20+ Summer Fun Activities for Kids
#1 - Go to the Beach
A beach is a place for summer fun for the whole family. We have many beaches here in Huron County for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Click here for a full list of public beaches in Huron County.
#2 - Check out a Splash Pad
Huron County communities are working toward offering more summer fun options for kids, this includes splash pads!
Bad Axe Splash Pad - in the works
#3 - Go Kayaking or Canoeing
For an adventure on the water then kayaking or canoeing is a must! If you or your child are new to kayaking, Port Austin Kayak can not only set you up with a rental kayak but their friendly team can help you get started with some basic kayaking instructions. Another area where you can find kayak rental in Huron County is Harbor Beach Kayak. For more on kayaking or canoeing in Huron County, check out this list.
#4 - Go Hiking & Experience Nature
The Huron County Nature Center is an excellent place to take the kids for a hike and experience nature. The nature center also offers one-of-a-kind nature programs the kids are sure to love.
#5 - Take a Step Back In Time
Huron County is rich in history and offers many local museums and historical sites for you and the kids to explore. You can find a full list of Huron County Museums and Historic Sites, here. You can also learn more by visiting the Huron County Historical Society website. Another event to keep in mind is the Huron County Free Museum Weekend which takes place in late September. You can learn more about the Huron County Free Museum Weekend, here.
#6 - Experience the Night Sky Like Never Before
There are many activities your kids can enjoy during the daylight hours, but what about at night? Why not experience the wonders of space and all that is above us? The Huron County Dark Sky Preserve, located in Port Crescent State Park, is just the place! Noted as an excellent place to view the night sky, this special initiative has taken measures to reduce and eliminate light pollution in the area. For more information and resources about the Huron County Dark Sky Initiative read our article, “Huron County Dark Sky Preservation” and also on the Port Austin Outdoor Adventure website.
#7 - Watch Fireworks Together
In addition to stargazing, Huron County offers some pretty spectacular fireworks displays.
Sebewaing
Port Hope
Caseville
Port Austin
Harbor Beach
#8 - Check Out A Local Event or Festival
There are many events taking place throughout Huron County this summer, and many offer fun activities for kids. From derby races to kids carnivals, bounce houses, and beyond, kids are sure to love the local festival activities, many of which are free.
Michigan Sugar Festival in Sebewaing - Free kids activities, 3rd weekend in June
Harbor Beach Maritime Festival - Free kids activities, 2nd weekend in July
Ubly Homecoming - Free kids activities, 2nd weekend in July
Firefighters Weekend - Harbor Beach Area Fire Department, typically on 3rd weekend in July in North Park Campground
Pigeon Farmers Festival - Free kids activities, 3rd weekend in July
Elkton AtumnFest - Free kids activities, September at Ackerman Park in Elkton
#9 - Parks & Rec
Parks and Rec programs are an excellent way to help your child engage with nature, learn social skills on the playground, create lifelong healthy habits, and cultivate sportsmanship and teamwork. Here are a few local parks and rec programs to check into for your child.
#10 - Art Party
TurnerArts in Pigeon offers Art Party, a fun and creative painting party for adults and children. No experience is needed to create and take home a beautiful painting! Great idea for birthday parties or just to get together with friends.
#11 - See a Movie
Catch a show or movie with the kids at one of these local theaters:
#12 - Play Golf
Golf is a great way for kids to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors during the summer months. Just about everyone can enjoy a round of Mini-golf. Click here for a list of mini-golf locations in Huron County or here for a list of golf courses in Huron County.
Here are some local golf programs and tournaments going on this summer:
Buckley’s Junior Golf Tournament
Apart of Youth On Course, this long-running tournament provides youth affordable access to play golf and enhance their golf skills.
Register or learn more at buckleyshoes.com/golf
Verona Hills Golf Club Lessons & Clinics
Learn more on their website and Facebook page.
#13 - Paint & Find Huron Rocks!
Recently, Huron County has become even more fun to explore. A group called Huron Rocks! is a community-building initiative meant to inspire creativity in all ages and energize people to explore the beautiful area we live and visit. By painting rocks to “hide” all over Huron County they spread joy and brighten people’s day. You can get your kids involved by learning more on the Huron Rocks! MI Facebook page, and get started!
#14 - Get them involved with 4-H
4-H clubs provide wonderful opportunities for kids to learn skills they can use throughout their life. Kids learn by performing hands-on activities and projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship, in a positive environment where they can receive guidance from adult mentors. There are approximately 35 4-H clubs located throughout Huron County.
To find out more about where you can find a 4-H club in Huron County visit the MSU Extension website or check out Huron County 4-H on Facebook.
#15 - Go to the Fair
The Huron County Community fair has been celebrating agriculture, youth and community spirit since 1868! From animals big and small to amusement rides, games, food and more this year’s fair is shaping up to be one to remember! You can learn more on the Huron County Community Fair website.
#16 - Kids Day at the Farmers Market
The Port Austin, Harbor Beach, and Pigeon farmers markets host special market days for kids throughout the summer. Here children can play, create, and learn as well as enter to win special prices! Here are the kid’s days for the farmer's markets in Huron County. Learn more about these farmers markets, check out Farmers Markets In Huron County.
#17 - Experience Art
Port Austin and the surrounding area are dedicated to creating and displaying art of various forms.
For more on art in Port Austin check out portaustinart.com
#18 - Go Bowling
Blue Water Lanes - Harbor Beach
Longshot Lanes & Games - Bad Axe
#19 - Go Fishing
There are so many places to take your kids fishing! Check out this article for some ideas.