• The northern region of Michigan is home to the communities of Mackinaw City, Alpena and Gaylord. While the region is not known for large metropolises, northern Michigan features a variety of attractions that are ideal for children. These include water parks appropriate for visiting during the summer months and museums and planetariums that serve residents and visitors year-round.
  
  

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan

• The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is in Alpena, which overlooks Lake Michigan. The museum, which receives more than 14,000 visitors per year, features artifacts illustrating the history of Alpena and northeast Michigan. Among these are a variety of items used by Native Americans who lived in the region prior to the pioneers. Families can attend shows in the museum's planetarium to learn about features of the night sky and see images of the stars and planets. As of October 2010, general admission was $5, with children receiving a discounted rate. Planetarium shows carry an extra fee.
  
  

Gaylord Discovery Center

• The Gaylord Discovery Center is a children's museum located in the northern Michigan community of Gaylord, which is in the central area of the region. Founded by a local couple, the museum opened in July 2010 and features hands-on exhibits that kids can engage with through play. In Shake City, children build structures from blocks and then test whether they can withstand the force of being shaken. The Curious Quarry allows children to dig for treasure, while the Navigation Maze is a labyrinth full of hidden objects intended to build problem-solving skills. The Gaylord Discovery Center is open every Saturday and Sunday, all year long, as of 2010, and admission was $8 for children and $5 for parents.
  
  

Thunder Falls Family Water Park

• Thunder Falls Family Water Park in Mackinaw City is an amusement park that covers more than 20 acres. Kids and adults can enjoy 12 water slides or float in inner-tubes along the park's lazy river. The Duck-N-Run area of the park is especially for toddlers and features a kiddie pool and fountains for splashing and wading. The park also has a wave pool area and a beach. A food court is available at the park for lunch and dinner and serves kid-friendly fare like pizza and burgers. Thunder Falls Family Water Park operates from mid-June through early September each year. For the 2010 season, general admission for adults was $24.95, with children and seniors receiving discounted rates. Kids ages two years and under can enter the park for free.