Michigan One-day road trips

“I’m bored” is a phrase that will grate on a parent’s nerves all summer long, as kids attempt to find something to pass the time with. Here are a few day trips parents can take with the kids and hopefully hear the “b” word a little less this summer.

ONE-day trip #1 

Belle Isle

62 miles from Fenton

 Belle Isle, which became a state park earlier this year, is worth the hour drive from Fenton. An aquarium, conservatory, kid’s playscape and more than 5 miles

of trails will entrance visitors for a day.

 The 982-acre island in Detroit also features a beach, wetlands and numerous statues ranging from war generals to intellectuals. An $11 fee to visit the island will be implemented sometime this year. Those who walk, bike or jog to the island do not have to pay an entrance fee. Currently, a state recreation pass is required.

ONE-day trip #2 •

Great Wolf Lodge

196 miles from Fenton

 The Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is about three and a half hours away from Fenton and is a must visit for water park enthusiasts. The 38,000-square-foot indoor water park is kept at a constant 84 degrees and features 12 different attractions for people of all ages, including water slides, lazy rivers and whirlpools. Costs vary depending on number of people and whether families are renting out rooms. Visit Greatwolf.com/traverse for more details.

ONE-day trip #3

Crossroads Village

25 miles from Fenton

 Crossroads Village, located half an hour north of Fenton at 6140 Bray Road in Flint Township, is a snapshot of history, depicting life more than 100 years ago. With attractions like The Huckleberry Railroad, the one-story Stanley Schoolhouse and Genesee Belle Paddle Riverboat, Crossroads Village is an opportunity to have fun while educating your kids.

 Fenton residents will especially want to make a visit to the Horton-Colwell Opera House, which used to be located at the corner of LeRoy and Caroline. Crossroads Village is open Wednesdays through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The season ends September 1.

ONE-day trip #4

The Detroit Zoo

49 miles from Fenton

 The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is only an hour south of Fenton, housing polar bears, tigers and zebras. In addition to numerous exotic animals and plants, the zoo has a 4-D theater, railroad and the opportunity to feed giraffes and other animals. Admission to the zoo varies by age. Adults 15 to 61 pay $26 for entry. Children 2 to 14, seniors 62 and older and active military members pay $22 for entry.

ONE-day trip #5

Greenfield Village

62 miles from Fenton

 Greenfield Village isn’t far from Belle Isle and the Detroit Zoo and is well worth the visit, especially for history buffs.

 The park, located at the Henry Ford Center, has 83 different historic structures, including Noah Webster’s home, where he wrote the first American dictionary, and a courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. Visitors can ride a Model T and a 19th century steam engine train. Greenfield Village is located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd. in Dearborn and is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ONE-day trip #6

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

221 miles from Fenton

 Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes was voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America and after one visit, it’s easy to see why. In addition to majestic dunes, the national lake shore includes 35 miles of coastline along Lake Michigan, a lighthouse and a historic farm district. Camping is available for those who want to soak up the dunes for a few days or camp on the Manitou Islands.  

 Located on the west side and to the north, Fenton residents can make it to the park in a three and a half-hour drive. For reservations and more information about the park, visit Sleepingbeardunes.com or call (877) 444-6777.

Michigan One-day road trips