The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There's so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that's part of what makes being here so amazing!

Every season in West Michigan has it's unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the "young at heart". Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there's always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!

In addition to the following list, check out all the Easter Egg Hunts and events taking place this month. Sandcastles Children's Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries also have regular activities scheduled for families with kids of all ages !

Here's a list of family friendly events happening along the lakeshore in April:

Friday, April 19th

4:30-7pm - Lenten Friday Fish Fry at Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 E. Bryant Rd. in Ludington. Entree selections include Fried Perch, Fried Jumbo Shrimp, Perch/Shrimp Combo, Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon, and a child's choice of Macaroni and Cheese, all served with either French Fries or Baked Potato, Coleslaw, Applesauce, Dinner Roll, and your choice of a delicious homemade dessert. All meals include a choice of coffee, water, or Indian Summer Apple Juice. Adults are $12 and children are $6. Take out orders are available.

6pm - 4-on-4 Donkey Basketball Tournament at the Pentwater High School Gym- 600 Park St. Pentwater school staff, parents, students, and alumni will play basketball while riding on donkeys as a fundraiser for the Pentwater Junior Class. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and early tickets purchase is strongly encouraged. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the school office. Children under age 12 are eligible to have a free donkey ride at intermission. For more information, call Erika Fatura at (231) 869-4100, extension 243, or visit donkeyball.com.

Saturday, April 20th

10am - Earth Day Trash Dash in downtown Ludington. Meet at Legacy Plaza (formerly James St. Plaza). Bags and gloves provided. Prizes for most trash collected and most unique item found.

10am-1pm - Free Prom Boutique at the Briny Building- 50 Filer St., Suite 222 in Manistee. Over 600 formal dresses, shoes, and accessories available free to all high school girls. For more information visit www.facebook.com/promboutiquemanistee.

4-5pm - Rooster Bingo at Red Rooster Coffee & Community- 207 S. James St. in Ludington. FREE to play, with tons of fun prizes! All ages welcome. Limited seating.

Saturday, April 27th

10am-1pm - Free Prom Boutique at the Briny Building- 50 Filer St., Suite 222 in Manistee. Over 600 formal dresses, shoes, and accessories available free to all high school girls. For more information visit www.facebook.com/promboutiquemanistee.

10am AND 1pm - Western Michigan Old Engine Club garden tractor pulls at Scottville Riverside Park- 700 S. Scottville Rd. Dead-boat pull at 10am and transfer sled pull at 1pm.

4-5pm - Rooster Bingo at Red Rooster Coffee & Community- 207 S. James St. in Ludington. FREE to play, with tons of fun prizes! All ages welcome. Limited seating.



Tuesday, April 30th, 3:30-5pm
Fit Club Multigenerational Event at Oakview Medical Care Facility- 1001 Diana St. in Ludington. The event will partner children with seniors from Oakview Medical Care Facility as they make a recycled craft in honor of Earth Day. They will also enjoy a healthy snack of fruits and vegetables. Children of all ages are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (231) 845-2222.

More Family Fun...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.