Michigan Free Activity Weekends
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
West Michigan Guides Stock Photo
The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Hart Winterfest
Event features a Classic/Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap Meet, a Soup Walk, Golf Outing, Fishing Tournament, and more.
Winter Hike
The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association host this beginning at the Nichols Lake North Trailhead- Cleveland Avenue southwest of Bitely (day pass or federal recreation pass required). Participants may bring a side dish to pass. The hike will meet where the North Country Trail crosses Madison Road at Skocelas Road east of Manistee. RSVP to hike coordinator, Loren Bach, at (231) 510-1963 or spw@northcountrytrail.org. For more info, visit facebook.com.
FiveCAP’s Walk for Warmth
Groups, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to form walking teams for the 2-mile walk and gather pledges to benefit FiveCAP’s program to subsidize heat for families and seniors in need. Contribution and pledge sheets are available at fivecap.org. Registration is at 9:30am with the walk taking place between 10am-12pm. The walk starts at the Community Church- 109 N. Harrison St., Ludington.
White Pine Stampede 50k, 20k, 10k Point-to-Point Cross Country Race
Cross Country Race beginning at Mancelona High School- 9300 W. Limits Rd. and winding through Northwest Michigan, ending at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. For more information or to register, visit whitepinestampede.org.
Sips, Soups, & Sweets
This free event coincides with the Super Bowl. Each participating Downtown Ludington business will offer visitors a 2-ounce sample along a self-guided walking route. The sample options will include either a non-alcoholic beverage, a soup, or a dessert. For more information, visit downtownludington.org.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Great Start Collaborative Winter Book Walk
Families are invited to walk, snowshoe, or ski the lantern lit path at the Ludington State Park. The first 100 families will receive a signed copy of the book by a featured author. There will be a bonfire and free warm beverages at the amphitheater.
Osborn’s Big Ice Fishing Tournament
Prizes are awarded to adults and to children, in separate categories, for pike, walleye, perch, smelt, bluegill and crappie. There is also a biggest fish prize, and several door prize drawings. For more info, visit facebook.com. Osborn’s- 8929 Chippewa Hwy., Bear Lake.
Ski Free Sundays
The Oceana Cross Country Ski Association will host a free cross country skiing event on the Pentwater Pathways Trail. The event includes use of OCCSA’s adult and children’s ski equipment. Equipment use will be first come, first serve and the event will be contingent upon weather and appropriate ski conditions. Click here for more information.
Grand Rapids Boat Show
Wednesday from 2-8pm, Thursday from 12-8pm, Friday from 12-9pm, Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Find more information at grboatshow.com.
Pentwater Winterfest
Events include fishing tournaments, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Gettin’ Jiggy Ice Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by PM Expeditions. Entry fee is $10 and there is a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.
Yeti Fest
This annual festival features fun for the whole family in Suttons Bay. For detailed information, visit suttonsbayarea.com.
Snowman Scram 1 Mile Fun Run & 5k
Fundraiser for the Pentwater Cross Country and Track Teams. Pentwater Public School- 600 E. Park St., Pentwater.
Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors two Free Fishing Weekends per year.
Diapers & Donuts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to drive up to the side door for diapers & desserts. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 are available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request. Sponsored by Hungry Howie’s. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Snowfest
Event includes outdoor activities, soup and chili, and more for all ages. For the most updated info, visit jcimuskegon.org.
Lakeshore Parenting Expo
Formerly the Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo, this free event allows parents to connect with other parents, meet support providers, enjoy fun activities with their kiddos, and learn about various pregnancy & parenting topics. For more information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Elementary School- 5776 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Frostbite Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off
Variety of activities at multiple downtown Manistee establishments including the chili cook-off. For a complete list of activities, visit facebook.com.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
The annual Hart Winterfest includes fun activities like a cornhole tournament, soup walk, book sale, and more.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Pentwater’s Winterfest includes many family friendly events including fishing tournaments, cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.