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. Bowl at Parkview Lanes Cadillac
Lace up your bowling shoes and bring your kids down to Parkview Lanes located by the Cadillac Commons. From noon – midnight, kids bowl FREE Monday – Friday, ages 17 and under. Enjoy a fun day on the lanes with your kiddos for some FREE summer fun! Some restrictions apply, visit their Facebook Page here for more info.
11 & 12. Attend the Cadillac Freedom Festival or the Cadillac Festival of the Arts
The Freedom Festival is excited to present Family Day on Wednesday, July 5th. Get ready for a day of excitement as you indulge in a free pizza party, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing performances of Irish dancers, and then settle in for a captivating outdoor movie night under the stars. Some highlights include:
- Kids Activities at the Market: 1 – 4 PM
- Splash Pad Pizza & Dance Party: 5:00 pm
- Northern Lights Irish Dancers at the Pavilion: 4:30 – 7:00 pm
- Outdoor Movie Night at the Pavilion hosted by the Cadillac Fire Department: Dusk
If you are interested in learning more about the Cadillac Freedom Festival, learn more here on their website.
Join in the festivities at the Cadillac Festival of the Arts from July 14 – 16, where you can explore a treasure trove of literary gems at the library book sale, discover unique handmade crafts and artworks at the artisan market, and enjoy a despicable free movie night under the open sky. Kids will have a blast with engaging art experiences and can showcase their creativity in a vibrant kids parade, making it a truly memorable celebration for all ages. For more information, please visit their website here.
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?