Make the most of spring break and take the kids on a road trip! From a couple hour drive day trips to overnight adventures, here are a few of fun getaways your family will love.

Lansing – 1 Hours From Detroit

Depending on where you live, Lansing is part of your regular stomping grounds or something you’d rather plan for. Either way there’s plenty to do in Michigan’s Capital. In addition to the destinations listed below we suggest at least driving by the Michigan Capitol building for a picture and if you want indoor excitement, Fun City Adventure Park is the coolest play space we’ve been to.

  • Lansing has a $3M accessible playground at Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park. The vibrant playground is fun for everyone. Completely barrier-free allowing children and adults, regardless of ability, to play side-by-side throughout the entire park. 500 N Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
  • Impression 5 Science Center is a great interactive space for families to play, create, and challenge their understanding of science. The hands-on museum offers dedicated space for the littlest learners and lots of space for everyone interested in building, flying, bubbles and more. You can also experience the temporary From Here To There exhibit that includes 20 hands-on stations.
  • Take a trip through time at the Michigan History Center, the museum offers interactive fun for kids and FREE admission on Sundays. Take a 3 story tour through time, the museum’s hands-on exhibits look at the life and industry in interactive ways that give kids a chance to stroll from the wilderness to the copper mines and into the classroom. See first-hand what life in Michigan has been like for generations.

Grand Rapids – 2 Hours From Detroit

A regular day trip/weekend getaway for us, Grand Rapids is always a good time. Michigan’s second biggest urban area has its own character and attractions that make visits uniquely special each time. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, it an absolute must visit and our favorite activity to do each year.

  • The Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is beautiful and expansive – wear walking shoes because there’s plenty to see. From the indoor conservatory, featuring Butterflies Are Blooming, to the ‘hidden’ tree house playground and famously large horse statue outside, this is more than a garden trip
  • The same can be said for zoo. John Ball Zoo is an oasis for animals and their visitors. Get up close to animals, ride the Funicular and play at parks inside and out of the incredible zoo (opens for the 2025 season on March 22nd). The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival runs April 9th thru June 15th and it’s a can’t-miss experience.
  • Downtown Grand Rapids is walkable and features multiple family-friendly museums. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is 3 stories of fun with a special Nature of Color exhibit that our kids loved and is open until April 14th, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is always a good time – especially for littles, and pop into the Grand Rapids Art Museum to get creative and play in the Brick By Brick LEGO exhibit.

Fort Wayne, Indiana – 2.5 Hours From Detroit

We didn’t know what to expect when we went to Fort Wayne but – WOW – were we impressed. The walkable downtown is easy to navigate and if you stay at the Courtyard Fort Wayne you’re in walking distance to the downtown attractions and connected to Parkview Field where the minor league TinCaps play. We’re not even a baseball family and had a great time at the studium – the game is fun and the amenities in the stadium make it a fun evening that goes by almost too quickly.

  • The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-visit on any family getaway. The zoo is consistently ranked as one of the “best zoos in the nation,” we agree! The zoo feels like an amusement park with different themed areas all with unique animal habitats and exciting attractions including feeding string rays, climbing the new Bamboo Forest ropes-style course, Sky Safari and so much more!
  • Fort Wayne was built on three rivers, which offer unique connectivity. Via a connected trail network (that totals more than 120 miles), you can enjoy destinations like Promenade Park – a one-of-a-kind park that features a kids’ canal, permanent ping pong and corn hole games, a tree canopy trail, porch swings, river access, and more. BONUS: Explore vibrant pieces of art around every corner! Use the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail on your phone to find 150+ murals and sculptures around town.
  • The Botanical Conservatory and Fort Wayne Museum of Art are walking distance from the Courtyard Fort Wayne if you stay downtown and are great museums to visit with activities all ages can enjoy.
  • If you want a great spot for family dining, check out The Landing district for a dozen delicious restaurants within one block and experience the culinary creations at Union Street Market food hall.

Ohio – 1 to 4 Hours From Detroit

  • Hocking Hills State Park is a geological gem with waterfalls, caves and natural and American made features that will take your breath away. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to hike. Book a stay at a cabin or the cute, tropical themed hotel – Worthington of Logan – that has an indoor saltwater pool. This is a 4-hour drive but worth it, check out these stops along the way.
  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – it has 10,000 animals, dinosaur area and amusement park!
  • Keep it even closer to home and check out Glass City Metropark in Toledo. The FREE public riverfront park has multiple new, creative playgrounds, roller rink and more! The Toledo Botanical Garden & Secret Forest Playground is also free and right off the freeway! Let the kids burn off extra energy in the treehouse, climbing structures, and walking trails.

Chicago, Illinois – 4.5 Hours From Detroit

LittleGuide Detroit’s family adventures are brought to you by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers: