Western Michigan caters to families, with attractions and activities offering education in a fun environment. Your children can learn about nutrition and homegrown produce, discover nature or play at the park or beach.
Orchards
Western Michigan features orchards that grow fruit from summer into late fall. Jolley Orchards in Columa starts selling u-pick sweet cherries in June; and Crane Orchards in Fennville offers 10 varieties of peaches, starting in late July and 16 varieties of apples, beginning in early September. From homemade jam and bread to fresh-pressed cider, these orchards, farm markets and restaurants provide you with delicious treats. Your children can ride on a hayride around the orchard or explore Haunted Corn Maze, where they can experience scary lighting effects, a vortex tunnel to climb through and a 20-acre maze.
Nature Centers
Western Michigan boasts two nature centers, with walking trails, exhibits and pioneer history.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center features 11 wooded trails for walking, along with plant and animal exhibits. Every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. a different program is held, varying from "Roaming for Reptiles," where a naturalist will take you around Habitat Haven searching for snakes and turtles--to the "Family Nature Club," where you will walk the trails with other families and discover new habitats.
At the DeGraaf Nature Center in Holland, your family can learn the history of pioneers at the VanRaalte Farm, including maple sugaring and candle making--and explore the nearby wooded paths.
Theme Parks
At Nelis Dutch Village in Holland, the family can discover the process of Dutch cheese making from the cow's milk to using the cheese wheel, before sampling a taste. Visit the Kolean Museum to gaze at old-fashioned clothes and the farming equipment used to farm tulips. Watch the Dutch dancers perform, or ride the Dutch Swing Chair ride.
Deer Forest in Columa features an exotic petting zoo, an interactive storytime, and rides, like the Helicopter or the Chariot ride. Children can get up close and pet and hold most animals, from sheep and rabbits to even a few foxes.
The Beach
South Haven and Grand Haven boast some of the nicest beaches along Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is one of the warmer lakes, so your family can enjoy a swim, and then build sandcastles, play on the playground in the adjacent park or use the skateboard park. South Beach at South Haven features the South Haven lighthouse and pier, as well as a large beach for relaxing. At Grand Haven City Beach, there are more than 28 sand volleyball nets for you to enjoy a friendly game.
Parks
In the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area, you will find parks that span over 50 acres for your family to explore the trails, enjoy a family picnic or organize a family softball game.
Covering more than 80 acres, Bailey Park in Battle Creek features four sand volleyball courts, 12 shuffleboard courts, two quadra-plex softball diamonds and four full-size baseball stadiums--notably, the 6,000-seat C.O. Brown Stadium. Whether you are taking your child to his first baseball game or playing a friendly game of volleyball at the annual picnic, Bailey Park can accommodate your family.
Milham Park in Kalamazoo spans almost 50 acres and features picnic shelters and playground equipment for your family summer picnic. After eating, explore one of the nature paths, or challenge each other to a softball game.
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