If you’re looking for fun things to do with toddlers in Michigan, you’re in luck! From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, this state has plenty to offer for the little ones. Whether you want to explore the Detroit Zoo, enjoy the beautiful parks, or visit hands-on museums, Michigan provides endless opportunities for quality family time. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of toddler-friendly kid activities in michigan in the great state of Michigan! Please join Let’s save Michigan to learn more through this article.
Michigan is a great place to explore with little ones! From children’s museums and parks to farms and zoos, there are tons of toddler-friendly activities across the state. Here are some of the best things to do with toddlers in Michigan.
Children’s Museums
Impression 5 Science Center
Address: 200 Museum Dr, Lansing, MI 48933
With interactive science exhibits like a bubble room, robot zone and more, Impression 5 is super engaging for curious toddlers. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.
Try to visit once a season, as they rotate exhibits regularly. There’s always something new to explore like giant blocks or sensory play areas.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Address: 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
From a kid-sized grocery store to a fire truck and construction zone, this museum lets toddlers roleplay and imagine. Open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm.
I love the different themed rooms here. Kids love to play for hours in the veterinary clinic or diner kitchen. It’s a great way to build life skills.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Address: 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
With outdoor gardens, water play and an area just for kids under 4, this is a wonderful museum for toddlers and babies. Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm.
I visited on a rainy afternoon and still had a blast exploring the indoor exhibits. The texture garden and storybook forest are perfect for little learners.
Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum
Address: 123 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
With indoor and outdoor exhibits, this museum makes learning about the U.P. hands-on and fun. Kids love the giant treehouse, real mining tunnel and Great Lakes ship play area.
We also enjoy walking the nature trail to see native plants and animals. Don’t miss their annual fall Harvest Festival! Sweet treats, crafts, science experiments and old-fashioned harvesting fun.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Address: 39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Featuring an aquarium, planetarium, nature trails and interactive science exhibits, Cranbrook is an awesome educational experience. Kids love the guided trail walk and getting up close with salamanders, turtles and snakes!
I also enjoyed exploring giant dinosaur skulls in the paleontology lab. With hands-on activities, even toddlers stay engaged. Don’t miss the cool animatronic dinosaurs too.
Zoos & Animal Parks
Binder Park Zoo
Address: 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014
From giraffes to kangaroos, this beautiful zoo has tons of animals that toddlers will love. Open daily 9am-5pm.
I visit often since I purchased a year membership. It’s a nice walk with wide stroller-friendly paths. The petting zoo, Wild Walk and gift shop are our favorite stops.
John Ball Zoo
Address: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Featuring endangered wolves, playful otters, a tropical greenhouse and more, John Ball Zoo offers an interactive toddler experience. Open daily 9am-6pm.
I spent a whole morning here exploring. The lorikeet landing exhibit is especially neat, as the colorful birds will land right on you! Then I grabbed lunch at the on-site picnic area.
Saginaw Children’s Zoo
Address: 1730 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601
Focused on kid-friendly exhibits and hands-on learning, Saginaw Children’s Zoo is a favorite for toddlers. Open daily 10am-4:30pm.
I were impressed by the unique animals like red pandas, hyenas and lemurs. The playground, pony rides and splash area are big hits too. Bring a change of clothes and towels!
Parks & Playgrounds
Stony Creek Metropark
Address: 4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48316
With miles of wooded trails, a huge playground, farm learning center and splash pad, this park has something for everyone. The nature center also offers toddler programs.
I love exploring the trails here and having picnic lunch by the lake. The paved walkways loop through beautiful scenery that’s stroller-friendly.
Belle Isle Park
Address: 98 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
This island oasis has lovely gardens, a conservatory, sandy beaches, and giant color-coded playgrounds perfect for toddlers. Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park has stunning architecture and views.
I enjoy wandering from attraction to attraction, then picking a pretty spot for a picnic. There’s always something blooming in the conservatory too!
Kensington MetroPark
Address: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
Over 4,700 acres of wooded trails, lakes, playgrounds, farm center and nature programs. A true Michigan gem! I enjoy hiking the scenic trails, then having a picnic.
The Nature Center also has great hands-on exhibits and live animals that intrigue toddlers. In summer we spend all day – fishing, splashing at the beach, doing crafts and going on pony rides. So much to explore!
Farms – Fun Things To Do With Toddlers In Michigan
Uncle John’s Cider Mill
Address: 8614 N US-127, St. Johns, MI 48879
Offering cider, donuts, jams, activities and entertainment, Uncle John’s is fall magic. We love warming up with hot cider and cinnamon sugar donuts after picking the perfect pumpkin from their patch.
Hayrides, corn mazes and farm animals are exciting for toddlers too. Open daily 9am-7pm Sept-Nov.
Stone Coop Farm
Address: 9615 Musch Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Get up close with cows, goats, pigs and more at this interactive farm. They also make their own cheese and ice cream!
I enjoyed the animal barn, corn maze and watching the demonstration showing how they milk the cows. Open daily 11am-5pm May-Oct.
Greenhouses & Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
This 158-acre botanical gardens and outdoor museum is stunning. From tropical plants to outdoor exhibits, there’s always something new and beautiful to delight toddler senses.
I could spend hours wandering here! Interactive art installations and the kids’ garden are big hits. Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm.
Dow Gardens
Address: 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
110 acres of lush flowers, gardens and woodlands run by the Dow Company. The children’s garden has pint-sized structures, musical instruments and tunnels that toddlers adore.
I also enjoy strolling by the ponds and conservatory. Open daily 7am-9pm. On summer Thursdays they have Music in the Garden from 7-9pm.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Address: 4 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Nestled in Belle Isle park, this stunning domed greenhouse has plants and koi ponds for toddlers to explore. Open Fri-Sun 10am-3pm.
I like to make a morning of it by also visiting the adjacent aquarium, then picnicing on the island. Admission is free for residents. It’s a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city.
Indoor Fun Centers
Launch Trampoline Park
Address: 1982 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864
With angled wall trampolines perfect for little jumpers, mini basketball and a foam pit, Launch is bouncing excitement. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm.
Try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Kids will definitely have so much fun here! Many of them take turns in the foam pit and playing games like trampoline dodgeball. Parental waivers are required.
Zeeland Aquatic Center
Address: 743 Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
Geared for families with toddlers, this park has zero-depth entry pools with interactive toys and slides. I love the lazy river and splash pad play areas.
Open daily with varying hours. Kids will have so much fun splashing and floating around here. The water is kept nice and warm. There are areas for bigger kids too, like the looping tube slide!
Great Wolf Lodge
Address: 3575 N US-23, Traverse City, MI 49684.
This indoor water resort goes all out with pools, waterslides, splash areas and even a 4D spa just for kids! Kids love the zero-depth toddler pool with mini slides.
I also enjoyed the wave pool, lazy river and massive fort treehouse. They have storytime, crafts and a bakery too. It’s perfect for a weekend family getaway!
Airway Fun Center
Address: 5626 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Open year-round, this indoor park has bumper boats, mini golf, go karts, arcade and more. Kids love riding in the double kart together!
I also have fun on the indoor mini golf course. Each hole has unique designs like lighthouses, pirate ships and dinosaurs.
The bumper boats are a blast floating and bumping into each other while we get completely soaked. Airway offers great rates on day passes if you want to do it all!
Skating Rinks
Rollhaven Skate Center
Address: 5315 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48507
Open skate sessions with walkers make this rink perfect for toddlers just learning to glide. Affordable family fun!
We come on Friday nights. Kids love rolling around the rink together, even if they’re a bit wobbly. The staff is very helpful and patient with little skaters.
Riverside Arena
Address: 36635 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
Known for its great family skate times, this historic rink has been around since the 1940s! Toddler skate aids are available.
We hold hands and take turns guiding the twins slowly around the rink. It can get busy so we focus on staying in the corners and falling down together in a big giggling pile! Open year-round.
Patterson Ice Arena
Address: 2550 Patterson, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.
With “Tots on Ice” sessions, this arena gets rave reviews for beginning toddler skaters. Helmets and double skate aids are required.
Falling down is part of learning. The instructors and other parents are very supportive. Private lessons are available too.
Historical Sites & Activities
The Henry Ford Museum
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
This incredible museum covers 300 years of American history that kids and adults will enjoy. Ride in a real Model T car, explore the Allegheny locomotive and walk through homes and shops from the past.
Kids love the hands-on farm exhibit where they can milk fake cows, grind corn and more. I also enjoyed the “Heroes of the Sky” aviation displays. Toddler programs are offered seasonally.
Colonial Michilimackinac
Address: 800 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Step back in time at this 18th century fort and fur trading village! Costumed interpreters do demonstrations like blacksmithing, cooking, cannons and games. Kids love watching the soldiers march and explore the wooden watchtowers.
The kids trading post has old-fashioned toys and clothes to try on. Make sure to catch the lively voyageur songs and drumming performance! Open daily May- Oct.
Across Michigan, you’ll find amazing parks, gardens, farms, and historical sites just waiting to be explored by little learners. From the bustling cities to the scenic countryside, there are endless adventures to be had with your toddler.
The best part is that Michigan offers toddler activities lansing mi for toddlers of all ages, interests, and energy levels – both indoor and outdoor options abound. So get out there and have an unforgettable adventure with your toddler!
