15 Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Michigan for 2025
Looking for the perfect Michigan beach where kids can splash safely, teens can explore, and grown-ups can finally relax? I’ve explored the Great Lakes from top to bottom, and these are my absolute favorite family-friendly beaches for 2025. Whether you love Lake Michigan’s iconic dunes, the warm shallows of Lake Huron, or the wild beauty of the Upper Peninsula, you’ll find your next summer adventure here.
Discovering the Perfect Michigan Beach for Your Family
With over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan offers endless beach options—but don’t let that overwhelm you. I’ve explored nearly every stretch, from bustling city beaches to quiet hidden gems, so you don’t have to. Whether your family loves splash pads, soft sand, or gentle waves, these beaches deliver unforgettable days under the sun.
Ready to find your next favorite spot? Dive into my top family-friendly Michigan beaches for 2025, and be sure to use the interactive beach map below to plan your perfect getaway.
Interactive map of the Top Family beaches in michigan
Click on the map below for an interactive Google map of the best family beaches in Michigan and start planning your getaway now!
Grand Haven State Park & City Beach (Lake Michigan)
There’s a special energy at Grand Haven—maybe it’s the wide, golden beach, the iconic red lighthouse, or the evening musical fountain show that lights up the sky. My kids love racing down the pier and grabbing ice cream downtown after a swim.
Family Amenities:
- Expansive sandy beach with lifeguards
- Concessions, restrooms, and playground
- Easy walk to shops and restaurants
- Famous pier and nightly musical fountain
Pro Tip: Bring a hoodie for the evening show—Lake Michigan breezes can be chilly, even in July.
Ludington State Park (Lake Michigan)
Ludington is where our family’s love of Michigan beaches began. With both Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, plus the winding Big Sable River, there’s water everywhere you look. The hike to Ludington State Park’s Big Sable Point Lighthouse is a must—don’t forget your camera for that classic Michigan shot.
Family Amenities:
- Two beaches: Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake
- Kayak and SUP rentals
- ADA-accessible trails and track wheelchairs
- Concessions, restrooms, and playgrounds
- Birdwatching and lighthouse tours
Insider Tip: Arrive early—parking fills up fast on sunny weekends.
Petoskey State Park (Lake Michigan)
Petoskey State Park is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. We always end up searching for Petoskey stones along the shoreline, and the crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming. The trails wind through dunes and wildflowers, making it easy to spend a whole day in Petoskey, Michigan.
Family Amenities:
- Wide, soft-sand beach with shallow entry
- Petoskey stone hunting
- Kayak and SUP rentals
- Modern restrooms and concessions
- Nature trails and picnic areas
Pro Tip: Water shoes make stone hunting much more comfortable.
Starlite Beach, Alpena (Lake Huron)
Starlite Beach is my go-to for little ones in Alpena. The splash pad is a lifesaver on hot afternoons, and the shallow water stays warm well into August. We love grabbing cones at the nearby ice cream shop after a day in the sun.
Family Amenities:
- Splash pad, playground, and volleyball
- Shallow, warm water
- Restrooms and picnic shelters
- Walkable to local restaurants and ice cream
Oscoda Beach Park (Lake Huron)
Oscoda Beach Park is one of those places where you can let the kids run free, and one of the est Lake Huron beaches. There’s a skatepark, basketball courts, and a splash pad, all right on the lake. The Oscoda downtown is just steps away, so coffee and treats are always close by.
Family Amenities:
- Soft sand and gentle swimming area
- Splash pad, skatepark, and basketball
- Band shell for summer concerts
- Restrooms, concessions, and picnic spots
Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park, Alpena (Lake Huron)
If you’re after a quieter day, Mich-E-Ke-Wis is a hidden gem. The beach is calm, the open space is perfect for frisbee, and dogs are welcome on leash. It’s a favorite for families who want a more relaxed vibe.
Family Amenities:
- Calm water and sandy beach
- Picnic tables and open play areas
- Dog-friendly (leashed)
- Close to cabin rentals
First Street Beach, Manistee (Lake Michigan)
Manistee’s First Street Beach feels like a classic Michigan summer. There’s a big playground, a splash pad, and plenty of space to set up for the day. My family loves watching the boats come in and out of the harbor.
Family Amenities:
- Wide sandy beach with accessible walkways
- Playground, splash pad, and disc golf
- Restrooms, concessions, and picnic shelters
- ADA-accessible features
Silver Beach, St. Joseph (Lake Michigan)
Silver Beach is the definition of a classic family beach day. The splash pad is a hit with little ones, and the nearby Curious Kids’ Museum is perfect for a rainy afternoon. Don’t miss the sunset from the pier in St. Joseph—it’s unforgettable.
Family Amenities:
- Long shoreline with lifeguards
- Splash pad, volleyball, and playground
- Restrooms, concessions, and picnic shelters
- Steps from downtown shops and museums
Oval Beach, Saugatuck (Lake Michigan)
Oval Beach has that “vacation postcard” feel—soft sand, gentle surf, and rolling dunes in every direction. It’s easy to see why it’s always ranked among the best in the country. After a swim, we like to hike up Mount Baldhead for a view of the river and lake. Trust me, both you and the kids will love Saugatuck.
Family Amenities:
- Clean, soft sand and gentle waves
- Picnic areas and restrooms
- Close to hiking trails and Mount Baldhead
- Ample parking
Warren Dunes State Park (Lake Michigan)
Warren Dunes is all about adventure. My kids love climbing the massive sand dunes and running down as fast as they can. There are wooded trails for exploring and plenty of space for a family picnic.
Family Amenities:
- Huge sand dunes for climbing and sandboarding
- Shallow surf near the shoreline
- Wooded hiking trails
- Modern restrooms, concessions, and camping
Tawas Point State Park (Lake Huron)
Tawas Point is a laid-back spot with a calm bay that warms up quickly—perfect for wading and paddleboarding. The historic Tawas Point lighthouse and birdwatching trails are always a hit with my family.
Family Amenities:
- Calm, shallow bay for swimming
- Lighthouse tours and birdwatching
- Beach camping and picnic areas
- Nature trails and playground
Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon (Lake Michigan)
Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon is big, clean, and full of activity. There’s volleyball, a playground, and even a submarine museum nearby for a little learning mixed with your beach day.
Family Amenities:
- Wide sandy beach with lifeguards
- Volleyball courts and playgrounds
- Trails and concessions
- Close to USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin (Lake Huron – Thumb Coast)
This Thumb Coast gem in Port Austin is a quieter spot, perfect for families who want to unwind. The boardwalk is great for strollers, and the dark sky preserve means you can stay late for some incredible stargazing.
Family Amenities:
- Warm, shallow water and sandy beach
- Wooden boardwalk and walking trails
- Dark sky preserve for stargazing
- Restrooms, picnic areas, and campground
Pro Tip: Bring a telescope or binoculars for the best night sky views.
Miners Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Lake Superior – Upper Peninsula)
Miners Beach is pure Michigan magic—towering cliffs, lush forests, and endless Lake Superior views. It’s perfect for skipping stones, wading, or launching a kayak. The short trail to Miners Castle overlook is always worth the walk.
Family Amenities:
- Scenic shoreline with dramatic views
- Rock skipping and wading
- Kayak launch area
- Trail to Miners Castle overlook
Sand Point Beach, Munising (Lake Superior – Upper Peninsula)
Sand Point Beach is my favorite spot in the U.P. for a warm swim in Lake Superior. The water is surprisingly comfortable, and you’re just minutes from Pictured Rocks cruises and trails.
Family Amenities:
- Soft sand and calm, clear water
- Picnic tables and restrooms
- Close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Ample parking
Bonus: Empire Beach (Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake)
Empire Beach is one of those places I never get tired of visiting. Just steps from downtown in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you get the best of both worlds—big waves and wide-open views on Lake Michigan, plus the calm, shallow water of South Bar Lake that’s perfect for younger kids. My family usually starts out skipping rocks and swimming in the big lake, then heads over to South Bar for sandcastles and dock jumping.
There’s a playground, grills for a picnic, and fire rings for roasting marshmallows as the sun goes down. The Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse stands right on the beach, and the Empire Bluff Trail nearby is always worth the hike for those incredible views.
Family Amenities:
- Sandy beaches on both lakes
- Playground, picnic pavilions, and basketball court
- Grills, fire rings, and boat launch
- Restrooms and drinking water
- Lighthouse and walkable to downtown shops
Pro Tip: Parking can fill up fast on weekends, so I try to get there early or park at Johnson Park and walk in. And I never skip a stop at Tiffany’s Cafe for ice cream after a beach day.
Tips for Planning Your Michigan Beach Vacation in 2025:
- Arrive early—parking fills quickly at popular beaches.
- Pack layers—lake breezes can be cool, even in midsummer.
- Check beach flags for swimming conditions.
- Try local eats—many beaches are steps from classic diners and ice cream shops.
- Don’t forget your camera—sunsets, lighthouses, and family smiles are everywhere.
Wherever you choose to spread your towel, Michigan’s family beaches offer endless summer memories. I hope you find your new favorite spot this year—see you on the sand!