Earth Day Events
Each April, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) hosts an annual Earth Day event in Ludington.
Photo by By Adam Niescioruk on Unsplash.com
The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
Fish Frys
Cost is $12 for adult meals, $5 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 eat free. Meals included baked or fried fish, baked potato or french fries, and cole slaw, mac ‘n cheese, roll with butter, non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Dine in or take-out available. St. Ann’s Senior Center- 690 9th St., Baldwin.
Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals with choice of fried perch, fried shrimp, or combo of perch/shrimp (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, Indian Summer apple sauce, condiments and homemade dessert). Kids meals are $9 with choice of perch, shrimp, combo perch/shrimp, with Mac & Cheese or fries; all with the same sides. Dine in or take-out available. Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township
Dine-in or takeout Fish fry’s at St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township. For more information, call (231) 873-5776.
Egg My Yard
JCI Ludington (the Ludington Area Jaycees) will deliver/hide pre-filled candy and treat eggs in the evening of April 19th for a hassle free Easter Egg hunt on Easter morning. Children can enjoy, long distance relatives can send their love, and families can spend more time together while supporting the Ludington Area Jaycees community programs. Available to households in Mason County. Cost is $25 for 30 eggs, $45 for 50 eggs, and $65 for 70 eggs. Baskets are also available for $5 each. Reserve your items by clicking here.
Opening Day of the Silver Lake State Park ORV Area
Silver Lake State Park.
Mason County Central Schools Great Start Readiness Preschool Program Registration
Families are invited to register for the Great Start Readiness Preschool Program at Scottville Elementary School- 300 W. Broadway Ave., Scottville. Children who turn 4 on or before December 1st, 2025, are eligible. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their 2024 income tax W2 form or other current income verification. For more information, call (231) 843-2410 or (231) 757-3713 ext. 1707.
Mason County Central Schools Great Start Readiness Preschool Program Registration
Families are invited to register for the Great Start Readiness Preschool Program at Victory Early Childhood Center- 4171 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Children who turn 4 on or before December 1st, 2025, are eligible. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their 2024 income tax W2 form or other current income verification. For more information, call (231) 843-2410 or (231) 757-3713 ext. 1707.
Pentwater Preschool Round-Up
Families with 3-4 year old children are invited. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, proof of income, health checkup, and immunization record. Pre-register at pentwaterpreschool.com. For more info, contact Amy Roberson at aroberson@pentwater..k12.mi.us or (231) 869-4100 ext. 239. Pentwater Preschool- 600 Park St., Pentwater.
MCE Kindergarten Round-Up Night
For Kindergarten, families with children age 4-6 are invited to register for MCE’s programs at MCE School- 18 S. Main St., Custer. There will be snacks and fun activities. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and a copy of their income tax W2 form or other current income verification.
Diapers & Desserts
West Shore Family Support invites families with children ages 3 and under to receive diapers for the child(ren), as well as treats. Diapers sizes newborn-size 6 will be available. Car seat safety checks also offered on site. Hart Wesleyan Church- 3757 W. Polk Rd., Hart.
School-Wide Open House at Covenant Christian School
Students eligible for enrollment range from 3 years old through 8th grade. The event includes a school tour, teacher talks, enrollment packets, and more. Covenant Christian School- 2980 W. US-10, Ludington.
AFFEW Earth Day Events
Presentations, informational booths, kids activities, and more. Free and open to the public. United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5810 W. Bryant Rd., Ludington.
Ludington Lake Jump
Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Registration at 10:30am, jump at 11am. Stearns Park, Ludington.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Fundraiser
This event is a walk where everyone wears high heels to show support for survivors of domestic violence and raise money for COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters).
Registration is $10 per walker and includes an official t-shirt. Register at eventbrite.com. Veterans Memorial Park- 117 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
Scottville Clown Band Performance
National Trout Festival- For more info, visit nationaltroutfestival.com.
Each April, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) hosts an annual Earth Day event in Ludington.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Communities in Mason, Oceana, and Manistee counties sponsor many Easter events and egg hunts for kids in the spring.
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.