20 kid-friendly places within a five hour drive from Detroit
School's out for summer, and that means the kids are going to be around the house a little bit more.
Michigan is fortunate enough to be near some pretty cool cities with a lot of things to do for the entire family (even if a couple of the cities are in Ohio).
We've gathered a list of kid-friendly places that will make for a great mini-road trip with the family.
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Google Maps
American Girl Place Chicago
835 Michigan Ave., Chicago; 877-247-5223;americangirl.com/pages/retail-chicago
American Girl makes dolls that push the boundaries of your child’s imagination. They offer a variety of options, including the option to customize a doll with earrings, hearing aids, and more so your child has a smaller representation of themselves. At American Girl Place in Chicago, get your doll’s hairstyle refreshed at the Doll Hair Salon or print a custom outfit for your doll.
Google Maps
African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton, OH; 419-732-3606;africansafariwildlifepark.com
This wildlife park takes visitors on a safari adventure right from the comfort of their own vehicle. The African Safari Wildlife Park is not only a walk-thru park, it’s drive-thru as well. Park visitors can see and feed animals, like giraffes and llamas, up close and personal.
Google Maps
Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH; 419-627-2350;chicagochildrensmuseum.org
It’s not a Michigan summer without a group trip to Cedar Point. The Ohio amusement park has fun for children of all ages, and even offers discounted tickets for Michiganders.
Google Maps
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh; 412-665-3640;pittsburghzoo.org
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium offers a great learning and entertainment experience. The zoo offers workshop classes and special events.
Google Maps
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 East Grand Avenue, Suite 127, Chicago; 312-527-1000;chicagochildrensmuseum.org
The Chicago Children’s Museum is a hands-on children’s museum located right on Navy Pier. Children can dig for fossils, brave the treehouse trails, and much more at this museum. We suggest hitting the Navy Pier for a little extra fun after your trip.
Google Maps
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls; 866-976-6972;avalanchebay.com
Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Avalanche Bay has rides, pools, and water activities for everyone.
Google Maps
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids; 616-929-1700;grpm.org
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has a lot of family friendly exhibits, ranging from dinosaurs to Old Grand Rapids and one on the Anishinabek tribe.
Google Maps
Kalahari Resort
7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky, OH; 419-433-7200;kalahariresorts.com/ohio
Cool off at Kalahari Resorts. While its most known for its twisting water slides and pools, the resort also has an arcade, outdoor adventure park, and a spa.
Google Maps
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, OH; 513-754-5700;visitkingsisland.com
This Ohio amusement park is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Not to be in the shadows of the more popular Ohio theme park, Kings Island has a wide selection of thrill rides for everyone.
Google Maps
TILT at 360 Chicago
875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 360chicago.com
Enjoy a 360 degree view of Downtown Chicago from the 94th Floor of Hancock Tower. If your kid is really brave, they can lean out of the window and view the streets of Chicago from above at TILT.
