Or visit Experience Grand Rapids and choose from a variety of tour options, including a beer tour, black history tour, or heritage tour. Finally, someone mentioned the East side of our beautiful state! One more thing to add to Traverse City..we have an observatory with high power telescopes looking into space. The planetarium is best suited for children ages 3 and up. Since 1946, this food stop has been happily appeasing taste buds with its traditional soda fountain and other sweet treats. Join a live, 30-minute, online session from any connected device. The fascinating Mississippi Museum of Natural Science allows you to explore the rich local heritage of the state, with its massive aquarium and exhibitions. Moreover, the facility has a play area offering a host of fun things to do. Whether you are searching for urban adventure, rural vibes or experiences in the great outdoors, you can do that in Michigan, affordably. Stop in the Visitor Center on Main Street, and pick up a map that gives all the participating shops in the hunt for Gnomes. The kids love the game as do the workers when they get to help locate it within their establishment. #28 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS7 East Center Street Muskegon Heights, MI 49440. While visiting the restaurant, dont forget to check out their lighter version of the tasty American classics, such as cocktails and burgers. #3 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDSVarious Inland Lakes and Great Lakes Waters. All ages get to compete in the 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 games. http://grkids.com/our-almost-free-lansing-day-of-play-impression-5-potter-park-zoo-and-the-msu-childrens-garden/, The science/art museum in midland is not free, its $5pp. In addition to seasonal events, the farm is home to a variety of barnyard animals, ranging from camels to hedgehogs. And, while there, admire its Instagram-worthy retro interior, which blends perfectly with the live blues music. Deep South Pops is our go-to dessert spot in Jackson since it offers delightful and healthy gourmet popsicles. #20 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS101 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. This is a great extensive list of things to do in Michigan. Ive brought my own as well as daycare children and seriously we couldnt get enough. The kids will love it!!! After the session, wander around the store, and see a wide range of vintage guitars. Also See:Kids Activities: BiloxiThings to Do in Gulfport with Kids, 320 W Pearl StJackson, MS 39203 (601) 398-0151. An international art competition, open to any artist and decided by public vote, it fills the city of Grand Rapids with art and visitors from all over the world. And, if youre looking for something healthier for your team, try their gluten-free pastries and bread. see the worlds largest bronze/wood crucifix at the National Catholic shrine in Indian River, Cross in the Woods, Mackinaw City at Mackinaw Crossing has a free Laser Light Show every night in the summer at dusk. Every lesson always inspires creative play for hours and hours after Tinkergarten ends. #32 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS9275 Adams St, Zeeland, MI 49464. Of course, theres always Santa, Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and many elves too. Theres also live entertainment every night, livestock demonstrations, and other events. We bring our expert leader to you in a weekly online class. Although I hate to encourage more public attendance (it is such a peaceful place I want to keep it all to myself! From sports events to fairs and conventions, there are plenty of kid-friendly and fun events throughout the year. Brockway mountain drive is only one of the breath taking sights to be enjoyed along the way. Plus, the restaurant has a wide array of dishes that kids will love, including burgers, omelets, waffles and salads. If visiting on the second Friday of the month, stop in for a themed family-friendly Feel Good Friday event. Try with different keywords! I recommend adding The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, MI, to your list of vacationing, sight-seeing, and/or things to do in Michigan. Even though the shop is a little busy and crowded, their 18-inch pizzas are absolutely worth the wait. Its huge and quite kid friendly. Alice, Terms of Use Theres no better place to teach your kids how to play the guitar than the birthplace of blues music itself: Jackson. It offers a full week of exciting rides, fun games, and tasty food. Visit the DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory in Holland and talk with artists as they produce wooden shoes and paint Dutch pottery right in front of your eyes. , Your email address will not be published. You also get free passes for additional visits. Michigan is great place. I recommend the Henry Ford Museum, also Greenfield Village both are in Detroit. have done it many times. The theater offers discount matinees and a variety of promotions, and sells an array of concessions. Next, explore a section of the beautifully transformed Detroit Riverfront with a walking tour, offered the first Saturday, May-September. #27 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS296 W. Webster Avenue Muskegon, Michigan 49440. Thought the Grandkids could mark things off. . You can also go to the black bear safe haven in Paradise and see black bears close up. You ride across the water on a raft which is above 3 freshwater springs located 7 miles west of Manistique, Mi. Find & Dandy, with its delicious, light and healthy dishes, is by far one of our favorite Jackson restaurants. As the Great Lake State, one of our greatest features is our beaches. #44 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS7787 West Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Time outdoors for the whole familys health, happiness, and connection to our planet. For a filling and delectable experience, try their Upper Westside and Franklin Street Pizza. Download the free app for a self-guided tour and explore the vacant lots and houses that have turned into this one-of-a-kind art installation. With a wide array of tasty treats available, children ages 3 and up will have a swell time at this dessert station. ), Additional activities and resources support playful learning all week long, Featuring Tinkergarten Chief Learning Officer, A seasonal map and Fall 2022 iron-on badge. Our backyard has mile after mile of the most pristine shoreline and beaches that help us remember what playtime is all about. The Medgar Evers House is a National Historic Landmark, and the former home of a civil rights activist. At Char Restaurant, your kids will have a fun and one-of-a-kind dining experience, thanks to the thrilling magic tricks performed by their local host. Allen park gives them away free as well when the light is on! The magic show will definitely be one of the fun things that kiddos of all ages will remember on their Jackson vacation. The Hastings Sculpture Tour is another exciting, free year round attraction that draws families to Hastings. http://www.keweenaw.info/attractions-7/, Wow this list is Fantastic! All Rights Reserved. We tried to limit the list to things that you could do year round, or at least seasonallybut Im glad you shared! MAP includes one day free or discounted entry to more than 200 locations around the state. If youre in downtown Kalamazoo during the holiday season, hop aboard the San-Francisco style Holly Jolly Trolley. Thanks for caring about MI and its people. If, however, youre not into sweet goodies, the diner also serves classic family food, like hot dogs and burgers. It is a super fun Museum, Charlene! Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery in Mattawan has free learning to fish programs for kids on weekends through spring and summer. Explore the Arboretum with a self-guided hike available on their website, or download their app for a more interactive experience. There is a wooden raft that can hold a crowd (30 or so) that is propelled across the spring via a cable strung from one side to the other. At Cascades Park, Jackson County Parks puts on a wonderful Memorial Day fireworks show. http://grkids.com/5-great-places-to-take-kids-camping-in-michigan/. Children can get super creative at the Mississippi Childrens Museum through a blend of mediums and things, including art, dance and music. Some are not viewable from land. Visit Anderson and Girls in Stanton. Indulge in a hearty and piquant 3-course meal, as you gaze in amazement at the magicians tricks. Thanks so much for sharing, Cindy. http://www.tgsp.com. Play a game of hide and seek with geocaching or letterboxing! Participating locations do give away free doughnuts when the red light is on, including the one in Grand Rapids (sadly, were regulars) I have not yet confirmed whether the Troy and Allen Park locations participate, but thanks for bringing this to our attention. 2332 Margaret W Alexander DrJackson, MS 39213 (601) 977-7839. Explore Rosa Parks Circle, a public art space in the heart of downtown GR by renowned artist, Maya Lin. Kicking off the summer with excitement, the Jackson County Rose Festival is held every June to celebrate the history and heritage of the city. Hi Christy, Last time i was there its $5 for and under 3 was free. Visit Pioneer Log Village in Bad Axe, the largest collection of authentically restored pioneer log buildings in Michigan. The old printing presses still run, and there is a gift shoppe associated with the whole area. The free Kids Fest event is designed to teach kids about various topics while having fun. And the DIA is wonderfulalthough, I believe it is only free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, so we chose to leave it off the listbut Im glad you noted it here. #35 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS9600 W. Buchanan Road Shelby, Michigan. It kicks off with an 8 PM childrens hour, and continues with storytelling, music and more. With a wide range of educational tours available, the MAFM makes a pleasant Jackson attraction to visit for children who love history and nature. Not only does it exude a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it also serves delightful Southern classics with a hint of the Mediterranean. Make a new friend at the Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm in Frankfort. For more than 35 years, this restaurant has been serving its community with its timeless and delectable signature dishes. Terry, Please tell my hips that Krispy Kreme doesnt give away free donuts. Down river Calder farm see milking and ice cream making. In addition to a large variety of plants, youll find compilations of mazes and play structures. Yes! http://www.glaac.org/ )Your hike ends with sweeping views of Lake Huron and more boulders to climb as you watch the waters for freighters in the distance. How do you geocache? And, the city of Jackson never gets tired from sprucing up entertaining activities for these kids. From April June, the babies make for a very fun visit (bring carrots)! Thanks so much. (School) Fines vs Freedom? 3315 Lakeland TerraceJackson, Mississippi 39216 (601) 987-3923. I have also taken my nephews age 4-7. After the dusk display, your family can hang out for the Grand Light Show. The shop has rotating daily flavors, meaning kids will find something new at Deep South Pops every day. A visit to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is one of the best things to do in Jackson for families with kids ages 3 and up. Outdoor kids classes for 3 year old. Meanwhile, the fans get to enjoy winter activities, food, and beverages. Take the bridge to Belle Isle and discover 200 acres of woodland, trails, swimming, recreational facilities including the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Nature Center and much more! I see now that only the aquarium is free (bummer), and have since updated. Trust the author too, lol. Adults can participate in the 5K Run/Walk or the 10K Run. Take in historic homes, museums, grave sites of influential Marshall residents and much more on one (or several) of their seven self-guided tours. #51 FREE 5HINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDSState Capitol Building | 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center | 9925 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, Michigan 48915Michigan History Museum | 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48915. Even toddlers will have a blast learning through the unique exhibits of the Mississippi Childrens Museum. Thanks again! There is Cruise Night, shared between Port Huron and Fort Gratiot Twp over the years (http://bluewatercruiseweekend.com/) which is not as large as the Dream Cruise on 8 Mile but ours is getting bigger every year. I have lived in Arizona for a good number of years, the above places I love to spend time at when Im in Michigan. Michigan is the Ultimate Beach State Michiganders are spoiled. As for the lighthouses, we obtained the list from Pure Michigan. There is also Whitefish Point in the UP. Observe clouds of swirling sand and trout in the clear spring water below, even during winter as the spring never freezes. Free music in the park on Friday nights, live music in four venues every weekend, great acts in the Village Theater, Fine Arts Fair, and craft shows and antiques! Use your ORV on trails and state parks to find your perfect fishing spot, all without requiring an ORV license or trail permit. Just not freebut we did just include it on our Reciprocal Membership post yesterday! Youll, Crystal Mountain is More than a Ski Resort Its a Blast in Summer, Too! Find a unique collection of Junkyard Art at Lakenenland Sculpture Park, near Marquette. In fact, all of the GLAAC clubs have free meetings and star parties. Enjoy hatchery tours, trails and fishing programs at the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery in Mattawan. I felt that St Clair County has been over looked (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2d5hgBhFBg). The restaurant is suitable for guests of all ages. Theres more to Jackson, Michigan, than events and festivals. Sorry, but Belle Isle is not free anymore. MSU has one of the oldest and most successful breeding programs for Arabian horses in the country. My son loves it there! Double the fun and combine this with Free ORV Weekend, which runs in conjunction with the summer Free Fishing Weekend. Go on a treasure hunt using GPS or an app on your smart phone. But the number 34 would not be correct. The Roscommon Model Train Club opens its doors every Wednesday and Saturday (the one day you can hitch a ride on their oversized model train). Besides the food fountain, we also love the divine Nutella milkshakes and hot fudge Sundae. I did look up the Michigan Historical Museum, but missed that admission was free on Sundays good to know. Explore the important roles African Americans played, that shaped Muskegon County at theJames Jackson Museum of African American History. Regarding number 11: At the end of May 2015 the Park and Read program is being rolled into Michigan Activity Pass program available from your local library. They have an amazing zoo! Take a private tour with your family of this house, and learn more about the career and life of Medgar Evers. Stephanie. Dont miss our list of favorite west Michigan trails. #86 FREE 5HINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS248 South Huron Ave Mackinaw City, MI 49701. The North Country National Trail connects seven states and is headquartered in Lowell, MI! With a vast collection of museums and restaurants, youll also find dozens of fun things to do in Jackson, MS with kids. Here is one coach's advice on getting started. Regular admission for those 1 and over is $7, except for Seniors who receive a $.50 discount. Fly kites, build sandcastles, explore local shops, splash in the water, or take in the wonder of winter water at one of Michigans beach towns. More Activities for Kids in Jackson, MI Tips, Training & Advice. Heston steam trains, near Three Oaks, MI. the Troy location also gives you a free doughnut when the light is on. Visit the Cross in the Woods National Shrine in Indian River, home to one of the largest crucifixes in the world. Engage with many self-directed STEM programming exhibits in this 10,000 square foot facility. Although it seems a bit unconventional, youll love their duck leg breakfast with fried egg and maple glaze. Wow, Julie, that sounds amazing! #30 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS221 S. Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442. Shows feature a synchronized water and light show, accompanied by musical themes, and run nightly at sunset each year between Memorial and Labor Day. Outdoor kids classes for 1 year old. Explore a full-size replica wooden Great Lake schooner and shipwreck, without getting wet at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuarys 10,000 square foot Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. And since we dont think adventure needsto break the bank, we raised the stakes a little and compiled a list of nearly free or FREE things to do in Michigan with kids. Parenting just got a little easier with the largest kids activity app on the planet. #36 FREE THINGS TO DO IN MICHIGAN WITH KIDS4907 River Road Frankfort, MI 49635. Gerald R. Ford International Airport Viewing Area, James Jackson Museum of African American History, DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory, Lenawee County Historical Museum and Archives, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Soo Locks Observation Platform and Visitor Center, 27 Unique Things to do in Michigan That You Need to Try, Rockport State Park: Hit the Fossil Motherlode, Exlore a Ghost Town and Kayak to Shipwrecks, 15 Best Places to go Zip Lining in Michigan, Listed, Crystal Mountain in Summer is One of Michigans Best Kept Secrets, 61 Sugar Sand Lake Michigan Beaches & Inland Lakes, 2 Easy Ways to Take the Train to Chicago from Michigan, http://grkids.com/a-real-life-treasure-hunt-in-your-own-backyard/, http://grkids.com/5-things-you-may-not-know-about-frederik-meijer-gardens/, http://grkids.com/win-mvp-summer-camp-giveaway/, http://grkids.com/try-cappucino-camping-this-summer-at-silver-lake-campground/, http://grkids.com/101-free-things-to-do-with-kids-in-michigan/, http://grkids.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/01/101-Things-to-Do-in-Michigan-with-Kids-Printable.pdf, http://www.mackinawcrossings.com/attractions.html, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563018679794142/, http://www.eventkeeper.com/prmaps/code/index.cfm?mn=628322, http://www.co.jackson.mi.us/departments/Parks/cascades_falls.asp, http://www.michigan.org/lighthouses-public/#&&page=0&sort=&miles=20&ips=B2037&dt=11%2f16%2f2014&dte=11%2f23%2f2014&rpp=96, http://grkids.com/our-almost-free-lansing-day-of-play-impression-5-potter-park-zoo-and-the-msu-childrens-garden/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2d5hgBhFBg, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Huron_to_Mackinac_Boat_Race, http://grkids.com/get-in-free-to-dozens-of-museums-and-gardens-in-michigan/, https://www.facebook.com/NelisDutchVillage, http://grkids.com/calendar/index.php?eID=41269, https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Hastings-Michigan/172713452898567?sk=timeline, http://grkids.com/5-great-places-to-take-kids-camping-in-michigan/.