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Family-Friendly Events

April 2026

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.

Also check out all the fun Easter Events happening this month!

Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
9am

Opening Day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
Silver Lake State Park.

Fridays through April 3rd, 2026
5-7pm

Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township

Cost is $15 for ages 9 and up and any donation for those under 8. Dine-in or take-out. Dinners include baked or fried whitefish, parslied red potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw, fried apples, and choice of delicious desserts. St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township. 

Monday, April 6th, 2026
7:30-9:30pm

West Shore Community College Wind Symphony & Drum Line Performance
Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee.

April 10th-12th, 2026

“Up North” Lake & Cottage Show
Show including vendors of indoor/outdoor furniture, landscaping, construction & remodel, kitchen & bath, home decor, designers, electric bikes, stand-up paddle boards, golf carts, boats, and more. Hours are 12-6pm Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday, and 10am-4pm Sunday. Grand Traverse County Civic Center- 1213 W. Civic Center Dr., Traverse City. Visit tccottageshow.com.

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
7:30-9:30pm

West Shore Concert Choir Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Thursday, April 16th, 2026
7:30-9:30pm

West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.

Saturday, April 18th, 2026
11am

Ludington Lake Jump
Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Registration at 10:30am, jump at 11am. Stearns Park, Ludington.

Saturday, April 18th, 2026
6:30pm

Girls Rock
A celebration of Girl Power featuring local female musicians, singers, and artists of all ages. Ludingto Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

Friday, April 24th, 2026
6pm

Ludington’s Got Talent
ALL ages are invited to apply to appear in this talent show. This is a fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum and will be held at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. It will take the place of the Local Masked Singer event. Apply at sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.

Saturday, April 25th, 2026
10:30am

Earth Day Events
Presentations, informational booths, kids activities, and more. Free and open to the public. United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5810 W. Bryant Rd., Ludington.

Saturday, April 25th, 2026
1-3pm

Shakespeare’s Birthday Party & Stage Left Fundraiser
Enjoy tasty treats, meet Shakespearean characters, and support a great cause at KRAVE Frozen Yogurt & Drink Shoppe- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. 20% of sales will benefit Stage Left’s productions & Scholarship Fund. Stage Left t-shirts will also be available for purchase. 

Saturday, April 25th, 2026
2pm

Scottville Clown Band Performance
National Trout Festival- For more info, visit nationaltroutfestival.com.

What's Happening in West Michigan?

Discover more to do in West Michigan!

Scroll below for more articles about Activities & Attractions in the West Michigan area.
 

West Michigan Activities & Attractions

West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from high overlook of Old Mission Peninsula in the fall.

Old Mission Peninsula

Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.