Are you looking for creative family vacation ideas this year? A fun trip that all ages will enjoy? Perhaps you’re interested in an enjoyable vacation time at a lesser-known destination that requires travel.
If so, keep reading for a list of some of the best family-friendly destinations in the state of Michigan.
The Air Zoo
For your next family vacation in Michigan – or even if you’ve never yet visited – let your kids explore a replica of the International Space Station, learn about the Wright brothers’ first flight, climb aboard a flight simulator and enjoy many educational and fun rides about the marvel of flying.
The Air Zoo is sponsored in part by the Smithsonian and is designed to be both a museum relating to flight and also a family entertainment center that focuses on education as well. It’s located in Portage, Michigan and open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Tickets can be expensive though. Expect to pay $19.50 for an adult admission ticket and about $15.50 for a child’s admission. Kids under the age of five can enter for free. If you’re on a budget, then try purchasing your tickets at least three days in advance from the Air Zoo website. You’ll save 10% off the ticket price, which can be a significant savings for large families.
Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum isn’t all about Henry Ford. Rather, it’s about the American experience and a long history of ingenuity and commerce. The target audience is children and young adults, but there are numerous activities and resources for adults too. The curators focus on interactive and fun exhibits that capture kids’ imagination and make learning fun.
The museum is open every day of the year, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Expect to pay $14 for an adult admission, $13 for a senior’s admission, $10 for a youth entrance and nothing for children under the age of 5. For more information, you can visit their website at thehenryford.org.
Indoor Water Park Hotels
Michigan has the most indoor water parks of any other states in the country. From the infamous Gold Rush to the Great Wolf Lodges, Michigan is packed with hotels that feature massive indoor water playgrounds that are open during all four seasons.
Expect to pay more than you would at a standard hotel, but enjoy the benefits of relaxing by the pool while your kids are entertained with water sports and fun.
Corn Mazes
Michigan state is known for its fall corn mazes. If you’re taking a Michigan family vacation this autumn, be sure to stop at some of the country’s largest corn mazes. In Williamston, you can find a 20-acre corn maze (visit bestmaze.com for details). So, visit Michigan this autumn and get lost in the fun.