Whether it’s a day trip or a longer vacation, there are certain experiences that can leave a lasting impression on everyone in the family. The key to creating an unforgettable adventure is planning engaging, inclusive, and entertaining activities that will be talked about for weeks and months to come. Here, we’ve collected some of our favorite ideas across the state to do just that!
Located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills are LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium. These adjacent attractions offer two times the fun, and appeal to a range of interests. At LEGOLAND®, there are areas for building with the eponymous bricks, a 4D theater, Lego-themed rides, and a LEGO Store to pick up souvenirs. There’s also Miniland Detroit—a miniature replica of some of The Motor City's well-known landmarks. SEA LIFE, next door, is the largest aquarium in Michigan, with 2,000 marine creatures representing more than 250 species. There are numerous exhibits, opportunities to interact with sea animals, and other draws, including a behind-the-scenes tour.
At Boyne Mountain, there’s not only plenty of outdoor recreation, there’s also Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. It, too, boasts “largest in Michigan” status, and features slides, a surf simulator, and a play structure, plus a variety of pools and hot tubs—allowing for the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. While in the area, don’t miss a chance to traverse the 1,200-foot-long, 118-foot-high SkyBridge Michigan. It’s open year-round but with differing hours by season. If slightly closer to home is preferred, there’s also Great Wolf Lodge in family-friendly Traverse City.
Impression 5 Science Center in downtown Lansing joins the superlatives as Newsweek’s #1 Best Children's Museum in the United States for 2025. Housed in a historic wagon works factory, it has a number of hands-on exhibits, covering a range of topics, from electricity to nuclear science; energy to fluid dynamics; engineering and technology to structure building and nature—and more! There’s even a First Impression Room for the littlest in your posse, from infant to age four. A safe environment for crawling, climbing, reading, and exploring, it also has amenities such as a family restroom, a nursing room, and a place to park strollers and store diaper bags.
The thrill of watching beloved sports teams always brings people together, and hockey season is currently in full swing. For the 2025-2026 season, the Detroit Red Wings are celebrating their 100th year, making it an extra-special time to see a match. For several home games, they’ll be wearing their Centennial uniforms, so be on the lookout for those dates. In addition, they’ll have other promotional and theme nights throughout the season. Staycationing this year? See a Grand Rapids Griffins game. They’re an AHL affiliate of the Red Wings, and offer post-game events, giveaways, theme nights, and deals on select days.
While skiing, snowboarding, and fat-tire biking are popular things to do at Cannonsburg, there are no special skills or complicated equipment required to go tubing! It’s amusing for adults and kids alike (though participants must be 42” or taller), and an excellent way to entertain the entire household. There’s a magic carpet that transports tubers to the top, so time on the slopes is maximized. And, they also have food and beverages at their full-service bar, snack shop, and restaurant. Make sure to make a stop at Great Lakes Outpost retail space for all things outdoor gear.
PLANNING AHEAD
Already thinking about summer? We have that covered, too! Among our picks for making memories is Michigan’s Adventure and WildWater Adventure. A single admission ticket gets guests into both parks, which, in all, have more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions, including seven roller coasters.
Saugatuck Dune Rides is another option. This rollicking open-air ride involves exhilarating descents and hairpin turns, scenic views, and a history lesson—all in one. Afterward, have a meal in town or enjoy splashing and sunning at Oval Beach.
Speaking of sand… a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes is always on our summer to-do list. In addition to the famed dune climb, there are lots of activities to do in the area, whether it’s canoeing or kayaking, hiking, a scenic drive, or a ferry ride to the Manitou Islands.
And, speaking of ferries … don’t forget Mackinac Island! Between the charm of being transported by horse-drawn carriage to the sweet reward of handmade fudge, plus cycling, shopping, and historic tours, there are so many reasons to make the journey.
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Winter ‘25/’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
