When you want to get away for a day, head up north and check out these can’t miss Mid-Michigan destinations the entire family will love.
Dow Gardens – Midland
You can easily spend the day at Dow Gardens. The expansive landscape offers a multitude of gardens the entire family will enjoy – including the nation’s longest canopy walk, 1,400 feet long, soaring up to 40 feet above the ground. There’s a creative playground and a newly renovated cafe with a play area and affordable snacks!
- Hours: Tuesdays – Sunday 9am to 8pm
- Admission: $10 adults, $2 youth ages 6 to 17, and children 5 and younger are free.
Bay City State Park
Bay City State Park has walking trails, camp sites, a mobility-friendly walkway to the beach. A gorgeous beach area along Saginaw Bay, a splash pad with changing rooms, tons of pavilions, and a great playground.
Saginaw Children’s Zoo
The Saginaw Zoo is the perfect size for families and brimming with fun activities. Visit animals from around the world including wolves, penguins, kangaroos and a crocodile. See a show in the amphitheater, go on a train ride or hop on the carousal, dig for dinosaur bones and run wild at the playground. No matter where you explore you will enjoy the views because the zoo has beautiful gardens throughout and a floating bridge on a lily pond you can walk across.
Frankenmuth
You can’t go wrong with a chicken dinner with fudge for dessert, Christmas shopping at Bronner’s. and a staycation in Frankenmuth. Both Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn have indoor waterpark resorts kids of all ages will love. Take the trip to the next level and check out the Frankenmuth Aerial Park to glide in the air, swing through trees and take on the challenges of the aerial obstacle course.

Photo credit: Dow Gardens