If you want to have fun in the snow or take a spring break road trip in the Midwest, why not plan a trip to one of these kid-friendly weekend getaways in Michigan? Spring is a fantastic time to visit Michigan with kids! From the start of waterfall season to maple syrup festivals across the state and fewer crowds than peak summer travel, there is much to love about Michigan family vacations in the spring. For an epic outdoor adventure focused on finding the area’s best waterfalls, consider Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Meanwhile, Ann Arbor offers a lovely city escape for families with young kids looking for museums and other indoor activities. Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best spring break ideas for Michigan with kids!
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
For parents seeking a picturesque destination filled with outdoor exploration, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) offers one of the best spring break destinations in Michigan for families. This region boasts breathtaking natural wonders like two Great Lakes, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Tahquamenon Falls (one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River). A spring trip to Michigan’s UP is undoubtedly marked by hiking, ice climbing (weather permitting), and other outdoor adventures. Additionally, the UP features several charming small towns across the region with delightful shops and eateries.
Start your spring break getaway in Marquette or Munising. Either town makes a great home base for exploring one of Michigan’s most kid-friendly weekend getaways. Add the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum or the Marquette Maritime Museum to your itinerary for indoor activities near Marquette. Then, head to Presque Isle Park, which offers a kid-friendly 2.3-mile loop featuring unique black rocks and a rare white-tailed deer population. In Munising, see Miners Castle at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (an iconic UP rock formation). Then, head to Kitch-iti-kipi for a unique state park experience over the bubbling turquoise waters of the natural spring here. Check out Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Estivant Pines Loop, and Hiawatha National Forest for more family-friendly hikes.
Finally, take advantage of the Soo Locks. They are located in Sault Ste. Marie, these locks raise and lower boats between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. From the viewing deck, your kids can watch the whole process with fascination!
Spring Break Michigan: Grand Rapids
Are you looking for a family-friendly city escape? Grand Rapids is a fantastic choice for all ages! Brimming with a blend of historical, cultural, and nature-centered activities, the city offers various attractions to captivate all ages. As one of the best kid-friendly weekend getaways in Michigan, you can explore the wildlife at John Ball Zoo , ignite your child’s creativity at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, or embark on a snowy hike along the Provin Trails.
Grand Rapids also boasts family-friendly parks such as Riverside Park and Millennium Park, providing fun outdoor spaces to play together when the weather cooperates. For lakeside trails, head to nearby Caledonia Lakeside Park. Then, budding art enthusiasts can revel in the unique sculptures at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Or, check the performance listings at Grand Rapids Ballet to see what is playing during spring break. Another museum option for older kids is the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which features exhibits on everything from fashion and nature to West Michigan habitats.
Finally, make it a quick road trip by adding Auburn Hills to your Michigan family vacation itinerary. Just two hours from Grand Rapids, Auburn Hills is home to SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan. Why head to Florida when you can experience it all in Michigan?
Lansing
Discover the numerous attractions Lansing offers for families with kids this spring break! As Michigan’s capital, Lansing boasts many kid-friendly activities, from museums and a zoo to many beautiful outdoor spaces. In particular, Lansing is an excellent choice for families seeking indoor activities and many fascinating museums to explore during spring break!
Start your Lansing adventures by exploring the Potter Park Zoo. Here, you can see a wide array of animals, including African lions, black rhinos, red pandas, and snow leopards. Afterward, head to the MSU Horticultural Gardens to seek out signs of spring amongst the gardens. For more outdoor adventures, add Fenner Nature Center or Woldumar Nature Center to your itinerary. Lansing also provides ample parks and playgrounds for your kids to unleash their energy.
Then, engage your children’s interest in history with a guided tour of the Michigan State Capitol. Or, spark their curiosity at the Impression 5 Science Center—an exciting blend of hands-on learning and fun. They feature fun exhibits on everything from a water experience room to a building zone. If you have car lovers in the family, you have to check out the vintage vehicles at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Finally, round out your museum experience at the Michigan History Museum, ideal with older kids and teens. As one of the best spring break ideas for Michigan with kids, your family will love exploring Lansing together.
Ann Arbor
Experience the charm of Ann Arbor, a mid-sized city with a cozy small-town atmosphere. Less than an hour from Detroit, Ann Arbor is an excellent option for a spring break road trip or fly-in destination. If you’re looking for fun spring break ideas in Michigan with kids, this lively university town might have what you’re looking for! The city offers a variety of engaging activities, which are only complemented by its highly walkable downtown area.
Explore the many interactive exhibits with toddlers and littles at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Alternatively, with older kids and teens, delve into modern and contemporary art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Kids interested in archeology will also enjoy exploring the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Afterward, plan to wander the grounds of Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. Here, you’ll find several trails to look for budding spring flowers. Alternatively, weekend visitors can learn about the many creatures who call The Creature Conservancy home. Private tours are also available. Then, Ann Arbor’s abundance of parks and playgrounds invites kids of all ages to frolic and play.
Extend your exploration of the area by adding some of the best things to do in Detroit with kids to your itinerary. The city has many kid-friendly attractions, such as the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Zoo. Families can also walk along the Detroit International RiverWalk, which spans more than three miles (from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge).
Mackinac Island
While perhaps an unusual choice, Mackinac Island is one of the best spring break ideas for Michigan families seeking a quiet winter escape. While the island can be wet and muddy during spring break, the low crowds and pedestrian-friendly city streets still make it a fun experience for intrepid travelers of all ages. In March and April, the island is accessible by ferry or air travel. For ferries, follow the winter boat schedule through March and early April. The only ferry available during this time is the Star Line Mackinac Island ferry departing from St. Ignace. Alternatively, you can take an air taxi or charter plane from the St. Ignace airport.
What sets this charming island apart is its car-free environment, creating a pedestrian-friendly haven for families to explore. Walking, biking, and horse-drawn carriage are the common modes of transportation here. While spring break visitors won’t get the “full” Mackinac Island experience, many businesses on the island remain open all winter, with even more opening mid-to end-of-April. Mackinac Island State Park is a popular winter destination on the island, as their trails stay open year-round. In the winter, you’ll find trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Of course, cozy winter afternoons can also be spent playing games and reading at your accommodations. Then, take one of Chad’s Wonderful Winter Walking Tours to get to know the city and island. Head to Island Slice Pizzeria or Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn when tummies get hungry.
Note that Mackinac Island is often regarded as a May – October destination. If you’re interested in the quiet adventure offered by winter, read more about visiting in March and April before making your travel plans.
Spring Break Michigan: Have Fun with Kids!
We hope this article featuring fun spring break ideas for Michigan with kids inspires you to visit somewhere new and enjoy time with your family. From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Ann Arbor, the Mitten State is filled with exciting family activities and attractions! Whether your family needs a short weekend getaway or a week-long escape, these spring break destinations in Michigan offer everything you need, including museums, waterfall hikes, indoor waterparks, and more!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
Related Article: 5 Top Spring Break Ideas in Wisconsin that Your Family Will Love
