10 Best Kid-Friendly Lake Michigan Beaches for Families
If there is one thing that families love, it’s a vacation. Lake Michigan is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Midwest, and for a good reason. There’s something for everyone with more than 1,600 miles of coastline to explore.
If you’re looking for a beach perfect for families with kids, look no further. Instead, check out our list of the ten best Lake Michigan beaches for families! These beaches offer plenty of activities and attractions to keep your little ones entertained all day.
- 57thStreet Beach
57th Street Beach is one of the best Lake Michigan beaches for families because it offers a variety of kid-friendly amenities and activities.
The beach has a spacious playground, plenty of picnic areas, and a large pavilion that you can rent for parties or events.
Also, the beach offers a variety of water sports and activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and sailing.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach is well-maintained and clean, and plenty of amenities are nearby if you need them. There are also lifeguards so you can feel confident that your family is safe.
Expert Tip
The beach is situated on Lake Michigan, providing stunning views of the Chicago skyline. The beach is also connected to Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, making it easy to get around by bike.
- Loyola Beach
Loyola Beach is located within Loyola Park in East Rogers Park and is one of the best kid-friendly beaches in the area.
The beach has a playground, plenty of sand for building sand castles, and concession stands for grabbing snacks. In addition, the beach is well-maintained and clean, making it an excellent option for families.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There is a playground area and a Splash Pad you can also engage in volleyball games. There is also a concession stand where you can purchase food and drinks.
Moreover, the beach is also near public transportation, making it easy to get to and from the beach.
Expert Tip
In addition, the nearby Loyola Park offers a variety of biking and hiking trails, a basketball court, and tennis where kids can burn off fats by playing games.
- Foster Beach
Foster Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Chicago area, and it’s easy to see why. The wide, public beach is perfect for building sandcastles or flying a kite, and the nearby playground and spray fountain provide plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages. Best of all, the beach is just a short walk from public transportation, making it easy to get to, even for families with small children.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Plenty of picnic tables and grills are available, making it easy to enjoy a lakeside lunch or dinner.
The beach is also adjacent to a nature preserve, providing ample hiking, biking, and bird-watching opportunities.
Expert Tip
This beach is clean, well-maintained, and offers plenty of activities for kids and adults.
Moreover, there’s a dog beach where your four-legged family member can enjoy the sand and water.
- Montrose Beach
The coastline is clean and safe for swimming, and the shallows make for a great place to play with young children. The beach also has a playground, a picnic area, and plenty of space for running and exploring. And if you are a pet person, Montrose beach got you covered.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach has a playground, a water spray area, and a designated swimming area with a lifeguard.
It is also great to catch a sunset or enjoy a summer concert.
Expert Tip
Families can enjoy the BBQ grills, picnic areas, and volleyball courts.
- 12thStreet Beach
The beach is situated in the city’s heart, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
12th Street Beach also has a wide variety of amenities, including a playground, a picnic area, and a bathhouse. The beach is well-maintained, and the staff is always helpful.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are plenty of shady areas where you can set up a picnic, and the food concessions are reasonably priced, making it budget-friendly.
Expert Tip
The shoreline here is wide and flat, perfect for young children learning to walk.
- Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
Kemil’s wide, gentle slope makes it perfect for little ones to splash and play in the water. And, because it’s located in a national park, there are plenty of shady spots for picnicking and relaxing. So, if you’re looking for a beach with lots of activities for kids, Kemil is the perfect spot.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The wide, open beach is perfect for constructing sandcastles or flying a kite, and the calm waters of Lake Michigan are ideal for swimming and splashing around.
Expert Tip
Families can enjoy hiking, biking on nearby trails, or exploring the dunes.
- Esch Road Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The beach is ADA accessible and has a playground, making it easy for families with small children to enjoy the coastline. Esch Road is also an excellent place for swimming, with a gradual slope that makes it perfect for little ones just learning to swim.
Why We Recommend This Beach
For those looking for more adventure, Esch Road Beach also has a dune climb, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Expert Tip
The beach is just a quick walk from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center, where families can study the history and ecology of the area.
- Ludington State Park Beach
The coastline is kid-friendly, and there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy. Ludington State Park Beach is a great place to paddleboard, kayak, and swim, and there are also several hiking trails nearby. The beach is also a great place to go fishing.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Ludington State Park Beach is clean and well-maintained. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Expert Tip
Several restaurants and cafes are nearby, making it easy to grab a bite after a day spent enjoying the beach.
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
The coastline is beautiful and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. There are also plenty of shady areas for picnicking and relaxing. Best of all, the park has a playground, a sand castle building area, and a water sprayground to keep kids entertained.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Whitefish Dunes State Park is an immense place to go for a hike or a bike ride. There are also several nature trails where you can learn about the plants and animals in the area.
Expert Tip
Families can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the calm waters of Lake Michigan.
- Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach
Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach is one of the best Lake Michigan beaches for families. Its vast, open shoreline and shallow water make it the perfect place for young children to play and explore. The Point Betsie Lighthouse is also a big hit with kids who love to hike the stairways to the top and look out over the water.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach is within walking distance of the Point Betsie Light Station State Park, where visitors can learn about the area’s history.
Expert Tip
The Point Betsie lighthouse is a popular spot for photography, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
