Planning a day trip or vacation when you have children can be stressful and tough. Not many places cater to "families" (ie. Daytona Beach, Beach and Las Vegas to name a few). These places tend to attract the "wild" bunch. When you're on vacation you want to relax, you don't want to have to explain to your children what the people below your window mean by "chug" or "streak". So, where do you go and how much will it cost?

With gas prices rising our family has been forced to stay within our home state of Michigan for activities and vacations. We searched high and low for "family friendly" spots and have found that Michigan has some pretty fun things to do. Who knew? Although we have found lots of spots I am only sharing a couple of my favorites. Who knows, I may decide to share more with you a little later.

The first to make it to our list of "family friendly" fun is Zehnder's Splash Village in Frankenmuth Michigan. It is located right next door to Bronner's (a very popular Christmas store in Frankenmuth). Our two children absolutely loved the indoor water park located within the hotel. Once you are inside the water park there are tubes (at no cost) and life jackets (at no cost). The water park has two large water slides that you go down with inner tubes. They are super fast but don't worry parents, there are lifeguards in the water ready to grab your little one should they fall off their inner tube once they reach the bottom of the slide. The water park also has a 2ft deep kiddie wading area for the smaller kids or for those who are too afraid to take on the water slides. The kiddie area also has a small, flat slide for the little ones to go down. Next to the two big water slides is a net and lily pad climbing area. It's fun to watch the kids try to climb across. Just on the other side of the climbing rope and lily pads is a small pool. The back half of the water park is where all the fun is. This half features a smaller water slide that ends with a splash. The slide is part of a play structure that the kids can climb on and shoot water at people. The ground below has spouts of water that splash up and of course this is where the "BUCKET" is located. Every 5-10 minutes there is a ding and kids and adults flock from all over the water park to get under the "BUCKET". The "BUCKET" slowly tips forward and just when you cover your face "SPLASH" the "BUCKET" tips over and a rush of water comes crashing down on top of your head. The water park isn't the only thing they have for kids at the hotel. They also have an arcade right next to the water park. There aren't too many games but the kids had fun earning tickets for prizes.

Prices vary depending on the package you are booking however; you don't have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the water park. Water park prices are $32 for an All Day pass (9am-Close) and $25 for Half Day Passes (9am-2pm or 4pm-9pm). If you choose to stay at the hotel, they have a special: Stay 2 consecutive weekend nights and receive a $50.00 Zehnder's Gift Card.

The second spot we found recently is a little café called Jungle Java. There are three locations in Michigan: Canton, Farmington Hills and Ann Arbor. Jungle Java is a huge indoor play space, catering to kids of all ages. Older kids can explore their large indoor play equipment, complete with mazes, tunnels, slides, zip lines, rock walls and basketball hoops. Younger children will be drawn to their Toddler Safari areas, which are reserved for children less than 3 years of age. Crawlers and early walkers will love the tiny slides and climbers reserved just for them. Equipment at each location may vary. Jungle Java is also all about kids having fun, engaging in active play, in a safe and clean environment. It is also all about parents being able to relax and socialize while enjoying a latte in a comfy and cozy environment. Once your little ones are ready for snack or lunch they can grab something off the menu. Jungle Java does not have any coin-operated video games or candy machines. Their menu consists of healthy choices for you and your children.

Last, but certainly not least, is Huckleberry Railroad in Genesee. Huckleberry Railroad and Crossroads Village are a step back in time and you and your kids will love the 35 minute scenic train ride (6140 Bray Rd., Flint, MI 48505). The prices to enter the village are: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for children and Free for children 24 mos. and under. The prices for the Village/Train or Village/Boat are: $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children and Free for 24 mos. and under. The prices for the Village, Boat and Train are: $16 (ages 13-59), $15 (ages 60 and older), $12.50 (ages 25 mos. - 12) and Free for ages 24 mos. and under. Huckleberry Railroad and Crossroads Village also have a boat called theGenesee Belle. The Genesee Belle is a paddle-wheel riverboat and it offers a scenic 45-minute cruise on unspoiled Mott Lake. The Genesee Belle has an open-air upper deck for unobstructed sightseeing and the lower deck is climate-controlled in summer and fall. Although the Genesee Belle is a replica of the steamboats that traveled during the era of Mark Twain, it is very safe and especially designed for sightseeing and relaxation. Throughout the summer, Crossroads Village offers daily programs just for kids so they can see, touch and taste history. Interactive play encourages their imagination as they learn about the lives of pioneer children. And at 1:30 every day, they hold a children's costume contest for kids who come to Crossroads Village dressed as a villager.

So you see, you don't have to break the bank, leave the kids home or travel out of the state to have a good time with your family. You can plan a day trip or a weekend one and still have fun exploring Michigan with your family.

Happy traveling my fellow Michiganders!!