Planning a trip to Michigan soon? Great choice! This state has tons of fun stuff to see and do. Whether you’re planning to enjoy the lakes, do some hiking, explore the many museums, or something else entirely, you’re sure to have a great time. Of course, you’ll want to squeeze some Michigan amusement parks in there too!
There are a huge number of fantastic amusement parks in Michigan. Each one has something special to offer, and deciding which one to visit can be a bit overwhelming. This is where our article comes into play. After reading this post, you’ll know where to find the best Michigan amusement parks and how to plan the perfect amusement park trip.
While this list is not exhaustive, the top 10 amusement parks in Michigan are:
- Arzo Sports & Fun Park in Alpena, Michigan
- Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Boyne Falls, Michigan
- Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan
- C. J. Barrymore’s in Clinton Township, Michigan
- Funway Amusements in Saginaw and Farmington Hills, Michigan
- Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan
- Nelis’ Dutch Village in Holland, Michigan
- Michigan’s Adventure & WildWater Adventure in Muskegon, Michigan
- Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth, Michigan
RVing to any of these Michigan amusement parks — or any of the other incredible destinations throughout the state — make it easy to enjoy a road trip at your own pace with all the comforts of home. From tips and tricks to make your RVing adventure perfect to all the details on the amusement parks themselves, read on to plan your next trip the right way.
Michigan Amusement Parks: At a Glance
| Park | Location | Ticket Cost | Attractions | Onsite Overnight RV Parking? |
| Arzo Sports & Fun Park | Alpena | Varies by activity; packages from $40 | Bumper cars,batting cages,go-karts,bungee trampoline area,kid-friendly roller coaster, mini golf and driving range,arcade | No |
| Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park | Boyne Falls | Full day passes starting at $45; evening passes and multi-day passes also available | Downhill mat racer slide,Rip Zone surf simulator,The Big Couloir thrill slide,Splasherhorn play structure for kids,lazy river,zero-depth entry Kitz pool | No |
| Bavarian Blast Waterpark | Frankenmuth | Day passes from $40 (depending on day); season passes available | 16 brand-new water slides,rip-roaring wave pool,not-so-lazy river,dual-mat racing slides,Puddle Platz toddler play area,Michigan’s first-ever swim-up bar | No |
| C. J. Barrymore’s | Clinton Township | Varies based on activities; all-day ride wristbands from $52 | Drop rides, Ferris wheel, trampoline bungee area, mini-golf, driving range, bowling, arcade, dark ride, laser tag, bumper cars | No |
| Funway Amusements | Saginaw and Farmington Hills | Varies based on location and activities | Bumper boats,go-karts,mini golf,bounce house,laser tag,bungee trampoline,batting cages, virtual reality rides | No |
| Great Wolf Lodge | Traverse City | Day passes from about $40 | Fort Mackenzie water playground,River Canyon Run raft ride,Crooked Creek lazy river,Totem Towers enclosed slides,Thunder Bay outdoor pool | No |
| LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Auburn Hills | Starting around $22 | Kingdom Quest laser ride,LEGO 4D cinema,LEGO Racers: Build & Test,LEGO City Play Zone | No |
| Nelis’ Dutch Village | Holland | Starting at $21 | Carousel, swings, windmill ride, hands-on demonstrations and historical presentations | No |
| Michigan’s Adventure & WildWater Adventure | Muskegon | Good Any Day tickets starting at $42 online (save by purchasing ahead of time rather than at the gate) | Major roller coasters like Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk;kid-friendly rides like PEANUTS Trailblazers and Motorcycles;classic water park features including raft rides, body slides, and a lazy river | No |
| Zehnder’s Splash Village | Frankenmuth | Full day passes starting around $50; half-day passes available | Six-story family raft ride,super loop body slide,zero-entry activity pool with water geysers,water basketball and volleyball,Action RIver lazy river, Splash Landing play area,dumping bucket,Giggling Gorge,Perilous Plunge 4-story tube slides | No |
Why RV to a Michigan Amusement Park?
Is there anything Michigan doesn’t offer? From sweeping Great-Lakeside views to nationally recognized landscapes like Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Isle Royale, Michigan truly is a wonderland for any explorer — and an RV makes seeing it all not just possible, but comfortable. When you travel by RV to Michigan, you’ll enjoy:
- The ability to go at your own pace. Maybe you want to see it all, or maybe you’d rather slow down and really get to know one or two specific destinations. Either way, RVing makes it easy to take the road at the speed you prefer.
- A vacation that’s both cozy and affordable. Yes, RVing makes it possible for those two things to go together, rather than being at odds! You’ll enjoy your own private bed (the same one every single night) as well as onboard bathroom and kitchen facilities. The kitchen, especially, can be a lifesaver for money-saving; you’ll get to cook up your own healthy, delicious, affordable meals on the road (and choose when you actually want to splurge on restaurant eats).
- The opportunity to enjoy nature up close and personal. One big hint: state parks often boast incredible campground facilities for relatively cheap prices, while also giving you the opportunity to really enjoy a variety of Michigan’s natural landscapes. (This trick works in other states, too!)
- And, of course, a relaxing place to return to between trips to the amusement parks. The parks we’ve listed below are a lot of fun, but let’s be real — long days in the sun are exhausting, too! When you travel by RV, you’ll get to truly recharge yourself between bouts of adventure, which makes the adventure all the better.
But enough of that. Let’s get on to the parks!
Arzo Sports & Fun Park (Alpena)
A fantastic family fun center, Arzo Sports & Fun Park is located in Alpena. This awesome park offers a variety of super fun activities. This means you’ll likely be able to please every single person in your group, no matter how varied their interests happen to be.
Stand-Out Features
This all-inclusive family fun center has so much to offer. Choose from a variety of activities, including:
- Bumper cars
- Batting cages
- Go-karts
- Bungee trampoline area
- Kid-friendly roller coaster
- Mini golf and driving range
- Arcade
This truly is just the beginning at this one-of-a-kind park.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Tucked up in the pointer finger area of Michigan’s mitten, right alongside Lake Huron, there are plenty of great RV campgrounds near Arzo Sports & Fun Park. Check out:
- Thunder Bay RV Park & Camp, which is located right on the water and offers partial hookup sites up to 50 amps
- Camper’s Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery, with large, tree-shaded sites perfect for big rigs, and a boat launch for canoeing and kayaking adventures
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (Boyne Falls)
Stretching across 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark in Boyne Falls has plenty of room for splashing around — and it’s a great opportunity to splash around and have fun in the “sun” even during the darkest Michigan winter day. The park offers a huge array of water park attractions, perfect for visitors of any age, height, or thrill-seeking level.
Stand-Out Features
It would be impossible to list out all the fun you’ll find at Avalanche Bay, but we can point out some major checkpoints you won’t want to miss, such as:
- Downhill mat racer slide
- Rip Zone surf simulator
- The Big Couloir thrill slide
- Splasherhorn Play Structure for kids
- Lazy river
- Zero-depth entry Kitz pool
Again, this is just a taste of everything that awaits at this sprawling indoor water park, which is open year-round.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Boyne Mountain is known and loved as Michigan’s primary ski destination, so it’s no surprise you’ll find plenty of great campgrounds nearby. Our favorite (and the closest to the water park): Boyne Country RV Park and Campground, which offers both partial and full-hookup sites close to all the action of the area (which is to say, in stunning outdoor environs).
Bavarian Blast Waterpark (Frankenmuth)
Given its (admittedly wicked) winters, it’s no surprise that Michigan has multiple indoor water parks to choose from. Bavarian Blast Waterpark is another wonderful option in the Frankenmuth area. This themed park offers thrills, chills and spills for every member of the family, and at more than 140,000 feet, has recently become the largest indoor water park in the state. Because it’s connected to the greater Bavarian Inn, it’s also home to other fun attractions including an arcade, dining opportunities, and shopping… but first, let’s focus on the water park!
Stand-Out Features
What kind of adventures await at Bavarian Blast Waterpark? So glad you asked. Don’t miss:
- 16 brand-new water slides
- Rip-roaring wave pool
- Not-so-lazy river
- Dual-mat racing slides
- Puddle Platz toddler play area
- For the adults, Michigan’s first-ever swim-up bar (there are treats for the kiddos, too)
Round out the day by having a bite at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, where you might just be serenaded by accordion, or one of the alternative on-site options like Oma’s Restaurant or Ratskeller.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
As is true of many indoor water parks, this one is part of a lodge, so it’s entirely possible to stay in the hotel if you choose. However, if you’re traveling by RV, you’re also delightfully close to Jellystone Park Frankenmuth, where you’ll find even more family fun awaits. Grab a day pass for the water park and you’re all set with the best of both worlds!
C. J. Barrymore’s (Clinton Township)
With a perfect mixture of indoor and outdoor attractions, C. J. Barrymore’s in Township truly is set up for year-round Michigan family fun. And since it opened all the way back in 1974, it’s recently celebrated its 50th anniversary — pretty exciting!
Stand-Out Features
The best offerings at C. J. Barrymore’s do change depending on what time of the year you visit. In the summer, outdoor attractions including go-karts, bumper boats, trampoline bungee area, mini-golf and a driving range reign. During the winter, though, there’s still plenty to do indoors, including a drop ride, arcade, bowling, bumper cars, laser tag and a dark ride.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
One of the best campgrounds in the area, Northpointe Shores RV Resort, also happens to be just minutes from C. J. Barrymore’s, and offers nightly as well as long-term stays.
Funway Amusements (Saginaw and Farmington Hills)
With two great locations to choose from, Funway Amusements has you covered if you’re looking for a classic day of family fun with activities like bumper boats and go-karts. While each location is slightly different, they both have a lot to offer for thrill seekers of all ages.
Stand-Out Features
While, again, each location has its own unique features and layouts, the type of activities you can expert to encounter at Funway Amusements include:
- Bumper boats
- Go-karts
- Mini golf
- Bounce house
- Laser tag
- Bungee trampoline
- Batting cages
- Virtual reality rides
Funway also offers delicious on-site concessions including pizza, hot dogs, wings, fries and everyone’s favorite, cheesy bread.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
At the Saginaw location, you’re within an easy drive of Bay City State Park, which offers a lovely on-site campground with electrical hookups up to 50 amps in select sites. For the Farmington Hills location (a suburb of Detroit), we again recommend Northpointe Shores RV Resort.
Great Wolf Lodge (Traverse City)
Like other Great Wolf Lodge locations, this Traverse City resort is an excellent place to have a great time. Touted as the “best indoor water park in Michigan,” this place boasts all kinds of slides, swimming areas, and other fun attractions. In fact, we can’t imagine not having a good time during a visit to this attraction.
Stand-Out Features
At this Great Wolf Lodge, as at many others, you’ll find the classic (but exciting) water park features you’ve come to expect from this beloved chain:
- Fort Mackenzie water playground
- River Canyon Run raft ride
- Crooked Creek lazy river
- Totem Towers enclosed slides
- Thunder Bay outdoor pool
A cool part of this location is that it does feature both indoor and outdoor options, meaning that some parts of the park are accessible year-round while some are only for hot summer days.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
While there are many wilderness camping options in the greater Traverse City area, Paradise Cove Campground offers sites with hookups right along Lake Leelanau’s waters. They’re also well-known and loved for their on-site ice cream store.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Auburn Hills)
No, it isn’t a full-fledged LEGOLAND park. Still, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers are a lot of fun, and the location in Auburn Hills, Michigan is no exception. This is the perfect attraction for LEGO fanatics, particularly those in the “under 10” crowd. If that sounds like your little travelers, be sure to set aside a day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan.
Stand-Out Features
Those who love LEGO will also love this LEGOLAND location, especially when you explore:
- Kingdom Quest laser ride
- LEGO 4D cinema
- LEGO Racers: Build & Test
- LEGO City Play Zone
The offerings here are regularly updated, and just like LEGOs themselves, you can really make anything you want of a day in this incredible family fun center.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
For a low-key, nature-surrounded option, consider Addison Oaks County Park and Campground, where partial hookup sites are available.
Or, for a more luxurious, privately-owned stay, head a bit further afield to Northpointe Shores RV Resort.
Nelis’ Dutch Village (Holland)
An absolutely adorable place, Nelis’ Dutch Village is probably one of the most unique amusement park attractions in the country. Located in Holland, MI, this amusement park celebrates the culture and heritage of the Netherlands by placing visitors in a Dutch village from the 1800s.
Stand-Out Features
The park does play host to some smaller classic amusement park rides such as a carousel, swings, and a super cute windmill ride. That said, the bigger draws here are the many hands-on activities offered. Guests can learn to dance like the Dutch, watch wooden shoes being carved, make their own stroopwafels, and watch cheese being made.
Other fun things offered in the park include reproductions of old buildings, a tulip farm, craft demonstrations, playgrounds and other fun for kids, and a petting zoo.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
A beautiful waterfront opportunity awaits at Holland State Park Beach Campground, which offers select full-hookup sites with a truly unbeatable view.
Michigan’s Adventure & WildWater Adventure (Muskegon)
At 250 acres and boasting more than 60 rides (including no fewer than seven roller coasters), Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon is the largest of the Michigan amusement parks. It first opened back in 1956, and has been providing Michigan residents and visitors with an awesome time ever since. And like a few other amusement parks around the country, this one offers both a full-service land-side amusement park as well as a water park with many of the classic attractions you’ve come to expect.
Stand-Out Features
There’s so much to see and do at this beloved and historic amusement park, but rides and activities you won’t want to miss include:
- Major roller coasters like Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk
- Kid-friendly rides like PEANUTS Trailblazers and Motorcycles
- Classic water park features including raft rides, body slides, and a lazy river
This is truly just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the fun you’re sure to discover at this amusement park and water park combination.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
While it’s not technically part of Michigan’s Adventure, Duck Creek RV Resort is truly right next door, and offers some water-park fun of its own, complete with slides, a lazy river, and, of course, plentiful ice cream for all.
Zehnder’s Splash Village (Frankenmuth)
Located in Frankenmuth, Zehnder’s Splash Village is another great place to go for some waterpark fun. This resort offers two distinct indoor water parks, so it’s easy to fill a couple of days with fun during your time here. Because it’s part of a larger hotel resort destination, you can also add fun dining and other activities for both adults and kids to the list of things to do here.
Stand-Out Features
While there are so many incredible features to call you toward Zehnder’s, some of our favorites include:
- Six-story family raft ride
- Super loop body slide
- Zero-entry activity pool with water geysers
- Water basketball and volleyball
- Action River lazy river
- Splash Landing play area
- Dumping Bucket
- Giggling Gorge
- Perilous Plunge 4-story tube slides
And as mentioned, there’s lots of delicious food to eat and places to shop on-site, too. There’s even a full-service golf course.
Nearby RV Campgrounds
Rejoice! This park, too, is just next door to Jellystone Park Frankenmuth, which means you and your family will have no shortage of fun during this vacation.
Tips for a Memorable Michigan Amusement Park Trip
As this list makes obvious, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Michigan — both inside and outside of its many amusement parks. There really is a reason it’s earned such a reputation as a destination for family fun.
If you’re looking to make your RV trip to the Michigan amusement parks even more memorable and amazing, follow these expert tips:
- Book early. This includes your rental RV and your campsite, of course — that way, you’ll have the best pick of the litter. But you’ll also likely want to buy your tickets to the parks themselves ahead of time, especially at the bigger parks like Michigan’s Adventure. You often will get a much better deal online ahead of time than you would have at the gate.
- Take advantage of your options. Renting on the peer-to-peer network, rather than from a traditional rental outfit, means you have access to a wider range of types of RVs, including travel trailers and sleeper vans, as well as options like setup and delivery or one-way RV rentals.
- Pack up for fun! You’re going to have plenty of long days in the sun ahead, so stock up on sunscreen, summer outfits, and water. The good thing about RVing? You can bring pretty much whatever you want (so long as you don’t approach a travel trailer’s weight limit, which is unlikely).
- Don’t forget to slow down. It’s tempting to try and fit everything in on a road trip, but the truth is, some of the best moments in life are also the slowest. Be sure to build in some time to relax and actually enjoy the destinations you’ve chosen — or even to add in another one on a whim, if you want. That’s the fun of this travel lifestyle!
Michigan Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
Standing over 125 feet tall and featuring a 122-foot drop and speeds of up to 65 miles per hour, Michigan’s Adventure’s Shivering Timbers wooden coaster in Muskegon takes the title of biggest roller coaster in Michigan. It’s also the fourth-longest wooden roller coaster in the world.
While none of the current amusement parks in Michigan have on-site camping, all of them are within easy reach of RV campgrounds with hookups and other amenities. Some, like Zehnder’s Splash Village and Bavarian Blast Water Park, are also very close to a Jellystone campground, where you can enjoy even more water park fun.
Bavarian Blast Water Park, located inside Bavarian Inn and Frankenmuth, is the largest indoor water park in Michigan at over 140,000 square feet.
Michigan is lucky to have a number of indoor water parks, making it easy to enjoy swimming pools and other water attractions even when it’s cold out. Try Avalanche Bay or Bavarian Blast water parks, for starters.
Prefer to add some fun to your trip in the form of other kinds of attractions? We can help you out there too! Check out the articles below for some more ideas of things to do in Michigan:
