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NOTE: If you have reached this page from a search engine, be sure to click here to discover resources about thousands of wonderful family-friendly places! Updates to Kids Love Michigan Updates: NE – Gaylord. BOTTLE CAP MUSEUM (pg. 52) has been sold and hopefully is relocating to Grayling in 2006/07. SE – Blissfield. ADRIAN & BLISSFIELD RAILROAD (pg. 87) is not offering Family Excursions or family Holiday trains this year. SE – Detroit (Shelby Township). FOUR BEARS WATERPARK (pg. 107) is closed. SE – Ypsilanti. YANKEE AIR FORCE MUSEUM (pg. 129) is closed due to a major fire. They are raising money to completely salvage and restore the museum. SE – Prehistoric Forest (pg. 128): New owner has decided to close the property permanently and build something else. At this time we have no “official” information as to what the property’s future status will be. CW UPDATES - Suggested days along central Lake Michigan: Like being near water and shopping? Spend the night at the HAMPTON INN OF MUSKEGON (US 31 at Sternberg exit, 231-799-8333 or www.hampton-inn.com/hi/muskegon). Their clean space, complimentary deluxe breakfast bar, warm indoor pool and whirlpool and location right near the mall and major routes is great. Hungry for a nearby Italian feast? We loved JOHNNY CARINOS (just south of the hotel, directly across from the mall at Sternberg exit off US 31, 231-798-6363 or www.tomotogrotto.com). We loved all the kid’s choices and highly recommend spicy dishes or Johnny’s Combo for adults. Big portions, bold flavors and a focus on giving the guests a taste of what it is like to enjoy the Italian countryside…at a fair price. Kids Menus include games and puzzles ($3.99 junior meals, $5.99-$6.99 offering pasta, pizza and cheese entrees). Got Dunes? Well, ride on or from the Dunes of Lake Michigan as you spend some lazy days along US 31. Maybe start at MAC WOODS DUNE RIDES (pg. 38, US 31 to Shelby Road exit east to B15 north). Your guide takes you on smooth, perfect sand dunes with easy dips and more than one gorgeous view of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. Even drive through Lake Michigan! $14.50 adult and $10.00 child. Staying on Silver Lake? Try the SIERRA SANDS AT THE DUNES hotel (7990 W Hazel Road, 231-873-1008 or www.sierrasands.com, US 31 to Shelby exit to B15 around the east side of Silver Lake). With friendly owners and amenities like: a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, a playground, kiddie and mini-suites available, a Backyard! With tether ball, basketball, horseshoes, a campfire pit and plenty of lawn – this is an oasis from concrete, boring hotels. Just a short walk to town shops and restaurants and game centers. Plus, they offer discounted admission to amusements, bike rentals, water sport rentals, dune riding and horseback riding – order them right from the hotel. Ready for a giant cruise on water vs. sand? You have to experience the S.S. BADGER (pg. 37, 800-841-4243; $44.00-$78.00 adult, $41.00-$72.00 senior (65+), $21.00-$36.00 child (5-15), add $49.00 vehicle transport). With the excitement and romance of a sea voyage, plus uninterrupted time with family and friends….the journey is as much fun as the destination. The Badger has expanded their focus on family amenities designed to appeal to passengers, children and even pets. Parents have more time to enjoy the cruise while their children have entertaining things to do. The expanded children’s program (best for school-aged) includes a KidsPort playroom, face painting, a free activity book (coloring prizes), and always Badger Bingo and trivia for prizes. The Badger has also added a few new perks for pets including a special bandanna, treats and ventilated kennels. Adults head for the spacious deck areas (“steel beach”) for walking or relaxing in the fresh air (a great place to avoid motion sickness, if you’re prone – they also offer Sea Bands), two food service areas (serving really good food, beverage and snacks), private staterooms for naps and private bathroom (extra fee), and satellite television or quiet rooms (new place for reading or comfortable cat napping). The Main Lounge and Midship is where kids gravitate to. They watch movies in the theatre; browse in the nautical ship’s store (even have travel games for kids to purchase); but mostly participate in the Activity Director’s games – mostly Badger Bingo. Kids can also navigate and track the steamship’s progress over open water. NE – Mackinaw City. THUNDER FALLS FAMILY WATERPARK. Now Open. Visit Michigan’s Largest and Newest Waterpark Attraction Thunder Falls Family Waterpark. Fun for the whole family including: Wave pool, Lazy River, 12 Water Slides, Interactive Play Area, Arcade, Food Court & More all on 20 acres of landscaped grounds. Conveniently located in Mackinaw City off I-75 exit 337. Open Daily 11am – 8pm. General Admission Rates: $16.00-$22.00. Twilight Special (Starts at 5pm) $12.95. For more information visit www.thunderfallswaterpark.com online or call at 231-436-6000. SE – Detroit/Dearborn. THE HENRY FORD. THE FORD ROUGE FACTORY TOUR. Day Trip. Begin you journey at The Henry Ford and the “Heroes of the Sky” exhibit. With a blend of education and entertainment, it literally allows visitors to become a wingwalker at the county fair, see just how far the Wright Brothers flew on their first flight, or test the principles of aviation as you prepare and test flight your special paper plane. Fifteen historic airplanes interpret storylines that bring to life the lofty accomplishments of America’s pioneering aviators. You’ve already prepurchased you timed ticket for the factory tour, now head over to the bus depot to depart at your assigned time. Motor coach rides over include audio and video presentations featuring key historic sites along the route. Tell the kids to look and listen. Your tour bus actually drives through the Steel Stamping Plant. Next, visitors are led to the Legacy Theater where you view a 12-minute film made from historic photos and films, which tells the story of both Henry Ford and the Ford Rouge complex (great Industrial Revolution learning here, parents). A short walk away, visitors enter the next theater , the Art of Manufacturing. This 360-degree, multi-screen theatre-in-the-round gives viewers the sensation of actually being a part of the manufacturing process through the film which incorporates the traditional visual experience with sound, touch and scent (new car smell)! Visitors feel the heat of the blast furnace and the gentle mist of the paint shop. Get stamped and welded, too! Station Three, the eighty-foot high Observation Deck, offers an impressive view of the entire Rouge Center, including the world’s largest living roof covering much of the Dearborn Truck Plant. Finally, visitors take a walkway to the Ford F-150 truck assembly plant for a panoramic, self-guided view of the modern industrial factory (stroller accessible). Along the one-third of a mile walk (with rest stops and potty breaks, if needed) through the plant, you’ll see key points in the final assembly process. Meet actual team leaders (by video) and hopefully Bumper and Blinker are working hard installing wind shields. Because it’s both entertaining and industrial (not super technical), both parents (esp. Moms) and kids will enjoy this tour. Great package. Timed tickets: $14.00 adult, $10.00 child (3-12). Phone: (313) 982-6001 or www.thehenryford.org. Staying overnight? May we suggest the Best Western Greenfield Inn. 3000 Enterprise Drive, Allen Park (I-94 exit 206 east). Phone: (313) 271-1600 or www.bestwestern.com. Amenities: Spacious rooms (some w/ frig), large heated indoor pool & jacuzzi, fitness center, coffee makers, cookies at night, in-room vcr’s, and Special price tickets available to The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village. SW - Marshall’s Mayfaire is the newest Renaissance event organized in West Michigan. The premier event is scheduled for May 22-23 and May 29-31 at the Wilder Creek Conservation Club, which comes complete with its own stone castle. Mayfaire takes place when the weather is similar to that experienced in Olde England. When there was a need for petticoats and all of the lavish garb that lends a truly magical feeling to an event such as this. Laurie’s Fault provides excellent music and song and is touted as the "funniest and most amazing show in the past 500 years." Watch as Otto the Sword Swallower makes good on his name. There will also be a Royal Tourney, with one task held each day of the faire. (269-382-6120 or www.mayfaireren.com). NW -The Northwood Renaissance Festival is set for the first three weekends in June (June 12-13, 19-20, 26-27) at the Interlochen Eagles Arena on US-31/Honor Highway, just 10 miles south of Traverse City. Thrill to the unique family entertainment found in Lochenshire, a recreated 16th century village and marketplace. Knights will be jousting and engaging in active games. Unusual wares will be sold. Delicious foods will be served and consumed. Lively music will fill the air as gloriously costumed lords and ladies walk about, interacting and conversing with guests. (231-885-1540 or www.northwoodrenfest.com SW - Kalamazoo Air Zoo (Pg. 143) in Kalamazoo will open its new $20 million museum at the corner of East Milham Avenue and Portage Road on May 1. It will open daily at 10 a.m. General admission is $19.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors 60-plus and $15.50 for children, aged 6 to 12. The new 106,000-square-foot Air Zoo will feature aircraft exhibits, flight simulators and amusement rides including a 180-degree screen "4D" theater with rumbling seats and blasts of air. The Air Zoo is also hoping to acquire part or all of the collection at the MICHIGAN SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER (pg. 113 - CLOSED), which was located in Jackson. That facility featured more than $30 million in space artifacts, including the Apollo 9 capsule. SW - Michigan Maritime Museum (pg. 148) in South Haven will welcome the Friends Good Will Tallship by Labor Day. The replica of Friends Good Will, a 19th Century sloop that served both American and British Navies in the War of 1812, will be used as a floating classroom and tourist attraction. The Friends Good Will was selected because it has historical significance to the Great Lakes. The ship was built in Detroit in 1811 as a merchant vessel, and for a short time carried cargo from Buffalo to Detroit before it was commandeered by the U.S. Government to haul military supplies in the War of 1812. It was later captured by the Royal British Navy and recaptured by the Americans. During the war, it ran aground in Buffalo, and it was burned to the waterline to keep the ship from falling again into British hands. The 56-foot replica sloop will be licensed to carry 28 passengers and a crew of four. The ship will help teach students about Great Lakes history and pass on skills such as sailing, navigating and many traditional maritime skills. More Fun Information About: CE – BLUE WATER AREA – PORT HURON – along Rte. 25 on the St. Clair River. CVB info: www.bluewater.org or (800) 852-4242. WELL, we have discovered another wonderful area we highly recommend for day tripping or a nice weekend. The Blue Water Area really has beautiful blue water – everywhere – and the friendliest people to help you enjoy it! Here are some highlighted spots to visit:
CW - Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – pg. 28 – parents and kids truly learn the art of play here. Besides the great “light table” clear, colored Legos, they also have giant Tinker Toys and another play table to build a Lincoln Log town! The ‘dress up’ area includes a dressing room and large stage w/ ticket booth to “role-play” perform. Just a block away at 136 East Fulton Street is One Trick Pony Restaurant with a children’s menu. This place is the oldest building in Grand Rapids used for businesses from dress makers to meat markets…every business has done one thing well…including the current specialty pizzas made here now CW – John Ball Zoo – pg. 30 – Directions: Take I-196 to Lake Michigan Drive or Lane Street exit, follow signs. Look for octopus and moon jellies (w/ their 3 life cycles). The monkeys antics are fun to watch. The camel rides are back, too. CW – Frederik Meijer Gardens – pg. 31 – Here’s the beginning of an excellent day trip. Start here with a walk or tram tour (sm. Extra fee) around the outdoor themed gardens and lifelike sculpture. New this year are the Michigan Farm Garden w/ a replica farm like Mrs. Meijer grew up on. It’s fairly “allergy-free” as farms go because all the animals are bronze sculptures. In the big barn they have games for kids like: Tool ID, posing as the famous farmer couple (complete with apron, pitchfork, and farmhouse backdrop), Chore Champions (try gathering eggs, churning butter), Farm Animal drawings, Paper Patchwork quilts and leather Braiding. The Children's Garden will be one of the largest in the nation with a: Kid Sense Garden, Water Garden (Great Lakes shape), Wetland Tower (shows natural filtration process of storm water), Quarry (geologists), Log Cabin, Tree House Village (rope bridges and boardwalks), Butterfly Maze and Overlook, Sculpture Walk and a Storytelling Garden. Inside, children seem to find the most unusual shapes in the Arid Climate Garden w/ cacti that look like spaghetti and skinny fingers. Now, head up the East Beltline to Robinette’s Apple Haus (3142 Four Mile Road, (616) 361-5567) for a light meal and see this historic restaurant/cider mill and gobs of apple & cherry trees. Try a homemade sandwich or soup topped off with real apple cider or cherry juice and a fresh apple dessert with ice cream! Nicest folks and they give group tours of the orchards in large wagons. Now, save room for popcorn as you head south on East Beltline to the IMAX Theatre at Celebration Cinema at Knapp. If you can catch it…a must see is Lewis & Clark…great, eye-opening history! Seasonal & Special Events: NW - SNOWLAND – Traverse City. Great Wolf Lodge. www.greatwolflodge.com. The lodge is decorated in a winter scene. It snows 3x daily, hot cocoa and live music, clock tower sing along, Rowdy the Reindeer Storytime. Attend the North Pole University for Elves. Admission (includes lodging and indoor waterpark passes). (month-long in December) CW - 25th Annual Yankee Doodle Days Silver Celebration, Grand Ledge. 517-627-2383 or www.grandledgemi.com. Festivities will include children's carnival rides, boat cruises on the Princess Laura Riverboat, pig roast, entertainment tent, canoe races, dunk tank, tug of rope contest, duck race, fishing contest, garden club tour, fashion show and battle of the bands. The Yankee Doodle Days parade will be Friday night, Saturday morning and night. Mudge’s Follies will be performing the best music of the last 25 years, plus favorite patriotic music and a freedom finale. (last full long weekend in June)
General Information: SE – Lansing. Greater Lansing CVB, (800) 648-6630 or www.lansing.org Suggested Lodging: SE - Detroit/Dearborn, Best Western Greenfield Inn. 3000 Enterprise Drive, Allen Park (I-94 exit 206 east). Phone: (313) 271-1600 or www.bestwestern.com. Amenities: Spacious rooms (some w/ frig), large heated indoor pool & jacuzzi, fitness center, coffee makers, cookies at night, in-room vcr’s, and Special price tickets available to The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village. CW - When touring Grand Rapids w/ kids, maybe stay close to most everything at the Radisson North off US 131 & 270 Ann Street. They have a large, recently remodeled indoor pool, whirlpool and game room and pizza delivery room service. SE – Lansing. Holiday Inn Lansing West Holidome. 7501 W. Saginaw Hwy, 48917 (I-96 exit 93B). (517) 627-3211. Fun, clean Holidome for family fun. The pool temperature is just right and there are many “little tykes” playthings plus the arcade and ping pong games for older children. We liked having the TGIFridays restaurant right on the premises with their popular food and kids menu (even for breakfast). SE – Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Allen Park/Dearborn, 3600 Enterprises Drive, Allen Park, MI 48101 (off I-94). (313) 323-3500 or www.dialinn.com. When visiting Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, this is a great family-oriented place to stay. The Family Suites have bunk beds w/ Redwing décor and the continental breakfast is massive. The indoor pool area is clean and kid-friendly, too. Changes:
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