Are you ready for a fun-filled summer?
Check out some of the best FREE things to do with your kiddos this summer right here in Northern Michigan!
1. Take A Trip To The Cadillac Farmers Market
Experience the vibrant flavors and colors of the Cadillac Farmers Market every Tuesday and Friday this summer. Explore a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goodies, and artisan crafts, creating a delightful shopping experience for the whole family. Discover the joy of supporting local farmers and artisans while enjoying the best that the Cadillac community has to offer. Located at the The Market in the Cadillac Commons, from 9 am to 3 pm!
2. Visit the Cadillac Commons Splashpad
Beat the heat this summer by visiting our amazing splash pad! With its colorful water features and interactive play areas, it’s the perfect place for kids to cool off and have a splashing good time. Bring your sunscreen, towels, a sense of adventure, and don’t miss out on the ultimate summer water fun, located in the Cadillac Commons!
3. Unlock Your Musical Talents at the Cadillac Sound Garden
Step into a magical world of melodies and nature at the Cadillac Sound Garden! Bring your kids and explore a place where musical flowers bloom and whispering trees sing, filling the air with joy and wonder!
4. Discover Your Inner Bookworm at the Cadillac Library
Calling all young book lovers! Dive into the thrilling summer reading series at the Cadillac Wexford Public Library (just across the street from Lake Cadillac), filled with captivating stories and exciting adventures. Discover a world of imagination while enjoying fun activities, igniting your love for reading and creativity. Click this link to browse their summer programing that includes activities with prizes up for grabs, story times and more – great for all ages!
5. Visit Kenwood Park & Beach
Get ready for endless fun in the sun at Kenwood Park Beach on the West side of Cadillac! Build sandcastles, splash in the water, and play games with friends in this expansive beachside playground. With its soft sand and cool waves, it’s the perfect spot for kids to make lasting summer memories. This beach offers a full bathhouse, a lakeside pavilion and several pavilions in Heritage Park across the street. It is also home to a double boat launch, outdoor park grills, foot bridge and picnic areas, as well as 2 disc golf courses!
6. Weekly Family Movies at the Cadillac 4 Theater
Enjoy FREE kids movies all summer long at the Cadillac 4 Theater! Treat your little ones to an exciting cinematic experience without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with your family. Hurry and grab your seats for an unforgettable summer movie adventure! Check out the full summer series here – every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10am running through August 10th!
7. Time Travel Through Cadillac at the Historical Society
Embark on a journey through historical Cadillac with photographs, artifacts, maps, and exhibits to learn how Cadillac came to be since the 1870’s. Step back in time and uncover your love for history to learn more about the beginning of Cadillac since the 1870’s. The Historical Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday and is free for those under 18. For more details, visit their website here.
8. Uncover Your Hidden Talents with Jam & Bread
From smartphone photography classes to string instrument workshops, Jam & Bread is a great place for kids to gather and learn new skills or unlock a new talent! This new and local non-profit is geared toward connecting local youth with talented mentors that help them to learn new things!
Interested in learning more? Workshops, activities & volunteer opportunities are listed on their Facebook page.
9. Visit The Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center
Located across from the popular Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, this facility offers a range of programs for all ages. The center includes both archery and pellet gun ranges and offers scheduled shooting programs throughout the summer. The center offers group tours and guided hikes which explore the 2.5-mile Heritage Nature Trail leading through the woodland and Heritage Marsh. For more details, visit their website here.
10. Check Out Classic Cars at the Back to the Bricks Tour!
Join us downtown on Sunday, June 9th for this special event in Downtown Cadillac – learn more about it at 2024 BTTB Tour!
11 & 12. Attend the Cadillac Freedom Festival or the Cadillac Festival of the Arts
These annual events are great family fun for everyone! Click here to learn more about the 2024 Freedom Festival and Festival of the Arts!
There really needs to be an indoor kids hands on science and nature Activity Center the building by J&H the Mobile station would be perfect for a children’s museum to be set up in if someone’s got the funds for it or can apply for Grants to get some activities going in that building that would be great
I agree too Audrey especially that we have such great natural resources so close by summer and winter. We do have a lot of talented people that have retired that if only we could tap into?