The Best Spring Trips For Michigan Families

Change up the weekend routine and have fun in this sun this spring with an impromptu family getaway.

Grand Rapids – 2 Hours

Welcome spring at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Parks. Explore that trails and have hands-on fun at the Children’s Garden. Find more hands-on fun at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum. Get the best family photos and fill the Gram with photos from one of Grand Rapid’s 100 murals! Enjoy friendly competition at Craigs Cruisers Family Fun Center and hit the racing tracks, mini golf course or ninja course.

Kalamazoo – 2 Hours

Plan a full day of fun in K-Zoo. The AirZoo is a Michigan must with hands-on aviation fun from hot air balloons to stealth planes and space ships. Go on a prehistoric stroll through the WMU Dinosaur Park, the park features six large scale dinosaurs that are FREE too visit. Find more free fun at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Hours are limited and pre-registration is required but the hands-on museum is fun for all ages and currently features a toy exhibit that includes a gigantic Operation and Etch A Sketch. Do something new and make a sand candle at Kalamazoo Candle Company, candles are $10 each and capacity is limited so call ahead.

Lansing – 1.5 Hours

Go Green for spring and visit the Children’s Gardens, Horse Barns and Broad Art Museum on the Michigan State Campus. Head downtown and tour the Capitol Building, explore the Michigan History Museum and have fun at Impressions 5. Check out one of 4 cool nature centers or the picture perfect ‘Ledges’ in Grand Ledge.

Toledo – 1 Hours

The Toledo Zoo is a must visit. Home to over 10,000 animals, it features unique animal habitats (including an elephant exhibit), stunning Aquarium, Natural History Museum, Safari Train, and multiple playspaces. Nature’s Neighborhood and Aquarium Adventure Trail Splash Pad open Memorial Weekend. Enjoy the great outdoors and find a Secret Forest at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. When you need indoor fun, the Imagination Station is a premier hands-on museum, kids of all ages will enjoy.

Stay Close To Home

Plan a staycation and enjoy a full day of fun all in one place. Visit Great Lakes Crossing for an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Michigan, hands-on fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center (and enjoy a 20% off LittleGuide discount at both), check out Peppa Pig World of Play and go on the carousel ride in the Food Court at Great Lakes Crossings. Make a splash at a local waterpark or go on an island getaway to Belle Isle.

Photo credit: WMU Dinosaur Park

About Kerry Doman

Kerry Doman is the founder and CEO of LittleGuide Detroit and After 5 Detroit. She has lived downtown Detroit for 10+ years and still calls the city home with her husband and son. As a relatively new mom, she’s excited to explore downtown with her family and hopes you’ll enjoy doing the same!