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 the events happening throughout the month at Sandcastles Children's Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries!

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

July 24th-August 21st, 6-8pm

Free parenting classes hosted by Elaine Martin at the Barnett Station- 64 S. Michigan Ave. in Shelby. To register, email Elaine at elaine@passionforparenting.com or text (231 794-9693.

Wednesday, August 15th, 7pm

AFFEW Beach Sweep. Meet at South Beach House in Stearns Park, Ludington.

Thursday, August 16th

2-4pm - Family Health Fair at Baldwin Family Health Care- 1615 Michigan Ave. in Baldwin. Event is free and open to the public, and includes kids games/activities, fitness activities, health screenings, free food, and local health care resources. For more information, visit familyhealthcare.org.

5-8pm - Live music by Jimmy Dodson in James Street Plaza/Legacy Plaza in downtown Ludington.

Dusk - Movies in the Park featuring Paddington 2 at Rotary Park in downtown Ludington.

Friday, August 17th, 5-8pm

Live music by Rich Blackmore & Cheryl Wolfram at the Shagway Arts Barn- 5949 Shagway Rd. in Ludington. $5 cover for adults, children 12 and under enter free.

Saturday, August 18th

7am-3pm - HELP MAD Ride beginning at Trinity Evangelical Free Church- 1010 N. Monona Dr. in Ludington. Family fun ride featuring five different road routes, an off-road course, and a family fun ride. Registration begins at 7am and lunch is served from 11:30am-2:30pm. Fee for all riders is $35 which includes t-shirt and lunch. Family fun ride registration is $10 which includes patch and lunch. All proceeds benefit HELP ministries.

6-9pm - Waterfront Worship Summer Concert at Waterfront Park in downtown Ludington. Nationally known praise and worship artists perform at this free event. Donations are welcome and benefit HELP Ministries.

Sunday, August 19th, 6am

Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon beginning at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington.

August 20th-24th

Youth Pickleball Camp for kids in 4th-6th grades each day from 2-3:30pm at Oriole Field in Ludington. Register at Ludington City Hall- 400 S. Harrison St. by August 10th to secure a t-shirt. Cost is $20 for residents of Ludington and Hamlin, Summit, or PM Townships. And additional $35 will be assessed for those outside the area. Call D'Ann at (231) 845-6237 for more information.

Tuesday, August 21st-Saturday, August 25th

Manistee County Fair at the Onekama Fairgrounds on Portage Lake along M-22.

Tuesday, August 21st, 7pm

Live music by the Scottville Clown Band at the Scottville Clown Band Shell- 109 Green St. in Scottville.

Wednesday, August 22nd-Saturday, August 26th

Oceana County Fair at the Oceana County Fairgrounds in Hart.

Thursday, August 23rd

5-8pm - Live music by Steve Michaels in the James Street Plaza/Legacy Plaza in downtown Ludington.

8-10pm - Sunset Beach Bonfire at Stearns Park Beach in downtown Ludington. Featuring live music with Medium Well.

Dusk - Movies in the Park featuring Coco at Rotary Park in downtown Ludington.

Friday, August 24th, 5-8pm

Live music by Hazard at the Shagway Arts Barn- 5949 Shagway Rd. in Ludington. $5 cover for adults, children 12 and under enter free.

Saturday, August 25th, 12-5pm

Bus day to Big Sable Lighthouse. Round-trip bus transportation from Ludington State Park to the lighthouse with last bus leaving the lighthouse at 4:45pm. Music at the lighthouse by Bob Hausler from 1:30-3:30pm. $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Sunday, August 26th, 11am-2pm

Sunday Jazz Picnic in the Park at Waterfront Park in downtown Ludington.

Thursday, August 30th, 5-8pm

Live music by Jymi Dill in James Street Plaza/Legacy Plaza in downtown Ludington.

Friday, August 31st, 5-8pm

Live music by Brugh Foster at the Shagway Arts Barn- 5949 Shagway Rd. in Ludington. $5 cover for adults, children 12 and under enter free.

Want to learn more about all things family in West Michigan? Visit Lakeshore Family Guide and "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeshoreFamilyGuide

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