Things to do in West Michigan

When you live in West Michigan area you will find a tremendous variety of family-friendly activities, events and attractions within a few miles of home.

Fairs, Festivals and Craft Shows

There are  family-friendly fairs and festivals happening throughout West Michigan nearly every week. Spend a day at a county fair that feature animals, exhibits and amusement rides.  Check out the many festivals that celebrate a season or regional specialty such as tulips, wine, strawberries, blueberries or peaches. You can also visit one of the craft shows taking place nearly every weekend at a school, church or community center.

Farms, Farmer’s Markets and U-Picks

The finest fruits and vegetables in the country are grown in West Michigan.  Quite often the farms, orchards and vineyards allow you to purchase fresh produce right at the farm. Some even offer the chance to pick the fruit or vegetables yourself. Nearly every town in the area offers a farmers’ market once a week where farmers bring their fresh produce to you.

Wineries

11 wineries and 8 tasting rooms are scattered around West Michigan. The region boasts 10,000 acres of grapes. Most of the wineries offer opportunities to sample their wine and take tours to learn about wine making. Several of the wineries even host their own special events featuring wine tasting, food, and music.

Museums, Theater and the Arts

There are plenty of choices for both children and adults when it comes to learning and the arts.  Kids can 'learn-by-doing' at a hands-on children's museum or the whole family can enjoy museums specifically dedicated to cars, boats or airplanes. Art lovers will find art centers, symphony orchestras, and local theater productions.

Nature Areas

West Michigan provides ample opportunitiy to get out and enjoy nature.  Nature centers, botanical gardens, zoos and state forests offer a wide variety of special events and programs to learn or try something new, or just go for a walk in the woods.

Camping, Horseback Riding, and Canoeing

There are many facilities for enjoying the great outdoors.  Camp at a number of private campground or a state park. Canoe outfitters offer a variety of trips on local rivers. Several areas are set aside for horseback riding for a few hours or an entire weekend

Local Treats

There are many unique, locally-produced items to choose from in West Michigan, starting at the Plainwell Ice Cream Co. in Plainwell.  Other goodies like chocolates, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, and a number of other local specialties can be purchased at shops and farm markets.

Music Venues

From small nightclubs and intimate theaters to large arenas and summer music festivals, there are many different opportunities to enjoy local, regional and national music acts all year long.

Fun Parks

How about miniature golf or go-karts, arcades, paintball, laser tag, bumper boats or batting cages, water parks and amusement parks?

Motorsports

Racetracks can be fouind across West Michigan, both dirt and paved, for cars or motorcycles. US-131 Motorsports Park and Kalamazoo Raceway are within a 10 minute drive of Watson Township. If you go over to Lake Michigan, there are places where you can take a jeep ride through the sand dunes or even take a tour where you get to drive the jeep yourself.  For those who really like adventure, check out one of the off-road parks.

Winter Activites

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't have a little fun.  Try skiing, ice skating, tubing, or tobogganing. You can also do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at a nature area, winter sports area or the state forest.