The Baby Badger
A children’s flotilla that’s a miniature replica of the historic S.S. Badger carferry. Children get to ride in one of many “cars”.
Sandcastles Children’s Musuem Courtesy Photo
Children can Create, Discover, & Explore at Sandcastles Children's Museum
Current Hours are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, & Sundays from 12-4pm
History of Sandcastles
Sandcastles Children’s Museum has been in operation since 2006, and first began as a “summer sampler museum.” Visitation to the Museum has grown from 1,500 its first year to more than 20,000 annually since 2011. They first occupied a small building on South James Street, then moved to a larger facility four times bigger on West Ludington Avenue.
Now they have found a permanent home in the former Elks Lodge, at the corner of North Harrison and Ludington Avenue and now have four levels of exhibits. Through donations and many volunteers, the building has been renovated to transform it into a kid-friendly and sought after destination.
Seasonal Hours
- Summer hours begin in June and are Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
- Fall/Spring Hours begin after Labor Day and are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
- Winter Hours from February 1st until June are Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-5pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
Have your child’s next birthday party at Sandcastles Children’s Museum!
2025 Membership Options:
Regular Family Membership
- $130, includes four children from one family and 1-2 adults to accompany them. Each additional family member is $10. Adults are interchangeable, children are not.
Grandparent Membership
- $130, includes two adults and up to four of their grandchildren. Children are interchangeable, adults are not.
Just Two
- $90, includes one adult and one child. Adult is interchangeable, child is not.
2025 Daily Admission
- $9.50 per person. Children under age 1 are free
Call or visit Sandcastles during open hours to purchase your membership!
Sandcastles Children’s Museum
129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 233-9326
Discover more around Ludington!
Farmer’s Markets & U-Pick Farms
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Beaches & Parks
Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!
What's happening now in Ludington?
Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!
Fall Color Tour
Enjoy an afternoon drive around the Ludington area in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.
Hamlin Lake Canoe & Kayak Trails
Take a paddle down the Hamlin Lake Canoe Trail. Venture out on the trip yourself, or join a guided trip lead by Dune Grass Concessions.
Mason County Agricultural Trail
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry
The S.S. Badger Carferry is a fun and relaxing shortcut across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes
Small destinations within themselves, visitors of Hamlin Lake will go on an adventure to find their perfect dune.
Where to Watch the S.S. Badger Carferry in Port Ludington
Where’s the best place to watch the S.S. Badger arrive or depart Ludington? Here are great locations for viewing the Lake Michigan Carferry.
