Best Spring Break 2015 Destinations Near Detroit For Families

After another long and cold Detroit winter, parents and their children alike are usually more than ready to get out of the ho-hum of suburbia and out for a nice vacation. But sometimes an unlimited budget isn't available to get down to the tropics to grab some R&R. Instead, here are some options for some great local getaways for spring break that will save you time on travel and put money back in your wallet, all while getting to enjoy the splendor of Detroit and Michigan in a whole new setting that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Boyne Mountain Resort
1 Boyne Mountain Rd.
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
(231) 549-6000
www.boyne.com

Boyne Mountain isn't just a great place to go skiing, but it also happens to be a world class indoor water park. After many, many months of harsh, cold weather, nothing will get you and the family more pumped for spring than a nice swim in a heated indoor pool, complete with rides, cool features and games for the kids. For special vacation deals, please visit the website here.

Great Wolf Lodge
3575 N US Highway 31 S
Traverse City, MI 49684
(866) 478-9653
www.greatwolf.com

Keeping with the tradition of great Michigan water parks, the Great Wolf Lodge, in scenic Traverse City, is also well known for having a great water park and some of the best activities for families and their children. Enjoy mini-golf, spa games and science and fantasy camps for kids to explore. Meanwhile, parents can chill out in the relaxing spa and resort facilities and restaurants.

Frankenmuth Village and Resort
1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(855) 652-7200
www.bavarianinn.com

Though Frankenmuth is well known to Metro Detroiters as a winter escape, this old-style German city has many attractions year-round, including a water park, the famous Zender's Restaurant and even a massive golf course, which would be great for dads if the weather permits. A quaint and interesting downtown has many fun shops and rustic charm that will keep the family entertained throughout spring break while you stay at the beautiful Bavarian Inn.

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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Avenue Northeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(888) 957-1580
www.meijergardens.org

Founded back in 1995, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is celebrating its 20th year in style this spring with the annual showing of its famous "Butterflies are Blooming" show that goes on display each year. It showcases a stunning array of butterflies and other interesting bugs. An indoor tropical environment can be strolled through, complete with marvelous garden structures and other wonderful sights to behold. Spring break can be a busy time at the park, so prepare and make your plans accordingly.

Air Zoo Aviation Museum
6151 Portage Road
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 382-6555
www.airzoo.org

About an hour south of Grand Haven, along the banks of stunning Lake Michigan, lies one of the most unique historical stops in Michigan, if not the Midwest: The Air Zoo Aviation Museum. Portage is a coastal city situated in a small town that is the perfect place for a family to stay if looking for a nice Michigan-based getaway during spring break, thanks in part to the seasonal activity that drums up throughout this time of the year. The Air Zoo features many historic and unforgettable aircrafts from throughout mankind's long history in the skies. It's truly a sight to behold for parents and their children!

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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.