Marinas
Arrive in Ludington by boat and dock at one of three marinas: Ludington Municipal Marina, Harbor View Marina, & Pere Pointe Village Marina.
Sandcastles Children's Museum
Sandcastles Children’s Musuem Courtesy Photo
Children can Create, Discover, & Explore at Sandcastles
Current hours are Monday/Friday from 9:30am-1pm, Saturday from 9:30am-3pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.
2021 Updates include a new Water Safety Exhibit and a new Bearded Dragon! And to ensure the safety of guests, they have installed a new ventilation system, sanitizing stations, and have constant cleaning protocols in place.
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 are Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.
- Fall/Winter/Spring Hours begin after Labor Day and are Fridays from 9:30am-1pm, Saturdays from 9:30am-3pm, and Sundays from 12-4pm.
Have your child’s next birthday party at Sandcastles Children’s Museum!
2021 Memberships
Note: If you purchased a 2020 membership, Sandcastles will honor that membership in 2021. They do ask that if members are in a position to “donate” that membership in order to help the museum financially, it would be greatly appreciated. To make additional donations to help Sandcastles recoup the money lost during the shutdown, please visit sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com.
2021 Museum Memberships are now available and get the family members on the membership in anytime during Sandcastles open hours. Membership options are as follows:
Regular Family Membership
$100, includes two adults and four children from one family. Each additional family member is $10. Adults are interchangeable, children are not.
Grandparent Membership
$100, includes two adults and all of their grandchildren. Only four children may be admitted at one time. Children are interchangeable, adults are not.
Just Two
$75, includes one adult and one child. Adult is interchangeable, child is not.
2021 Daily Admission is $7 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
More Activities & Attractions
More Activities & Attractions in Ludington...
Ludington Skate Plaza
The Ludington Skate Plaza is a popular spot for kids with skateboards or in-line skates, and also draws spectators to Stearns Park.
Mason County District Libraries
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Mason County Barn Quilt Trail
The Barn Quilt Trail, highlighting the lost art of barn decor, is one of four trails that comprise the Mason County Cultural Trails.
Charter Boat Fishing
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Weather & Water Conditions
West Michigan weather – they say if you don’t like the weather in Ludington, wait a few minutes and it will change.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the gathering place for community expression through arts and cultural experiences.
Hamlin Lake Beach
The Hamlin Lake Beach within the Ludington State Park is fun for the whole family! With a dedicated, weed-free swimming area and more!
Power
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are the two main sources of energy that power Ludington! Check them out!
Waterfront Park Sculptures
The bronzed sculptures in Ludington’s 5-acre Waterfront Park sets it apart from other parks. The park is situated on the Lake Michigan inlet.