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Photo from Google Maps
Michigan City is recognized universally for its bustling industrial center and its allure as a vibrant tourist destination. Positioned near the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan and the picturesque of unspoiled nature resides, this city has transitioned from its historical significance as a major timber port to a flourishing hotspot for travelers.
Did you know that Detroit, Michigan is well-known for its blend of architecture, arts, culture, and automotive history? Detroit is always a must-see destination in Michigan. There is also a place called Michigan City that you can explore with its various beautiful destinations. We're not stopping here—let's dive in and be amazed by exploring the state of Michigan.
Delve into Michigan: Family-Friendly Parks and Events Beyond the State!
It's summer time! Michigan offers a variety of family-friendly activities, from scenic parks to exciting events for you to visit on your vacation. This guide highlights the best cities for parks, festivals, and more. Scroll on the tabs below to explore what each city has to offer.
1. Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor is famous for its many parks, including Gallup Park, which offers canoe and kayak rentals, nature trails, and picnic areas. Nichols Arboretum is another popular destination with extensive gardens and walking trails along the Huron River.
-Events: Hosted a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair, known as one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the country. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival also presents concerts, movies, and performances suitable for all ages.
Photo from City of Ann Arbor https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places
2. Traverse City
- Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is surrounded by beautiful beaches and parks. Clinch Park is a top choice for families, offering a beach, splash pad, and bike rentals. The nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore allows opportunities for hiking, dune climbing, and amazing views.
-Events: Traverse City is the site of the National Cherry Festival every summer, featuring parades, air shows, and cherry-themed activities. The Traverse City Film Festival also showcases a range of family-friendly films.
Photo from Traverse city https://www.traversecity.com/
3. Grand Rapids
-Grand Rapids boasts several parks, including Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, renowned for its outdoor gardens, children’s garden, and expansive sculpture park. Millennium Park provides a beach, splash pad, and extensive walking and biking trails.
-Events: The city is also famous for the annual ArtPrize event, a citywide art competition featuring numerous installations and family-friendly activities. Additionally, it is the host of the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which includes a special family day with activities for children.
Photo from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park https://www.meijergardens.org/
4. Holland
- Holland is well-known for its picturesque Holland State Park, which offers sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and swimming spots along Lake Michigan. Another popular spot is Windmill Island Gardens, featuring gardens, a historic Dutch windmill, and a playground for children.
-Events: The most famous for its Tulip Time Festival—celebrating Dutch culture with parades, Dutch dancing, and countless blooming tulips. The city also presents a variety of summer concerts and family movie nights.
Photo from Pure Michigan https://www.michigan.org/city/holland
5. Lansing
- Lansing, the capital city—has multiple parks for families to visit. One of these parks is Hawk Island Park, which has amenities such as a beach, splash pad, and pedal boat rentals. In addition, families can enjoy a visit to Potter Park Zoo, where there are various animal exhibits and educational programs.
-Events: Lansing is home to the Silver Bells in the City holiday event, which features a light parade, fireworks, and a tree-lighting ceremony—held at the Michigan State Capitol and the nearby Michigan History Museum.
Photo from City of Lansing https://www.lansingmi.gov/
6. Detroit
-Detroit is in the process of restoring its waterfront, and Belle Isle Park is a notable example of this effort. The park offers attractions such as an aquarium, zoo, playgrounds, and spacious areas for picnics. In downtown Detroit, Campus Martius Park boasts a splash pad during the summer and ice skating in the winter.
-Events: The Detroit hosts various family-friendly events, including Detroit River Days, which features boat tours, live music, and activities along the Detroit River. Moreover, the Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting event—America's Thanksgiving Parade is well-liked by families.
7. Mackinaw City
-Mackinaw City is well-known for its proximity to Mackinac Island. Explore a car-free island with opportunities for biking, horse-drawn carriage tours, and visits to historical sites such as Fort Mackinac. Additionally, the city is home to Colonial Michilimackinac, an 18th-century fort and fur trading village with interactive displays and live reenactments.
-Events: Popular events in Mackinaw City include the Mackinaw City Winterfest, which showcases ice sculptures and activities for families. Also, the Mackinac Bridge Walk, an annual Labor Day event, offers a unique experience for families to walk across the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
Photo from Village of Mackinaw City https://www.mackinawcity.org/
8. Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo has a variety of parks, like Milham Park, with playgrounds and picnic areas. The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers hiking trails, exhibits, and fun activities for kids. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has free admission and interactive exhibits suitable for children.
-Events: Kalamazoo also holds the Maple Sugar Festival at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and the Kalamazoo County Fair, which has rides, animal exhibits, and family entertainment.
Photo from The Travel https://www.thetravel.com/things-to-do-in-kalamazoo-complete-guide/
9. Paradise
-The town of Paradise is where you'll find Tahquamenon Falls State Park, covering almost 50,000 acres and extending over 13 miles. During winter, it's ideal for activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on marked trails. As the weather warms up, you can camp and explore the flourishing trails.
-Events: Paradise is also recognized as the Wild Blueberry Capital and hosts the annual Wild Blueberry Festival.
Photo from Paradise Michigan https://www.paradisemichigan.org/
10. Grand Haven
-Grand Haven on Lake Michigan's coast is known for its iconic lighthouse, beautiful beaches, and charming resort town vibe. Visitors can enjoy artisanal coffee at Aldea Coffee in the Armory, savor craft brews at Grand Armory Brewery Company, and savor delicious barbecue at Righteous BBQ. The Grand Haven State Park offers camping facilities and pristine beaches, and visitors can experience the mesmerizing Grand Haven Musical Fountain in the evenings.
-Events: As the balmy twilight comes—witness the captivating Grand Haven Musical Fountain with its synchronized water, lights, and music display.
Photo from Grand Haven Area https://visitgrandhaven.com/
References
Must-See Destinations in Michigan. (2023, August 29). Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/must-see-destinations-michigan
Holland. (2024, August 21). Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.org/city/holland
Nichols Arboretum | Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mbgna.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum
Heffner, M. (2024, May 17). 36 Historical Places in Michigan to Visit This Year. Awesome Mitten. Retrieved from https://www.awesomemitten.com/historical-places-in-michigan/
Welcome to Michigan. (2024, February 8). Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.org/about-us
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