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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.
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.
#RunLudington Sesquicentennial 150-Mile Challenge
Registration includes a custom finisher medal mailed to you. Add a short sleeve ($15) or long sleeve ($25) performance tee to celebrate your miles and Ludington’s Sesquicentennial. Challenge: log 150 miles (walking or running) by the end of the year. For more of a challenge, log your 150 miles in 150 days. Cost is $25 per person. To register, visit runreg.com.
Brethren Days
The village of Brethren hosts in annual festival with activities for the whole family.
Shoreline All Breed Youth Horse Show
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, call Marcia at (231) 233-1700
Honoring Our Elders Traditional Pow Wow
Oceana County Fairgrounds- 1025 S. State St., Hart.
Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW Hall- 8440 US-31 North, Pentwater.
Pancake Breakfast
Pentwater VFW Hall- 8440 US-31 North, Pentwater.
Holland Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
Bring the family, earplugs, and an appetite for big trucks, ice cream, and giveaways. Parade travels from Zeeland to Holland. Ice cream social following the parade. For more information, visit truckparade.org.
Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival
Activities for the whole family. Downtown Silver Lake.
Trout Unlimited Banquet
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. There will be live music, a food truck, open bar, adult/child casting contests, and a silent auction. Baldwin Canoe Rental- 9117 M-37, Baldwin.
Oceana County Young Eagles Rally
Kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a free airplane ride with a local pilot. Flights are first come, first serve and a guardian must be present. Sponsored by EAA #772. Oceana County Airport- 1805 W. Baseline Rd., Shelby.
MIHA District 9 Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.
New Era Fall Festival
Annual event featuring arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, an antique car show, and more. Visit neweramichigan.com for more information.
West Michigan Old Engine Club Tractor Pull
Free to attend. WMOEC Grounds- 700 S. Scottville Rd., Scottville.
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.
Scottville Fall Celebration
Event includes family friendly activities, the Mason County Princess Pageant (1pm), and a performance by the Scottville Clown Band. Downtown Scottville, 100 Blocks of South Main & Blaine Streets.
MIHA District 9 Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.
Date Night Drop Off
Children ages 3 and up can be dropped off to enjoy music, playtime, dancing, stories, crafting, movies, and more with Miss Melinda. Children should bring a sack dinner and water. Cost is $35 for one child, $50 for two children, $65 for three children, and $75 for four children. 50% down paid via Venmo, Paypal, Apple Pay, check, or cash is due no later than Wednesday, September 20th. Call (231) 631-7751 to make a reservation. United Methodist Church- 387 1st St., Manistee.
Blessing of the Animals at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm
Blessing of the Animals, silent auction, and old fashioned games. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil. Click here for more information.
Diapers & Donuts
Families are invited to receive free diapers and donuts from West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. Free car seat checks will also be offered.
Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo
Speak with providers, sample products, and meet other moms. Open house format with kids activities available. Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart.
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. Enter by emailing missludington@gmail.com.
Fall Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and furniture. For more information or to rent a table, visit facebook.com. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
MIHA Regional District Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-10, Ludington. For more information, visit miha.org.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Pentwater’s Oktoberfest features a variety of activities for all ages and interests including the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show and Cruise.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Visit downtown Ludington and enjoy music and family activities in an outdoor setting, to celebrate one of the last hurrahs of the season!
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The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
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