Full summer days of lake relaxation and speedy winter rides down ice luges make Muskegon a gem along Michigan’s west coast. Perched right on Lake Muskegon and a short drive (or sail) away from Lake Michigan, double the lakes bring double the family fun, year-round.
During fall and winter, Muskegon has plenty of indoor activities and snowy excursions to explore with the family. Muskegon is also a short drive away from the winter wonderland of Grand Rapids, home to some of the largest winter festivals in the state. However, when springtime in Muskegon rolls around, the town erupts with warm-weather activities that carry into summer.
No matter what season the family plans to visit, Muskegon packs the perfect balance of exciting outdoor activities and relaxing downtime indoors, making this trip to the Michigan coast one that every family member will enjoy. Continue reading to discover some of the best ways to enjoy a family-friendly vacation in Muskegon.
Getting to Muskegon
Getting to Muskegon from Metro Detroit takes around a three-hour drive via I-96 W, so everyone should be ready to get comfortable in the family SUV. Still, there are plenty of pit stops along the way to break up the journey.
Ann Arbor: A slightly southern deviation from the path to Muskegon brings families to Ann Arbor, where they can find activities like peaceful strolls through the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum, or an interactive visit at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Find more suggestions in our Family-Friendly Guide to Visiting Ann Arbor.
Lansing: Lansing lies about halfway in between Detroit and Muskegon, making it a great stop for a meal and a walk around Downtown Lansing. Sidecar Slider Bar is an easy option for burgers, hot dogs and fries, and is a short walk from the town-favorite Impression 5 Science Center. Find more suggestions in our Family-Friendly Guide to Visiting Lansing.
Grand Rapids: The last big stop before Muskegon is Grand Rapids, home to exhilarating winter activities like snow tubing at Cannonsburg Ski Area, or a sunny-day visit to John Ball Zoo. Find more suggestions at our Family-Friendly Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids.
Activities that families love in Muskegon
Muskegon awaits Metro Detroit visitors with all kinds of family-friendly activities. This city offers a balance of relaxation and excitement, from informative museum visits to running wild in amusement parks.
Indoors
Muskegon is a hot spot for museums, featuring 13 in total, ranging from art to history. Some family favorites include the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, where families can walk through a real-life World War II submarine. The Muskegon Museum of History & Science spotlights prehistoric animals of the Great Lakes area, and the habitats of the animals that currently roam Muskegon.
The Muskegon Museum of History & Science is one campus in a collection of five museums at the Lakeshore Museum Center, which offers entry deals like the 7-day history pass, valid for one admission to each museum throughout the seven days following purchase.
For a more energetic indoor activity, Soar N Bounce is a trampoline park with different jump zones for all ages, a playground and a ninja course to give kids a stealthy bouncing experience.
Outdoors
Though weather may be harsh during Muskegon’s colder months, families aren’t restricted to the indoors. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is home to the only natural ice luge track, where families can learn to “luge like an Olympian.” When the weather warms up, this adventure park has zip lining, archery and an ice-free version of their luge track.
Other popular parks for families to explore in Muskegon are Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park and WildWater Adventure Waterpark. Over 60 rides, including seven roller coasters, are open at both parks as spring approaches, starting May 22nd. To discover more Spring activities in Muskegon, find our guide to the Best Things to Do in Muskegon With Kids This Spring.
Springtime weather is also a great time to explore the natural attractions of Muskegon at Muskegon State Park, which stretches across three miles of the area’s beautiful lakeside environment. Visitors can take part in fishing and relaxing beach days during spring and summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. To discover more activities at Muskegon State Park, find our guide to vacationing at Muskegon’s state parks.
Where to eat in Muskegon
There are plenty of delicious, family-friendly eats in Muskegon and around the shore of Muskegon Lake.
The Lakehouse Waterfront Grille and Bear Lake Tavern are situated opposite each other on either shore of Muskegon Lake, and both have nearby docking options if visiting after a day of floating in the lake. The Deck is a family-loved BBQ spot that offers a more lively dining atmosphere, with yard games, local music performances and a sandy lower deck that the kids can run throughout.
Frozen dessert options are also abundant at Hometown Creamery, and Sprinkles Donut Shop and Hodgepodge Bake Shop are known for their donuts and other sweet breakfast pastries. Find more dining options at our guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in Muskegon.
Where to stay in Muskegon
For a lakeside city, there is no shortage of gorgeous views from the lodging options throughout Muskegon.
The Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, in particular, is considered Muskegon’s only hotel right on the waterfront. It has both an indoor and outdoor pool, along with two restaurants and bars on the hotel grounds.
Metro Detroit visitors might enjoy being closer to the restaurants and shops of downtown Muskegon, staying at the Delta Hotels Muskegon Convention Center or various Airbnbs in the area. Find more lodging options at our guide to Family-Friendly Stays in Muskegon.
From tranquil lake days to adventure-filled excursions, the city of Muskegon has so much to offer to Metro Detroit families. With the above stays, restaurants and indoor and outdoor activities, new and returning visitors alike can build the lakeside itinerary that’s right for them, no matter what season they choose to drive up.
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