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.
Stay Awhile at Petoskey State Park: Michigan Camping Guide
Enjoy the beautiful beach town of Petoskey, bike the Little Traverse Wheelway and search for Petoskey Stones at Petoskey State Park. Here is our honest review and guide for visiting Petoskey on your next family camping trip. Numerous outdoor activities will keep kids occupied as you swim, catch a sunset at Lake Michigan, race down a sand dune or hike the 3 miles of trails.
Hike, Explore and Learn at the Sarett Nature Center
Stop at the Sarett Nature Center, it’s a fun destination while visiting Silver Beach in St. Joe, Michigan. The nature center building has educational exhibits, live animals, and nature displays. Enjoy this fun day trip in Southwest Michigan for kids as you play on the outdoor nature playground, trail obstacle course, boardwalks and scenic overlooks on the trails in Benton Harbor.
Top Things to Do with Kids Near Silver Beach in Saint Joseph, Michigan
Planning a summer trip to visit Saint Joseph, Michigan with your family? Here is your family-friendly guide to the best things to do near Silver Beach with kids. Includes recommendations for activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and activities by the sandy shores of Silver Beach. Many of these summer activities are even free! Catch a sunset at the beach, ride the carousel, splash in the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, swim in Lake Michigan, and hike the trails at Sarett Nature Center. Saint Joseph is one of Michigan’s best beach towns on Lake Michigan.
Secluded Hiking at Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve
A secluded hike in Southern, Ohio is a true hidden gem. Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve is a 4.4 mile challenging hike that is well worth the effort. Featuring waterfalls, creek crossings and massive boulders. The highlight is the immense sandstone rock formations at the farthest part of this beautiful hike in Scioto County.
Shawnee State Park, Ohio: Hiking, Activity & Trip Guide for Families
Shawnee State Park has miles of trails, lakes and campgrounds that welcome visitors all over the Midwest. Choose this secluded location in southern Ohio for your next family vacation, where you can stay overnight at the lodge, cabin or campground. Here is the ultimate guide with tips, pictures and recommendations for families, kids and dogs in the Shawnee State Forest. Let us help you plan where to stay, eat and hike, as well as, fun things to do in the area during your family vacation. Enjoy horse backing riding, kayaking and swimming at this lesser known Ohio state park, only 2 hours from major cities of Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park: A Day of Family Fun In the Sun
Searching to find an outing in Southern Ohio that will entertain the entire family for the day. Look no further than the Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park. Grab your swim suits, bikes and a picnic lunch for a thrilling day of fun this summer that is inexpensive. Add this to your summer bucket list. We guarantee Children and teens will love the splashpad, pump park and playground in Scioto County.
Top Outdoor Activities to Do with Kids in Scioto County, Ohio
Planning to visit Southern Ohio this summer? Here is your family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Scioto County with kids. Home of Shawnee State Forest and multiple waterways provide ample outdoor activities while on vacation. We recommend kid-friendly restaurants, the best beaches and outdoor adventures at Shawnee State Park. Many of these summer activities in the Portsmouth area are even free! Get soaked at a splash pad, bike at a pump track, hike the trails and camp under the stars at the Shawnee State Park.
Sweeping Views at Raven Rock State Nature Preserve
Set out on an outdoor adventure on this day hike in Southern, Ohio. Impressive views at Raven Rock State Nature Preserve makes it worth the 2.5 mile hike. A permit is required 14 days in advance before visiting this Scioto County preserve. Located directly across from the high school, this family- friendly hike is a great summer activity, along with enjoying the Early Thomas Conley Riverside Park. Here is you guide with tips to hiking Raven Rock with kids.
Play, Learn and Visit with Critters at the Shawnee State Park Nature Center
As you enter Shawnee State Park, make sure one of the first stops is by the Nature Center. With a convenient location near the Turkey Creek Lake Dam, it’s a fun stop while visiting. The A-framed building has trip information, maps, live critters, as well as, a nature playground outside, and a historical cabin you can tour. Learn all about the programming like archery, hikes and nature crafts the state naturalists put on.
Kid’s Summer Bucket List Printable Coloring Page
Start your summer off right with this FREE printable Summer Bucket List Coloring Page Printable. Children will love to color these pictures as they complete all the fun summer activities with their family. We’ve rounded up all the best kid activity ideas that make summer memorable from visiting the zoo and building sand castles to picking berries and watching fireworks.
18 Outdoor Adventures to Do with Kids In Michigan Before They Turn 18
With only 18 summers with your children, make the most of Michigan summer vacation with this list of outdoor adventures from sliding down a waterfall, climbing up a lighthouse, crossing the Mackinac Bridge, finding a Petoskey Stone to going on a glass bottom boat tour at Picture Rocks. Add these unforgettable Michigan activities and destinations to your families bucket list. Your kids will treasure these epic spots which can be a fun Michigan day trip or a week vacation.