These aren't substantially farther than Detroit, but an overnight trip is less hectic. If your kids like that sort of thing try the Gilmore Car Museum , too. The Kalamazoo Nature Center features lots of kid-oriented activities. Exhibits include giant prairie flowers and a giant beech tree. Tanks feature live fish, turtles, bugs, and other creatures.
Feeders attract a variety of birds in all seasons.
Several nature trails wind through hardwood forests and along a creek. The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, near Gull Lake, has several ponds full of ducks, geese, and swans. Kids love feeding them. Cracked corn is available at the entry. Open all year.