Top Tips for Visiting Michigan’s Adventure with Kids from a Michigan Mom
A Michigan Mom’s Guide to a Smooth & Fun Day at the Park
If you're planning a trip to Michigan’s Adventure, first of all—great choice! As a Michigan mom of four, I can confidently say it’s one of the best family-friendly amusement parks in the state. Whether you're toting babies in a stroller, chasing toddlers between splash pads, or tagging along with older kids for coaster thrills, there’s something here for everyone.
Snap a photo with Snoopy in front of the Michigan Adventure Love sign
I’ve visited Michigan Adventure four times now with young children in tow, as well as, a handful of times as a chaperone with our church youth group (40+ middle school and highschoolers). Trust me I’ve learned a few tricks of the trade during our visits. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before our first visit—what to pack, what to expect, and where to stay nearby to make it a stress-free, memory-making kind of trip.
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Wave Pool at Michigan Adventures
What to Expect at Michigan’s Adventure
Michigan’s Adventure is actually two parks in one—the main amusement park with rides and rollercoasters and WildWater Adventure, the attached waterpark (included with admission!).
For Big Kids: Roller coasters like Shivering Timbers, Thunderhawk, and Corkscrew will thrill your older teens and tweens.
For Littles: There’s a Kiddie Land area and a Camp Snoopy section made just for younger kids with mini rides and gentle thrills.
For Water Play: WildWater Adventure has water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and toddler-friendly splash zones like Half Pint Paradise and Beach Party. Honestly the water park is the best part of the entire place and the entire family can enjoy, no matter your age.
Admission: $43.00/ day (includes water park admission) **Purchase online in advance for better rates
Parking $20/vehicle
Hours: 11-8pm- Amusement Park
12-6pm - Wild Water Adventure
Carnival Style Rides at Michigan Adventure
Helpful Mom Tips:
1. Bring a stroller or wagon (you’ll thank yourself later). The park is large, and there’s a fair bit of walking. We went with a large group and camped out at the water park with our wagon. It ended up being our home base for the day and check in spot.
Frog Hopper at Michigan Adventures
2. Splurge, yet save on the Meal & Drink Ticket- Prices are crazy expensive, like what you’ll find at a typical amusement park. Avoid the headache of carrying around cash, have 1 or 2 people in your party purchase a wristband- This allows you to get an entree and drink every 90 minutes. This ends up being far more food than one person can eat and you can easily split this with one or two other people and it will save you money in the long run.
3. Get to the park before they open and hit the big rollercoasters or popular rides right when the doors open before the park fills up. This also will allow you to park and get sunscreen on and walk to the entrance.
4. Go during a week day to avoid long lines and crowds.
5. Save money by packing a picnic lunch. While you can’t bring food into the park, you can leave a cooler in your car and have a picnic in the designated area just outside. While there are plenty of food options inside, the cost can add up quickly for families. We noticed lots of groups taking a break at their cars to enjoy packed lunches and cool drinks.
6. Avoid long lines and hit the rides in the middle part of the day when everyone else is at the waterpark.
7. Bags are allowed. Thankfully you can leave small bags near the entrance of the rollercoasters in cubbies on most rides if needed. I brought a crossbody bag with my favorite small sunscreen, I-phone, credit card and ID. For the waterpark, I used a waterproof case on a lanyard to keep my phone and essentials safe—and it worked perfectly.
8. Michigan’s Adventure is a cashless park. Be sure to bring a credit card or use a digital wallet like Apple Pay. If you don’t have either, no worries—you can exchange cash for a prepaid debit card at one of the kiosks located throughout the park.
9. Grab Lockers to store valuables- Personally we love making the water park area are main meet up spot. This is also the spot where you can rent lockers to store valuables near the waterpark entrance and shower area.
Bumper Cars for the whole Family
10. Download the app There weren’t many maps posted around the park, so having everything—from ride wait times to bathroom locations and dining spots-right on the app was super convenient.
11. Grab lounge chairs at the water park before it fills up later in the day. The water park technically opens an hour after the amusement park, so send some of your group to snag your spot.
12. Write your phone number on your child’s wrist In large crowds, especially with young children, we always go over what to do if we get separated from each other. We teach them to look for a staff member or another mom with kids and ask for help. If my children are too young to have phone numbers memorized, we write it on their wrist - or use one of these temporary ID bracelet tattoos you can buy for these exact situations.
What to Pack (Especially with Kids & Babies)
Trust me, having a solid packing list can make or break your day:
Sunscreen & Hats: There's not a ton of shade, especially in the waterpark.
Swimsuits and Water Shoes: You'll want these for WildWater Adventure. A change of clothes is a good idea, too.
Turkish Towels If you have made the switch to the lightweight Turkish towels this is the perfect time. We love these ones from Amazon and have multiple colors.
Swim Diapers: Required for babies/toddlers in the water areas.
Water Bottles: While you can’t bring food into the park, you can leave a cooler in your car and have a picnic in the designated area just outside.
Stroller or Wagon: Stroller-friendly paths make this a must if you’ve got littles.
Water Proof Phone Case Ideal for the water park area.
Wet Bags/Plastic Bags: For soggy clothes, messy diapers, or surprise accidents.
Light Breathable Blanket: Great for nursing, changing, or shady stroller naps.
Portable Fan or Misting Bottle: It can get HOT in the summer and a mist.
Baby & Toddler Notes
Nursing/Feeding: There’s no official nursing station, but there are plenty of shady spots to sit quietly. Utilize the shaded benches near Camp Snoopy or the back of the waterpark.
Changing Stations: Available in most restrooms (basic changing tables).
Ride Height Restrictions: Many rides have a minimum height, so check the ride guide online before promising anything to your kiddos!
Top Meals & Snacks
Refillable Drink Wristbands: Worth it if you’ll be there all day.
All-Day Dining Plan: Can save money if you plan to eat more than once. Meals are spaced out every 90 minutes. Easily share food with your family.
No outside food allowed. Lots of food choices or eat a picnic outside.
1. Coasters Drive-In (near Mad Mouse)
Classic burgers, fries, and chicken tenders.
Diner-style vibe with indoor seating.
Great for picky eaters and quick bites.
2. The Mad Mouse Café
Tacos, nachos, and more Tex-Mex options.
Good portion sizes and flavorful.
3. Lakeside Beer Garden (near Logger’s Run)
Local craft beers and soft pretzels.
Shaded seating and a chill break spot for adults.
4. Surfside Grill (in WildWater Adventure)
Beachy food like fish sandwiches and crispy chicken.
Convenient for families in the water park side.
5. Dippin’ Dots & Ice Cream Stands
Scattered throughout the park. ( note these are not included in the regular food plan wrist band.
Funnel Cakes & Elephant Ears (by the Ferris Wheel)
Sugary, shareable, and classic theme park comfort.
Where to Stay Near Michigan’s Adventure
Want to make it a weekend trip or avoid a super early wake-up call? Here are some great nearby options:
Camping Options:
Duck Creek RV Resort (right across the street!)
Full hook-ups, playground, pool, super clean and family-friendly. Bonus: You can walk to the park!Pioneer County Park (about 15 minutes away)
Affordable and wooded with Lake Michigan beach access nearby.Muskegon State Park (about 25 minutes away)
Gorgeous lakefront camping just steps away from Lake Michigan, scenic trails, and sandy beach. Stay in a cabin or yurt, plus check out the Michigan Winter Sports complex, which also has fun summer activity options like ziplining and luging. A great nature escape after a park day.P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (about 30 minutes away)
A favorite for families! Wooded, shaded sites, access to amazing hiking trails and a stunning stretch of Lake Michigan beach. Bonus: There's the Gillette Visitor’s Center with fun interactive exhibits for kids.
Michigan Adventures has seven rollercoasters
Hotel Options:
Shoreline Inn & Conference Center – Muskegon
Waterfront views, indoor pool, and less than 20 minutes from the park. Perfect for families.
Fairfield Inn & Suites – Muskegon Norton Shores
Clean, modern, and includes breakfast. Just a short drive from the park.
Budget-friendly with solid amenities and family rooms.
FAQ’s
Would you go for two days to Michigan Adventures? No, I think one day is plenty of time to enjoy the park.
Would you stay over night in the area? Yes, This allows your family to hit the park early and make the most of the day. Plus there is so much to do in the Muskegon area, your family could easily make this a weekend trip. Visit Lake Michigan at either state parks nearby, Muskegon State Park or PJ Hoffmaster, both are great options to add a day at the beach.
Is Michigan Adventure good for all ages? Yes, The waterpark is huge and everyone can enjoy. They have Snoopy Land for smaller children and rollercoasters for older kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s Adventure is a full day of family fun—with a little planning and some realistic expectations, it can be a magical day your kids talk about for weeks. Take breaks, keep everyone hydrated, and don’t forget to snap a family photo by the entrance sign before the day flies by.
Let the kids run wild, ride the rides, float the lazy river, and soak up the joy (and probably a little sunscreen). It’s worth it!
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