15 Things To Do With Kids in South Haven

Vanessa M.:  Just three miles south of downtown South Haven, MI, Van Buren State Park offers a mile long sandy beach, high sand dune formations, hiking trails, and campsites that are located just a short walk from the beach. My family has enjoyed several camping trips here, and we love the playground, the closeness to the beach, and the friendly camping atmosphere. Many South Haven vacation home rentals are available in the area, too.

Vanessa M.:  A short drive north of South Haven, the Forever Curious Children's Museum is a storefront museum filled with fun, hands-on activities for kids to play and interact with. Ride on toys, a climbing wall, bubble fun, STEM activities, and much more make this museum a great place for families to explore. Special weekly events include nature club, family yoga, and Little Makers STEAM activities.

Vanessa M.:  Come to South Haven, Michigan, for some of the best blueberry picking around at DeGrandchamp Farms. The family-owned farm and fresh market grows 200 acres of blueberries and 40 acres of cranberries each year since they were established in 1958. The on-site gift shop offers fresh blueberries by the case, specialty blueberry and cranberry jams and jellies, salsas, bbq sauce, vinaigrette, and other gift items. Cranberry picking runs from October to November.

Vanessa M.:  The South Haven entrance to the 34-mile path of the Kal-Haven Trail State Park is conveniently located near downtown South Haven. The semi-paved trail winds through woodlands, over covered bridges, and alongside rivers and streams. Explore the area by foot, bike, or on the 11 mile parallel horse path. My husband and I once enjoyed an afternoon date renting bicycles from Rock N' Road, located a few blocks from the state park, and had a great adventure exploring Kal-Haven Trail!

Vanessa M.:  Discover great local fare at the South Haven Farm Market. Farmers offer locally grown freshly picked produce, plus artisan meats & cheese, flowers, herbs, and plants. Vendors sell a wide variety of homemade jams, jellies, cakes, soap, handmade jewelry, crafts, and so much more! It's the perfect place to pick up a few tasty treats and souvenirs while on your South Haven vacation.

Vanessa M.:  Kids will be happy they brought their piggy banks along to South Haven, Michigan. Oh My Darlings is a small, boutique toy store that is packed with unexpected and fun items kids will love. Adorable boutique baby and children's clothes, novelty and retro toys & games, and even penny candies will delight young children. The upstairs is completely devoted to all things pink and pretty with dress-up gowns, fairy wands, dollhouses, and more.

Vanessa M.:  Locals and tourists alike flock to Clementine's for delicious food in a nice atmosphere. The menu offers American classics like fresh salads, burgers, fish & seafood, ribs, steak, and pasta. Clementine's building was originally a bank built in 1896, and the inside features gorgeous woodwork, tin ceilings, and a nostalgic collection of antique decor. If you're heading to St. Joseph, Michigan, check out their sister location, Clementine's Too.

Vanessa M.:  One of the best things to do in South Haven, Michigan, is to experience its annual Blueberry Festival. South Haven is the center of Michigan's blueberry production, and blueberries play a large part in local history and traditions. For over 50 years, South Haven has honored this tradition by celebrating with the annual Blueberry Festival. Tourists come from miles to enjoy the festival packed with fun, family-friendly events including blueberry pie eating contests for kids and adults, kid's rides, concerts, Blueberry Festival Parade, craft fair, airplane and classic car show, and more blueberry treats than you could find time to eat!

Vanessa M.:  Delicious food & drinks served on a permanently docked riverboat offering a great view is a fabulous way to enjoy South Haven, MI. The Idler Riverboat dishes up fresh seafood, ribs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and signature drinks. Brunch & Bloody Mary Bar offered on weekend mornings. While there is no set kid's menu, this venue is still plenty kid-friendly; my kids love sharing their shrimp tacos and nachos!

Vanessa M.:  Discover the grand maritime history and tradition of the Great Lakes at the Michigan Maritime Museum. Five separate buildings house both permanent and rotating exhibits, including a center for teaching boatbuilding and a research library - these are great indoor activities. Ready to take your experience onto the water? Board a working replica of the 1800's tall ship, Friends Good Will, for a cruise. Kids 4+ will enjoy the adventurous Pirate Chaser Sail as they capture pirates and defend treasure.

Vanessa M.:  Live music with a beautiful view of the Black River as it empties into Lake Michigan is not a bad way to spend an evening! Foundry Hall Riverfront Concert Series provides free, all-ages musical concerts in a variety of genres throughout the summer. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy the evening!

Vanessa M.:  The #1 attraction for family fun in South Haven is South Beach! The gorgeous lighthouse provides a charming backdrop for a sandy day at the Lake Michigan beach. Beach playground, kayak rentals, grills & picnic pavilion, restrooms, and concession stand make South Beach the perfect spot to spend a day in the sun.

Vanessa M.:  You will not want to miss Crane's Pie Pantry. A family tradition since 1916, the family-owned restaurant, bakery, and winery uses fruit grown on-site in their orchards. There is no better cherry pie on earth! We like to pick cherries at Crane Orchards then walk over for a bite to eat at the restaurant serving breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and of course pie! We always pick up a few pies from the bakery to bring home! Crane Orchards features u-pick apples, peaches, cherries and pumpkins throughout the seasons, as well as hay rides, cow trains, and a corn maze in the fall.

Vanessa M.:  Don't be alarmed if there is a line out the door for Sherman's Ice Cream. The line moves quickly as the adept employees are used to moving big crowds through in the busy summer months. The ice cream is well worth the wait! Since 1916, Sherman's has been making ice cream the old-fashioned way, in small batches using premium ingredients. Flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge, Chocolate Covered Cherry, and Blueberry Cheesecake are dished out in generous portions! The baby scoop is bigger than most regular sized cones!

Vanessa M.:  Our favorite rainy day activity is heading to the Express Yourself Art Barn, just north of South Haven. The adorably decorated barn is a great place to get creative with jewelry making, pottery throwing, pre-made ceramic painting, mosaic making, and more! The helpful staff guides guests and makes sure each project comes out great.