Family Guide to Enjoying Muskegon Throughout Every Season

It’s rare to find a spot that can make the perfect family getaway any time of the year, but that’s exactly what Muskegon, Michigan offers.

With over 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Muskegon County, it’s the perfect vacation spot for families who love the beach. But when the temperatures drop, it becomes a winter lover’s dream.

Muskegon has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether it’s the beaches, access to more than 65 miles of trails countywide, the area’s 14 museums or thrill-seeking adventure parks.

We have you covered on all the fun in Muskegon and close by. Check out our full City Guide for Muskegon and learn about state parks near Muskegon, other nearby family attractions — plus what you need to know to have a great time at Michigan’s Adventure.

What families love about Muskegon 

Muskegon is a great place to visit year round. Here are some of the top things to do when you get there:

• Head to Muskegon to enjoy Michigan’s signature amusement parks, Michigan’s Adventure and WildWater Adventure. Guests of all ages can enjoy over 60 rides, slides and attractions at the amusement park — including seven roller coasters. The waterpark is home to the Funnel of Fear, three wave pools, body and speed slides and much more.
• Visiting during the colder months? Families will love the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, where guests can access its 850-foot luge track, snowshoe their way through the trails or ice skate outdoors. The attraction is just as bustling during the summer months with a special summer luge, ziplining, archery, rock climbing and even more fun on the trails.

• Muskegon’s 7-Day History Pass is back for another year, giving guests unlimited access to five museum sites for a full week. This includes stops at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science, Hackley and Hume Historic Site, Fire Barn Museum, Scolnik House of the Depression Era and Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry. 

Getting to Muskegon

Muskegon is just over a three-hour drive northwest from metro Detroit via I-96. Once arriving in Muskegon Township near the county airport, it’s just a short drive north on US-31 and then west on M-46. 

The route takes you right around Ann Arbor, Lansing and Grand Rapids, meaning there are plenty of pit stops along the way to make your drive to Muskegon the perfect opportunity to do a mini tour of some of Michigan’s best cities.

Here are some of our favorite spots worth checking out with your family:

• Ann Arbor: Up–or, well, down–for a scavenger hunt? Downtown Ann Arbor is sprinkled with tiny fairy home doors on the front of select businesses. Download the Urban Fairies Doors map and test your eye to locate the doors, which open to reveal fairy homes. Who knows, it may even lead you to a cute coffee shop or book store you want to visit as well.
• Lansing: Calling all scientists! Impression 5 Science Center is the perfect pit stop that combines fun and learning. Their latest new exhibits include “Organ Adventure: Exploring the Human Body” and “Pop! A Bubble Experience.” Check out our Lansing Family Road Trip Guide for more suggestions.
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the perfect blend of art and nature thanks to its world-renowned sculpture and horticulture landscapes. With over 200 sculptures to browse, a number of indoor and outdoor gardens, and various programs and interactive activities throughout the year, the whole family is sure to enjoy the stop. Check out our Grand Rapids Family Road Trip Guide and Grand Rapids City Guide for more suggestions. 

Family-friendly places to stay 

Whether you’re looking for a hotel on the water, a downtown short-term rental or you’ve packed up the RV and need a campground to call home, Muskegon has it all. 

• Visitors of all ages will enjoy a stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, located conveniently off US-31, with its indoor heated pool and hot tub, outdoor pool and free continental breakfast.
• If you’re looking to stay in the middle of the action, consider checking out Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center located in the heart of downtown Muskegon. The hotel comes with its own on-site restaurant and lounge, an indoor pool and workout room, smart televisions in every room and more. 
• Want a place right on the water? Shoreline Inn & Conference Center sits on Muskegon Lake and comes with two on-site restaurants and bars and indoor and outdoor pools.
• If your family packed up the RV for your trip or wants to camp out, consider staying at the Duck Creek RV Resort, which comes admission into its very own Aquasis water park the entire family will love. Another bonus? It’s located right across the street from Michigan’s Adventure, which means this is the perfect place to stay for those looking to pack in the thrills.

Restaurants the whole family will enjoy 

There are plenty of places to fill empty bellies in Muskegon. Here are some of our favorites to try:

• You can’t visit Muskegon without taking in some waterfront dining. Have a seafood entree or a signature burger at The Lake House Waterfront Grille while the kids munch on pizza or chicken tenders from the kids menu.

• For a more upbeat evening, consider visiting The Deck beachfront restaurant, which offers patio dining and a “Below Deck” area full of yard games, live music and more fun. The restaurant is located steps away from Pere Marquette Park and beach, which you can enjoy before or after your meal.
• If your family has spent the day on the water working up an appetite, boat docking is offered at Docker’s Fish House and Bear Lake Tavern. 
• We hope you saved room for dessert so your family can enjoy soft serve from Coney Land or ice cream in a homemade waffle cone at Hometown Creamery. If your sweet tooth is craving something other than ice cream, grab some seafoam candies and other treats at McDonald’s Candies.

There’s a lot for families to do and experience in Muskegon. Check out our guides for state parks near Muskegon, Michigan’s Adventure and other nearby family attractions. Plan your trip, then pile into your family Ford SUV and hit the road!

Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.