Michigan’s hot summer weather can be both a blessing and a curse. When the temperatures become a little too unbearable for outdoor exploration, never fear: the Great Lakes State is home to plenty of incredible indoor wonderlands that encourage learning, discovery, and togetherness for family members of all ages. Here are ten incredible hands-on museums to check out this summer.
1. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids)
While this fun-filled museum in downtown Grand Rapids is geared toward young children, it’s nearly impossible to visit without sparking your childlike imagination -- no matter what your age. This multi-level wonderland of costumes, make-believe storefronts, giant bubbles, and more encourages play and exploration for excited kiddos.
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2. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor)
It’s right there in the name: this museum is all about being hands-on! Set aside a few hours during your next trip to Ann Arbor and venture through this fascinating spot, which encourages young visitors to explore everything from electricity to music-making through an incredible array of interactive exhibits. Once your family steps inside, they might never want to leave.
3. Impression 5 Science Center (200 Museum Dr, Lansing)
Science is the name of the game at this Lansing fixture, which seeks to bring the joy of scientific discovery and understanding to visitors of all ages. From water to chemistry to the great outdoors, there are exhibits here to introduce young learners to all sorts of topics — and they’ll leave feeling inspired. Impression 5 also offers a variety of educational programming opportunities and summer camps, so the learning never has to end!
This amazing attraction in the Kalamazoo area brings the fascinating world of aviation right to your fingertips. Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-timer, we promise you’ll have a blast at the Air Zoo. Try your hand at a flight simulator, participate in one of several plane-themed rides, or marvel at historical replicas throughout the museum. What’s not to love?
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5. The Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn)
This massive museum complex in Dearborn truly has a little something for everyone. While much of the museum is not hands-on, you’ll find a truly immersive experience as you explore some of the Henry Ford’s special events or venture through Greenfield Village, which brings history to life with its re-enactors, Model T rides, and functional historic shops. You’ll wonder if you’ve hopped into a time machine.
6. Upper Peninsula Children's Museum (123 W Baraga Ave, Marquette)
If you find yourself in the U.P., prioritize a trip to this awesome Marquette museum. A plethora of highly interactive exhibits helps families learn about everything from the human body to the animal kingdom, and it’s tough to imagine a more fascinating experience for little ones. There’s no better place to combine genuine learning with all sorts of up-close and personal fun.
7. Michigan Science Center (5020 John R St, Detroit)
There’s no telling what you’ll discover with a visit to the Michigan Science Center. This one-of-a-kind museum houses five theaters, countless hands-on exhibits, and a wide array of scientific demonstrations that will leave the whole family enthralled. Whether you’re checking out the on-site planetarium or catching an educational IMAX movie, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad time here.
8. Curious Kids' Museum (415 Lake Blvd, Saint Joseph)
Has your kiddo ever dreamt of hosting their own TV show? At the Curious Kids’ Museum, they can do just that — this awesome spot in St. Joseph features a make-believe television studio where children can try their hand at presenting the news. If that’s not enough, the museum also offers a simulated market, vet clinic, and radio station — among so much more. What could be better?
While this wonderful Flint museum houses some exhibits that are more geared toward adults, it has no shortage of hands-on opportunities for visitors seeking a more "touchable" experience. Check out Wisner's Whizbang Emporium, a section of the museum that seeks to spark interaction between imaginative explorers of all ages. Check out a real ambulance, cook a make-believe dinner, or settle down and read a book or two. There’s no better way to spend a hot summer afternoon.
10. Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (315 W Genesee Ave., Saginaw)
This fantastic attraction in Saginaw encourages learning and exploration for aspiring doctors, astronauts, and everything in between. Most exhibits at the museum are geared toward kiddos 12 years of age and younger, but parents will certainly be excited by the unique opportunities for discovery offered on-site. Whether your kids visit for a field trip or as part of a family vacation, they’ll never forget their stop at the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum.
Did we leave any of your favorite museums off the list? We would love to hear your suggestions in the comment section below. Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring with the whole family!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Hello, my name is Jacki and there are three things I do every time I visit a new state. The first thing is, of course, creating an extensive list of all the food I want to try in an area.
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The second thing I do is figure out if there are any baseball games during my stay. In fact, the first thing I did when I moved to Michigan a few years ago was attend a Tigers game. No exaggeration - that's how I spent my first day of living in Michigan.
The third thing I do is a deep dive into nearby museums. In this instance, Michigan is an incredible state. I mean, we're home to the top museum in the country for two years running! However, that's not the Michigan museum I want to talk about today.
Today, I'd like to take you on a (virtual) trip to a Michigan museum that houses one of the most unique mini-gold experiences I've ever had. Let's go to the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Cranbrook Art Museum is located about 30 minutes away from the Metro Detroit area. This fabulous museum is a part of the private Cranbrook Academy and is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Along with the purchase of 11 holes of artist-designed mini-golf, visitors also get to explore the museum and its surrounding grounds. There are a variety of gardens to walk through, including the Japanese Garden pictured above.
The entire experience of this museum and its incredibly manicured grounds was lovely. Before we made our way to the mini-golf course, we explored the variety of gardens on the grounds, including the Japanese Garden pictured above.
There's also a Bog Garden that almost had me feeling like I was back in Florida again.
My favorite part of adventuring around the extensive grounds at this Michigan museum was tucked between the Japanese and Bog gardens. It was a gigantic non-descript tree that grew all the way to the ground - that you could walk inside.
Of course, I did! It was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life. It felt like I was smack in the middle of a J.R.R. Tolkien book!
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After spending some time inside of a massive tree, we made our way to the unique mini-golf course at this Michigan Museum. You can see it sprawled along the museum grounds above.
To the right of this Michigan putt-putt course, there is a gorgeous fountain filled with sculptures, providing a beautiful view throughout your play.
There are 11 holes at this artist-designed mini-golf course at the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After playing through the first hole that saw us traversing gates and fountains, I knew I was in for a one-of-a-kind experience.
It didn't hurt that I got the ball in the hole in only two strokes. Even better - on the second hole, which was an echo of a light fixture inside the museum, I got a hole-in-one... on my first try!
I say first try, because the second hole was pretty tricky. The two moms and four kids who played through before us made many attempts before finally getting a hole-in-one! During our playthrough, they offered more than once to let us play ahead of them.
However, they were having so much fun together that they were adding to our own fun, so we told them we weren't in a rush and kept playing fun holes like the one pictured above.
That one was the only one I couldn't learn from the previous player's mistakes - the entire green was hidden from view.
Some holes didn't start off like normal mini-golf holes. For example, "At The Wheel" (pictured above) had us placing our ball in a giant vase, rotating it, and then releasing the ball to land wherever the vase shot it out. I... was not good at this hole, y'all.
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Other holes focused on design elements, like the aforementioned museum lights or the chairs pictured below.
This one was way more fun to watch the group before us play than it was to play through ourselves. This hole saw the non-putting players sit in the chairs and try to distract the golfer with their legs. The group before us got really into it in the most wholesome way.
Each hole comes with a placard that talks about the inspiration for the hole, as well as any playing mechanics you might need to know. I loved how many of these holes were focused on the architecture and buildings around the museum grounds.
As we played through the hole pictured above, we could look up and see the full version right in front of us. The entire course was just so thoughtful and artfully designed.
After playing through the course, we explored the library right across from the museum. The art books available to peruse at this museum were incredible. True pieces of history that you'll need the assistance of one of the librarians to look through. We're going back to the library on its own for a full day coming up soon.
We met up with the families playing before us while we were looking through the gift shop. They asked us who won and I was so proud to tell them that it was me! Also - even if you don't plan to buy something, definitely stop by the gift shop at the Cranbrook Art Museum, because there is some absolutely stunning stained glass inside.
Visiting the Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills was such a full day of fun. I honestly thought we'd go for a couple of hours, play some mini-golf, and head back home. Instead, I got a full day of inspirational fun. Honestly, I can't wait to go back - to the museum, to the library, to the Science Center, and to play (and win!) the most unique mini-golf in Michigan.
Plus, I know where I'm eating next time I visit in the wintertime, too. I've always wanted to eat in an igloo. Guess what? There's a restaurant right down the road that allows diners to do just that!
Hmm, this is beginning to sound more and more like an overnight trip. Maybe I should find a place to stay too? If I suddenly come into a bunch of money and decide to splurge, I'm staying here. However, that's not a likely scenario for me, so I also found this cute spot.
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I'm feeling ready to play another round of mini-golf, too, y'all. Have you visited any unique mini-golf spots in Michigan? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!
