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Family-Friendly Events

April 2024

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.

Also check out John’s Place, a free after-school program for youth in 6th-12th grades at St. John’s Lutheran Church- 209 N. Rowe St., Ludington. The program currently runs on Thursdays during the school year from 3-5pm. On half days of school, the program runs from 11:30am-5pm. The program includes snacks, games, movies, gym, and a study space. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com

Amber Elk Ranch

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in April:

Monday, April 1st, 2024

Opening Day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
Silver Lake State Park.

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024
5:30pm

Victory Early Childhood Center/Mason County Central Great Start Readiness Preschool Program Registration
Families with children who turn 4 on or before September 1st, 2023, are invited to register for the Great Start Readiness Preschool Program at Scottville Elementary School- 201 W. Maple Ave., Scottville. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their 2021 income tax W2 form or other current income verification. Families with children turning 4 between September 1st-December 1st, 2024.

Thursday, April 4th, 2024
4-7pm

School-Wide Open House at Covenant Christian School
Students eligible for enrollment range from 3 years old through 8th grade. The event includes a school tour, teacher talks, enrollment packets, and more. Covenant Christian School- 2980 W. US-10, Ludington.

Thursday, April 4th, 2024
5:30pm

Victory Early Childhood Center/Mason County Central Great Start Readiness Preschool Program Registration
Families with children who turn 4 on or before September 1st, 2024, are invited to register for the Great Start Readiness Preschool Program at Victory Early Childhood Center- 4171 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their 2021 income tax W2 form or other current income verification. Families with children turning 4 between September 1st-December 1st, 2024.

Thursday, April 4th, 2024
7:30pm

West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II Performance
WSCC Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024
4-6pm

Pentwater Preschool Playgroup & Registration
Families with children who turn 4 on or before December 1st, 2024, are invited. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, proof of income, health checkup, and immunization record. All children ages 2-4 are invited to the playgroup portion of the event. Pentwater Preschool- 600 Park St., Pentwater.

Thursday, April 11th, 2024
3:30-5:30pm

Diapers & Donuts
Drive through event where families with children ages 3 and under are invited to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers sizes newborn-size 6 will be available. Car seat safety checks also offered on site. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.

Thursday, April 11th, 2024
5:30-6:30pm

Ludington Preschool Round-Up
Families with children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1st, 2024 are invited to learn about preschool programs and the enrollment process, and meet the staff. Enrollment requires a driver’s license, and the child’s birth certificate and proof of immunizations. Ludington Elementary School- 5771 Bryant Rd., Ludington.

Sunday, April 14th, 2024
2pm

Girls Rock
Celebration of women through music, poetry, and speakers. Hosted by Ludrock. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Sunday, April 14th, 2024
3pm

Performance by the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra
Messiah at Corson Auditorium- 4000 M-137, Interlochen.

Monday, April 15th, 2024
7:30pm

West Shore Community Wind Symphony & Drum Line Performance
Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee.

Thursday, April 18th-Friday, April 19th, 2024

Kindergarten Round-Up at Spitler Elementary School
Thursday from 4:30-6pm and Friday from 11am-3pm. Families with children turning 5 on or before September 1st, 2024 are invited to register from the 2024-2025 school year. In order to register, parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, up-to-date immunization records, proof of residency, hearing/vision screening, and the parent or guardian’s photo ID. Children will receive a free goody bag and raffle entry. Contact the school at (231) 873-6237 for more information.

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
9am-1pm

Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used baby and kids’ items, spring and summer clothing, toys, books, and more. $1 entry fee. Faith Covenant Church- 475 Eighth St., Manistee.

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
10:30am-4pm

AFFEW Earth Day Events
Presentations, informational booths, kids activities, and more. Free and open to the public. United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5810 W. Bryant Rd., Ludington.

Saturday, April 20th, 2024
1-3pm

Book Walk
Families with children age 5 and under are invited to participate in this 1/2 mile walk with activities along the way held in conjunction with the dedication of the Shelby Pocket Park Little Library. Participants will receive free books and Talking is Teaching resources (supplies limited). Shelby Pocket Park- 175 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby.

Sunday, April 21st, 2024
3-8pm

Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Lakeshore Animal Friends
Event also includes a ticket raffle for a Bubble Hockey Table and a silent auction. Dinner includes spaghetti, side salad, choice of bread, and a beverage. Tickets are $12 per person at the door or $10 per person for pre-orders. Kids 10 and under eat for $6. To pre-order, contact Julie Henry on Facebook, PayPal Julie at julieann1967@gmail.com, or Venmo Julie at julieLAF.

Monday, April 22nd, 2024
7pm

Michigan Youth Ballet performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Playhouse at White Lake- 304 S. Mears St., Whitehall.

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
7:30pm

West Shore Community Concert Choir Performance
WSCC Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Saturday, April 27th, 2024
8am-12pm

Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used baby and kids’ items, spring and summer clothing, toys, books, and more. $2 entry fee (under age 12 free). Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.

Saturday, April 27th, 2024
11am

Ludington Lake Jump
Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Registration at 10:30am, jump at 11am. Stearns Park, Ludington.

Saturday, April 27th, 2024
2pm

Scottville Clown Band Performance at the Kalkaska Trout Festival
Kalkaska

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