Kid-Approved Family Fun in South Haven

Inspiration for the Family Itinerary

Planning a family getaway? These kid-approved attractions and activities make South Haven an easy destination for memory-making adventures.

Splash, climb, cruise, create, and explore your way through South Haven with tried and true favorites, plus new experiences waiting to be had.

Add These Recommendations To Your Bucket List

See This Month's StoryWalk® at the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
903 S. Bailey Avenue

Combine story time and outdoor exploration as pages from a children's book are displayed along a wooded walking path. It's a fun way to get little legs moving while enjoying a new story together.

Discover more at www.libertyhydebailey.org

Climb Aboard the Friends Good Will Splash Pad
10 Water Street

This splash pad takes its name from the same Michigan Maritime Museum tall ship that cruises by several times a day. Located at South Beach near restrooms, concession stands, and the South Haven Lightouse.

Explore Kid's Corner Park
82 Monroe Street

Features colorful climbing structures, slides, swings, and plenty of room to play. Across the street is public beach access to South Beach via the Blue Stairs.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Build sandcastles, splash in Lake Michigan, hunt rocks and fossils, and discover lakeside trails. South Haven offers more than a dozen public beach access points, including the award-winning South Beach, recognized as Michigan's Best Beach in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Awards. Want to find fossils and unique rocks? Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is the place to find them!

Explore Beaches and Waters

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Michigan

See South Haven from the water aboard a sightseeing cruise, charter, or floating tiki! In South Haven, there's no shortage of ways to get on the water.

Explore Boat Rides & Fishing Charters

Catch a Movie at The Michigan Theatre
210 Center Street

Step inside this historic downtown theater for family-friendly films and classic movie-going charm. It's a great option for rainy days or an evening outing.

See What's Playing Now

Get A High Score At Rocket Arcade
237 Broadway Street #6

Enjoy unlimited play on more than 75 retro arcade games, pinball machines, and classic amusements for all skill levels. From Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to air hockey, racing games, and modern favorites, Rocket Arcade brings generations of gaming together under one roof.

Pro-Tip: See the full game list here.
Grab a Summer Pass for unlimited play Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Visit the Michigan Maritime Museum
260 Dyckman Avenue

Discover hands-on exhibits, historic vessels, and Great Lakes history designed to engage visitors of all ages. In addition to museum exhibits and boat rides, The Michigan Maritime Museum hosts a lecture series, interactive children's classes, and weekly Story Time. A visit here can quickly fill an entire afternoon!

Visit The Michigan Maritime Museum Online

Cool Off in Stanley Johnston Park
202 Dyckman Avenue

Located along the South Haven Harborwalk, Stanley Johnston Park is a shady place to pause between the piers. Take a break under the trees, enjoy harbor views, read the historical placards, and let kids stretch their legs at the playground before continuing your waterfront walk or bike ride.

Up for The Challenge?
Download the Harborwalk Map and see the sights from pier-to-pier.

Bowling & Mini Golf at Lakeside Social
9921 Blue Star Memorial Highway

10 lanes of bowling, an 18-hole miniature golf course, karaoke nights, and a full-service restaurant under one roof make Lakeside Social an easy choice for family get-togethers.

Reserve Your Lane Today!

Experience Lake Arvesta
06464 Arvesta Drive

This outdoor adventure park features a series of man-made inland lakes that offer swimming and paddling, ginormous water slides, an inflatable water course, wake cable park, live music, and special events like Triathlons and volleyball tournaments. But the fun doesn't end at the water. Mini golf, pickleball, bike trails, and a nationally renowned disc golf park make Lake Arvesta Michigan's Ultimate Family Recreation Park!

Learn More

Visit Bumbleberry Acres

Meet farm animals, pick seasonal produce, browse the farm market, and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the year at Bumbleberry Acres. Fall brings even more fun with the corn maze and harvest season attractions.

More Farms & Markets

Walk or Bike the Kal-Haven Trail
[Click to Pull Up the Traihead on Google Maps]

This scenic trail stretches between South Haven and Kalamazoo through forests, farmland, and small towns. Families can enjoy a short outing, enjoy views of the river, and spot wildlife and migrating birds.

Pro Tip: Pose for a family selfie at the Great Lake-to-Lake Buoy! Route 1 of this cycle tour stretches 275 miles from South Haven to Port Huron.

Take an Ice Cream Break

Nothing says vacation quite like ice cream by the lake. South Haven offers plenty of spots to grab a cone and enjoy a sweet treat together. Sherman's Dairy Bar is a signature staple, South Pier Creamery is a frosty oasis downtown, and DeGrandchamps Ice Cream Shop makes for a great cooldown after an afternoon picking blueberries.

Explore Sweet Treats & Bakeries

Explore the South Haven Center for the Arts

Discover rotating exhibits, family-friendly programs, and creative classes throughout the year. It's a great place to inspire young artists and curious minds!

Visit the SHCA