Top five things to do with kids in Michigan

This week I’m recovering from a bit of minor surgery and have invited some of my writing friends to share their stories with you. Today’s post is shared courtesy of Jessie Voigts, the publisher of Wandering Educators, a travel site for global educators. Although I’ve spent lots of time in Wisconsin, I’ve hardly visited its big neighbor to the east. Happily Jessie knows Michigan inside and out; today she offers a list of her favorite places to take kids. Thanks Jessie!

1. Lake Michigan. All along Michigan’s Sunset Coast, you’ll find great beaches, fun restaurants, and plenty of things to do. My favorite beach is Saugatuck’s Oval Beach, although there are many state and local parks along the Big Lake.  You can camp or just come for the day – be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, towels, your boogie boards, kites, and refreshments. Some days the waves are high, while other days the Big Lake is relatively calm. Either way, you’re in for a great swim if it’s warm enough! Picnic on Lake Michigan? Genius – something your kids will remember forever. Bonus points if you’re there for the 4^th of July fireworks, over Lake Michigan.
   
2. Michigan’s Adventure. What kid doesn’t love water and amusement parks? This is an outdoor one, and as our 9-year-old daughter says, “It is so much fun – it’s a kid wonderland.” Michigan’s Adventure is open from May through September, and has plenty of roller coasters, water rides, and more sedate activities for smaller kids. There are go-karts, a water park, a whitewater rafting ride, both metal and wooden roller coasters, a lazy river, the Funnel of Fear, swan paddle boats, and more. Located near Muskegon, plan to spend a few days at the park if you can. Smaller than Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio) but super fun on 350 acres!
   
3. Mackinac Island. Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island is a small island located just east of the bridge that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island and you generally travel there by ferry. Take long nature walks, see the island on a guided horse-drawn tour, or rent bicycles and explore on your own. The Butterfly House is an interesting place to take kids. You’ll escape the modern world and enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty, all in one dash.  Stay at the pricey Grand Hotel, at a B&B, or just visit for the day and stay on the mainland. I remember renting bikes and riding around the island when I was small. We were hot and jumped into the lake to cool off – just for a few seconds! Be sure to buy some fudge – it’s a delicious tradition.
   
4. Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Frederik Meijer Gardens is a lovely indoor and outdoor sculpture park, garden, concert area, and learning center and is one of the hidden gems of the Midwest.  There is a children’s garden full of play activities, sculptures, a huge tree-shaped spider web, and more. You’ll also want to explore the huge array of art and nature – there’s  a woodland trail, Farm garden, sculptures by Rodin, Moore, Goldsworthy, Degas, and Lichtenstein.  Inside, find a conservatory where you can see butterflies blooming in winter, a rotating art exhibit, learning center, and library. During the holiday season,  see Christmas trees decorated from all over the world. The iconic image of Meijer Gardens is the daVinci Horse – created by Nina Akamu in homage to Leonardo daVinci’s original sketches for a horse.
   
5. The Henry Ford. This complex is amazing. It includes the Henry Ford Museum, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, an IMAX theater, and our favorite, Greenfield Village. Set on 90+ acres, Greenfield Village is a great glimpse into American history. It was founded in 1929 to teach about and maintain the stories of our country’s past. Packed with over 80 authentic historic structures, you and your kids can learn about Noah Webster in his own home, the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, and Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park lab. You can take a ride in a real Model T car or antique train and see an old fashioned baseball game.

Want to learn more about Michigan, or lots of other fun and interesting places around the world? Be sure to visit Wandering Educators.

Photo of Mackinac Bridge courtesy of Visualthinker via Flickr.

Photo of Lake Michigan courtesy of Jessie Voigts.

Photo of the Sea Dragon courtesy of Daniel Slaughter via Flickr.

Photo of Mackinac Island arch courtesy of cseeman via Flickr.

Photo of Da Vinci horse sculpture courtesy of florador via Flickr.

Photo of Greenfield village courtesy of Loren Sztajer via Flickr.