Family trip
Frankenmuth with kids
Frankenmuth is an easy family town: it's walkable, there's plenty indoors, and a few of the best things are free. Here's what kids tend to love, rain or shine.
Free
The Gnome Hunt
Find 15 of the 40+ gnomes hidden in local shops and claim a prize at the Visitor Center. How it works
Heritage Park
Playgrounds, picnic pavilions and a riverwalk path at 601 Weiss St.
The Glockenspiel and the cheese show
The Bavarian Inn's Glockenspiel and the Cheese Haus Figurienspiel are both free to watch.
Christmas Lane and the tree show
Bronner's lights and the musical tree show at the Visitor Center, in season. Christmas in Frankenmuth
Worth paying for
Indoor waterparks
Zehnder's Splash Village and the Bavarian Inn Lodge's waterpark run year-round, with day passes as well as hotel stays.
Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center
18-hole indoor mini golf, a three-story ropes course and climbing walls, 160+ arcade games, mini bowling and laser tag. Day visitors are welcome.
Grandpa Tiny's Farm
A working historic farm with a petting farm at 7775 Weiss St. Call (989) 652-5437 for the season and admission.
Bavarian Belle riverboat
One-hour cruises on the Cass River from early May to mid-October. Kids 4 and under ride free. Tickets are sold at the booth by the waterfall at River Place.
The ice rink
Outdoor skating at Zehnder Park from Nov 17 to Feb 28, with skate rentals and skate helpers. Hours and prices
Paint an ornament
Bronner's Paint-n-Go station lets kids decorate their own ornament (weekends only from January to April).
Kid-friendly food
The chicken dinners at the Bavarian Inn and Zehnder's are made for families, the brewery has kids' menus and house root beer, and River Place has crêpes and beignets. See where to eat.
Hours, prices and seasons change, so check with each place before you go. Frankenmuth Local isn't affiliated with any business listed.