Stage Left Theater Company
The Stage Left Theatre Company strives to provide a variety of theatre experiences to the community and acting opportunities to all ages.
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.
Once you’ve perused the abundance of family-friendly events happening this month, continue scrolling down for information on family-friendly businesses, health care resources, and seasonal fun for the whole bunch!
Win & Bette Matteson Annual Big Fish Contest
Sponsored by the Pentwater Sportfishing Association. For more information or to register, visit pentwaterpsa.org/annual-big-fish-contest.
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Free outdoor movie featuring GOAT and Baby Badger rides for kids from 7:30-8:45pm when the movie begins. Concessions available for sale. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Annual Old Engine Club Show
This annual 3-day show has different events each day including daily tractor pulls featuring antique tractors, garden tractors, and doodle bugs. Daily events include tractor parades, large flea market, arts and crafts and swap meet.
White Lake Maritime Days
The event includes free tower climbs and admission to the light station museum, as well as free activity books for kids. White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
Onekama Days
Annual festival in Onekama with fun for the whole family.
Friday Night Live
Free event with live music, non-profit organization booths, and food on Front Street between Union Street and Park Street, Traverse City. For more info, visit downtowntc.com.
Rubber Ducky Race
At Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville. For the latest info, visit facebook.com.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
This event is a celebration of Great Lakes surf culture and is open to all types of board sports disciplines that enjoy the surf. It includes music, various lessons, awards, giveaways, and more. Visit greatlakessurffestival.com for more information.
Northwestern Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. 3606 Blair Town Hall Rd.- Traverse City.
Western Michigan Fair
Multi-day event with fun for the whole family. Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Free outdoor movie featuring Hoppers and Baby Badger rides for kids from 7:30-8:45pm when the movie begins. Concessions available for sale. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Pentwater Homecoming Celebration
Pentwater’s biggest event of the year includes fun for the whole family!
Pentwater Movies on the Green
Free movie on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
The Monster Fishing Tournament
Monster Ladies/Kids prelim on Friday. Weigh your best 5. $100/team. $10,000 Cash Purse (30 boat min). All Big Checks Doubled. All 333 Choice & Combo Prizes Awarded. Additional Cash Payouts Based on Registration. Sequestered Weigh In Day 1. $400 Entry. For more information, visit tournamenttrail.net/tournaments.
Frankfort Collector Car Show
Mineral Springs Park- 630 Main St., Frankfort.
Shelby Fruit Festival
This event includes live music, car show, food trucks, big wheel race, craft vendors, book walk,
free rides & activities for children, and more. 4101 Buchanan Rd., Shelby. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Michigan’s Free ORV Weekend
Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.
Back to School Backpack Bonanza
Mason County students in grades Kindergarten-12th grade (with a parent/guardian) are invited to play a round of free mini golf and receive a free backpack and school supplies. Children must be present. The event is limited to 400 students. Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf at 900 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Backpack Blowout
Children will receive free backpacks and school supplies at Trinity Lutheran Church- 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era. Children must be present. Visit facebook.com for more info.
AFFEW Beach Sweep
Beach clean-up at Stearns Park, Ludington.
Slow Roll
Shoreline FORCE presents this free, family friendly, social bike ride with a relaxed pace, riding the alleys and back streets of Ludington. Ride begins and ends at the South Concession Stand at Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Downtown Ludington’s Movies in the Park
Free outdoor movie featuring Lilo & Stitch and Baby Badger rides for kids from 7:30-8:45pm when the movie begins. Concessions available for sale. Rotary Park- corner of Ludington Ave. and Lewis St.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend at Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 will be available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request.
Muskegon Parties in the Park
Live music featuring Rockstar, kids activities, food/drink trucks, and more. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon.
Wings Over Muskegon
The Yankee Air Museum, in conjunction with the Muskegon County Airport and F3 Airport host this aviation experience tour and air show. Flyable aircraft at the Yankee Air Museum will provide rides throughout the event with the air show occurring on July 8th-9th. Muskegon County Airport- 99 Sinclair Dr., Norton Shores. For more information, visit wingsovermuskegon.com.
Young Eagles Rally
The event offers free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 at the Wexford County Airport- 8040 E. 34 Rd., Cadillac. Pilots and ground support personnel participating in the event donate their time, their planes and fuel. For more info, visit chapters.eaa.org.
Pentwater Wooden & Classic Boat Show and Parade
Boat show on the water and on the Village Green- 327 S. Hancock St., Pentwater. Open to the public. For more info, visit pentwateryachtclub.com.
Lake Michigan Carferry Shoreline Cruise
Lake Michigan Carferry cruise along the Ludington shoreline. Tickets include food and live entertainment and a cash bar is available. Shoreline cruises will sail rain or shine. Children 4 & Under are free. No passes will be accepted for this event. Tickets are non-refundable. 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington.
Ludington Auto Club Cars & Coffee Car Meet
At NAPA Auto Parts- 3351 US-10, Ludington. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Coffee for purchase at the Meraki Coffee Truck.
Oceana County Fair
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.
Sunset Bonfire
Free bonfire with live music at Stearns Park Beach, Ludington.
Forest Trail Music Festival
Annual music festival that also features camping, tie-dye, yoga, craft vendors, and more. Held on the edge of the Manistee National Forest- 352 W. Forest Trail Rd., Free Soil. For more information and tickets, visit foresttrailmusic.com.
Cedar Polka Fest
Annual festival with fun for the whole family include live music, food, car show, 5k, and more! Visit cedarpolkafest.org for more information. Festival Grounds- 3075 E. Sullivan St., Cedar.
Bus Day to Big Point Sable Lighthouse
Free concert from 1-3pm. Bus transportation from 12pm-5pm. Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
The communities along the lakeshore of West Michigan are ideal places to start and raise a family!
There are great indoor and outdoor family venues throughout the area, many quality childcare and schooling options, and plenty of resources that support family health and well-being. When it comes to raising kids from birth and beyond, this area just can’t be beat. Every member of your family is bound to find pure joy living here in West Michigan!
There’s never a shortage of fun activities and events for families along the lakeshore!,
Many high quality, licensed childcare options as well as top-ranking public and private schools are available in the area. There are also many programs that provide lessons in music, art, and martial arts, among others.
This area has some of the finest family health options for medical, dental, eye, and emergency care. It also excels in connecting families in need with services and providing opportunities for community members to give back. And if you’re looking for some good old fashioned physical activity for your children, look no further. There are lots of exercise programs, recreational sports leagues, and active things to do that will keep you and your kids moving!
Driving the truck at Sandcastles Children’s Museum. | Photo by Lexi Kosla.
In addition to the myriad of family events in West Michigan, the area also boasts plenty of establishments that are family friendly and specialize in family fun. The lakeshore offers plenty of options to spend quality time with the ones you love!
There are many yummy and family friendly places to eat and lots of stores to take care of the needs of parents and kids. And if your child has a birthday coming up, this area has tons of birthday party options to make that special day great for your kiddo!
With miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and clean, sugar sand beaches; adults and kids alike will enjoy soaking up the sun with some amazing summer excursions. Water fun options include swimming, boat rentals, and sunset cruises on Ludington’s S.S. Badger.
As far as festivals and summer events go, family friendly fun is available at every turn. The largest summer event for families in Ludington is the Ludington Area Jaycees 4th of July Freedom Festival which includes a Children & Pet Parade, 1-Mile Race, Grand Parade, and Fireworks. The Oceana County Asparagus Festival is another great family fun venue.
Is your family into running? The area has plenty of races for every skill level. If basketball is more in your court, the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament can help you satisfy that competitive urge during the summer months.
Kids head back to school and football games have started- fall is a great time to be in any of the lakeshore communities. The fresh, cool air beckons you outside to witness the gorgeous Fall Color Tour and there are numerous fall fun events in the area. And when October arrives, Halloween parties and trick-or-treating provide entertainment for the entire family.
Once the snow flies, local sledding hills, plenty of open land for cross country skiing, and guided snowshoe walks available at the Ludington State Park are just a taste of the winter fun to be had along the lakeshore. West Shore Community Ice Arena in Scottville has open hours for ice skating, providing a fun and safe activity for people of all ages. If you prefer the warmth of the indoors, open swimming is available at numerous community pools and at West Shore Community College.
The lakeshore communities are also home to many fun activities for cooped up kids during those blustery months. Free playgroups and library programs provide a variety of experiences for kids and the events are great opportunities for kids to get together. Children of all ages should make a point to visit Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Ludington frequently. The museum exhibits include an actual Cessna 172 airplane, the Badger Playship, an interactive bank and restaurant, water and bubble tables, and more; all for a modest entry fee.
The Stage Left Theatre Company strives to provide a variety of theatre experiences to the community and acting opportunities to all ages.
When it comes to beautifying your home and garden, look no further than these West Michigan businesses to help you make them amazing!
Our home and garden information directory lists West Michigan businesses plus articles about home improvement – indoors and outdoors.
A county that grew during the lumber era, Oceana County is home to Hart, Hesperia, Mears, New Era, Pentwater, Rothbury, Shelby, & Walkerville.
Mason County has numerous organizations that are dedicated to finding homes for stray animals, caring for animals, and supporting pet owners.
Community Cats TNR provides the Ludington and Mason County area with feline trap, neuter, and return services. Non-profit, funded by donations.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.