25 Free Things to Do This Spring in Southwest Michigan for Families

March 3, 2026 St. Joseph Blog

Spring is the perfect time to get outside with your kids and make lasting memories without worrying about the cost. Southwest Michigan is full of free activities for families, from exploring nature trails and flying kites on the beach to visiting farm markets and searching for treasures along the shore. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or something in between, there are plenty of ways to enjoy quality time together in Southwest Michigan. Keep in mind that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for state parks, but this small investment unlocks even more opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the state.

How to Add More Fun to Your Visit

Ride Bikes at Jean Klock Park and Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails – Get waterfront views and see wildlife as you explore the 12 miles of paved biking and hiking paths. Follow loops around the golf course, across wetlands, along the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek and the St. Joseph River and up the dunes for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.
Marvel at the Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade – In early May, watch beautifully decorated floral floats, marching bands, veterans and classic cars make their way through downtown St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. It’s the grand finale of the Blossomtime Festival.
Walk the South Pier at Silver Beach County Park – Strolling the south pier offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, the St. Joseph River Channel and the iconic north pier lighthouses. There is no charge to walk into the park and there is free parking from November through March. Plan on spending several hours of fun here!
Explore the St. Joseph Farmers Market – Beginning in May, browse through booths of fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, flowers, locally raised meats, wine and ciders while chatting with local producers.
Visit North Lake Park – This Stevensville park on Grand Mere Road is a great find! It’s uncrowded, with plenty of room to run, kick a ball, picnic or launch your kayaks. Stroll the boardwalk and learn about native plants from the informative signage.
Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Michigan.

Discover Southwest Michigan’s Vibrant Murals – It’s a blast to play our free Murals Challenge! Find at least 10 Southwest Michigan murals, snap photos (silly or serious) in front of each one, log your experiences on our Visit Southwest Michigan app and earn a gift card and sticker. You will want to do it again year after year!
Hike through Grand Mere State Park – This hidden gem boasts rolling dunes, serene wooded trails and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Pack sand buckets and shovels to entertain the kids.
Adventure at Warren Dunes State Park – This is one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous places you can visit not only in Michigan, but the United States. Reach the summit of a towering dune and race down it, then explore the scenic hiking trails and walk along Lake Michigan. Spring is a perfect time to watch for returning shorebirds. There is free entry with a Michigan Recreational Passport.
Discover Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve – Coastal plain marshes are rare in the Great Lakes region and one of the best preserves is right here! As you explore its five miles of trails in the spring, you are likely to spy reptiles, amphibians, many of the 100 species of birds and possibly a red fox or coyote. There are a lot of plants to identify, too — bring your field guide.
Search for Beach Glass, Stones and Fossils – Rockhounding and collecting beach glass is a fun way to explore the shoreline.
Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Michigan
See If You Can Spot Chicago from Michigan – On clear days with the right conditions, you can catch a magical view of the Chicago skyline from spots like Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Mere State Park and Lookout Park.
Breathe in the Sweet Fragrances of Flower Blossoms – Ahh, enjoy the scented spring breezes. Visit parks, admire the blooming gardens in our towns, go for a ride by our orchards or stroll through Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. Everywhere you go in Southwest Michigan is drenched in colors.
Hunt for Morel Mushrooms – Search for these elusive delicacies in wooded areas.
Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Michigan.
Visit a Dog Park or a Pet-Friendly Beach – Let your pup run free at Kiwanis Dog Park in St. Joseph, Field of Dreams Dog Park in Buchanan or hike the beach with your leashed furry friend at Warren Dunes State Park or Roadside Beach in Coloma.
Visit a Library – Attend free events, book clubs and storytimes at area libraries.
Look for Migrating Birds – Spot seasonal birds at places like Warren Woods State Park and Galien River County Park.
Stargaze – Find a spot away from city lights and gaze at the stars. Watch for shooting stars and possibly even the northern lights on Lake Michigan’s horizon.
Enjoy a Playground or Park – Let the kids play at parks like Riverview Park in St. Joseph or Randall Park in Coloma.
Go Kayaking – Bring a kayak and paddle the St. Joseph, Galien or Paw Paw Rivers. Find more destinations in our Water Trail Guide.
Have a Picnic at the Beach – Pack a meal and enjoy it at Rocky Gap Park in Benton Harbor or Hagar Park/Beach in Coloma.
Play a Round of Disc Golf – Enjoy a friendly game of disc golf, combining the strategy of golf with the fun of throwing flying discs through wooded and open courses. Favorite courses include River Park in Benton Township and Andrews University in Berrien Springs.

A biker enjoys a Lake Michigan Sunset on the St. Joseph Lighthouse Pier — Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Michigan.

Enjoy a Lake Michigan Sunset – The Lake Michigan shoreline offers breathtaking sunset views from numerous parks. St. Joseph’s Lake Bluff Park and Scenic Overlook Park are free all year round.
Visit Antiques on the Bluff in St. Joseph – Discover hidden treasures from over 50 vendors at this premier antique show along Lake Bluff Park. It is held rain or shine on the first Sunday of the month from May through October. Browsing is free!
Take a Scenic Drive – Explore charming roads lined with blossoming trees and spring greenery throughout Southwest Michigan. Two favorite roads with orchards are Hinchman Road in Berrien Springs and Friday Road in Coloma.
Skip Stones at the Beach – See who can make the most skips on Lake Michigan.

Find Even More Things to Do in Southwest Michigan

Explore the full list of 50 ideas and start planning your spring getaway here!

Fun, Affordable Family Spring Break Ideas

March 14, 2025 St. Joseph Blog

Spring break is just around the corner! Your family is ready to ditch their routine and focus on fun, but you’re on a budget. It’s not a problem — head to Southwest Michigan and invite the cousins or friends to join in.

Here are some exciting, budget-friendly ways to spend your break together.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Goodbye, snow — hello, sunshine! It’s time to step outside and enjoy spring.

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park | Vandalia

Hike or bike on serene trails, play a round of disc golf, search for signs of spring in the woods or stargaze on March 28 and 29 at one of Michigan’s International Dark Sky Parks.

Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve | Niles

This 105-acre preserve in Niles boasts ten distinct ecosystems. Spend the day walking along scenic trails surrounded by wildflowers and ferns. Kids will love watching birds at the feeders and spotting frogs and tadpoles in the pond. If you have high school-aged teens, check out Fernwood’s Spring Break Learning Experiences.

Love Creek County Park | Berrien Center

Hike through scenic wooded trails, spot wildlife, explore the nature center or try fat-tire biking for a fun outdoor adventure.

Madeline Bertrand County Park | Niles

A local favorite in Niles, this park features hiking and biking trails through serene pine and oak forests. You can also play disc golf on the 18-hole course or enjoy a laid-back family picnic.

Sarett Nature Center | Benton Harbor

Explore miles of scenic trails through diverse ecosystems at this Benton Harbor nature center. Families will love participating in the Big Tree Hunt — ask for a brochure in the Nature Center. Also, bring along field guides so you can identify the emerging wildflowers and the migrating birds returning with the warmer weather.

Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer

Climb towering dunes for panoramic Lake Michigan views, embark on nature hikes, catch a glimpse of Chicago across the lake and enjoy a picnic among budding spring flora. Families love hunting for unique rocks and beach glass along the shoreline.

Discover Spring Hiking

Play & Discover Indoors

If spring showers pop up or you want to play inside, there are fun ways to have a blast indoors!

Curious Kids’ Museum & Discovery Zone | St. Joseph

Choose between two fantastic locations — or visit both! The newly renovated Curious Kids’ Museum along the bluff features hands-on learning fun, from face painting and giant block building to playing with bubbles and sliding down a volcano.

Just below the bluff at Silver Beach Center, the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone offers interactive exhibits for toddlers to pre-teens, including the Lake Michigan water table, the 25-foot lighthouse tower, Toddler Beach (specifically for ages 4 and under), a traveling exhibit and Recollections, a dance movement exhibit your kids won’t want to leave.

Silver Beach Carousel | St. Joseph

While at Silver Beach Center, hop on the Silver Beach Carousel. With 48 hand-carved and painted figures and two chariots — including a wheelchair-accessible option — every ride is magical. The Carousel House also offers free or low-cost activities like hula hoops, board games and a mesmerizing model train display that changes seasonally.

JLN Creative Art Studio | Stevensville

This studio believes art is for ages! Join a family-friendly painting session or register for the spring break camp.

Krasl Art Center | St. Joseph

Visit this spring break for a creative and inspiring experience. Explore thought-provoking exhibits or go on the outdoor public art scavenger hunt around Southwest Michigan. Check their website for upcoming classes and free family nights and family days for ways to encourage creative expression over your break.

The Little Things Play Café | St. Joseph

This cozy indoor playground features comfy couches, delicious gourmet coffee and engaging play areas for little ones. While you relax, let the kids climb unique wooden structures and explore imaginative play zones.

Nardo’s Pizza | St. Joseph

Need an idea for entertaining your older children and adults? It’s tough to beat this downtown pizzeria’s combination of an arcade game room and piping-hot Detroit-style and hand-tossed pizzas topped the way you like them.

Slackers Family Fun Center & Laser Tag | St. Joseph

This is a great choice for an action-packed indoor experience. It offers bounce houses, laser tag, a laser maze and arcade games. It’s an affordable way to spend an afternoon, rain or shine.

Water Street Glassworks | Benton Harbor

A must-visit in the Benton Harbor Arts District, Water Street Glassworks offers classes in glass and metal arts. Try making mosaics, fused glass, beads, jewelry or sun catchers. Or watch the expert glassblowers at work.

Indulge in Sweet Treats

No spring break is complete without a few sweet splurges.

Caruso’s Candy & Soda Fountain | Dowagiac

Some places never grow old when it comes to family fun. This sweet shop has been using the same recipes and time-honored techniques for generations. Let your kids taste great-grandpa’s favorite old-fashioned ice cream soda flavor or try a handmade phosphate. Indulge in a bag of chocolate-covered pretzels and Oreos, chocolate-covered marshmallows or a box of handcrafted chocolates. Everything is yummy.

Kilwins Ice Cream – Fudge – Chocolate Shoppe | St. Joseph

This downtown confectionary is famous for its handmade fudge, ice cream and chocolates. It delights everyone who steps inside for an irresistible treat. You will be warmly welcomed every time (and yes, you can ask to sample the ice cream before you make your final choice). Your kids will enjoy watching them make the fudge on the cold marble tables, too.

Oink’s Dutch Treat | New Buffalo

Who says ice cream is just a summer treat? Not anyone we know. This charming ice cream and frozen yogurt shop has made families happy since 1987 with flavors like Cotton Candy Twist, Yellow Cake Batter, Michigan Pothole, Marion Blackberry and Mackinac Island Fudge. Add sprinkles and the smiles get even bigger. The shop’s whimsical pig and ice cream memorabilia add to the fun.

Sweet On Elm | Three Oaks

Three Oaks may not be a big town, but it’s BIG on sweets! Come on in for hand-dipped ice cream, nostalgic candies, small-batch gourmet fudge and decadent chocolates — all from a family that wants to help you have the best spring break ever. Before you leave with a bag of goodies, take a selfie in front of the candy-filled mural and add it to your 10 Murals Challenge stops.

Veni’s Sweet Shop | Niles

Veni’s chocolatiers are immensely proud of their Old World traditions, which have been handed down for over 100 years. Everything is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients such as sweet cream butter, pure oils and extracts and cane sugar. You will love Veni’s meltaways, caramels, toffees and almond butter crunch.

Join Our Free Family-Friendly Challenges

Make your spring break even more exciting with Southwest Michigan’s three challenges for the whole family. These interactive adventures encourage you to explore local art, nature and culture while earning fun rewards.

The Creative Connections Challenge brings you face-to-face with the region’s talented artists, musicians and performers. Attend live theater and concerts, visit art galleries, take art classes and explore interactive museums while collecting stamps in your Creative Connections brochure. Stay overnight in one of our participating hotels and you’ll score a bonus prize, too!

You won’t need any encouragement to get outside when you feel Southwest Michigan’s warm spring breezes. But the Trails Challenge gives you an added incentive — prizes! Just take a photo at five different trailheads, upload them to the Visit Southwest Michigan app and claim your rewards! You can do what your family enjoys most — hiking, biking or paddling.

For a colorful twist on Southwest Michigan adventuring, take the free Murals Challenge and find the vibrant wall art decorating Southwest Michigan’s towns. Snap selfies in front of 10 different murals, check in using the app and earn a prize while learning the stories told with these larger-than-life art pieces.

Over spring break, whether you choose one challenge or tackle all three, you’ll make unforgettable memories while collecting unique keepsakes. It’s rain-or-shine fun!

Plan Your Spring Break in Southwest Michigan

As you plan your trip, check out upcoming events happening during your visit. Southwest Michigan packs spring break with kids’ activities, concerts and performances!

But Southwest Michigan is more than a nearby day trip destination. You can effortlessly fill more days with much-needed time together enjoying our kid-friendly dining options and budget-friendly hotels featuring indoor pools, game rooms and suites. Let’s play soon!

Book Your Spring Break Stay

Spring Break in Muskegon: Plan for Family Fun

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 Muskegon Blog

Looking for family-friendly activities during spring break? Look no further than Muskegon County!

Whether you’re seeking indoor or outdoor fun, this Lake Michigan beachtown has something for everyone.

Let’s explore Ten Spring Break Ideas for Families:

Bowling Fun for All Ages

“Strike” it lucky at the bowling alley! Gather the family and head to one of the 6 bowling centers in Muskegon County. From traditional bowling to the unique duckpin bowling at Socibowl by Pigeon Hill, indeed, there’s excitement for all ages.

Hands-On Learning at the Museum

Venture to the Muskegon Museum of History & Science at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Here, children can immerse themselves in hands-on exhibits while learning about local and Michigan history. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Moxie, the life-sized bronze mastodon welcoming visitors at the entrance. Dive deeper into exploration with a visit to the STEM room and the “Coming to the Lakes” exhibit. Grab a guide at the Visitors Center or the Museum and embark on a scavenger hunt. There are 20 “Mini” Moxies hidden throughout downtown Muskegon. Can you find them all?

Movie Magic on Rainy Days

Rainy spring days call for a cozy family movie outing, because after all, spring weather is not always predictable! Explore your options, including multi-screen theaters like Cinema Carousel and NorthStar Cinema, offering a variety of films for all ages. For a nostalgic experience, head to the Getty Drive-In, one of Michigan’s few remaining outdoor theaters, where you can enjoy double features under the stars. Alternatively, experience the splendor of the Frauenthal Center. Being that historic theater hosts monthly Free Family Movies from September to May.

Hockey Excitement at Trinity Health Arena

Feel the excitement as you cheer on the USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks at Trinity Health Arena! With their kid-friendly theme nights, these hockey games promise fun for the whole family. And what better way to bond than over some tasty tacos from Rad Dads before or after the game?

Literary Adventures at the Library

Dive into the world of learning at Muskegon County libraries! With engaging STEM play areas, interactive programs, and story trails, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the learning gardens – especially sure to inspire curiosity in young minds.

Thrills and Adventures

Seeking adventure? Look no further than Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, where you can embark on a thrilling Trail Quest, solve riddles, and soar through the air on the dual zipline. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at archery or tackle the 38-ft outdoor climbing wall.

Spring Strolls Through Muskegon

Slow down and savor the beauty of spring with a leisurely family walk through Muskegon’s parks, trails, and along the pier. Take in the blossoming scenery and keep an eye out for public art displayed along the trails – without a doubt, an outdoor treat for everyone!

Maritime History Exploration

Immerse yourself in maritime history at the USS Silversides Museum. Tour historic naval vessels, including a WW2 submarine and Coast Guard cutter, and gain insight into their roles in history. With each step, you’ll create lasting memories and deepen your appreciation for our maritime heritage.

Be a Butterfly

Strike a pose and spread your wings at the Kelsey Montague mural “What Lifts You” in downtown Muskegon. As part of Kelsey’s ‘Wings Around the World’ series, this mural serves as the perfect backdrop for a memorable family photo – a true testament to the uplifting power of art.

Make a Splash

Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits. Obviously, during your stay the kids will love playing in the pools at our hotels. Especially at Delta Hotels Marriott, Shoreline Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites.

With all this in mind, remember to book your family getaway at one of Muskegon’s inviting hotels, cozy vacation rentals, charming cottages, or welcoming inns. With convenient locations, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, you’ll undoubtedly create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.