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Family Friendly Events

May, 2023

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.

Amber Elk Ranch

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in May:

Wednesdays, May 3rd-June 7th, 2023
3:30-5pm

The River Community Center Presents Cooking Matters for Kids
This program teaches kids basic cooking and knife skills, and nutrition education, and helps build confidence in the kitchen. Students will receive a workbook, prepare a recipe each week in class, and also take home groceries every week for the recipe prepared in class. Parents are encouraged to participate and transportation may be available upon request. Registration is limited and can be done by visiting events.anr.msu.edu. River Community Center- 5871 S. M-37, Baldwin.

Friday, May 5th, 2023
6-8pm

Diaper Drive & Taco Bar
Bring a package of diapers and enjoy the taco bar. All donations go to West Shore Family Support. Calvary Baptist Church- 220 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.

Saturday, May 6th, 2023
10am

Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Open for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

Saturday, May 6th, 2023
11am AND 3pm

Souper Hero’s and Princesses Par-Tea
This event is a fundraiser for the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program. Kids and their favorite adult are encouraged to dress up for this event which includes learning manners, a light luncheon of assorted soups or a lite dinner, and a photo opportunity! 11am-1pm is a session for children ages 3-9 and a separate session for friends 10 and over will be from from 3-5pm. Adult participation is required for both sessions. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Sundays, May 7th-28th, 2023
6:30pm

Lakeview Cemetery Ride Honoring Ludington’s Veterans
Families can walk/bike the cemetery to look for veterans monuments. For more information and guidance, click here. Information/assistance will not be available at the cemetery. Lakeview Cemetery- 906 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
10am

Big Point Sable Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse- 8800 W. M-116, Ludington.

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023
12-3:30pm

Safe Kids West Michigan Car Seat Check
Free event. Car seats checked and training on installation of carseats by certified technician. Replacement car seats will be provided on a first needed, first served basis. Grant Township Fire Department- 7140 S. Oceana Dr., Rothbury. Email alwayh@trinity-health.org for more information.

Thursday, May 11th, 2023
5-7:30pm

Mason County Agriculture Night
This free event will celebrate Mason County’s agricultural heritage and will also be a chance for the public to tour the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm Science Lab. Highlights include free Sanders hot dogs, interactive games with prizes, informational booths from area businesses and the farming community, free treats sponsored by Mason County Dairy Farmers, wagon rides, farm animals, and more. For more information, visit facebook.com. Mason County Central Upper Elementary School- 505 W. Maple St., Scottville.

Saturday, May 13th, 2023
9:30am-3pm

150th Birthday Party for Ludington
To celebrate Ludington’s Sesquicentennial, this event will include stations providing hands-on activities that exemplify the differences from 150 years ago. Those attending are encouraged to dress 1870 style. There will be live music by Eric Engblade, crafts by Deb Borema, biscuits with Mary Lou Ohnsman, games, some giveaways, and cake. Entry fees apply. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Saturday, May 13th, 2023
10am

Bike Rodeo
The free, family friendly event will teach riders the safest way to enjoy bike riding through the following stations: helmet check, bike check, wheel check, safe riding, and bicycle skills course. There will also be a book giveaway and toddler balance bikes and helmets giveaway. Registration opens May 1st and can be found here. West Shore Community College- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Saturday, May 13th, 2023
10am-3pm

Archery Day
Those 8 years of age and older are invited to learn about the history of archery, proper techniques, and have the opportunity to shoot. Those under age 17 must have a parent or guardian with them. All supplies are provided and no registration is necessary. Ludington State Park– 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Saturdays, May 13th-27th, 2023

Celebrate Ludington Bike Scavenger Hunt
Free, family-friendly event. For more information, visit facebook.com

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

First Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
For reservations, call (800) 841-4243.

Friday, May 19th, 2023
10am

White River Light Station Opens for the Season
Whitehall.

Saturday, May 20th, 2023
9am

Ludington Petunia Parade Planting Day
Along Ludington Avenue and around Ludington Municipal Marina, Ludington.

Saturday, May 20th, 2023
9am

Run Ludington Harbor Run 
Downtown Ludington.

Saturday, May 20th, 2023
9am-1pm

Mom-2-Mom Sale
Shop from a wide range of children’s clothing, toys, strollers, maternity-wear, and limited sizes of women’s clothing. There will also be face painting, balloon animals, games, and food available for purchase. $1 entry fee and 100% proceeds go to support the Manistee Mothers of Preschoolers. Faith Covenant Church- 475 8th St., Manistee.

Saturday, May 20th, 2023
1pm

Mason-Lake Conservation District Mushroom Hike
Mushroom Hike, in partnership with Linda Scribner, beginning at the Fin & Feather Club- 3276 Darr Rd., Scottville. Register at mason-lakeconservation.org by May 12th, 2023.

Saturday, May 20th, 2023

MCE Equestrian Speed Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.

Sunday, May 21st, 2023
3-4:30pm

Play Tennis Midwest
Free interactive tennis activities, games and play for adults and children age 6 and up. Space is limited. Register at usta.com/playtennismidwest. For more information, contact Coach Brown at (517) 745-6113.

Sunday, May 21st, 2023

Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. For more information, visit masoncountysaddleclub.com.

Sunday, May 21st, 2023

Mason County Saddle Club Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US 10, Ludington. For more information, visit masoncountysaddleclub.com.

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023
10am

Little Sable Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season
Silver Lake.

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023
10am

Ludington North Breakwater Light Opens for the Season
Stearns Park- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.

Wednesday, May 24th-Sunday, May 28th; 2023
10am

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Includes midway, live music, food, car show, and more. For more information, visit fruitportlionsclub.com.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023
8am-12pm

Pentwater VFW Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW- 8440 N. US-31, Pentwater.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023
10am

Blessing of the ORV’s
Cost is $5/vehicle for an all-day pass. Events include a Law Enforcement Workshop, Blessing of the ORV’s at 1pm, Vendors, Food, and Manistee Forest ORV merchandise. Skinner Park- 5074 W 10 1/2 Mile Rd., Irons.

Monday, May 29th, 2023
10am

Pentwater Memorial Day Observance
Veterans, Girl Scouts, and Boys Scouts are encouraged to participate. Services to follow parade at Pentwater Marina and the Village Green, Pentwater. 

Monday, May 29th, 2023

Manistee Memorial Day Observance
9am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery- 1628 Maple Rd. 9:30am- Poppy placement and rifle salute at Oak Grove Cemetery- 1040 Veterans Oak Grove Dr. 10am- Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of River & Division Streets and ending at Veteran’s Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee. 

Monday, May 29th, 2023
10am

Mears Memorial Day Observance
Mears Cemetery- 6189 W. Fox Rd., Mears.

Monday, May 29th, 2023
11am

Downtown Hart Memorial Day Observance
Parade in Hart.

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