Top Things to do in Silver Lake Michigan with Kids

We recently visited Silver Lake in Mears, Michigan for our eight year wedding anniversary with our almost two year old daughter. I love this area so much and feel like it has such a different and more laid back vibe than the other Michigan beach towns. I also think it's a perfect getaway for families as there are so many great adventures for kids of all ages. 

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Mac Woods Dune Rides

Mac Woods Dune Rides offers 40 minute rides through the dunes on sections only their company has access to. You’ll fly over the dunes and around curves and get to make a stop to get out at Lake Michigan to take some photos and put your toes in the water. The ride is suitable for all ages - we took my daughter who is almost two and she loved it. Just keep in mind you feel the bumps more the farther back you sit so they will seat you more toward the front if you have little kids with you. The rides are all first come first serve so when you arrive you’ll go in and buy your tickets and wait for them to call your name to get on your truck. The wait can get pretty long during peak summer season - we went right when they opened and were able to get on the first ride out without a wait. There is a gift shop on site as well as a small play area and Whippy Dip is right next door if you need a treat while you wait. It’s such a fun ride and you get to learn a lot about the history of the area and the work that was done to restore the dunes after the Great Chicago fire. 

BONUS adventure: Depending on the age of your children, this area is best known for the section of dunes at Silver Lake State Park that you can access with an ORV or ATV. Our daughter was too young so we didn't get to go this trip but I have gone with my sister and rented through Silverback Offroad and it was such a fun thrill! 

Lewis Farms

We visited this epic adventure farm for the first time in the fall and I knew I had to come back and experience it in the summer. Lewis Farms is located in New Era, Michigan and they offer so many things to do including exotic animal experiences and a giant petting farm where you can feed and interact with camels, cows, goats, deer and so much more. In the summer their main attraction is Splash Acres which is a giant splash pad. Flower Mania also happens in August and you can wander through the beautiful flower fields and pick a giant vase for $19.95. 
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Your ticket gets you access to over 46 different attractions including a carousel, barrel train, corn bin, bubbles, ball town and so much more. You could easily make a full day out of your visit here. They also have some really great food options including epic milkshakes, a pretzel wagon, flavored lemonade and Social Goat Tavern which serves pizza and great cocktails. Their fall season begins on in early September and the park becomes decked out in all things pumpkin. They also have a cider donut slushie, a corn maze and a giant pumpkin patch.

Country Dairy

Located just down the street from Lewis Farms, this 100 year old dairy farm serves unlimited chocolate milk. Country Dairy is a working dairy farm that also has a farm store and restaurant. In the store you can purchase milk, cheese, meat, and ice cream or enjoy lunch with a full menu of wraps, sandwiches and burgers. Their food is really good - and cheesy of course - I had the ham and cheese hoagie with sweet mustard. They sandwiches all come with cheese curds on the side and the kids meals come with a complimentary scoop of ice cream. Outdoors they have a playground and plenty of picnic table seating. 

During our visit we also took a wagon ride tour of the farm. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and you get to go inside the cow barns and see the robotic milking process and even love on some baby calves. It’s a really neat experience to learn more about how they care for the cows and how the farm has changed over the years. 

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

This is one of my favorite lighthouses in Michigan and it's very easily accessible for all ages and abilities as there is a paved path from the parking lot that leads right to the base of the lighthouse. You can also climb the dunes nearby for a different view or take a tour of the lighthouse to climb to the top. Tours are offered Mondays from 11a to 4p and Tuesday-Sunday from 10a to 5p. There is a small trailer near the parking lot where you can purchase tickets and find out more information. The lighthouse is located within Silver Lake State Park so you do need to purchase or display a state recreation passport to enter. And be sure to walk down to the water to enjoy a beach day on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. 

Pleasant Valley Farm & Vineyard 

We love visiting new wineries and breweries on our travels and this felt like such a hidden gem. And if you're looking for a spot both the adults and kids will love this is it. All of the wines are 100% sourced from grapes grown on the farm and you can sip your drinks right beside the vineyard. The winery is located on Crystal Lake and has beautiful views overlooking the water. There is also a putting green on site which both my husband and my daughter loved. They even had a set of kids clubs for her to play with. You can participate in a traditional guided tasting, order a flight or sip by the glass. They serve rose, fruit wine and cider in addition to red and white varieties as well as pizza and appetizers. 

Craigs Cruisers and Silver Lake Chicken Shack

Downtown Mears isn't very large and you'll quickly discover that this is the place to be! Craig's Cruisers offers tons of family fun from go karts, an arcade, mini golf and bumper boats. And within the same lot you'll find the "best ever wings" at Silver Lake Chicken Shack. They truly are some of the best we've had. You'll order at the counter or one of their kiosks and then wait for your name to be called. This is a very casual spot with picnic table seating. They also regularly have live music in the evenings. 

Cherry Point Farm Market Fish Boil

This experience has been on my bucket list for so long and it was 100% worth the wait. Gather ‘round the fire for this Great Lakes tradition brought to this area by Scandinavian immigrants more than 100 years ago. The highlight of the night is the “boil over” when kerosene is thrown onto the fire, sending flames high in the sky and causing the water in the kettle to boil over and burning off the oil that has accumulated. Boils take place beginning in mid-June every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Labor Day. Select Thursdays are added based on demand. Cost is $29.95/pp ages 11 and up and $1.50/year of age for 10 and under. Menu consists of boiled whitefish fillets, potatoes and onions paired with garlic bread, coleslaw and cherry pie for dessert. Seating is family style at picnic tables and you can bring your own drinks and plates. Reservations are only accepted over the phone beginning in March and they do book up fast so plan ahead for next year. Be sure you take time to wander around the beautiful gardens and lavender labyrinth before your meal.

Golden Sands Golf Course & Bucket Bar

Even if you're not a golfer this is worth the stop for lunch or dinner. Their pizza is amazing - be sure to try the herb crust and bread bites. They also have a great cocktail selection. It's a very laid back vibe on the patio overlooking the golf course with plenty of space for kids to run around with yard games and live music.  

Ice Cream

If there's one thing Silver Lake doesn't have a shortage of its ice cream shops. But who can blame them - everyone loves this iconic summer treat. We've tried Whippy Dip, Silver Scoops and The Other Place and they were all great so you really can't go wrong with any that you choose. Silver Scoops had Dole Whip which we love and The Other Place had the biggest waffle cones we've ever seen (don't say I didn't warn you). Whippy Dip is famous for their caramel turtle sundae and they also serve breakfast and coffee in the mornings. 

Where to Stay

We stayed at Silver Sands Hotel and Resort which is located right on the shores of Silver Lake with private beach access. They have beautifully remodeled cabins which can sleep 6 with two and three bedroom options. Each has a different vibe and design - I loved the wallpaper in ours. The cabins do have a fire pit as well as a full kitchen and bath. If you’re looking for a more traditional stay they also have plenty of standard hotel suites with balconies overlooking downtown. Guests also get access to a private pool which we spent a lot of time in during our trip. My other favorite part about this property is the location. Parking is free onsite and then you can walk to the downtown attractions, restaurants and shopping.