Get away for the day and head north to Midland to visit the Dow Gardens.
Dow Gardens is a great place to visit throughout the year but it’s hard to beat the full blooms of summer. Take the 2 hour drive up north to spend the day in the sun and in the gardens. Let your littles explore the Children’s Garden, they’ll love the tree house, bubble table and water feature. Afterwards head to the nation’s longest canopy walk, 1,400 feet long, soaring up to 40 feet above the ground to brave the cargo net bridge to the West Pod and relax on the cargo nets at the Spruce Arm Overlook. Afterwards grab a bite to eat and let the kids run around the ADA accessible playground before returning to the trails and see the other picture gardens on the grounds.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10AM – 7PM
- Admission: $10 adults, $2 youth ages 6 to 17, and children 5 and younger are free.
- Parking: Easy access surface lot with free parking
Dow Gardens // 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Don’t stop with Dow, before or after your visit to the Gardens surprise your kids with a trip to one (or all) of these fun family destinations.
Say hi to the animals
The Saginaw Children’s 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. In addition to animals, there are beautiful gardens throughout and a lily pond. The Zoo is open daily from 10am to 5pm beginning Wednesday, April 21st and admission is only $5!
Grab a bite in Little Bavaria.
Stop at downtown Frankenmuth for a chicken dinner (dine-in or get carry-out) and fudge. Take a stroll through Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland to find the holiday spirit just in time for the new school year.
Make a splash in Saginaw Bay
Find your spot on over 1,000 feet of sandy beach and soak up the sun at Bay City State Park. In addition to the fresh water, there is a playground, hiking trails and a splash pad.
