Oval Beach, Saugatuck. World famous Oval Beach. www.saugatuck.com/ovalbeach

Saugatuck Dunes and Felt Mansion, Saugatuck. The dunes provide a gentle hike that ends on the shores of Lake Michigan. Also, the Felt Mansion hosts tours, concerts and events. Saugatuck Dunes & Felt Mansion

Pier Cove, Fennville. A great little beach. We loved it when our kids were little because of the creek that flows out. It creates a safe beach experience for young ones. Parking is limited, so get there early. Its also the site of an old Pier where fruit and timber was shipped back to Chicago.www.saugatuck.com/piercove

Rosy Mound, Grand Haven. Another great place to hike. It's not as gentle as Saugatuck Dunes (it has more stairs) but its well worth the hike. Rosy Mound takes you through the dunes and opens to Lake Michigan. A great place to spend an afternoon exploring. www.miottawa.org/Parks/rosymound

Kids Corner, South Haven. A huge wooden fort built for exploration, close to South Beach in South Haven. It's a kids paradise! www.michigan.org/kids-corner

Kal-Haven Trail, Kalamazoo-South Haven. The Kal-Haven Trail is 34 miles long and connects Kalamazoo and South Haven. You can ride all the way, or pick a small part and explore. www.michigan.org/property/kal-haven-trail