We know it’s hard to believe right now, but summer is well on its way! Soon the ice and snow will feel like a distant memory, and we will be able to enjoy the outdoors with our little ones once again. Do you need something to look forward to in order to make it through the rest of the cold weather? Us too! Let’s talk about summer vacations! When you picture your dream family vacation, the Midwest may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, but it would be silly to overlook all that the great state of Michigan has to offer. So, this summer, consider becoming a tourist in Michigan, your own backyard and check out all the ways you can vacation without an extensive road trip or a stressful flight.
Take the Family Beachin’ in Grand Haven, Michigan
If your idea of the perfect family vacation is lounging on the beach in the sun, head to the city of Grand Haven. Smack dab on the edge of Lake Michigan, this tourist destination is known for its sandy beaches and ocean-city-feeling boardwalk. Choose a waterfront hotel so that your family can enjoy the sunrise (because we both know you’ll be up to see it if you’re vacationing with toddlers), and then fill your day with family activities that everyone will enjoy. When you need a break from relaxing in the sun, take a walk on the three-mile-long boardwalk where you can shop and grab a bite to eat. Your preschooler will love to explore the two bright red lighthouses located on the south pier, and at the end of the day, be sure to catch the Grand Haven Musical Fountain at dusk. It’s a twenty-five-minute long water and music show that was designed and built in 1962. You can check out the nightly playlists ahead of time and let your little ones listen to the songs, so they recognize them at the show. Everyone enjoys a good beach vacation and you really can’t go wrong with this pick.
Some items you will want to be sure to pack for your beach trip are:
- Sunblock
- Towels
- Bathing suits
- Hats
- Water bottles
- Stroller for those boardwalk strolls
- Beach umbrella or tent
Get Off the Grid in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Love the outdoors, but not the busy beach scene? How about unplugging for some family activities in Leelanau County on Michigan’s west coast. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, which is great for souls young and old alike. Sleeping Bear Dunes has a really neat natural history, awe-inspiring sights, and everything from primitive camping on the islands to a more modern experience with bathrooms and electricity. Whichever experience sounds like the best fit for you and your toddler, be sure to observe the stars on a clear night with their massive telescope in the Lanphier Observatory before listening to stories and songs from The Beach Bards around the campfire on Friday night. Other family activities you’ll want to consider for the daylight hours are biking and hiking, dune climbing, canoeing, and more.
When packing for your camping trip with your preschooler, make sure you’ve got the following:
- Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Hats
- Water bottles
- Hiking gear
- Back up outfits
- Iron pie makers
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Bathing suits
- Life vests
- Flashlights
- Safety whistles
Experience Major League Baseball in Detroit, Michigan
Are you an active family whose family activities generally revolve around sports? Why should your vacation be any different? Everyone should experience at least one MLB game in their life. So plan a trip to Detroit, Michigan, around a Tigers baseball game. Your preschooler will be talking about the game for a very long time, but you’ll also want to do some exploring around the city while you’re there. Visit the Belle Isle Aquarium for a glimpse under the ocean. Catch a free outdoor movie in New Center Park. Your toddler will love to play with puppets at the Detroit Puppet Theatre. Wrap it all up with a firework show at Detroit Fireworks.
We recommend eating at Buddy’s Pizza at least once and don’t forget to follow these tips for your trip with toddlers:
- Book your tickets in advance
- Ride the bus or take other public transportation
- Bring your stroller
- Pack snacks, books, and toys that are special for traveling
- Leave before or after the rest of the crowd
Stoke your inner Daredevil at Michigan’s Adventure
If the beach sounds blah, camping is not your style, and an MLB baseball game won’t sit well with your preschooler, how about roller coasters? Michigan’s largest amusement park, Michigan’s Adventure, is located in Muskegon County. Take advantage of their Funday bundle and get a single meal, parking, and park admission for about $50. New this spring, the park is debuting their brand new, Peanuts-themed kid area called Camp Snoopy! What toddler doesn’t love Snoopy? If you and your preschoolers are a bit beyond the kiddy rides, you can tackle the Big Dipper (as long as the shortest rider is 42”), and several other family rides. When the family is ready to wind down a bit, visit Funland Farm and go nose to nose with some furry friends! You’ll most likely eat in the park all day, but if you want to go to dinner somewhere else, check out The Stallion Grill.
Here are some essentials to pack for tackling family activities in an amusement park with a toddler:
- Sunblock
- Hats
- Water bottles
- Spray bottle fans
- Snacks
- Bathing suits and towels if you plan to do the water park
- Change of clothes
- Stroller or carrier
- Backpack
Vacations with preschoolers are a lot different than those before children, but that doesn’t mean they have to be any less fun! Family activities are so important and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you choose to be lazy on the beach or adventurous in the amusement park, you can have your pick in your very own state. This summer, save on a flight and explore all that Michigan has to offer before returning to your regular routines of work, home, and daycare!