beach vacation with kids

🏖️Grand Haven With Kids: Best Beaches, Lighthouse & Family Fun

/ jennifersheeman / Leave a comment
Grand Haven lighthouse and pier at sunset over Lake Michigan.
Grand Haven is one of those Lake Michigan beach towns that gives you lighthouses, sunsets, sand, and easy family fun all in one trip.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Collect Moments Family Travel!

Grand Haven, Michigan is a fun and easy Lake Michigan getaway for families. We stayed nearby in Muskegon and spent our trip enjoying beaches, lighthouses, mini golf, ice cream, shopping, sunsets, and a few simple kid-friendly stops that made the trip feel relaxed instead of overplanned.

Planning a Grand Haven Family Getaway?

Compare family-friendly hotels near Grand Haven, Muskegon, Lake Michigan beaches, and the lighthouse area.

Compare Grand Haven Area Hotels

Is Grand Haven Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes. Grand Haven is absolutely worth visiting with kids, especially if your family loves Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouse walks, ice cream stops, casual restaurants, and easy outdoor activities. It has that classic Michigan beach-town feeling without needing a packed itinerary.

Where We Stayed Near Grand Haven

We stayed at the Hampton Inn Muskegon, which worked well as a convenient home base for visiting Grand Haven and the surrounding Lake Michigan area. Muskegon is close enough to Grand Haven that it made sense for our trip, especially since we also wanted to visit beaches and activities nearby.

Hotel Tip

If hotels in Grand Haven are expensive or booked up, Muskegon can be a practical nearby option for families.

Check Hampton Inn Muskegon Prices

Best Things to Do in Grand Haven and Muskegon With Kids

1. Explore the Lake Michigan Lighthouses and Piers

One of our favorite parts of the trip was exploring the lighthouses and piers along the Lake Michigan shoreline near both Grand Haven and Muskegon. Between the long pier walks, bright red lighthouse views, beach scenery, and waves rolling in from Lake Michigan, it was one of the prettiest parts of the trip.

Red lighthouse along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon, Michigan.
The bright red Muskegon South Breakwater Light near Pere Marquette Beach was one of our favorite Lake Michigan photo spots.

Be careful near the pier, especially if waves are high. Lake Michigan can look peaceful and then suddenly act like it has something to prove.

2. Spend Time at Pere Marquette Park

One of our favorite beach stops was Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon. It has a beautiful white-sand beach right on Lake Michigan, with plenty of space for kids to play, dig, swim, and burn off road trip energy.

Two children holding blue beach buckets while standing along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Lake Michigan beach days in Grand Haven were some of the simplest and best moments of the trip.
Three children building sandcastles and playing with beach buckets along Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Buckets, shovels, sandy feet, and hours of entertainment. Grand Haven was the kind of beach town where the kids stayed busy from sunrise to sunset.

3. Watch Kite Surfers at Muskegon Beach

We also visited the beach in Muskegon and got to watch kite surfers out on Lake Michigan. This was such a cool bonus because the kids loved watching the colorful kites move across the water.

Kite surfers out on Lake Michigan near the rocky shoreline in Grand Haven, Michigan.
One of the coolest surprises in Grand Haven was watching kite surfers glide across Lake Michigan near the pier and shoreline.

4. Play Mini Golf at Craig’s Cruisers

One evening in Muskegon, we went to Craig’s Cruisers and played mini golf. They have a lot more than mini golf, including go-karts, bumper boats, arcade games, batting cages, and other family activities, but mini golf was the perfect easy evening activity for us.

Three kids holding mini golf putters at an outdoor mini golf course in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Craig’s Cruisers was a fun evening stop for mini golf during our Grand Haven and Muskegon trip.
Child playing mini golf at Craig’s Cruisers in Muskegon Michigan.
Mini golf was an easy kid-friendly activity after a day at the beach.
Family Activity Tip

Craig’s Cruisers is a good option if you need a break from the beach or want something fun to do in the evening.

View Craig’s Cruisers Activities

5. Go Shopping in Downtown Grand Haven

Downtown Grand Haven is a cute area to walk around with kids. We did some shopping, wandered through town, and enjoyed the laid-back beach-town feel. It is a nice break between beach time and dinner or ice cream.

6. Get Ice Cream at Temptations

Of course, no Lake Michigan family trip is complete without ice cream. We stopped at Temptations in Grand Haven, and the kids were very much on board with this decision. Ice cream on vacation is basically a required food group.

Kids eating ice cream outside Temptations in Grand Haven Michigan.
Temptations was a fun ice cream stop while shopping and exploring downtown Grand Haven.

7. Watch the Sunset Over Lake Michigan

Grand Haven sunsets are worth sticking around for. Whether you watch from the beach, the pier area, or near the lighthouse, Lake Michigan puts on a show in the evening.

Sunset over Lake Michigan near the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse.
Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan is one of the best ways to end a Grand Haven beach day.
Family sitting near the Grand Haven pier at sunset on Lake Michigan.
The pier area is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the evening with kids.

Grand Haven and Muskegon With Kids: What to Pack

This is a beach-heavy, outdoor-friendly trip, so pack for sand, sun, water, and kids who will somehow need snacks even five minutes after lunch.

  • Sunscreen
  • Beach towels
  • Swimsuits
  • Sand toys and buckets
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Snacks
  • Light sweatshirt for evenings by the lake
  • Dry clothes for after the beach
  • Phone pouch or waterproof bag
Beach Day & Road Trip Essentials

These are the kinds of items we use again and again for Lake Michigan beach trips and family road trips.

View Family Beach Essentials

Final Thoughts on Visiting Grand Haven With Kids

Grand Haven and nearby Muskegon make a great family-friendly Lake Michigan getaway. Between the lighthouse, beaches, kite surfers, mini golf, downtown shopping, ice cream, and sunsets, it gave us exactly the kind of easy summer trip we love.

If you are planning a Michigan family road trip, Grand Haven is a great stop to add, especially if your family loves beaches, lighthouses, and classic Michigan summer fun.

More Michigan Family Travel Guides

Planning more Michigan adventures? These family-friendly Michigan travel guides can help you connect Pictured Rocks with other stops around the state.

☀️Saugatuck, Michigan With Kids: Beaches, Dunes, Boat Rides & Family-Friendly Things to Do

/ jennifersheeman / Leave a comment
Family standing on the sand dunes in Saugatuck Michigan with Lake Michigan in the background
Saugatuck is one of those Michigan beach towns that gives you sand, water, adventure, and easy family fun all in one stop.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Collect Moments Family Travel!

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.

Planning a Saugatuck Family Getaway?

Compare family-friendly hotels, beach stays, and vacation rentals near Saugatuck, Holland, and Lake Michigan.

Compare Saugatuck Hotels

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.

Kids standing by the Saugatuck Dune Rides sign before a family dune ride in Michigan
The Saugatuck Dune Rides are a fun way to experience the sand dunes with kids.

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.

Family Tip:
Book ahead if you are visiting during a busy summer weekend. Dune rides are popular and can fill up quickly.

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.

Saugatuck Michigan sand dunes with rolling hills, beach grass, and blue sky
The dunes around Saugatuck make this Michigan beach town feel adventurous and different.

🌾 Why Families Love the Saugatuck Dune Rides

The Saugatuck Dune Rides ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Michigan trip. The ride takes you through massive rolling sand dunes, wooded trails, and scenic Lake Michigan overlooks while mixing local history, humor, and a little bit of adventure along the way. Kids absolutely love it.

You will bounce through the dunes in open-air vehicles while learning fun stories about the area and seeing views you would never normally reach on your own.

View Saugatuck Dune Ride Information

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.

Family hiking through a wooded trail on the way to Oval Beach in Saugatuck Michigan
The hike to the beach near Saugatuck gave us shady trails, sandy paths, and that first peek of Lake Michigan.
Kids hiking through wooded trails carrying beach gear at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Michigan
Getting to the beach felt like part of the adventure, especially with kids, towels, snacks, and all the beach-day cargo.
Family Tip:
Pack light if you plan to hike to the beach. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and only the beach gear you truly want to carry. Sand, hills, and overpacked bags are not exactly a dream team.

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.

Lake Michigan beach view near Saugatuck with sand dunes and families enjoying the water
Beach time is one of the easiest ways to slow down and enjoy Saugatuck with kids.

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.

Family riding a donut boat on the water in Saugatuck Michigan
Renting a donut boat in Saugatuck was one of our favorite family activities from the trip.

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.

Family Tip:
Leave extra time for parking and getting checked in. Summer weekends in Saugatuck can get busy, and boat rentals are the kind of thing you do not want to be sprinting toward with kids, towels, and sunscreen flying everywhere.

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.

Kids standing outside The Mitten Brewing Company in downtown Saugatuck Michigan
The Mitten Brewing Company was a great casual family-friendly restaurant stop in downtown Saugatuck.

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.

Compare Family-Friendly Hotels Near Saugatuck

Check hotel options near Saugatuck, Douglas, Holland, and Lake Michigan beaches.

Compare Hotels Near Saugatuck

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
Beach Day & Road Trip Essentials

These are the kinds of items we use again and again for Lake Michigan beach trips, boat rides, and family road trips.

View Family Beach Essentials

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? These family-friendly Michigan travel guides can help you connect Pictured Rocks with other stops around the state.

🌴 San Diego with Kids: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Itinerary

/ jennifersheeman / Leave a comment
Seal resting on rocks at sunset in La Jolla Cove San Diego California
Sunset in La Jolla with seals — one of the most unforgettable moments of our San Diego trip

If you’re planning a San Diego trip with kids, this itinerary made for one of our favorite family vacations.

💡 Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you!

✨ How This Trip Started (Quick LA Stop)

We kicked off this trip flying into Los Angeles and spent a couple days easing into vacation mode before heading south to San Diego.

Santa Monica Pier with Ferris wheel and ocean view in Los Angeles California
The Santa Monica Pier — a classic California stop and such a fun place for the kids to explore
  • Stayed at: City Express by Marriott Manhattan Beach
  • Walked the beach, played in the ocean, and explored a pier (the one with the Ferris wheel 🎡)
  • Watched sunrise at Manhattan Beach Pier (SO worth waking up early)
  • Drove to see the Hollywood Sign

👉 Check Availability at City Express by Marriott Manhattan Beach

If you’re looking for something closer to the beach or more walkable, you can browse other Los Angeles hotel options here:

👉 View Los Angeles Hotel Options

Then we made our way down the coast to San Diego… and that’s where the trip really hit its stride 👇

🌊 SAN DIEGO WITH KIDS

🏨 WHERE WE STAYED

📍Grande Colonial, La Jolla

Exterior view of the Colonial Grand hotel near the beach with palm trees and coastal architecture.
The Grande Colonial’s charming coastal exterior sets the tone for a relaxing beachside stay.
Oceanfront pool at the Grande Colonial hotel overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean.
Nothing beats an oceanfront pool—this was the perfect spot to relax while the kids swam.
Spacious bedroom at the Grande Colonial hotel featuring comfortable beds and coastal-inspired decor.
Clean, comfortable, and just what we needed after long days of exploring.

✔️ Ocean views
✔️ Spacious suite (perfect for a family of 5)
✔️ Great location near everything

Book Your Stay at the Grande Colonial

📍 Why We Loved This Location

The location here was honestly perfect for a family trip. We could easily walk to see the seals at La Jolla Cove, which meant we didn’t have to worry about parking or planning—it was just part of our day.

Right across the street was Ellen Browning Scripps Park, and this became our go-to spot. The kids burned off energy here, and we found ourselves starting our mornings or winding down at night with some of the best ocean views.

This location alone made the stay 100% worth it for us.

La Jolla Cove at sunset with ocean cliffs and colorful sky in San Diego California
Sunset at La Jolla Cove — one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in San Diego
Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla with ocean views and grassy area for families
Ellen Browning Scripps Park — the perfect spot to start our mornings and let the kids run around with an ocean view

🏨 Other Great Hotel Options in San Diego

If you’re planning a San Diego trip with kids, there are so many great places to stay depending on your budget and location preference.

While we loved staying in La Jolla, here are a few other great options depending on your style and budget:

🌊 Beachfront / Walkable Location

Hotel del Coronado (Coronado Island)
A beautiful beachfront resort with direct beach access and tons of space for families.

Check Availability at Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado beachfront resort with ocean views in Coronado San Diego California
A classic beachfront stay with direct access to one of San Diego’s most beautiful beaches

🎡 Close to Attractions (Mission Beach / SeaWorld Area)

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
A super family-friendly resort with pools, beach areas, and plenty of room for kids to explore.

View Family Rooms at Paradise Point
Paradise Point Resort San Diego with palm trees waterfront and tropical setting
A laid-back resort with plenty of space for kids to explore and relax

🌆 Downtown / Gaslamp Area

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Great location if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront.

Check Availability at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego skyline hotel near waterfront and downtown
A great option if you want to stay close to the city, restaurants, and waterfront views

💰 Budget-Friendly Option

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
A more affordable option that still has great views and family-friendly amenities.

Check Availability at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Best Western Island Palms Hotel marina view San Diego waterfront budget hotel
A more budget-friendly option with beautiful marina views and a relaxed atmosphere
💡 Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting San Diego, staying near the coast (La Jolla, Coronado, or Mission Beach) makes the experience feel much more “California” and keeps you close to the best views and activities.

🎉 Visiting San Diego in October (What to Know)

If you have flexibility in your travel dates, October is an amazing time to visit San Diego—especially with kids.

💰 Kids Get in FREE at Many Attractions

One of the biggest perks of visiting in October is that kids can get free admission at many of San Diego’s top attractions with the purchase of an adult ticket.

This often includes places like:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • LEGOLAND California
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • And other local attractions

✨ What This Meant for Our Trip

We were able to take advantage of several of these offers, and it made a big difference in the overall cost of our trip.

For a family, this can add up quickly—so if you’re able to plan around October, it’s definitely worth considering.

🎯 Check Current Ticket Options

You can check current availability and pricing for attractions here:

Check San Diego Attraction Deals
💡 Pro Tip: Not all passes include the same attractions, so double-check what’s included based on what your family actually plans to do.

🌊 Swimming in the Pacific (What to Expect)

Kids wearing wetsuits swimming in the Pacific Ocean at a San Diego beach
Wetsuits made a huge difference—especially for the kids who wanted to stay in the water longer

One thing we didn’t fully expect—the Pacific Ocean water is cold, especially in the fall.

Even on warm, sunny days, the water temperature can be a shock if you’re used to warmer beaches.

🏄‍♀️ Our Tip: Consider Wetsuits

If your kids love the water (like ours do), you may want to consider bringing or buying wetsuits.

They make a huge difference and allow you to stay in the water much longer without getting cold.

💡 What We Learned

  • October weather was still beautiful ☀️
  • But the ocean water was definitely chilly
  • Wetsuits made beach time way more enjoyable

🎯 Find Wetsuits Before Your Trip

If you want to grab some ahead of time, you can browse options here:

View Family Wetsuit Options
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t want to pack wetsuits, you can also rent them at many beach shops around La Jolla and Mission Beach.

📅 Our 5-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids

We like to plan one main activity per day and leave room for exploring, relaxing, and spontaneous stops. This keeps the trip fun and not overwhelming—especially when traveling with kids.

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival + La Jolla Exploring

La Jolla coastline with ocean and cliffs in San Diego

We arrived in San Diego, checked into our hotel in La Jolla, and kept this first day easy.

  • Checked into Grande Colonial, La Jolla
  • Walked to La Jolla Cove to see the seals 🦭
  • Grabbed dinner nearby

👉 This was the perfect way to ease into the trip without overpacking the day.

🗓️ Day 2: USS Midway + Coronado + Gaslamp

USS Midway aircraft carrier docked in San Diego harbor

We packed a lot into this day, but everything was fairly close and easy to get to.

  • Explored the USS Midway Museum
Check USS Midway Tickets
  • Drove over to Coronado Island
  • Walked along the beach near Hotel del Coronado
  • Explored the Gaslamp Quarter
  • Quick drive by Petco Park

👉 If your kids enjoy interactive experiences, the USS Midway was a really fun and hands-on stop.

🗓️ Day 3: Zoo + Little Italy + Sunset Cliffs

San Diego Zoo animals and exhibits with family-friendly atmosphere

This was one of our favorite days of the entire trip.

  • Spent the day at the San Diego Zoo
Check San Diego Zoo Tickets
  • Dinner in Little Italy
  • Watched sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park 🌅

👉 The sunset here is absolutely worth planning your evening around.

🗓️ Day 4: LEGOLAND + Beach Night

LEGOLAND California rides and attractions for kids
Carlsbad beach near LEGOLAND California

We took a short drive north for a really fun day.

  • Visited LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
Check LEGOLAND Tickets
  • Visited friends nearby
  • Beach time (rocky shoreline — something different and fun for the kids)
  • Pizza Night 🍕 at Pizza Port

👉 This is a great day to mix activities with downtime.

🗓️ Day 5: SeaWorld + Mission Beach + Old Town

Old Town San Diego colorful buildings and shops

We wrapped up our San Diego stay with a mix of fun and exploring.

  • Visited SeaWorld San Diego
Check Sea World San Diego Tickets
  • Biked along Mission Beach Boardwalk 🚲
  • Explored Old Town San Diego
  • Dinner, shops, and live music

👉 Old Town was such a fun way to end the trip with a different vibe and lots to explore.

🌵 Extend Your Trip: Palm Springs + Joshua Tree

If you have extra time, this is an amazing add-on to your San Diego trip.

  • Drove to Palm Springs / La Quinta
  • Hiked Indian Canyons 🌴
  • Stargazing in Borrego Springs ✨
  • Explored Joshua Tree National Park

👉 This part of our trip felt completely different from San Diego and was such a cool contrast.

✨ Final Thoughts

San Diego ended up being one of our favorite family trips.

It has that perfect mix of:

  • beach days
  • fun activities
  • great food
  • and just enough downtime to actually relax

From watching the seals in La Jolla to exploring the zoo, LEGOLAND, and the coastline, this trip had something for everyone—and it’s one we would absolutely do again.

If you’re planning a family trip to California, San Diego is one of those places that really delivers.

Save this itinerary for later or use it to start planning your own trip!