Best Family Road Trips Within a Two Hour Drive of Ann Arbor

December 5, 2023

An older building or shelter by a bridge. — The covered bridge in Frankenmuth. Photo by Mary Genson.

Hitting the road with your family is a great way to create new experiences and lasting memories. Long road trips, however, can be challenging with young kids. Luckily there are many exciting locations to explore within a two-hour drive from Ann Arbor!

Compile a musical playlist, gather up the snacks and hit the road toward any of these destinations.

Frankenmuth: Zehnder’s Splash Village

A picture of a resort. — Photo used with permission from Zehnder’s Splash Village.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Did you know that Frankenmuth is home to the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan? At over 50,000 square ft., Zehnder’s Splash Village offers rides that reach six stories of height, including a family raft ride and a speed slide. For a more relaxing experience, you can also enjoy a lazy river, a wade pool with geysers, and even a rented private cabana. Other options include a water bucket attraction, play zone with waterslides and hot tub. Stay for a day or turn your road trip into an overnight visit in one of Zehnder’s nearly 200 rooms or suites.

While you are in Frankenmuth, make merry all year at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

1365 S Main St, Frankenmuth.844-330-1715.

Kalamazoo/Portage: Air Zoo

A picture of kids learning about STEM education. — Photo used with permission from The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum will be a favorite experience for any aviation and/or space enthusiast in your family. Visitors can travel through various air and spacecraft while learning more about their function and history. You might also enjoy the hands-on science activities, flight simulators, indoor carnival rides, and rotating exhibits. For a more structured experience, the Air Zoo also invites families to enjoy Winter Fun Days or Summer STEAM Days, depending on the season.

6151 Portage Rd, Portage. 269-382-6555.

Lansing: Impression 5 Science Center

A picture of a science center in Lansing — Photo used with permission from Impression 5.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Impression 5 Science Center is a hands-on, dynamic space for families to investigate and interact with science. Impression 5 provides activities for every age. Babies and toddlers can explore the First Impression room, while older children might enjoy constructing in the Build Zone, making and standing in a giant bubble column, or experiencing nuclear science activities. The family might also learn more about water, the light spectrum, and nanoscale science. Or enjoy the row of throwing activities to explore force!

200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116.

Grand Rapids: Broadway Grand Rapids

A picture of a live show and play. — Senzel Ahmady as Jasmine and Adi Roy as Aladdin. Aladdin North American Tour. Photo by Deen van Meer, copyright Disney. Photo used with permission from Broadway Grand Rapids.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Attending a performance can be a fun and enriching activity, and Broadway Grand Rapids offers shows that can be enjoyed by many ages. Broadway Grand Rapids features professional, traveling productions that are sure to bring a sense of awe to your whole family. Their upcoming seasons include shows such as Disney’s Aladdin, Wicked, Les Miserables, and even a Michael Jackson musical called MJ. For additional nearby options, check for shows at Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Grand Rapids Ballet or the VanAndel Arena.

122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids. 616-235-6285.

Toledo: Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

A photo of colorful lights on trees. — Photo from Pexels.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour

While the zoo may seem like a summertime activity, the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium has many activities to warm up with this winter. Over the next few months, the zoo will feature its Lights Before Christmas event. This “electrical spectacle” includes over one million bright, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and lighted animal images. Your children can also visit with Santa or tube down the ice slide. Plan ahead to also enjoy the Breakfast with Polar Bears events or educational Winter Camps. You might also visit the indoor aquarium.

2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721.

Midland: Valley Lanes Family Entertainment Center

A photo of bowling balls at a bowling alley. — Photo from Pexels.

Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Make it a game day by traveling to Valley Lanes Family Entertainment Center. The center offers 20 lanes of bowling, a laser maze, mini-golf, arcade games a billiard room, virtual reality, bumper cars and escape rooms. If you work up an appetite while running through the maze or lining up your perfect shot, Valley Lanes has you covered. Gimmicks, their in-house restaurant, has plenty of options for lunch and dinner.

5021 Bay City Road, Midland. 989-496-3940.