The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There's so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that's part of what makes being here so amazing!

Every season in West Michigan has it's unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the "young at heart". Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there's always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!

In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children's Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries!

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in July:

Every Tuesday in July, 9am-10:30am

Summer Soccer Open Fields at Bryant Soccer Complex- corner of Bryant Rd. and Washington Ave., Ludington. Kids going in grades 6th-8th are invited to drop-in open fields every Tuesday in July. The event is hosted by local volunteers and is not affiliated with the Ludington Soccer Club although they do encourage players to participate. For more information, call (231) 342-3072.

Every Wednesday in July, 9am-10:30am

Summer Soccer Open Fields at Bryant Soccer Complex- corner of Bryant Rd. and Washington Ave., Ludington. Kids going in grades 3rd-5th are invited to drop-in open fields every Tuesday in July. The event is hosted by local volunteers and is not affiliated with the Ludington Soccer Club although they do encourage players to participate. For more information, call (231) 342-3072.

Now through July 7th

Registration open for Youth Golf Programs at Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar- 2501 Wilson Rd. in Silver Lake. A weekly Wednesday Golf Camp for kids age 10-14 in either the Beginner or Advanced skill level is $10 per week or $40 pre-paid online for five weeks. A weekly Thursday Golf Junior Tour is offered for kids age 8-17 who can play 9 holes walking and keep score, at a cost of $10 per week plus a $5 registration fee. Golf clubs are recommended but not required. Program runs from July 7th-August 4th. Visit goldensandsgc.square.site to register or for more information.

Now through July 23rd

Applications being accepted for the Miss Mason County Princess Pageant to be held during the Scottville 10 + 31 Celebration. The pageant will be held on Friday, August 6th at 6pm at the Scottville Clown Band Shell- 105 Green St., in Scottville and is open to girls age 4-7 years old. Parents/guardians may email Andrea Shoop, event chair, at shoopa425@gmail.com for an application or with questions.

Wednesdays from June 16th-July 28th, 9am-12pm

Summer Softball Clinic for girls in 6th-12th grade at Oriole Field (Diamond 1)- 700 W. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. Students must be enrolled in Ludington Area Schools or live in the school district. 9-11am will be Fielding & Hitting and 11am-12pm will be Pitching & Catching, both directed by Ludington High School players and coaches. This clinic is not affiliated with Ludington Recreation or the City of Ludington.

Mondays & Wednesdays, June 14th-Beginning of 2021 School Year

Mason County Central Food Service Free Meals for Kids in Ludington. Meals are free and non-income based. The packages include breakfast and lunch. Times/locations for meals are listed below. Call Mary Ann Nielsen at (231) 757-5721 for more information. Foster Elementary School Service Entrance- Filer & Emily Streets, Ludington: 1:30-2:30pm
Ludington High School (Rear entrance on east side of the building): 1:30-2:30pm

Thursday, July 1st-Monday, July 5th

Our Patriotic Space Decorating Contest presented as part of the Ludington Area Jaycees Annual Freedom Festival, this event invites participants to showcase their patriotism by creating an outdoor display at their home or business. For more information, visit facebook.com.

Friday, July 2nd, 10:15pm

Hamlin Lake Fireworks from Camp Douglas Smith directly across the lake from Wilson Hill Park on Barnhart Road.

Sunday, July 4th, 12:30pm

Annual Freedom Festival 1-Mile Dash beginning at Leveaux Park- 900 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Over 30,000 people line Ludington Avenue on July 4th to watch the Freedom Festival Parade. Prior to the parade, runners will race past the crowd, down Ludington Avenue from Washington to Lakeshore. For more information, visit facebook.com.

CANCELED FOR 2021

Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival Children & Pet Parade. Costume contest with four categories: Best Group, Best Use of Pet, Most Original and Most Patriotic. Prizes for the winners and goody bags for all participants. Line up at the corner of Loomis/Ferry Streets at 6pm, with step off at 6:30pm. The parade will travel to Waterfront Park and end with the awards ceremony. Downtown Ludington.

Sunday, July 4th

Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival Parade & Fireworks. Parade at 1pm beginning at Madison and Ludington Avenues, traveling west to Lakeshore Drive, then North to the entrance of Stearns Park. Fireworks at dusk over Lake Michigan.

Saturday, July 10th, 9am-2pm

Young Eagles Rally at the Mason County Airport- 5300 W. US-10, Ludington. Kids ages 8-17 can take a free airplane ride with an experienced pilot. Kids must have signed consent from a parent to participate. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, contact Bob Taylor at (231) 690-0397.

Saturday, July 10th, 11am-3pm

History Hunt at Historic White Pine Village- 1687 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington.

Saturday, July 17th, 5pm-9pm

Buccaneer Bash at the Ludington Boat Club- 502 E. Lake St., Ludington. Music by local band RPM.

July 21th, 11:30am-12:30pm

West Shore ESD InspiREADING Program will be distributing free books for children newborn to fifth grade, and parent resources to support literacy in the home at The 10 Spot- 5750 US-10, Ludington.

Wednesday, July 21st, 7pm

Presentation: Live Birds of Prey at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater- 8800 M-116, Ludington.

Thursday, July 22nd, 11am-3pm

Living History Days at Historic White Pine Village- 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Laura Ingalls Wilder will be visiting the Village to greet visitors and share with them how she grew up in the late 1800’s.

Thursday, July 22nd, 8pm-10pm

Sunset Beach Bonfire at Stearns Park Beach- 420 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Live music.

Saturday, July 24th, 6pm

West Shore Banks’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert at Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St, Ludington. Beach Party, featuring Landsharks Band. Free outdoor concert with a portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools.

Friday, July 30th, 3pm-9pm

Final Friday Experience in downtown Ludington. Includes farmers market, live music, safe activities, Baby Badger rides and more.

Saturday, July 31st, 6pm

West Shore Banks’s Rhythm & Dunes Concert at Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St, Ludington. Rock out to your favorite music from the 1980s. Free outdoor concert with a portion of the proceeds from vendor sales donated to the music programs at three Mason County schools.

More Family Fun...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.