Your kid loves a great adventure, but you’re all done making obstacle courses in the backyard.
Luckily, adventure is the middle name of these four great spots within driving distance of southeast Michigan. From giant roller coasters to rising 45 feet above the ground, use this list to get your planning started.
Cedar Point
Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
Cedar Point’s first roller coaster was built in 1892 and it has been dishing up thrills and adventures ever since. Today, the park boasts more than 70 rides for thrill seekers of all ages, including 18 of the world’s best record-breaking coasters, and four kiddie areas; plus tons of live shows, beachfront fun on the shores of Lake Erie, food, games and much more.
Kids who love the water will enjoy a trip to Cedar Point Shores, including Point Plummet, which offers four nearly vertical, six-story drop body slides, plus the Portside Plunge water slide and the Riptide Raceway. Lakeslide Landing and Lemmy’s Lagoon are great for younger siblings not quite ready for a plummet.
TreeRunner Adventure Park
Address: 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield
Recommended for kids ages 6 and older, they’ll soar above the ground on any one of 14 trails that includes 41 zip lines and more than 240 obstacles. Younger kids — or less-experienced adventure-seekers — can start on a beginner trail about 5 feet off the ground.
The advanced and expert trails reach as high as 45 feet off the ground, and families can pick a path that will allow them to zipline over a picnic area. Check out the park’s website for weekly glow nights, when the trails are lit with themed lights on the paths and rails and accompanied by music.
Flash Flood Water Park
Address: 35 Hamblin Ave., Battle Creek
One of the coolest municipal parks in the country, Flash Flood is run by the Battle Creek Recreation Department and includes two 200-foot outdoor water slides, a water playground, food and more. Inflatables plus an inflatable slide only add to the fun. Part of the pool is indoors to allow little siblings to escape the sun while older kids engage in water wars.
Sky Adventures
Address: 2 N. Washington St., Oxford
If 45 feet above ground isn’t quite high enough, your kids will love the view of Michigan from a hot air balloon. Some balloons can carry as many as six people, with the pilot, who will soar your family for nearly an hour above the trees and you might even see your house from up there!
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