Looking for family-friendly fun while the kids are out of school?

Muskegon County offers a mix of outdoor and indoor adventures, making it the perfect spring break destination. From hands-on museums to scenic trails and exciting activities, here are ten ways to create lasting family memories in our Lake Michigan beach town.

Bowling Fun – Right Up Your Alley!

Socibowl
Photo Courtesy of Socibowl

Muskegon County has a strong bowling history -Brunswick began operations here in 1906, manufacturing bowling equipment for 100 years! Today, families can enjoy a fun-filled game at one of these local alleys:

Discover What Was Made in Muskegon

After your bowling adventure, visit the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry to see how a pinsetter actually works! This three-story museum is packed with interactive exhibits, including a working Corliss Steam Engine, a hands-on spring winding machine, and displays of local inventions like the Snurfer (the original snowboard) and Raggedy Ann dolls. Don’t miss the Old-Fashioned Store on the top floor!

Climb a Mastodon!

Take a selfie with Moxie the Mastodon, a life-sized bronze statue representing the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Michigan. Then, stop by the Muskegon Museum of History & Science to grab a "Mastodons on the Loose" guide and hunt for 20 hidden “Mini Moxies” around downtown Muskegon. Inside the museum, kids can explore a full-sized Mastodon exhibit, a STEM room, and a fun and immersive lumberjack display.

Catch a Movie - Indoors or Under the Stars

Photo by Dr. Tim Reilly

Spring break weather can be unpredictable, but Muskegon has great movie options for all occasions:

  • Cinema Carousel (12 screens and a full-size carousel in the lobby!)
  • NorthStar Cinema (3 screens in White Lake)
  • Getty Drive-In (One of Michigan’s few remaining drive-in theaters, offering double features on four outdoor screens)
  • Frauenthal Center (Watch a family movie in a historic movie palace—free screenings from September through May)

Cheer on the Muskegon Lumberjacks!

Action shot from a Muskegon Lumberjacks Hockey game at Trinity Health Arena. Two players jostle for puck control near the goal as the goalie prepares to block.
Photo by Randy Riksen

If you have a hockey fan in the family, catch a Muskegon Lumberjacks home game at Trinity Health Arena. For a unique experience, grab tacos at Rad Dads’ while watching the game from above the rink.

Explore Muskegon County Libraries

Muskegon County libraries go beyond books, offering hands-on fun for kids:

Storyville Stations located at Montague, Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores, and Ravenna branches, these STEAM-focused play areas encourage kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

  • Hackley Public Library With its turret tower, stained glass windows, and historic architecture, this library feels like a castle. Enjoy craft events and interactive playtime.
  • White Lake Community Library Stroll the Story Time Trail and visit the butterfly garden for an outdoor reading adventure.

Walk, Hike, or Bike into Spring

Photo by Lillian Dotzlaff

Spring is the perfect time to explore Muskegon County’s scenic trails and parks:

Tour a WWII Submarine

The USS Silversides Museum, located on the shores of Muskegon Lake, offers a unique glimpse into naval history. Tour the World War II submarine and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, then explore interactive exhibits inside the two-story museum. The USS Silversides holds the most prolific combat record of any still-existing American submarine, having sunk 23 ships during its service.

Capture the Moment at a Mural

Wrap up your spring break adventure with a stop at the Kelsey Montague mural in downtown Muskegon. Pose in front of the colorful butterfly wings, a perfect backdrop for your family photos!

Make a Splash – Stay at a Hotel with an Indoor Pool!

After a day of exploring, unwind at one of Muskegon's welcoming hotels with indoor pools. Kids love to swim no matter the season, and parents can relax knowing there's fun right at their home base!

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