Things to do in Michigan-keep em coming!!

Hubby's plant is closing for a week this summer so we'd like to take the kids on a mini vacation . We'd like to find cheap or free things to do in Michigan. Hotel stays are covered because of hotel points hubby has earned w/all the traveling he's been doing lately. I know that we're going to Michigan Adventure & I'd like to take them up across the Mackinac Bridge. We're not into camping, biking or hiking(sorry all you outdoorsy people:), but nice parks, beaches would be great to stop & play or have lunch, etc. I'm open to any ideas you may have!! Thank you!!

hi lisa-

i would definetely do young state park in charlevoix.. it is a campgroung-- but you can go to the beach only too.. it is by far the best beach in michigan.. hard hard sandy bottom... love it there.. also taquamonen falls in the up... or anywhere on lake huron..
katie

That sounds perfect-Thank you!!

I'm so sorry to hijack Lisa's post....but if anyone knows of nice, clean cottages for rent in August up north, let me know!

Go to Grand Haven for the beaches and then up to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes while you are at Michigan Adventure.  

Hi Lisa,
Not too far from Michigan Adventure is PJ Hoffmaster State Park, which is north of Grand Haven and just south of Muskegon off of 31. It has a neat nature center for the kids and a dune walk which goes to the top of the dunes for a spectacular view. It has a great beach area.
If you go further south, Holland has the DeZwaan windmill which you can see without going to the island.
Grand Haven has a neat lighthouse. A walk on the pier to the lighthouse is fun. They have a boardwalk around the town...
Just some fun, inexpensive ways to go this summer..
deb

Thanks Deborah! I forgot to add that I live in Holland:) I thought that was listed on my avie but I see it just says MI. Grand Haven is on our list to do this summer too but it's only a few minutes away so I'm thinking we'll go on some weekend for the day. I love the nature center idea!

Oh gosh there is so much to do in this state! I can't even begin to cover them all. here are my top 10 list (top ten that come to mind that is). There are so many others everyone please forgive me for not listing them all.

10. Detroit Museums
      Instute of Art, Detroit Science Center, Detroit Historical
      Museums.
9. Irish Hills 
    Water parks
8. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
    Old cars and machines, Old historic buildings, Tours of
    the Ford Rouge Plant, Imax theatre
7. Great lakes boating
    Any of the great lakes have charters etc.
6. Yankee Air Museum
    Old air planes, air shows
5. Huckleberry Rairoad
    Fun tourist attraction for families and kids
4. Holland Michigan
    Known for its tulops
3. Birch Run and Frankenmuth 
    Outlet stores, indoor sports and Ice arena, Old German
    Village, Christmas year around shop, Great German
    food
2. The sand dunes.
     ATV Rides, Jeep tours, beach
1. Machinaw City, Machinac Island, and St. Ignas
    You can't miss this on trip! Stay at least one night on the
    island . The hotels are great! No cars, just horses and
   buggies. A step back in time.

Nick

I added Huckleberry Railroad to my list-I think my boys would love it! We've done the sand dunes(we live near Saugatuck/in Holland), & my hubby already shot down Birch Run & Frankenmuth(party pooper). I'd love to take the kids to Mackinac Island but I don't think it's going to fit into our budget this time around-the ferry alone is way too expensive. Thank you so much for these ideas!!

After reading Nick's post I thought of Fort Michimillimac in Mackinac City. My kids just loved it when we went there. It is so cool with the fort and the people that reinact the 1700's. Very fun
Deb