Summer in Michigan is magical; it’s a mutual love of nearly all Michiganders to get out and enjoy the long days and warm temperatures. Believe it or not, there are more ways to utilize your vehicle than during your daily commute, which typically consists of sitting in traffic during “road construction season”. Your vehicle can be the gateway to a plethora of family friendly fun – see below!
Festivals
Summer festivals are common throughout the entire state of Michigan, with everything from music, carnivals, and food to 4H tournaments, boat parades and monster truck rallies. Family friendly fun for all and entertainment galore, festivals are a great place to utilize your vehicle while attending. Some events even have tailgating, so you won’t even have to go far from your car. View a complete list of Michigan festivals here.
Drive-In Movie Theater
Take a step back in time by visiting a drive-in movie theater. It allows you to have an outdoor, family friendly movie experience for an enjoyable and affordable price. Currently in Michigan there are 9 standing drive-in movie theaters. The drive-in movie theater allows for you to relax and enjoy the movie from your car. All you have to do is drive to the theater and park and enjoy the film. Click HERE to see a list of drive-in movie theaters.
Woodward Dream Cruise
The Woodward Dream Cruise is a classic car event held on the third Saturday of August on Woodward Avenue in Southeast Michigan. This event started in 1848 when carriage drivers would race along Woodward Avenue on warm summer nights. It is one of the world’s largest one-day events, drawing about 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe. Drive through, park your car and stay for a while, or bring your classic car along for the show – there’s fun to be had at the Woodward Dream Cruise!
Ice Cream
I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! Grab your friends or family and visit the nearest ice cream parlor near you; take it to go, and you can drive down to the beach to watch the sunset while you enjoy your frozen treat.
Trip to the Beach
Just imagine… the smooth and crushing waves of bright blue water against your feet. Life is better at the beach, especially when it’s a hot summer day! The perfect place for kids young and old to build sand castles, splash in the water and enjoy the sun. Load up your car with beach chairs, sunscreen, towels, and a cooler full of treats to make the most of your day at the beach.
Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors during a summer camping trip. For some, a ground tent isn’t even necessary because there is a rooftop tent available for their sport utility vehicle! Enjoy the peace and serenity of spending time in the woods, quiet crackling of the campfire and exploring surrounding areas during your camping trip. There are lots of beautiful camping destinations to visit throughout Michigan; click here to find the top summer destinations in Michigan.
Boating
The State of Michigan is loaded with beautiful freshwater lakes, and for those who enjoy boating, you know you’re spoiled! Our final vehicle-friendly activity is to hook up the boat and visit a new lake spot with your family and friends. You’ll be saying “Boat hair, don’t care” when you use your vehicle to launch your boat in the morning and trailer it home in the evening. Click HERE to see some of Michigan’s most popular lakes.
