Family-Friendly Summer Fun in Southwest Michigan

Summers in Southwest Michigan are full of relaxing beach days, stunning sunset walks, al fresco dining, wine tasting among the vineyards, farmers markets strolls, and countless other adventures. There is something to enjoy for all ages and interests and honestly the hardest part will be deciding where to start. That's why each month I'll be featuring a mini destination guide to a different area within the region to help you plan an unforgettable summer. Be sure to check back to this post regularly for new recommendations or visit swmi.org for additional customized itineraries. 

Note: This post is created in partnership with Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Niles - 2nd & Main, Riverfront Park, Fernwood Botanical Garden & River Saint Joe

Start the day off right at 2nd & Main Coffeehouse which is located in the heart of downtown Niles. Here you can sip on one their rotating seasonal drinks or try four different varieties (hot or iced) when you order a signature coffee flight. They even have a kid-friendly flight option! Their food menu features smoothie bowls, toasts, paninis and more. In the afternoon and evening hours they transform into a wine and cocktail bar. 

After your caffeine fix, head to Riverfront Park to let your little ones burn off some energy. The park is home to one of the largest playgrounds around featuring nine different slides and something fun for all ages to enjoy. In addition to the playground, the park is located right along the river with a paved walking path, swings, and workout equipment. 

​Continue your outdoor adventures at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. Here you can enjoy miles of hiking trails and beautiful gardens at this 105 acre property. There is so much here for families to enjoy here including a Miniature Railway Garden and a Children's Nature Adventure Garden with a slide, outdoor games, and metal sculptures. Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt and keep your eyes peeled to see what you might find. Inside the welcome center guests can also enjoy a cafe serving mouth-watering pies and other treats as well as a gift shop with nature-inspired goods.

End your day at River Saint Joe, a farmstead brewery where you can enjoy food and drinks made with ingredients grown on the farm or just down the road. On tap they offer farmhaus ales, wine, cider and non-alcoholic sodas. Their food menu changes regularly based on the local harvest. In addition to their stunning taproom, their outdoor space features fire pits, a bocce ball court and covered picnic table seating. 

Stevensville - Library, Playground, Splash Pad, Dogslinger & Peat's Cider Social

Lincoln Township Library which recently underwent a full remodel and their children’s area is beautifully designed with engaging, open-ended toys, STEM stations, and of course plenty of books for all ages. Located directly behind the library is Lincoln Township Community Center Park. Here kids can run, jump and splash the day away. The playground features climbing equipment, swings, and slides suitable for a wide range of ages as well as an adjacent 1,874 square foot splash pad. The water is touch activated an features a tunnel, frog fountain, water blasters, and other interactive elements.. There is also a community center onsite with covered picnic tables and restrooms, pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, and a paved walking path with a storybook trail. 

For lunch, head to DogSlinger which is home to the "best dogs on this side of Lake Michigan." You can enjoy classic hot dogs and sausages, or if you're feeling adventurous, try one of their gourmet dogs which come loaded with insane toppings. Think pizza dog, nacho dog, and buffalo dog! There is definitely something for all ages to enjoy here. 

End your day at Peat's Cider Social which is sure to win you the cool parent award. This retro 1960's bowling alley has been beautifully restored with a fun and funky mid-century vibe. Here you can bowl by the hour, play arcade games, or sip cider on their open air patio. The patio is dog friendly and features plenty of seating and various yard games. Outside drinks are not permitted but you can bring your own food. 

St. Joseph - Farmer's Market, Silver Beach, Clementine's Too & tiscornia Park

Is there a better way to start your morning than strolling the farmer's market? The St. Joseph market is located downtown along Lake Bluff Park overlooking Lake Michigan and takes places Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through October. Here you'll find fresh, in-season fruits, vegetables, and flowers as well as other vendors selling locally raised meats, eggs, cheeses, and artisan goods.

In the afternoon, walk down the bluff to Silver Beach County Park which was recently named the number 3 beach in Michigan by USA Today. In addition to the beautiful sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Silver Beach also boasts a ton of fun for families. Wally & Gertz serves up delicious beach treats including hot dogs, ice cream, and fresh squeezed lemonade. The brand new, fully accessible playground is now open featuring seven slides, a custom Lifeguard Stand, and a 33 ft zip line. It is well designed for a variety of ages and located just off the sand so it's a great place to start or end your day at the beach.
 
Whirlpool Compass Fountain is a fun and free place to cool off and marvel at the giant cannons as they spray water high in the air. The cannons are on a timed schedule and rotate between smaller fountains that spray from the ground. There are several new shade pavilions that have been installed and bathrooms/changing rooms are currently under construction. 

Located within Silver Beach Center, directly across the from the fountain, are two other amazing adventures. Curious Kids' Discovery Zone offers interactive, hands on fun. Kids can splash in the Lake Michigan water table, climb the lighthouse tower or mix up cookies in a larger than life Kitchenaid mixer. Tickets are $6/pp ages 1 and older; online reservations are required during the summer months. While you're there you can also take a spin on the Silver Beach Carousel. Purchase tokens on site and enjoy some timeless fun with a collection of 48 magnificent, hand-carved figures and two chariots to choose from. There is also a small snack shop and gift shop on site. 

For dinner head to Clementine's Too, located along the scenic St. Joseph River, and enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio as you watch boats pass by. Be sure to try their colossal onion rings which come served in a six-inch or foot long tower. They also have a full menu with pasta, salads, burgers, and signature dishes like prime rib and lake perch. 

End the day with a breathtaking Lake Michigan sunset at Tiscornia Park. Here you can walk to the iconic North Pier lighthouse or watch the sky change colors with your toes in the sand. Leashed dogs are allowed on the sidewalk and pier only (not on the beach).  The park does have restrooms available and there is a paid parking lot on site. 

Bridgman - Rising Kites, Blueberry Picking, weko Beach, Haymarket Brewery & Mikey's Drive In

Rising Kites is the perfect place for an early morning pick me up. Located in downtown Bridgman, not only are they serving up amazing coffee, they also have an amazing mission to employ and celebrate people with disabilities. We love taking our daughter here as they are very family friendly and have an indoor play space as well as a fenced in turf yard outside. After coffee, spend sometime in downtown Bridgman popping into some of the shops including Accents, The Sandpiper, Clothes Horse or Fusion Gallery. 

Blueberries are in season (mid-July) so spend the afternoon at Starbuck's Blueberry Farm picking your own bucket as you make some fun memories wandering through the fields in search of the juiciest berries on the bushes. There are six different varieties of berries at the farm and you can take them home in a box or bag for easy travel. They also have fresh pre-picked berries available at the roadside stand. 

Bridgman is home to the stunning shores of Weko Beach which is nestled among 42 acres of picturesque wooded dunes. Here you can cool off in Lake Michigan, rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards, or climb the boardwalk steps for breathtaking views above the dunes. There is a $15/day fee to park on site. If you're traveling with your furry friend, the boardwalk at Weko Beach connects to the dog friendly section of Warren Dunes State Park. The playing of Taps by a live bugle occurs at sunset every night from Memorial Day to Labor Day and they also host free concerts on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. 

For dinner, head just up the road to Haymarket Brewery. Their spacious outdoor patio is dog-friendly and has several picnic tables as well as fire pit seating. Here you can enjoy wood fire pizza or gourmet sandwiches paired with a great selection of craft beer, cider and seltzers on tap. End the day at Mikey's Drive-In, a 50s style diner where you can pull up and order right from your car. They have some of the best ice cream around - the peanut butter bonanza parfait was life changing - as well as dirty sodas and a full menu with burgers, hot dogs and more. 

Benton Harbor - Clifford's Coffee Canal, Sarett Nature Center, Hidden Pointe, Arts District and Brick House

Start your day at Clifford’s Coffee Canal - a dreamy garden oasis nestled along the river serving delicious coffee as well as breakfast and lunch. You have to try their fresh baked muffins! They have tons of different seating areas including a full patio outdoors as well as an assortment of plants, flowers, and succulents for purchase. 

Next, head to Sarrett Nature Center where you can get up close to the many reptiles and other species who live indoors or head outside to walk the nine miles of scenic trails. Be sure to take in the epic views from the tree top walkway, test your balance on the highline adventure trail, or climb on the nature playscape. They also have a butterfly house with dozens of species flying all around the beautiful flowers. 

In the afternoon take a spin on the go kart track or play a round of mini golf at Hidden Point Fun Park. We love the design of this course so much. The park also offers batting cages, a basketball shooting game, and ice cream. 

Before dinner, spend some time wandering around the Arts District to admire the colorful murals and when you’ve worked up an appetite head to Brick House for unique cocktails and amazing burgers and other handhelds.