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Saugatuck, Michigan is a great Lake Michigan beach town for families who want a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed vacation time. Between the Saugatuck Dune Rides, beach time, boat rides, downtown stops, and sandy dune views, this is one of those Midwest destinations that feels easy to enjoy with kids.

It does not have to be a complicated trip. You can spend part of the day exploring the dunes, cool off near the lake, grab food downtown, and still leave room for those simple family moments that usually end up being the best part anyway.

Is Saugatuck Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes. Saugatuck is absolutely worth visiting with kids, especially if your family likes beaches, sand dunes, boat rides, cute downtown areas, and easy outdoor activities. It feels like a relaxed Lake Michigan getaway without needing a packed itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Saugatuck With Kids

1. Take the Saugatuck Dune Rides

The Saugatuck Dune Rides were one of the most memorable parts of our visit. The ride gives families a fun way to see the dunes without having to hike the entire area on foot. It is bumpy, sandy, scenic, and just adventurous enough for kids to think it is exciting.

You may notice face masks in a few of our older photos from this trip. This visit took place during the COVID-era travel period when masks were still required or strongly encouraged in certain attractions and public spaces. Thankfully, that is no longer the case now, but the memories were still just as fun.

2. Explore the Sand Dunes

The dunes are what make this part of Michigan feel extra special. Kids can climb, dig, run, and burn off energy while parents get those wide-open sand and sky views. It is one of those places where you do not need much planned because the landscape itself becomes the activity.

Hiking Through Saugatuck Dunes State Park to the Beach 🌲🥾

One thing to know before visiting Saugatuck Dunes State Park is that getting to the beach can be part of the adventure. The wooded trails at Saugatuck Dunes State Park eventually lead toward the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline near Oval Beach, making the hike feel like part of the experience instead of just the walk to the beach.

For our family, the hike made the beach feel even more rewarding. The kids had fun exploring the trails, climbing through the sand, and spotting little openings through the trees before finally reaching the water. It felt less like a regular beach walk and more like a mini family adventure through the dunes.

3. Spend Time at the Beach

A trip to Oval Beach in Saugatuck with kids should absolutely include beach time. The Lake Michigan shoreline gives families room to play, relax, swim, and enjoy a slower day. Pack sunscreen, towels, snacks, and patience, because sand will somehow follow everyone back into the car like it paid for gas.

4. Rent a Donut Boat or Retro Boat in Saugatuck

One of our favorite Saugatuck memories was renting a donut boat and getting out on the water as a family. We rented through Retro Boat Rentals, which is located at The Old Boat House on Water Street. They offer donut boats, retro boats, Duffy boats, and pontoon rentals, so there are a few different options depending on your group size and what kind of boat day you want.

The donut boat ended up being one of our favorite family activities in Saugatuck because everyone could sit together around the table, relax under the umbrella, and slowly cruise the water together.

A helpful thing to know: outside alcohol and coolers are not allowed, but Retro Boat Rentals provides coolers and ice. You can purchase drinks from The Old Boat House before your rental, including beer, wine, hard ciders, seltzers, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and some snacks. You can bring your own snacks, but not your own cooler.

5. Walk Around Downtown Saugatuck and Eat at The Mitten Brewing Company

Downtown Saugatuck is cute, walkable, and easy to enjoy with kids. You can wander into shops, grab ice cream, look around the waterfront area, and find plenty of places to eat without needing a complicated plan.

We also loved eating at The Mitten Brewing Company. It was casual, family-friendly, and exactly the kind of easy restaurant stop we needed after a day of sand, sun, and water. Places like this are always a win for us because everyone can find something they’ll eat, and nobody has to pretend they’re fancy after dragging half the beach back in their shoes.

Where to Stay Near Saugatuck With Kids

For families, I would look at hotels or rentals near Saugatuck, Douglas, or Holland depending on your budget and plans. Holland can sometimes give you more hotel options while still keeping you close to Saugatuck and other Lake Michigan beach stops.

What to Pack for Saugatuck With Kids

Saugatuck is a beach-and-dunes kind of trip, so you will want to pack for sand, sun, water, and kids who will somehow be starving immediately after eating.

• Sunscreen
• Beach towels
• Water bottles
• Snacks
• Sand toys
• Comfortable sandals or water shoes
• Change of clothes
• Small cooler
• Light sweatshirt or jacket
• Phone pouch or waterproof bag for boat rides

Final Thoughts on Visiting Saugatuck With Kids

Saugatuck is a great Michigan family destination because it gives you a little bit of everything: dunes, beach time, boat rides, downtown charm, and enough adventure to keep kids interested without making the trip feel exhausting.

If you are building a Lake Michigan family road trip, Saugatuck is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

It is the kind of place where kids come home sandy, tired, happy, and already asking when they can go back.

More Michigan Family Travel Guides

Planning more Michigan adventures? Start with my full Michigan family travel guide and check back soon for more detailed destination posts.