Ludington is one of Michigan's top vacation destinations, and it's no secret why! Hundreds of families head to Ludington for the countless number of activities, sure to please adults and kids alike.

Sandcastles Children's Museum is a wonderful place to bring kids during the summer months. Have fun at Munchkin Mondays and Thrilling Thursdays, along with the art center, water table, and plenty of interactive activities. They're open for the season in May, from 9:30am-5pm.

Kids can be entertained for hours with a day at the beach, and Ludington has miles of clean, safe beaches where you'll never feel crowded. Stearns Park Beach, right at the end of Ludington Avenue, is a popular choice, and features a playground, restrooms, concessions, mini golf, shuffleboard—and the Ludington Skate Plaza.

Hamlin Lake is bordered on the west by the Ludington State Park and on the east by multiple resorts that offer cabins and cottages for families and large groups. Pontoon, fishing, and speed boats are available for rent, and the State Park also has canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats for a great day on the water.

When everyone's had enough fun in the water, take a drive and visit some points of interest. Amber Elk Ranch, just minutes east of Ludington, is 130 acres of natural habitat for elk, and wagon rides allow you up close to feed them. They also have pygmy goats, turkeys, pot-belly pigs, and more. South of Ludington and both along Lakeshore Drive, Historic White Pine Village and the Ludington Pumped Storage Project are sights that shouldn't be missed. White Pine Village sets on 23 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, and depicts life as it was in the early 1900s. Within the Village you'll find a gift shop and an old fashioned ice cream parlor, along with 25 historic buildings.

When you're finished with your tour, take a right back onto Lakeshore Drive and drive a few minutes until you reach the Pumped Storage Project. Known around here as "The Project," it is an engineering feat you must see to believe. The 27 billion gallon water reservoir is two and a half miles long, and generates electricity by pumping water from Lake Michigan. You’ve probably seen the high, flat stretch of land to your left as you're approaching Ludington on US-31. That's the Project, and if you’re able, you can climb steps to the top and see this marvel for yourself.

Waterfront Park is a wonderful place for families to spend time. You'll find a nice, safe playground, scenic walkways with benches, restrooms, and seven bronzed sculptures that each tells their own story. Golf is a great family activity, and Ludington has all varieties here—2 public golf courses, 3 mini golf locations, and five disc golf courses.

The Mason County District Library has embraced children with their wide array of summer programs, designed to entertain and teach. They offer Crafts for Kids, Summer Reading Program, Story times, Magic Shows, and a Mobile Planetarium. The library celebrates the holidays with parties at Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.

About 20 minutes south of Ludington are the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Here you can take a guided jeep tour across the rolling terrain. Or drive yourself, but with caution, as these are shifting sand dunes and constantly changing. The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is located within the Silver Lake State Park, and completes your lighthouse tour from "point to point."

The fun doesn't stop, even when it’s raining! Harbor Cinema offers eight different movies to choose from, and Ludington has two video stores. In addition to their go-cart track and mini golf, AJ's Family Fun Center offers a rock wall, bowlingo, laser tag, and over 70 arcade games. McDonald's also has an indoor playland, always popular with the little ones.

All this, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants, makes Ludington #1 for vacation fun. What are you waiting for?