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Thursday, 5 December 2024

Short Family Getaways from Detroit for Every Season

Ask any local, and they’ll proudly tell you: the Motor City has it all —  a scenic riverfront, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and mouthwatering eats. Despite all the region has to offer, sometimes you just crave a change of scenery and the thrill of new adventures. 

Luckily, Detroit is only a drive away from plenty of amazing places that make for the perfect weekend getaway with the kids. These not-too-far destinations are just a few hours away and packed with kid-friendly activities, exciting experiences and opportunities for the entire family to unwind. 

Winter weekend getaways near Detroit

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is open year-round and the world’s largest Christmas store.
Photo credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Frankenmuth

  • 1.5 hours from Detroit

Less than two hours north of Detroit lies Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth. This charming town is known for its German heritage, unique shops and exciting holiday celebrations and attractions like the Frankenmuth Ice Rink and the Little Bavaria Light Show. For the perfect for a holiday getaway, stay at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark so you’ll have something to do if the weather is too cold, and be sure to visit the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. 

Boyne Falls

  • Less than 4 hours from Detroit

Home to Boyne Mountain Resort, a family-friendly ski resort with winter sports activities for all ages, Boyne Falls is an awesome retreat for families looking to make the most out of the cold weather season. After a day of skiing, snowboarding or snowtubing, kids can warm up at Michigan’s largest indoor water park, Avalanche Bay. Adults can pamper themselves with spa experiences or drinks by a cozy fireplace. SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber towered suspension bridge, is a must-visit during the winter Lights in the Sky holiday display. 

Find more weekend winter getaways for metro Detroit families. 

Spring getaways for metro Detroit families 

Tulip Field at Holland Michigan during the Warmer Months
Photo Credit: Pure Michigan

Sandusky, Ohio

  • 2 hours from Detroit

When your family has a serious case of cabin fever but spring showers are dampening your fun, Sandusky, Ohio is the place to be. With several indoor water parks and arcades, there’s always a way to play. There is also mini golf, outdoor ropes courses and the main attraction, the thrilling Cedar Point amusement park, for those rare sunny spring days. This season, older kids and grown ups can take a ride on Cedar Point’s new 90-degree tilt roller coaster, Siren’s Curse. 

Holland, Michigan 

  • 3 hours from Detroit

Holland offers families a taste of Dutch culture without having to board a plane. The most popular time to visit is during the Tulip Time Festival (May 2-11, 2025) but there is no bad time to visit Holland in the spring. See millions of tulips in bloom, tour the Windmill Island Gardens, visit the Holland museum and more. 

Discover more kid-friendly spring break getaways.  

Kid-friendly summer getaways near Detroit

Photo credit: Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau

Put-in-Bay, Ohio 

  • 2.5 hours from Detroit

A weekend in Put-in-Bay offers all the perks of a tropical vacation without the need for an expensive flight. Many visitors love exploring  the island’s many shops, eateries and attractions by golf cart! Play the day away at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center or enjoy the waterfront scenery at DeRivera Park. 

Saugatuck

  • 3 hours from Detroit

Soak up the sun in the lake town of Saugatuck. Make a splash at Oval Beach, rent a boat and get out on Kalamazoo Lake or take a thrilling ride through the sand dunes . When your skin starts to turn pink and it’s time to head inside, there are live shows, tasty restaurants and enough retail stores to shop ‘til you drop! 

Fall getaways for metro Detroit families 

Photo credit: Shipshewana/ Lagrange Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau

Shipshewana, Indiana 

  • 3 hours from Detroit

Slow down and unwind in Shipshewana, an Amish community with cute specialty shops, buggy and carriage rides and tasty eats, including some of the best soft pretzels around! Learn about Amish culture and country living at a farm or museum, or discover Shipshewana’s exciting arts and entertainment scene at the Blue Gate Theatre. 

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

  • 3.5 hours from Detroit

A gorgeous fall foliage tour awaits your family in Silver Land Sand Dunes. Hit the Hart Montague Trail for scenic views of Michigan countryside and orchards, or take a thrilling guided dune ride through the end of September. No fall trip is complete without a stop at a pumpkin patch, and Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo offers tons of fall farm fun for families. For more helpful tips planning your fall trip, check out Silver Lake Sand Dune’s fall color map

Find more fall family getaways worth the drive.


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