As the first day of summer vacation gets closer, kids and adults alike are getting more excited to plan their summer adventures. Whether you have a day off or even a free weekend, Michigan offers a variety of options for fun family getaways.
Find your perfect day trip
Do you have a free day to make some summer memories? These places are all within a few hours of Ann Arbor, ideal for a quick road trip.
Make this summer one to remember at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Southeast Michigan’s premier destination for hands-on science, discovery, and family fun. Families are invited to stay, play, and learn together in a vibrant space where curiosity leads the way and every exhibit encourages exploration.
Inside the museum, guests can dive into immersive, interactive exhibits that bring science to life in exciting and unexpected ways. From water play that explores motion and flow, to engineering challenges that test creativity and problem-solving skills, to exhibits focused on light, sound, and energy, every gallery is designed for hands-on discovery. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to touch, build, experiment, and explore at their own pace, making each visit a unique experience.
The museum also offers rotating activities and seasonal programming that add even more opportunities for learning and engagement throughout the year. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend visit or a planned summer outing, families will find something new to spark imagination on every trip.
With its welcoming atmosphere, dynamic exhibits, and commitment to playful learning, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a go-to destination for family fun in Ann Arbor. It’s a place where kids and grown-ups alike can discover together, ask questions, and make lasting memories.
Check our website for upcoming events, programs, and special experiences, and plan your next adventure in science and discovery this summer.
Meet animals at Toledo Zoo
Families can spend the day learning, exploring and making memories at the Toledo Zoo, home to more than 16,000 animals representing over 680 species from around the world. From immersive exhibits to interactive attractions, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.The Toledo Zoo’s Reptile House recently reopened, featuring a reimagined space with bigger exhibits, a dedicated event space and more. Throughout the year, the Toledo Zoo holds various events for all ages.
The Toledo Zoo is located at 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. For more information, call 419-385-5721 or visit toledozoo.org.
Discover the Final Frontier at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
Looking for a day trip that is educational and fun? The Air Zoo features hours of activities, exhibits and even small amusement park-style rides to help your family learn more about the science of flight. From the history of airplanes to the magic of space exploration, the museum offers hands-on options to learn about a variety of exciting topics.
Museums are a great way to support learning over the summer. If you love the Air Zoo and would like a local museum option, give the Michigan Science Center in Detroit a try. For a longer trip, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise Michigan is a great option.
The Air Zoo is located at 6151 Portage Road, Portage. For more information, visit their website or call (269) 382-6555.
RELATED: Ann Arbor Family Calendar
Pull Up to the Capri Drive-In Theater
Nothing says summer like being under the stars with a bucket of popcorn and a good movie. Capri Drive-In Movie Theater in Coldwater offers the classic drive-in experience with a plethora of new and existing movies. Bring the blankets, pillows, lawn chairs, or even decorations like twinkle lights to make the most of the evening. Only 90 minutes outside of Ann Arbor, it’s a perfect day (or night) trip to make memories with your family.
Capri Drive-In Movie Theater is located at 119 W Chicago Rd, Coldwater. For movie times and more information visit their website or call (517) 667-7824.
Enjoy a Seventh Inning Stretch at Comerica Park
A summer night at a ballpark is the quintessential summer experience, and Comerica Park is right around the corner for a perfect day trip. Grab a hot dog and cheer on the home team! You can even match your trip with your family’s interests by attending one for Comerica’s many themed nights, such as Harry Potter night.
Comerica Park is located at 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. For game dates and tickets, take a look at mlb.com/tigers.
Explore the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Declared by USA Today as the best sculpture park in the nation, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre destination sure to delight nature lovers. According to the Pure Michigan website, its “diverse attractions include an interactive children’s garden, arid and Victorian gardens adorned with bronze sculptures by masters like Degas and Rodin, a carnivorous plant house, and an extensive Japanese garden.” Pack a lunch and spend a few beautiful hours enjoying the foliage!
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is located at 1000 Beltline Ave Ave., NE, Grand Rapids. For more information, visit their website.
Spend the Weekend
If your family has a bit more time, consider expanding your getaway into a weekend… or even a week! These locations are further away but offer days of fun.
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Make this summer one to remember at Bavarian Inn Lodge, Michigan’s premier family vacation destination in Frankenmuth. Families can stay, play, and create lasting memories with endless activities all under one roof. Splash into adventure at Bavarian Blast Waterpark, Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark and Family Fun Center, featuring thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, wave pool, and interactive play areas for all ages.
Beyond the waterpark, guests can conquer the three-story ropes course, scale climbing walls, enjoy mini bowling, challenge friends on the mini golf course, and explore more than 180 arcade and redemption games. Treat the family to sweet delights at the ice cream and candy store or create a one-of-a-kind furry friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop®.
With spacious accommodations, delicious dining options, and entertainment around every corner, Bavarian Inn Lodge offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for an unforgettable summer family getaway.
Get Back to Nature at Ocqueoc Falls
If your family loves to explore nature, check out the Ocqueoc Falls. This waterfall is not only the biggest in the lower peninsula, making it an ideal weekend trip from Ann Arbor, it is the first universally accessible waterfall in the nation. Featuring a five foot drop amongst picturesque bedrock, the Falls include not only a beautiful hiking destination but also a popular swimming hole for your family to enjoy.
For more information, visit the Pure Michigan Website.
Take a Beach Day in Holland
Holland offers endless opportunities for a weekend away. Home to a variety of public beaches, unique shops, delicious restaurants and beautiful flower parks, Holland has something for everyone. Visit Holland State Park to view the iconic Big Red Lighthouse and enjoy the largest stretch of shoreline, or escape the crowds at hidden gem beaches such as Tunnel Park and Laketown Beach. Wander 8th Street to enjoy the many shopping and eating opportunities and don’t forget to look for tulips early in the summer!
For more information, visit the Visitors’ Bureau website.
Seek the Thrills at Michigan Adventure
Double up your summer fun at Michigan Adventure, which combines a traditional amusement park with a full waterpark complete with waterslides, wavepools and splashpads. Spend the morning seeking thrills on Shivering Timbers, which at 122 feet tall and 5,383 feet long is the biggest wooden roller coaster in Michigan. Spend the afternoon cooling off among the variety of water rides and attractions. It’s a full day of adventure for your family!
Michigan Adventure is located at 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon. For more information, visit their website or call 231-766-9959.
Take in the Sights in Charlevoix
Don’t miss out on the place that Forbes has named one of America’s Prettiest Towns. Charlevoix offers dining, art, golfing, shorelines and the historic Hemingway house, where famous author Eanest Hemingway spent his childhood summers. While the house is privately owned, book lovers can enjoy a Hemingway tour that takes them through many landmarks before ending their day relaxing on Huron Bay.
For more information, visit the Visit Charlevoix website.
Hike, Drive and Camp the Sleeping Bear Dunes
For an outdoorsy family experience, Sleeping Bear Dunes offer just about anything one could want. Your family can challenge themselves by climbing the dunes or simply walk through the Maple/Beech forest in search of stunning overlooks. Prefer biking? The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail stretches over 20 miles of bike-accessible trails. You can also swim in one of the many surrounding beaches or explore the local museums and historical features, including an 1817 lighthouse.
For more information, visit the National Park Service Website.
Meet New Friends at Jellystone Park
How does a weekend of waterslides, fishing creeks, playgrounds with bounce pillows and character visits from Yogi Bear and friends sound? Jellystone Park in Barton Lake, Indiana is not only a short drive away, it is a whole weekend of relaxing fun that every age group can enjoy. Bring your bikes and everything you need for s’mores for a perfect weekend getaway. Please note that there are several Jellystone Parks with different amenities- you can pick the one that is right for your family.
Jellystone Park at Barton Lake is located at 140 Ln 201 Barton Lake. For more information, visit their website or call (260) 833-1114.
