The greatest thing about West Michigan is Lake Michigan and its beaches. It doesn’t get much better than the cool, clear water, and soft, clean sand that lines its shores. But for small children, swimming in Lake Michigan isn’t always ideal. Strong rip currents can make it dangerous, and if the water is chilly kids may not want to stay in very long. That’s why Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan is the number one beach in Michigan for families with small kids.
Silver Beach has a few extra amenities you won’t find at every Lake Michigan beach.
The Whirlpool Compass Fountain is right behind Silver Beach. It is a huge splash pad featuring water jets that spray 35 feet in the air and water cannons that go off every fifteen minutes. It’s just a short walk from the beach to the splashpad. It’s a nice alternative to swimming in the lake, and gives kids one more activity to do at the beach. The splash pad is free to enjoy.
Right across from the splash pad. kids can take a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel. The historic carousel is a throwback to the 1900s when an amusement park graced Silver Beach. Adults and children can both enjoy the carousel. Rides cost just $3. Adults riding with children too small to ride alone, ride free. A few refreshments are available at the carousel, and there are air-conditioned restrooms in the building as well.
The Kids Discovery Center shares its location with the carousel. It’s operated by The Curious Kids Museum downtown. The Discovery Center has hands-on activities like a lighthouse climbing tower and large, indoor water play area.
The Curious Kids Museum is just a few block from the beach where families can continue hands-on learning with exhibits like the Farmers Market, Veterinary Clinic and Construction Junction.
A one-day pass to both the Curious Kids Museum and The Kids Discovery Center can be purchased for $10 a person.
There are several family-friendly restaurants in St. Joseph. Silver Beach Pizza is our favorite place to eat when we’re at the beach. It’s just a short walk from the beach and the splash pad, inside on old train depot buidling. It has tons of seating, and the service is always great. If you have children in your party, they give them pizza dough to play with while they wait. And the pizza is really good too!
After dinner walk a couple blocks up the bluff to Cabana’s where you can choose from 93 plus flavors of ice cream, shakes, sundaes an Sno-Cones. They have just about every cold, sweet treat you can imagine.
If you have young children, plan a day in St. Joe at Silver Beach this summer. You will love it!
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