You don’t have to travel to enjoy spring break in Michigan. Here are some fun staycation spots, from Airbnbs with indoor pools to family-friendly attractions. 

While getting away from our Michigan winters for spring break is always fun, it’s not always feasible. Budget constraints, family situations, and even other commitments might mean you’re looking for some spring break fun closer to home this year. (Raises hand!)

Fortunately, Michigan has many fun staycation destinations that can help you and your family rest, recharge, and make some memories in the process. From enchanting Airbnbs that offer indoor pools to historic theaters to enjoy an old movie to indoor waterparks that will make you feel like you’re at a beach, here are some spring break staycation ideas in Michigan to take with your family. 

1. Great Wolf Lodge

Traverse City, Mich.

Our family are huge fans of the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark and family hotel. We have visited nearly every year for the past seven years—including when our family has had babies and, this year, teenagers. In fact, we just returned from our own mini spring break staycation at the hotel. 

What we love about Great Wolf Lodge is that it’s so much more than a waterpark. Our kids love the indoor waterpark, complete with three “big” slides, two medium slides, and a full kiddie pool and slide area, of course, but let’s be honest: There’s only so much indoor swimming you can do before you start to feel a little exhausted. And that’s where the genius of Great Wolf comes in—they offer the kid-favorite MagiQuest game throughout the four levels of the hotel. Kids sign up to become a “magi” with their own magic wand and embark on different quests and adventures throughout the hotel. 

The MagiQuest is my favorite part of Great Wolf Lodge. I love getting my coffee in the morning and following my kids around as they excitedly solve the clues and point their wands to bring the different elements, like treasure chests, full-size knights, and talking portraits, to life. But even past the game, there’s more indoor fun to enjoy, too, like an on-site ice cream shop, a candy store, an arcade, and an indoor bowling alley. 

Visiting during spring break might mean the hotel will be a little busier than normal, but having stayed there myself during spring break, I can attest that even at its busiest, it’s still a very enjoyable experience, especially compared to other indoor Michigan waterpark hotels. My pro tip also is to buy the Ultimate Fun Pass if you plan on going bowling and have a big family—our pass paid for itself three times over by the end of our trip! 

2. Potter Park Zoo

Lansing, Mich.

As one of Michigan’s six Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited zoos (translation: this zoo is well-run and cares about its animals), Potter Park Zoo is one of the few Michigan zoos that’s open year-round. Thanks to its year-round hours, this zoo is an ideal spring break destination. Your kids can enjoy year-round attractions like the reptile house, feline and primate house, and of course, the gift shop. 

 Hours around spring break are as follows:

• November 1 through March 31: 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
• April 1 through Labor Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you do visit during winter hours, be prepared that some of the attractions and food options may be closed, so plan to eat nearby or pack snacks for the car. 

3. Zehnder’s Splash Village

Frankenmuth, Mich.

Our family has also been a frequent visitor to Splash Village and spent our spring break staycation here last year. Splash Village is ideal for families with age gaps because it has so much to offer for all ages. This place is huge—there are two separate buildings that both house slides, kiddie pools, big pools, play structures, and even games. There’s also an arcade, and the rooms are very spacious. 

My favorite way to do spring break staycations at Splash Village is to buy a Stay and Play package that treats your family to a delicious and world-famous chicken dinner at Zenders and an on-site breakfast buffet at the hotel. 

4. Haven House

South Haven, Mich.

Grab your kids, your parents, or friends and book this South Haven Airbnb that offers a full indoor association pool. Not only will your kids have a blast splashing in the pool (which is sure to be less crowded than a water park!), but there’s also plenty to do nearby. For instance, make some memories at the nearby South Haven Ice Rink (you can rent skates there!) or pay a visit to the Michigan Maritime Museum. 

5. Brooklyn Large Family House

Brooklyn, Mich.

With nine bedrooms and sleeping space for up to 27 people, this Brooklyn, Mich. Airbnb is prepped and ready for a staycation to remember. It boasts a fully private indoor pool, a spacious kitchen, a game room, and even an outdoor playscape if the weather happens to be nice. (Hey, this is Michigan, you just never know.)

Honestly, though, that gorgeous pool would be the highlight of any spring break staycation—all you need are some poolside snacks and drinks. 

6. SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

When you can’t take the kids to a tropical destination for spring break, bring the tropical to your kids with a visit to the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium. The aquarium, located within the Great Lakes Mall, is Michigan’s largest aquarium and is a lovely way to spend the day on a dreary Michigan day. 

My kids always have a blast at the aquarium, especially in the touch pool that lets them touch a real starfish, and walking through the ocean tunnel with tons of fish and even sharks swimming overhead. You can also extend the fun of an aquarium visit (and save some money) by bundling your aquarium ticket with another attraction, like the Peppa Pig Playground or Legoland Discovery Center. And don’t forget to make a reservation to eat at the Rainforest Cafe when you’re done!

7. Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Detroit, Mich.

The Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center has been on my Michigan bucket list forever because it looks like something all five of my kids would enjoy. The center brings exciting outdoor adventures to life indoors with hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators, and more.

The center includes everything from a full campsite complete with a “campfire,” a giant tree slide, pine forest and trails, laser hunting, river rafting, underground mining, and airplanes. There’s even an archery center where kids can shoot their shot. Please note that the center is closed on Mondays and only takes group reservations on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. 

8. Grand Rapids Museum

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Several years ago, our family spent our spring break staycation in Grand Rapids, Mich. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Grand Rapids, which offered a small splash pad feature, which was perfect for the under-6 crowd. Then, we spent a day at the Grand Rapids Museum, which was one of the most enjoyable museums I have ever visited. It has activities for all ages, and our kids still talk about the real mummies they saw there, along with the foot-binding display, and the old street exhibit. 

The indoor arcade with some old-school games like Tetris and Donkey Kong was also a huge hit. (My husband, especially, didn’t want to leave!) If you have younger kids, I also highly recommend visiting the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum—it’s an absolute blast, especially the giant bubble exhibit. 

We ended our staycation with a trip to the John Ball Zoo, which usually opens up for the season sometime at the end of March. (Side note: the John Ball Zoo is my favorite Michigan zoo to visit!) 

9. Indoor Infinity Pool Midland 

Midland, Mich.

Sixteen guests could pile into this Midland, Mich. Airbnb, which has attractions like an indoor infinity pool, a wine barrel hot tub, and a gorgeous natural-light drenched sunroom that makes me want to curl up and recharge in the sun like a lizard. 

This Airbnb also has a special story—the host, Flint, includes the story of how his rental came to be: He created the home for his wife, Sarah, after she was diagnosed with cancer. She was able to spend happy memories with the people she loved in this home before her passing, and he now operates it in her memory. 

10. Shelby Township Home

Shelby Township, Mich. 

If I could pick one spring break destination from this list, I think this Airbnb in Shelby Township would be it. Not only is the pool and hot tub area absolutely gorgeous—with a fireplace on-deck to enjoy poolside and plenty of seating—but it also has multiple other amenities too. For instance, there’s a huge game room with plenty of old-school arcade game machines to keep your whole group occupied and a luxury kitchen and bar right on the property. 

You’ll have everything you need to enjoy a staycation right on site, including a fully-stocked kitchen, but the home is also conveniently located near plenty of shopping and dining if you feel like going out for the evening. 

11. Kalamazoo Chalet

Kalamazoo, Mich.

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a chalet for a staycation, you’re in luck, because this Kalamazoo chalet has spring break openings for your whole family. Not only is there a full indoor heated pool with all the toys, but there’s also a giant indoor hot tub. 

There’s plenty of space for your kids to run around and play, a pool table to enjoy, and you can sip your morning coffee with a view of the lake outside the back porch. 

12. Redford Theatre

Detroit, Mich.

Michigan mom of seven Joanna Schlaud recommends taking your family on a spring break staycation to Detroit. “I think spending time in Detroit is special!” Schlaud says. “They have amazing restaurants and speakeasy bars, there’s the historic Kings Book, shows, and old movies at the Redford Theater. So many options!”

If you haven’t heard of the Redford Theatre, it’s a historic, three-story neighborhood movie house that first opened on January 27, 1928, and featured a Japanese motif. It’s beautiful to enjoy just for its historical value, but it also hosts old-time movies and shows. Some of their upcoming shows include a Sleeping Beauty ballet that looks downright dazzling, Gone with the Wind, The Sandlot, and Star Wars.