Southeast Michigan has lake beaches, which usually offer swimming, boating and fishing. The family friendly beaches are great for little kids, because there are no waves. The beaches are near Detroit, so if you are visiting there, you can spend a day outdoors. Some beaches also have campsites if you want to spend the night.
Proud Lake Recreation Area, on the Huron River, has two lakes with swimming, fishing and a boat launch. Rent rowboats, canoes, paddleboats and kayaks, or bring your own. The beach also offers picnic facilities, and hiking trails that can be used for cross country skiing in winter. Trails for horseback riding and mountain biking are available. Spend the night at one of 130 campsites, or two cabins overlooking Proud Lake.
The huge Lake Hudson Recreation Area has a large swimming and sunbathing beach around Lake Hudson. Campsites have electric hookups and water, which you have to pump. The state park is also open for fishing and game hunting. You can play volleyball on the beach, and picnic at a shelter. The boat launch has canoes for rent. Try the new family friendly activity, geocaching.
Wm. C. Sterling State Park has a mile-long beach on Lake Erie, a public boat launch, fishing and 256 lakefront camping sites. Restrooms and a picnic area make long days at the beach easy. The family friendly park has playgrounds and six miles of trails for hiking or cross country skiing. You can also see wildlife here.
