Explore more this summer. From an hour drive to overnight stays – adventures await for your this summer.
Flint – 1 Hour From Detroit
First up, take your train lovers to Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. The historic village has historic homes and buildings to explore – including a vintage carnival with rides. But the star attraction is the 40 minute train ride. Sit in a vintage or open car and take a journey through Genesee County. Mark your calendar because A Day Out With Thomas, arrives in August.
Keep cool inside at the recently renovated Sloan Museum of Discovery, the hands-on museum has interactive science displays, indoor tree house, car displays and the coolest water table. The cultural center also includes Longway Planetarium and the new Flint Public Library.
End your day at Bluebell Beach. There’s a beautiful sand beach along Mott Lake, a massive playground and free splash pad with dump buckets, water blasters and a boat.
Lansing – 1 Hour From Detroit
Start your trip at Michigan State University. Soak up the sun and explore the storybook themed 4-H Chlildren’s Garden. Kids will have fun exploring the colorful gardens and finding hidden play spaces along the way. Afterwards, enjoy the best ice cream anywhere from the MSU Dairy Store.
From East Lansing, head downtown to get your picture at the Capitol Building and take a tour of the building – maybe you’ll see your legislator!
Afterwards spend time at Impression 5 Science Center or the Michigan History Museum for hands-on family fun.
End your day on Hawk Island. Enjoy a picnic, go exploring on a nature walk, cool down on the splash pad and run around the playground.
Grand Rapids – 2 Hour From Detroit
The Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is beautiful and expansive – wear walking shoes because there’s plenty to see. From a Great Lakes water table to ‘hidden’ tree house playground and famously large horse statue, this is more than a garden trip
If you have animal lovers, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo is the perfect size, with great exhibits and features for families.
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. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival runs thru June 11th and it’s a can’t-miss experience.
Grand Rapids is a short drive to Lake Michigan but Millennium Park is just as much fun with a beach, playground and splash pad.
Cool down at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – both have hands-on activities and exhibits good for all ages.
Midland – 2 Hour From Detroit
Dow Gardens in Midland is a beautiful and fun for all ages. Home to the nation’s longest canopy walk, it’s perfect for adventure and photo-ops. Crossing the ropes to the ‘birds nest’ 40ft above the ground will be an experience your kids won’t soon forget. They’ll also love running through the gardens, discovering hands-on activities and being adventerous on the ADA accessible playground.
On your way up 75 you’ll also pass a few other Mid-Michigan favorites including Frankenmuth. Stop for family dinner in little Bavaria, enjoy Christmas in July at Bronners or experience the Guinness-Certified ‘World’s Largest Bounce House’ at Frankenmuth River Place Shops August 10th – 12th.
If you have animal lovers, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo is the perfect size, with great exhibits and features for families.
Ohio
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 salt water pool.
On your way home check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquartium. 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, a splash pad, roller rink and more!
Indiana
Take a trip to Conner Prairie. The historic village has more than houses. It’s home to a massive, modern natural play area and HOT AIR BALLOON! Take a teathered ride high in the sky that will fill you and your littles with wonder.
On your way spend time in Fort Wayne exploring the riverfront, parks and museums.
Take a detour on the way home and hit the beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park. Al & Sally’s Motel is a great place to stay.
Illinois
Millennium Park is the ultimate Chicago destination where you can get an Insta-worthy picture in front of “the Bean”, catch a free movie or concert at Pritzker Pavilion, and play at Maggie Daley Park. Navy Pier juts out into Lake Michigan offering some of the best views of the city skyline along with amazing family fun. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and head to Lincoln Park, which has a FREE zoo, nature museum, and one of the cities most popular beaches, North Avenue Beach.
LittleGuide Detroit’s family adventures are brought to you by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers:
