Zehnder’s Splash Village

Come and join the fun today at one of the top family destinations in Michigan, Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Indoor Waterpark. Enjoy the largest indoor water park in Frankenmuth with over 50,000 square feet of aquatic fun for the whole family.

Enjoy a six-story family raft ride and super loop body slide; zero-entry activity pool with water geysers, water basketball, and volleyball, Action River, Splash Landing play area, Dumping Bucket, Giggling Gorge, and Perilous Plunge 4 story tube slides, relax in the Whimsical Whirl Hot Tub or just float along the Crooked Brook Creek Lazy River.  

Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge

This German-themed resort offers something for all ages including 2 water slides, 4 indoor pools (one for adults only), 3 whirlpools, the Family Fun Center with 18 holes of indoor mini-golf, and over 160 video games, 2 restaurants, and a banquet and conference center.  

Impression 5 Science

This center is a dynamic, interactive space for families to play, create, and challenge their understanding of science. Its mission is to facilitate learners in scientific exploration through hands-on exhibits and participatory educational programming.   

Come experience two levels of hands-on exhibits exploring topics like fluid dynamics, kinetic energy, nature, light, and more! “Impression 5” refers to the five senses and the way that each sense is engaged.  

Potter Park Zoo

Potter Park Zoo opened in 1920 and is one of the oldest continuously operated zoos in Michigan. It sits on 20 acres adjacent to Potter Park, an 80-acre oak forest. The zoo is home to 500 animals and 180 species. Popular exhibits include North American river otters, Magellanic Penguins, the critically endangered Black Rhinos, a Giant Anteater and favorite big cats, the African Lions, and Siberian Tigers. The zoo is open 264 days a week and can be seen easily within a 90-minute walk.   

The Michigan History Museum

The Michigan History Museum has three floors of Michigan history eras depicting scenes from the earliest peoples to the late 20th century.   

Visitors can walk through a replica of an Upper Peninsula copper mine, a lumbering exhibit, and a one-room schoolhouse. Stroll a 1920’s era street complete with a car showroom, window shop, and take a seat in the old-time theatre. Both children and adults can learn so much about Michigan’s past. 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a place of never-ending discovery, with a focus on science, history, and culture. Their goal is to be a living monument of artifacts, ideas and stories told through exhibitions. Explore three full floors of exhibits, including various traveling exhibits that change through each year. You will also find a 1928 Spillman Carousel for riding and can experience the newly updated Chaffee Planetarium.  

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park features a reptile house, aviary, petting zoo, and guided safari tour through the park and prides itself on giving visitors a hands-on experience that’s as close to the wild as you can get. With animals as diverse as wallabies, zebras, pythons, and lemurs, there is sure to be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Animal Park is anything but your average zoo. Located just east of Grand Rapids in Alto, MI, this exciting new attraction boasts over 80 acres of exotic wildlife from around the globe.  

There are several attractions with indoor winter fun and special events too, including Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Don’t get stuck inside with the winter blues. Take the kids out and explore some of the exciting destinations in your backyard.