10 Best Places for Day Trip in Michigan For Families

01 Jun 2026Updated last time

Welcome to Michigan's Premier Destinations

Michigan, the Great Lakes State, is a treasure trove of diverse natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of a peaceful island, the thrill of a dune adventure, or the wonder of a captivating museum, Michigan has something for everyone. Each destination in Michigan tells a unique story, inviting travelers and families to create lasting memories while exploring the state's magnificent landscapes and engaging attractions. From the charming European vibes of Frankenmuth to the stunning vistas of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and from the awe-inspiring Tahquamenon Falls to the dynamic environment of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation—an array of experiences await. Immerse yourself in hands-on learning, savor the fresh, northern air, and indulge in the simple pleasure of sand between your toes. Michigan's day-trips are gateways to adventure, relaxation, and inspiration, no matter where you choose to go.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Mackinac Island

    Mackinac Island offers a unique experience as motor vehicles are banned on the island, allowing for a peaceful atmosphere. It's known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, historic Fort Mackinac, picturesque views of Lake Huron, and famous fudge shops.
  • 2

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, towering dunes, clear blue waters, and miles of sandy beaches. It presents outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and dune climbing, providing an adventurous and educational experience for the whole family.
  • 3

    Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

    Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park combines art and nature in an engaging environment. It features a variety of gardens, nature trails, and a world-class sculpture park. It is a place for relaxation, inspiration, and can be particularly enjoyable for those interested in horticulture and the arts.
  • 4

    Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

    The Henry Ford Museum offers a rich journey through America's innovative past with immersive exhibits featuring significant artifacts, such as the Rosa Parks bus and Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre. It is both educational and inspirational, revealing the spirit of American ingenuity.
  • 5

    Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

    The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum provides interactive educational experiences that encourage visitors, especially children, to explore their curiosity and creativity through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities. It's a great place for families to learn while having fun.
  • The Detroit Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families, offering a glimpse into the natural habitats of over 2,000 animals from around the world. It's sprawling 125 acres of exhibits, including the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, provide an engaging experience focused on wildlife conservation.
  • Frankenmuth, known as 'Michigan's Little Bavaria,' offers a unique cultural experience with its German heritage and architecture. Visitors can enjoy traditional festivals, dine on authentic German cuisine, and explore shops with handcrafted goods – perfect for a family-oriented and culturally rich outing.
  • 8

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is celebrated for its dramatic multicolored sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear waters of Lake Superior. It's an ideal destination for hiking, boating, and photography, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in Michigan.
  • 9

    Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, providing breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding forest. It's perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a serene, natural setting.
  • 10

    Silver Lake Sand Dunes

    Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers a unique landscape of shifting sands that provides a variety of recreational activities such as dune buggy rides, off-roading, sandboarding, and hiking. The dunes also offer picturesque views of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, making it a thrilling and scenic destination for families and adventure seekers alike.

Restaurants

  • Picture for The Vortex Bar & Grill

    The Vortex Bar & Grill

    878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
    Known for its skull-shaped entrance and eclectic, adult-only atmosphere, The Vortex offers a vast selection of burgers and beers.
  • Picture for SafeHouse
    A spy-themed restaurant where guests need a password to enter, offering an interactive dining experience with secret passages and espionage decor.
  • Picture for Hobbit Cafe
    2243 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098, United States
    This Tolkien-inspired eatery serves natural and healthy fare in a setting fit for a hobbit, complete with a Shire-esque environment.
  • Picture for Opaque - Dining in the Dark

    Opaque - Dining in the Dark

    2020 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States
    Offering a unique ‘dining in the dark’ experience where visitors eat in total darkness, heightening the other senses for a completely different culinary adventure.
  • Picture for Heart Attack Grill

    Heart Attack Grill

    450 Fremont St #130, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
    An over-the-top eatery with a hospital theme, where diners don hospital gowns and the waitstaff are dressed as nurses, famous for its high-calorie menu.
  • Picture for Ninja New York

    Ninja New York

    625 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, United States
    A Japanese restaurant where diners enter an Edo period ninja village-themed environment, with staff performing ninja tricks and serving inventive Japanese cuisine.
  • Picture for Magic Restroom Cafe

    Magic Restroom Cafe

    18558 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748, United States
    A bathroom-themed eatery where guests sit on toilets and dine off of sink basins, offering a unique and Instagram-worthy experience with Taiwanese-inspired dishes.
  • Picture for The Airplane Restaurant

    The Airplane Restaurant

    1665 Newport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916, United States
    Housed inside a converted Boeing KC-97 tanker, diners can enjoy a meal in the fuselage of an airplane, surrounded by aviation memorabilia.

Hotels

  • The Queen's Residence B&B

    120 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States

    An 1839 historic inn offering a quaint and charming stay, filled with antique furnishings and located in the heart of Ann Arbor.
  • Grand Hotel

    286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, United States

    This iconic hotel on Mackinac Island boasts a record for the world's longest porch and reflects grandeur and elegance from the late 19th century.
  • Thunder Bay Resort

    27800 M-32, Hillman, MI 49746, United States

    Unique for its Elk Viewing Carriage Ride, Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting, this northern Michigan resort offers a distinct and nature-immersive experience.
  • Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

    4674 Co Rd KCB, Big Bay, MI 49808, United States

    A rare opportunity to stay in a functional lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior, combining maritime history with picturesque scenery.
  • Detroit Foundation Hotel

    250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

    Set in the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, this boutique hotel merges Detroit’s past and present with an industrial chic design.
  • Bavarian Inn Lodge

    1 Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, United States

    A German-themed resort that provides an Old World European escape with authentic architecture, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Frankenmuth.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Miranda Lambert

    Miranda Lambert

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)7 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

    The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)26 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

    Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)10 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for Jason Aldean

    Jason Aldean

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)16 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for Keith Urban

    Keith Urban

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)25 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

    Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)8 Sep 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
  • Picture for Tom Segura

    Tom Segura

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)20 Oct 2024
    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • r/Michigan on Reddit: Looking for recommendations for day trips from ...

    /r/Michigan

    Looking for recommendations for day trips from metro detroit. 2 hours max drive. Baby friendly (picturesque towns with good shopping (non chain stores), walkable downtowns...a...

  • 20 AWESOME Michigan Day Trip Ideas for 2024

    /r/DayTripsinMichigan

    Michigan may be known as the Great Lakes State and exploring the endless miles of shoreline is a wonderful way to spend any day but there also are many day trips in Michigan...

  • 10 Low-Commitment Day Trips That You Can Do in Michigan.

    /r/Michigan

    A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...

  • r/Michigan on Reddit: Any good day trips to take within reasonable ...

    /r/Michigan

    A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...

  • Must -visit Michigan destinations? (Family friendly)

    /r/Michigan

    A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. ... Belle Isle is a state park so make sure you h...

  • 12 Must-Take Michigan Day Trips in March

    /r/DayTripsinMichigan

    Whether youre a local looking to explore your home state or a visitor seeking new experiences, Michigan in March has something for everyone. Here are a dozen Michigan day trip...

  • Upper Peninsula Trip - advice needed!

    /r/Michigan

    My boyfriend and I are planning to do an 8-day trip this summer in the UP. Were thinking of the following: -1 night in Paradise (Tahquamenon Falls) -2 nights in Munising (Pict...