50 Free Spring Activities for Families

Spring is the perfect time to get outside with your kids and make lasting memories without worrying about the cost. Southwest Michigan is full of free activities for families, from exploring nature trails and flying kites on the beach to visiting farm markets and searching for treasures along the shore. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or something in between, there are plenty of ways to enjoy quality time together in Southwest Michigan. Keep in mind that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for state parks, but this small investment unlocks even more opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the state.

How to Add More Fun to Your Visit

1. Ride Bikes at Jean Klock Park and Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails – Get waterfront views and see wildlife as you explore the 12 miles of paved biking and hiking paths. Follow loops around the golf course, across wetlands, along the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek and the St. Joseph River and up the dunes for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. 
2. Marvel at the Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade – In early May, watch beautifully decorated floral floats, marching bands, veterans and classic cars make their way through downtown St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. It’s the grand finale of the Blossomtime Festival.
3. Walk the South Pier at Silver Beach County Park – Strolling the south pier offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, the St. Joseph River Channel and the iconic north pier lighthouses. There is no charge to walk into the park and there is free parking from November through April. Plan on spending several hours of fun here!
4. Explore the St. Joseph Farmers Market – Beginning in May, browse through booths of fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, flowers, locally raised meats, wine and ciders while chatting with local producers.
5. Visit North Lake Park – This Stevensville park on Grand Mere Road is a great find! It’s uncrowded, with plenty of room to run, kick a ball, picnic or launch your kayaks. Stroll the boardwalk and learn about native plants from the informative signage.

6. Discover Southwest Michigan’s Vibrant Murals  – It’s a blast to play our free Murals Challenge! Find at least 10 Southwest Michigan murals, snap photos (silly or serious) in front of each one, log your experiences on our Visit Southwest Michigan app and earn a gift card and sticker. You will want to do it again year after year!
7. Hike through Grand Mere State Park – This hidden gem boasts rolling dunes, serene wooded trails and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Pack sand buckets and shovels to entertain the kids.  
8. Adventure at Warren Dunes State Park – This is one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous places you can visit not only in Michigan, but the United States. Reach the summit of a towering dune and race down it, then explore the scenic hiking trails and walk along Lake Michigan. Spring is a perfect time to watch for returning shorebirds. There is free entry with a Michigan Recreational Passport.
9. Discover Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve – Coastal plain marshes are rare in the Great Lakes region and one of the best preserves is right here! As you explore its five miles of trails in the spring, you are likely to spy reptiles, amphibians, many of the 100 species of birds and possibly a red fox or coyote. There are a lot of plants to identify, too — bring your field guide. 
10. Search for Beach Glass, Stones and Fossils – Rockhounding and collecting beach glass is a fun way to explore the shoreline.

11. See If You Can Spot Chicago from Michigan – On clear days with the right conditions, you can catch a magical view of the Chicago skyline from spots like Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Mere State Park and Lookout Park. 
12. Breathe in the Sweet Fragrances of Flower Blossoms – Ahh, enjoy the scented spring breezes. Visit parks, admire the blooming gardens in our towns, go for a ride by our orchards or stroll through Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. Everywhere you go in Southwest Michigan is drenched in colors.
13. Hunt for Morel Mushrooms – Search for these elusive delicacies in wooded areas.

14. Visit a Dog Park or a Pet-Friendly Beach – Let your pup run free at Kiwanis Dog Park in St. Joseph, Field of Dreams Dog Park in Buchanan or hike the beach with your leashed furry friend at Warren Dunes State Park or Roadside Beach in Coloma.
15. Visit a Library – Attend free events, book clubs and storytimes at area libraries.
16. Look for Migrating Birds – Spot seasonal birds at places like Warren Woods State Park and Galien River County Park. 
17. Stargaze – Find a spot away from city lights and gaze at the stars. Watch for shooting stars and possibly even the northern lights on Lake Michigan’s horizon.
18. Enjoy a Playground or Park – Let the kids play at parks like Riverview Park in St. Joseph or Randall Park in Coloma.
19. Go Kayaking – Bring a kayak and paddle the St. Joseph, Galien or Paw Paw Rivers. Find more destinations in our Water Trail Guide.
20. Have a Picnic at the Beach – Pack a meal and enjoy it at Rocky Gap Park in Benton Harbor or Hagar Park/Beach in Coloma. 
21. Play a Round of Disc Golf – Enjoy a friendly game of disc golf, combining the strategy of golf with the fun of throwing flying discs through wooded and open courses. Favorite courses include River Park in Benton Township and Andrews University in Berrien Springs.

22. Enjoy a Lake Michigan Sunset – The Lake Michigan shoreline offers breathtaking sunset views from numerous parks. St. Joseph’s Lake Bluff Park and Scenic Overlook Park are free all year round. 
23. Visit Antiques on the Bluff in St. Joseph – Discover hidden treasures from over 50 vendors at this premier antique show along Lake Bluff Park. It is held rain or shine on the first Sunday of the month from May through October. Browsing is free! 
24. Take a Scenic Drive – Explore charming roads lined with blossoming trees and spring greenery throughout Southwest Michigan. Two favorite roads with orchards are Hinchman Road in Berrien Springs and Friday Road in Coloma. 
25. Skip Stones at the Beach – See who can make the most skips on Lake Michigan. Find flat skippers at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area.
26. Do a Photography Challenge – Capture Spring in Southwest Michigan parks, towns and nature preserves.
27. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt – Turn any outdoor adventure into a fun-filled hunt by searching for unique leaves, animal tracks, colorful flowers and more.

28. Tour a Public Art Installation – See how many outdoor sculptures you can find in Southwest Michigan. Start at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph or downtown Dowagiac. 
29. Complete the Trails Challenge – Explore year-round trails by climbing majestic dunes, biking rugged paths, paddling scenic rivers and more. Check-in at trailheads using the Visit Southwest Michigan app — visit just five different trails to finish the challenge and win a prize!
30. Look for Butterflies – See butterflies fluttering around beautiful flowering plants. A few popular pollinators to watch for are the Painted Lady, Spicebush Swallowtail, Buckeye and Monarch.
31. Collect Pinecones and Leaves – Create nature-inspired crafts at home.
32. Try Geocaching – Use a GPS to find hidden treasures in local parks.
33. Identify Different Tree Species – Walk through a wooded trail and learn about Michigan native trees using a field guide or app.

34. Visit a Free Museum – Explore a variety of local museums that showcase history and feature interactive exhibits, including the African American History & Literature Gallery in Benton Harbor, the Siegfried H. Horn Archaeological Museum in Berrien Springs, the North Berrien Historical Museum in Coloma and the Dowagiac Area History Museum.
35. Visit the St. Joseph Lighthouse – One of the most photographed lighthouses on Lake Michigan, the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, features two historic towers on the north pier that guide ships safely into the river. Visitors can walk the pier, explore the free main-level exhibit and learn how the two lights work together as a range system to assist sailors.
36. Watch for Frogs and Turtles – Visit wetlands and ponds to spot wildlife re-emerging after the winter.
37. Explore Sand Dunes – Walk barefoot over mountains of warm sand at Warren Dunes State Park or Grand Mere State Park. Admission is free with an annual Michigan Recreational Passport.
38. Make a DIY Nature Journal – Sketch or write about the things you see on your outdoor adventures.
39. Be Awed by Surfers and Kiteboarders – Head to Silver Beach or Tiscornia Park on windy days to see surfers and kiteboarders ride the big waves.
40. Read a Book by the Water or in a Shady Park – Relax with a good book — there are benches and swings at Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. 
41. Play a Game of Frisbee or Catch – Enjoy outdoor games in an open field.
42. Visit Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery & Visitor Center – Experience year-round trails, fish feeding and wildlife viewing. Plan your visit around seasonal hatchery tours and fishing events. Be sure to see the show pond and explore the historic water wheel, too.
43. Play Pickleball – Enjoy a fun and fast-paced game of pickleball, a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
44. Be Wowed by Giant Freighters – Spring is when the Great Lakes freighters come and go from the St. Joseph Harbor. It is not an everyday occurrence, but when those giants ease between the piers, your jaw will drop. Watch them from the south pier, Margaret B. Upton Arboretum or the John E.N. Howard Band Shell along Lake Bluff Park.

45. Visit the Box Factory For the Arts & Krasl Art Center – Explore inspiring art exhibits showcasing local and regional talent, where ever-changing galleries feature paintings, sculptures and multimedia works in creative spaces. 
46. Fly a Kite – Soar a kite high above the shores of Lake Michigan at Silver Beach County Park or Jean Klock Park, where steady breezes and open spaces make for the perfect flying conditions.
47. Build a Sand Castle – Though it may be too cold to swim, you can still enjoy the beach by building sandcastles, digging moats and creating sandy masterpieces along the shore.
48. Learn about Michigan’s Fishing History – Learn about Southwest Michigan’s role in the growth of sport fishing at the Heddon Museum, where you can explore the craftsmanship behind fishing lures, reels, rods and tackle. See rare collector lures up close and admire the intricate designs that have shaped the sport for generations.
49. Enjoy a Spring Art Hop – Visit the walkable Benton Harbor Arts District to listen to live music and explore local artist galleries, studios and unique small businesses. Bring your wallet, however, to enjoy some of the best food and drinks in Southwest Michigan at the district’s popular restaurants.
50. Take Tree Top Walk – Galien River County Park showcases upland and wetland habitats. It features a 300-foot canopy walkway to a 60-foot marsh overlook tower and a 600-foot boardwalk leading to a river viewing and fishing platform.

Stay Over for More Free Memories

As you can see, you can fill many days with free activities in Southwest Michigan. So, go beyond a day trip and stay in one of our lodgings with the amenities (including complimentary breakfasts and Wi-Fi) and spring rates that fit your vacation budget. There is a hotel waiting to warmly welcome you that is only minutes from making a lifetime of memories. 

Book Your Spring Stay