It may not feel like it right now considering our recent blast of snowy winter weather, but spring break is just around the corner. While many families are drawn to warmer destinations, there are those of us who may want to opt to stay local and explore all that Michigan has to offer before the summer crowds roll in. From amazing museums to unbelievable indoor waterparks and everything in between, there’s plenty to see and do right here in our home state. Below, we’ve put together a list of five great, family-friendly Michigan spring break destinations to help you plan your upcoming Michigan staycation.
Grand Rapids
The city of Grand Rapids has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun for kids and adults alike. No matter the weather, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum are great venues to add to your to-do list.
In the mood for shopping? Not only does Grand Rapids have an array of locally owned retail businesses to check out, it’s also home to several well known antique shops such as Warehouse One and Lost and Found Treasures. Eating out here is also a treat, as Grand Rapids is one of the most underrated foodie destinations in the state and home of many highly rated breweries.
Ann Arbor
Located just over an hour away from Detroit, Ann Arbor is the perfect spot for a day or weekend getaway. Explore the Matthaie Botanical Gardens, have hours of fun at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and take in all the amazing exhibits at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.
Like many of our destinations on this list, Ann Arbor also boasts a wide variety of dining options. Looking to make friends of the animal variety? Head on over to local gem, The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms, where you can interact with plenty of lovable barnyard animals.
Traverse City
Traverse City may be one of the hottest Michigan summer destinations around, but don’t count it out for a spring stay. All of the great restaurants, wineries, shopping, and bay views that make this city one of a kind will be ready and waiting, no matter the season.
In addition, hotels like Great Wolf Lodge and Grand Traverse Resort offer plenty of water park fun and an impressive array of anemities to keep every member of your family happy. If you’re planning a late spring getaway, don’t miss out on taking in all the beauty of the cherry blossoms – best viewed from Old Mission Peninsula in mid-May.
Frankenmuth
What better place to spend time with the family than in Michigan’s Little Bavaria? Widely known for German-themed resturants and an array of unique shopping options, Frankenmuth is also home to two of the area’s best indoor waterparks. Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Inn Lodge Waterpark and Family Fun Center both offer thousands of square feet of aquatic fun. Ready to get out of the pool? Check out Bavarian Inn’s arcade, which is the largest hotel arcade in the state.
Detroit
If you’re looking for staycation day-trip ideas closer to home, look no further than Detroit. The Michigan Science Center offers hours of hands-on play for kids while spots like Belle Isle Aquarium, Detroit Historical Museum, and Outdoor Adventure Center make learning fun for all.
While we couldn’t possibly list all of the amazing eateries there are to visit, if you’re looking for a simple night of pizza and bowling with a side of nostalgia, check out the historic Garden Bowl on Woodward. For outdoor fun, throw on your spring jackets and head out to explore the Detroit International RiverWalk.
We hope you are feeling inspired to star planning some staycations in your area. Want to discover other areas? Check out some of our City Guides: