddle boarding, cable wakeboarding, and pickleball. A restaurant helps provide everything you need to spend a day at the beach enjoying the summer sun.
14. Learn at a Museum
Learn hands on at the Michigan Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on maritime history and offers boat rides. Plan for an exciting day on the water as you set sail on the 1812 replica warship named Friends Good Will when you book a 90 minute day excursion. Explore the boat and hear stories about the history of the ship as crewman demonstrates how to raise and lower the sails. Other museums in the area include Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum and Flywheeler Museum.
15. Eat Outdoors
The Lodge is one of the best restaurants in South Haven. Everything is locally sourced and made from scratch. The outdoor seating area has live music on the weekends, plus outdoor games of Giant Jenga and corn hole to amuse kids while you wait for your food to arrive.
Root Beer Barrell Visit the enormous root beer barrel. This unique stand, in the shape of a massive barrel, is a popular location to enjoy a hot dog and root beer float.
Crane's Pie Pantry & Winery (Fennville). The original one is a great spot to visit with the family to grab some u-pick peaches on the farm. The restaurant is the ultimate “I Spy” place and the food is delicious with great prices. Make sure to wander around the beautiful grounds and try the desserts.
16. Camp at Van Buren State Park
Only 3 miles from downtown South Haven, camping at Van Buren State Park is a wonderful option for families who want a relaxing time surrounded by nature. With 221 wooded sites offering electric hookup for tents and RV campers, there are plenty of options. Hiking trails, sand dunes, a small playground, swings and a sand volleyball court are located within the campground. Dogs are allowed in the campground and beach area on a 6ft leash. Check out this Trip guide for Camping at Van Buren State Park. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance for Michigan State Parks.
Cost Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.
Where to Stay in South Haven?
Vacation Rentals
Although the town of South Haven makes a great Michigan Day Trip, we highly advise staying longer to enjoy all that South Haven has to offer. This Michigan beach town has a variety of accommodations with quaint bed and breakfasts, historic inns, beach homes and hotels with pools.
Stunning sunsets at Lake Bluff Inn and Suites
Lake Bluff Inn and Suites sits atop of a bluff with gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and has an outdoor pool to enjoy. My husband and I stayed here for an anniversary trip and treasured the evening sunset views.
Carriage House Manor Stay at a bed and breakfast to enjoy stunning views of the harbor.
Want your own space, a private hot tub or desire a spot by the beach then booking through VRBO is a great option. Whatever your needs, click here to discover the perfect place for your next vacation and view the Top Rated Hotels from TripAdvisor.
FAQ’s
Why visit South Haven, Michigan?
South Haven is a wonderful option for families seeking a relaxing beach town atmosphere with plenty of beaches restaurants, unique shops and outdoor activities to explore. There is also a Michigan State Park and several campgrounds nearby.
Is South Haven a safe place to visit?
When we visited, we felt completely safe while walking down town. As normal when visiting a city use common sense while visiting.
Is there a boardwalk in South Haven?
The Maritime District Harbor Walk in South Haven is a scenic walking trail that leads from the North Beach pier to the South Beach pier. With a distance of 3 miles, it features many historical sites.
What is South Haven, MI well known for?
South Haven is well-known as a beach town resort area. It has lovely beaches on Lake Michigan, the historic red lighthouse, delicious blueberries from local farms and the annual South Haven Blueberry Festival. History buffs will also love the many historical sites and landmarks in this beach town. An especially noteworthy place to visit is the Michigan Maritime Museum celebrating the history of the Great Lakes.
Closing Thoughts
If you enjoy the atmosphere of Michigan beach towns, then visiting South Haven is the perfect summer vacation destination. This area has cute shops, delicious restaurants, a splash pad and beaches to explore. Being the home of Van Buren State Park provides ample outdoor activities, hiking trails and sand dunes. Enjoy delightful summer days in South Haven, as you explore the beauty that the Michigan’s Great Lakes have to offer. Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews and Michigan day trip adventures.
Visiting South Haven is bound to be a memorable experience. Make sure to Pin and Save for later and if you found this helpful please share with a friend. We’re constantly producing new content and strive to create honest reviews to help make planning your next trip easier.
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