The 5 Best Beaches for Families in Michigan

The 5 Best Beaches for Families in Michigan

With over 3,000 miles of sparkling shorelines, Lake Michigan boasts some of the best family beaches in Michigan. Whether you prefer a pet-friendly, bustling beach or a quiet, accessible beach set apart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is something for everyone. With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right beach to visit. To make it easier, we’ve created this list of the best family beaches in our area. 

1. Muskegon Beach

Muskegon Beach is one of Michigan's best kid-friendly beaches. It offers a two-mile-long stretch of postcard-perfect, glittering waters and silky-sand shorelines. The water along the shoreline is shallow, making this beach an excellent spot for families with young children that are looking for safe yet quality beach fun. Feel free to bring along your furry family members, too — Muskegon Beach features an off-leash dog area. 

Parking at Muskegon Beach is free and a short walk from the shoreline. Other family-friendly features include a playground, picnic tables and clean, spacious public restrooms. Fun attractions like Michigan Adventure and the Muskegon County Museum are also nearby. 

2. Harbour Towne Beach

Harbour Towne Beach is a fan-favorite among locals, especially for those who enjoy quiet beaches perfect for picnics, reading or sunbathing. This beach is a short distance from Muskegon KOA and overlooks stunning views of a channel leading into Lake Michigan. Its quiet shorelines and gentle, clear waters allow kids to splash around safely. 

Boaters, sailors and fishers also enjoy spending time at Harbour Towne Beach with its many accessible marinas. You can expect to catch walleye and salmon here. Other family-friendly amenities include:

  • Fire pits
  • Rescue boards
  • Lifesaving equipment
  • Plenty of parking
  • Portable restrooms

3. Pere Marquette Beach

Pere Marquette Beach offers tourists an accessible, sandy beach along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It boasts many family-friendly activities and amenities, including a lighthouse, playground and snack bar stocked with ice cream and hot food. Visit The Dock for an unforgettable dining experience jam-packed with walk-up bars, games and live music.

If you ever forget a beach essential or toys, stop by the Beach Cove. This beach shop stocks beach supplies, rentals and treats. Pere Marquette Beach also features ample parking and gender-neutral restrooms, making it one of the best family beaches in all of Michigan. 

4. Duck Lake State Park

Duck Lake State Park is nestled between Lake Michigan and Duck Lake. Featuring a shallow, gentle stream that flows into Lake Michigan, this quiet beach is the perfect getaway for families with small children who want to enjoy smooth, shallow waters. 

This beach also features a boardwalk with breathtaking views of the nearby sand dunes. It also has a paved, wheelchair-friendly pathway that extends from the lakefront into the surrounding forestry.

5. Kruse Park Dog Beach

If you are looking for a dog park with crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches, you will love Kruse Park Dog Beach. At this beach-park hybrid, Dogs can roam free along a scenic walking path sandwiched between stunning dunes and the beach's shallow waters. 

This park is perfect for family picnics with its sheltered tables and public restrooms. The sand is perfect for beach fun pastimes, like a game of beach volleyball. The beach also features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that leads to breathtaking views of the beach's sand dunes.

Book a Stay at Muskegon KOA 

If you are ready to visit the best pet- and kid-friendly beaches in Michigan, book a stay at Muskegon KOA. Our amenity-rich campground is a short distance from many of Michigan's best family-friendly beaches and local attractionsReserve a campsite online today! 

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