Tight Lines for Troops
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
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The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Foster the Family 5K and Family Fun Day
This event includes a 5k, Fun Run, and Family Fun Day at Riverside Park- 2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. The event benefits Foster the Family which provides immediate emergency support and long-term holistic care to foster families and children in the Grand Rapids area. 5k is $35, Fun Run is $10, and the Family Fun Day is $10. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, email Faye at faye.veltman@fosterthefamily.org.
Hart Hills Bike Race
Race starts and finishes in downtown Hart with a 5, 10, 25, and 50 mile option offered. Refreshments will be available at the finish line. Overall and age group winners will be recognized with a unique medal. For more information or to register, visit harthills.com.
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Ship Tours Begin
Boat tours of the SS City of Milwaukee and the USCGC Acacia ships begin. 99 Arthur St., Manistee. For more information, visit carferry.com.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.
Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Free to all seniors and individuals with special needs. A free will donation is requested from the general public. RSVP by calling (231) 462-3732 or email circlerockingsfarm@att.net. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd., Free Soil.
Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs from Lakeside Wiener Wagon, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free ice cream sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, email Angela Taylor at ataylor@mccschools.org or call (231) 757-3713, ext. 131. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.
Diapers & Donuts
West Shore Family Support will be giving away free diapers & donuts to families with children age 3 and under at Crossroads Church of Mason County- 1463 E. US-10, Scottville. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Riverton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
Cost is typically $10 per person age 7 and up, free-will donation for those 6 and under. Breakfast includes blueberry pancakes with fresh locally made maple syrup, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, orange juice and coffee. There will also be raffles, 50/50 drawings, a large silent auction, and a bake sale all to benefit the Fire Department. Riverton Township Hall- 2104 W. Hawley Rd., Ludington.
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show
260 St. Mary Pkwy, Manistee. For more information, call (231) 510-7452.
Run Ludington Harbor Run 5k
Downtown Ludington.
Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.
Horse Shows
MCE Equestrian Speed Show; for more information, visit miha.org. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Horse Shows
Mason County Saddle Club Show; for more information, visit masoncountysaddleclub.com. Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington.
Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.
White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.
Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.
First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.
Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.
Fountain Horse Pull & Activities
Horse pull at 1pm. In addition to the pull, there will be a bake sale, a vendor/craft show, food, horseshoe tournament, and raffles. Delaney’s- 4108 E. Main St., Fountain. For the most updated schedule of events, visit facebook.com.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
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The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Enjoy the happiest of holidays in West Michigan! From Manistee to Ludington and every city in-between, there is holiday cheer all around!
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Michigan has a public ORV trail system for four different riding opportunities–motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, and scramble areas.