<p>If you are going up towards Saginaw, stop in Frankenmuth. A kitchy tourist town done up like a Bavarian Village. Traditional German food served in a couple of large “traditional” resort-like places. And, if you’re into Christmas, Bronners is in Frankenmuth - where it’s Christmas year-round! ( the largest Christmas Store in the World…at least they say so…!)</p>
<p>Honestly, I would give Frankenmuth a miss. Even with small kids, it’s a disappointment.</p>
<p>I hear good things about Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.</p>
<p>You can take I-94 over or I-96. I-96 is the best route, go to Grand Haven (about 11 miles off I-96). There are a number of chain hotels, B&Bs to stay in Spring Lake and Grand Haven or camping at the state part. Grand Rapids is an option but you are 45 minutes or more from the beaches depending on where you stay in GR. If you take I-94 over I would pick South Haven, Saugatuck or Holland. Chain hotels in Holland, state camping grounds and B&Bs. It’s a longer drive to Traverse City, but TC is a wonderful place for a get-away. Lots of hotels, and resorts in TC as it’s a bigger place.</p>
<p>Wonder if it’s too late for the OP…but here’s a [Lighthouse</a> Tour of Michigan’s Thumb](<a href=“http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/the-forgotten-coast-a-lighthouse-tour-of-michigans-thumb/]Lighthouse”>http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/the-forgotten-coast-a-lighthouse-tour-of-michigans-thumb/).</p>
<p>Just in case there are others looking for a family friendly Michigan get away this summer (or next)…friends of ours have spent a week every summer for the last few decades at a place called White Birch Lodge - near Traverse City - very family friendly, lots of water activities, several lodging options and 3 meals a day provided of what our friends claim as very good food:</p>
<p>[White</a> Birch Lodge is an all inclusive family resort on Elk Lake in Elk Rapids, Northern Michigan](<a href=“http://www.whitebirchlodge.org/]White”>http://www.whitebirchlodge.org/)</p>
<p>A little pricey IMO, but they feel this is a little piece of heaven every summer!</p>
<p>I love to steer people to these historic resorts which are drive-bys for people heading up the lakeshore as fast as they can to Traverse City but so charming with phenomenal beaches. They are abit farther drive for the OP, but well worth it if you are going to spend time in north or northwestern Michigan.</p>
<p>[Welcome</a> to Watervale!](<a href=“http://www.watervaleinn.com/]Welcome”>http://www.watervaleinn.com/)</p>
<p>This is another off the beaten path with phenomenal beaches</p>
<p>[Historic</a> Portage Point Inn and Yacht Club in Onekama, Michigan on Lake Michigan and Portage Lake](<a href=“http://www.portagepointinn.com/]Historic”>http://www.portagepointinn.com/)</p>