It’s getting to be that time of year…We’re all starting to get antsy for some sunshine. While a vacation to California or Florida sounds wonderful, it isn’t always logistically feasible to travel that far with children, nor is it affordable.
My solution is to plan a mini weekend giveaway that’s a bit less intimidating to plan and much easier on the wallet. We are so lucky here in Michigan to be surrounded by plenty of family friendly destinations, whether it’s heading north for skiing, to a waterpark for pool time, or to Frankenmuth for a family-style chicken dinner.
Enjoy these ideas!
Family Getaways in Michigan During Winter
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Boyne Mountain’s Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark {Boyne Falls} — At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is Michigan’s biggest indoor water park featuring slides, rides, kids pools, climbing walls, lazy river, and even a surf simulator. Of course, there’s skiing, snowshoeing, zip-lining and more on the property, too.
Crystal Mountain {Thompsonville} — While skiing is the most popular pastime at this mountain resort, there is plenty of other things for families, including campfires, an indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, magic shows, snow castle building, dog sledding, snow biking and more. Plus, plenty of hotels, town homes and more on the property to accommodate guests.
Great Wolf Lodge {Traverse City} — An 84-degree indoor water park and more than 38,000 square feet of water excitement. What more can I say?! Slides for thrill seekers and zero-depth entry areas for little ones. Outside the water park, kids can battle a dragon in MagiQuest or get an ice cream-themed manicure in Scoops Kid Spa before gathering your family in the Grand Lobby for nightly Story Time. {Additional fun can be had a nearby snow tubing hills!} Check out my tips at this post.
Lake N’ Pines Lodge {Interlochen} — For bigger kids, check out this quaint lodge near the largest snow tubing on the largest snow hill in Michigan. Check out their Hills and Hops package featuring food and brews from North Peak Brewing.
Shanty Creek {Bellaire} — With 53 ski runs on two mountains {Schuss and Summit Mountains}, 30km of cross-country skiing, a 6-lane alpine tubing park, winter sleigh rides, indoor pools and more, there’s plenty for to do here. Plus, with more than 400 lodging choices, there’s something fit for every family’s size and budget, too. {And for the adults? Short’s Brewing Company!}
Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge {Alanson} — It’s not quite the north pole, but this northern getaway just outside of Petoskey sure feels like it! Family perks include free popcorn in the lobby, free snowshoes available for use, an outdoor fire pit, and a beautiful pool, complete with a hot tub and waterfall. Read about our experience here.
WESTERN MICHIGAN
Double JJ Resort {Rothbury} — This family friendly resort features snow tubing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and the indoor waterpark, Gold Rush. Be sure to check out their variety of great packages to choose from.
Surfari Joe’s Indoor Waterpark {Watervliet} — This western Michigan 18,000-square-foot water park is packed with two slides that funnel outside of the park! The waterpark also features an activity pool, two watersides, a toddler area and a lazy river. Check their website for coupons.
MID-MICHIGAN
Bavarian Inn {Frankenmuth} — Nestled along the Cass River, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has 360 German-themed guest rooms, including whirlpool and family suites, four indoor pools, three whirlpools, two water slides, a miniature golf course, two gift shops, two lounges and two restaurants — all under one roof. Guests can also enjoy nightly entertainment and test their own musical skills during weekend family karaoke shows.
Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel {Mt. Pleasant} — This 45,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is designed for toddlers through adults and features a wave rider, body slide, a rock climbing wall, lazy river, children’s play area and more. {Check out the nearby Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum or the Midland Center for the Arts for more family fun.} Get more tips at this post.

Soaring Eagle Water Park
Zehnder’s Splash Village {Frankenmuth} — Zehnder’s Splash Village hotel and waterpark offers deluxe accommodations, including 74 suites. Families can enjoy more than 30,000 sq. ft. of aquatic fun with Splash landing play area, dumping bucket, and four-story tube slides. Adults can relax in the hot tub or just float along the lazy river. Additional fun can be had inside the arcade or in the Elf Hollow Café, or take a complimentary shuttle to Zehnder’s Restaurant for a chicken dinner. Don’t forget to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland next door, too!
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Marriott Detroit {Detroit} — Plan a Detroit staycation and check out the special packages featuring tickets to the DIA or The Henry Ford Museum, both great places for kids of all ages. Added bonus? Kids eat free, and easy access to Detroit’s People Mover.
The Dearborn Inn {Dearborn} — A great local option for special packages to visit The Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour — perfect for indoor family fun.
The Holiday Inn and Splash Universe {Dundee} — With more than 100,000 gallons of water park fun, including twisting water park slides a, 500 gallon splash bucket, Little Squirt pool and a relaxing lazy river, there’s something for all to enjoy. Additionally, there’s a 3,000-square-foot arcade featuring Wave Motion, Dance Revolution, and more. Make sure to add Cabela’s, located right next door, to your list as well!
Be sure to check out my BIG list of 50+ ideas for indoor family fun in Southeast Michigan for additional ideas for winter fun, too.
Where are your favorite family getaways in Michigan during winter?
Great list and cute graphic! You could also add the adoba hotel to that list (Dearborn), I believe they do Henry Ford packages as well.
GREAT idea! Totally forgot about them. It was such a beautiful hotel, and they have a pool…That is crucial!
Yes – I went there for a blogger weekend back in Nov. Didn’t use the pool but heard it was great!