Looking for the perfect summer road trip from Detroit with the kids? Whether you’re craving lake views, outdoor adventures, hands-on museums or small-town charm, there are plenty of unforgettable destinations just a short drive away.
These family-friendly getaways under 3 hours from Detroit make it easy to unplug, explore and create warm-weather memories — without the stress of a long vacation.
Read more:Â Short Family Getaways from Detroit for Every Season
Family summer getaways near Detroit
Toledo, Ohio
- Distance: About 1 hour from Detroit
Just over the Michigan border, Toledo has one of the best family-friendly zoos and plenty of interactive museums. You’ll especially find plenty of outdoor adventures that are perfect to enjoy during the summer! Some must-visit outdoor spots are Toledo Botanical Garden, Glass City Metropark and the Toledo Mudhens, which are a minor league team affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
Port Huron
- Distance: About 1.5 hours from Detroit
Get up-close to Lake Huron with this beautiful waterfront town! Lakeside Park is a family favorite, featuring soft sandy beaches, gentle sandbars perfect for sports activities. Step abroad the Huron Lady II for a 90-minuted narrated cruise touring the St. Claire River and Lake Huron. Water fun is only the beginning, you can also explore Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, the Huron Lightship, the Thomas Edison Deport and the Carnegie Center.
Lansing
- Distance:Â About 1.5 hours from Detroit
Soak up summer fun in Michigan’s capital city! Stretch your family’s legs with a stroll through the trails at Fenner Nature Center. Cool off with a free tour of the Michigan State Capitol or let kids experiment at the Impression 5 Science Center. Little ones would especially love to see all the animals at Potter Park Zoo.
Midland
- Distance: About 2 hours from Detroit
Midland shines in the summer with outdoor adventures the whole family will love. Stroll high above the treetops on the Canopy Walk at Dow Gardens, the longest of its kind in the nation. Then let kids explore hands-on science exhibits at the Midland Center for the Arts or cool off at Central Park’s splash pad.
Put-in-Bay, OhioÂ
- Distance: About 2.5 hours from Detroit
Trade your typical road trip for an island escape! Put-in-Bay delivers serious vacation vibes just a short drive and ferry ride from Detroit. Families can zip around the island in a golf cart, stopping to browse quirky shops, grab a bite at local eateries or take in lake views at DeRivera Park. Kids will love exploring Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, complete with mini golf, gemstone mining and a butterfly house.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Distance:Â About 2.5 hours from Detroit
Enjoy another city adventure not too far in Indiana! Fort Wayne is packed with kid-friendly attractions like the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Science Central and Botanical Conservatory. You’ll have to make a stop at Promenade Park along the lakefront that includes an accessible playground, porch wings, tree canopy trail and lawn games.
Saugatuck
- Distance: About 3 hours from Detroit
Enjoy summer the way it’s meant to be in the breezy beach town of Saugatuck! Splash around at the ever-popular Oval Beach, cruise across Kalamazoo Lake by boat or hop on a high-energy dune ride for unforgettable views. When you need a break from the sun, grab a bite at a family-friendly eatery or browse the charming downtown shops for souvenirs and sweet treats.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.Â
