A Skip Generation Weekend in the Art Coast®
Have you ever considered taking your grandkids on a vacation with you? This growing trend is called Skip Generation Travel, and it’s a wonderful way for seniors and kids to bond while parents get a much-needed break. After all, we all know that kids are always better behaved when their parents aren’t around. It’s also the perfect excuse to spoil them a little (or a lot), with fun experiences they’ll never forget. Here’s a suggested itinerary highlighting just some of the many activities in Saugatuck/Douglas that both generations can enjoy together:
Day 1: Saugatuck
Kick off your day with breakfast at Ida Red’s Cottage, a cozy breakfast and lunch spot with outdoor seating and views of the water. They offer plenty of kid-friendly options, such as French Toast and pancakes, along with a variety of creative scrambles for adults.
Once everyone has a full stomach, head over to the Saugatuck Dune Rides (which you will want to book in advance). During this 40-minute trek across rolling dunes, you’ll hear tales about the lost town of Singapore and learn about the natural ecosystem of the dunes. And, not to worry, the kids will stay entertained with plenty of jokes from your driver/guide and hairpin turns and dips as your dune buggy traverses the massive dunes.
After exploring the dunes, it will, of course, be time for an ice cream break. Dairy Dayz is just a few minutes down the road from Saugatuck Dune Rides, and you can choose from a variety of sundaes, flurries, and classics like Dole Whip. If you’re in the mood for lunch, they also offer cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, and other snacks. And if you’re in the mood for some extra spoiling, hit the Sweet Spot—a cheerful little candy shop packed wall to wall with sweet treats, nostalgic favorites, and enough sugary goodness to make any kid (or grandparent) smile.
No Saugatuck adventure is complete without time spent wandering around town and checking out the local shops. Check out the Teeny Tiny Toy Store and The Book Nook of Saugatuck for toys, puzzles, and books, or head to Gliks or the Landsharks to help your teen pick out some beachwear.
While downtown, plan for another fun ride—this time over the water on the Star of Saugatuck. This authentic paddlewheel boat offers beautiful views of the harbor, the Kalamazoo River, and Lake Michigan—something both you and the grandkids will love.
For dinner, head over to The Butler, a Saugatuck landmark since 1892. Featuring seafood and classic American fare (including the best burgers in town), there will be something for everyone to enjoy, along with live music on the patio to keep you entertained.
Day 2: Fennville
About fifteen minutes south of Saugatuck, the small town of Fennville awaits. Nestled in the countryside, Fennville offers a rich array of vineyards, orchards, creameries, cider mills, and more.
Stop by Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery, where you can sample some artisanal cheeses while the grandkids interact with the playful goats.
With the parents away, it’s the perfect opportunity to treat the grandkids to sweet treats at lunch. Head over to Crane’s Pie Pantry and Restaurant, which features savory crowd-pleasers, including a baked pretzel with cheese, fried cheese curds, their famous Sloppy Joe sandwich, grilled cheese and soup, and more. Top off your meal with a slice of pie made with fruit from their orchard, or try a pie flight—a delectable sampler of four different types of pie.
Next on the agenda is the Express Yourself Art Barn, a creative haven where you can paint pottery, craft mosaics, or try your hand at glass fusing. This great-for-all-ages experience is immersive and hands-on—plan to spend a few hours making your masterpiece. Finished pieces are ready for pickup in a few days, but if you’re heading out sooner, no worries—they can ship it to you.
After all your hard work making art, you deserve a refreshment. Bring the crew to Virtue Cider, a 48-acre farm with indoor and outdoor seating. Relax with a charcuterie board and a glass of cider (they also offer apple juice and craft soda for the younger ones) and let the grandkids explore the gardens and trails. Be sure to visit Virtue’s rare Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs!
Day 3: Douglas
If you’re an active family, head over the bridge to Douglas, which offers ample opportunities for both outdoor and indoor play. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry and then grab a caffeine pick-me-up at Woosah Art + Coffee in Douglas. The kids will love their slushies and the outdoor area, complete with hammocks and a fire pit.
When you’re ready to get moving, check out Schultz Park in downtown Douglas. You and the grandkids can burn off energy playing pickleball or taking advantage of the park’s soccer fields, baseball diamonds, playground, and 20-acre nature preserve along the Kalamazoo River.
If a leisurely paddle is more your speed, Third Coast Paddling rents kayaks (including doubles if you have little ones) and paddle boards at Wade’s Bayou near downtown Douglas. Spend a few lazy hours exploring the bayou, fishing, and watching for birds.
Into antiquing? Head to the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion in Douglas, home to hundreds of vendors and more than 24,000 square feet of vintage treasures and collectibles. Be sure to ask at the front desk for a scavenger hunt card for the grandkids—there’s a fun prize waiting at the end.
After a day packed with activity, head to the Back Alley Pizza Joint to grab dinner. Take your pizza to go and head over to Douglas Beach Park where there are picnic tables and plenty of scenery.
Want to Extend Your Stay?
Sometimes, a long weekend at the Art Coast just isn’t enough. If you have extra time in town, spend the day at one of our amazing beaches! Award-winning Oval Beach is easy for people of all abilities to access, while Saugatuck Dunes State Park has breathtaking views (and more vigorous hikes). If you do visit Oval Beach, be sure to stop by the Root Beer Barrel in Douglas. The retro larger-than-life concession stand offers root beer floats, specialty hot dogs, and a variety of other treats you and your grandkids are sure to enjoy.
