Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaway in Dundee, Michigan (including Splash Universe Water Park)

Check out our latest family adventure to a kid-friendly weekend getaway in Dundee, Michigan which included a perfect water park for young children!

We are all about getting out of town for the weekend these days especially since our youngest has turned two. No more cribs, only one in diapers and everyone is eating regular food! If you have children, you understand. We had the opportunity to visit Dundee, a small village in Michigan which was only about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive for us. It was the perfect weekend getaway, especially the water park, while it was still chilly here in Michigan. 

We’ve visited Dundee quite a few times over the past few years as day trips. We mostly visited Cabela’s and also checked out their Christmas Tree Store but this time we really had the chance to enjoy much of what Dundee has to offer, including our kids favorite…Splash Universe Water Park. We visited Friday through Sunday, but could definitely enjoyed it for one night since it’s so close to Metro Detroit. 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Dundee which is conveniently attached to the water park. It was a short walk from our hotel suite to the water park, which of course is so nice especially when you have young children! We stayed in the Kids Suite which included two bunk beds, a private bedroom with a king-size bed, a living room and a kitchenette. I would highly recommend the Kids Suite if you have one to four children because if gives you a little privacy and separation (which for us is key at bedtime!). 

We arrived right before dinner on Friday night and the kids wasted no time getting ready for the water park. Thankfully they have food available for purchase right in the water park at The Snack Shack. We ordered pizza and bread sticks which was so delicious and NOT overly greasy (perfect for my liking). This was perfect since we were able to take a quick break to eat and get right back to the fun without having to leave the water park.

 The size of this water park, as well as the features of the park, are perfect for families with young children. Each of our three kids found their favorite spot soon after we started exploring the water park structures. While my oldest JP (5 year old) loved floating and swimming down the lazy river with my husband, I could watch my two year old (E) enjoy the kiddie pool and I also could watch my four year old (Kee) go down the “big kid” slides. I definitely would not be able to do this if the water park was any larger. 

Splash Universe also has a full-service restaurant, the Treehouse Pub & Grub, overlooking the water park and kids under 12-years-old eat FREE! Even though our kids are 5 and under, they still ate a lot of food so we were thrilled to find out they ate for free. They also have an amazing breakfast buffet that consists of a huge selection which we enjoyed each morning; we were quite satisfied and well fueled for the day!

On Sunday we had the opportunity to check out an awesome and unique feature to Splash Universe which is their Premium Cabanas. These are located on the second floor and only open to those renting them for half days or the entire day.  The cabanas provide access to complimentary towels, bottled water and fountain drinks. The best part was being able to step away from the water park to relax, but not have to leave the area. It was a great place for the kids (and us parents) to take a quick break and would be ideal for parents of older children–where constant supervision is not required.

They also have comfy chairs for adults, but as you can see the kids enjoyed them more.  (Why weren’t WE sitting in them…?)

To allow the kids to take a break (and nap), we explored the area a bit by car and finished our drive right across the street from the hotel and water park at St. Julian Winery and Russel Stover (you can park in the same lot!). We planned it quite well with purchasing a few goodies first from Russel Stover and then headed to the winery for some adult fun. Needless to say we all enjoyed ourselves! And the kids even had the chance to sample several fruit juices at the winery!

We also did some exploring around the town on Sunday. In the morning, I had a 6 miler on my half marathon schedule so I ran around Dundee exploring the downtown and neighborhoods. I also explored the Raisin River (pictured below). Running with a view always makes the time fly by!

Then the whole family visited the Old Mill Museum located in downtown Dundee. It was a nice change of pace, and we learned that Henry Ford himself obtained a financial stake in the mill for a few years starting in 1936 when it was in jeopardy of closing. If you’re from the Detroit area like us, you’ll likely appreciate the connection. 

Before we headed home on Sunday, we also couldn’t help but stop by Cabela’s (which is located across the street from the Holiday Inn/Splash Universe). If you’re into any outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, hunting or fishing this store has everything you’ll ever need or want. And if you have young children, it’s an adventure in itself just exploring the store!  Cabela’s has tons of wild game animals mounted and presented in simulated natural habitats throughout the store.  They even have a walk-through aquarium with a variety of fresh water fish! 

I’ve included a few useful insider tips below that you might not find on a website. They are tidbits to help you to save money and enjoy your trip just a little bit more from someone who’s “been there and done that!”

INSIDER TIPS

• If you have one or more children, definitely book a Kids Suite room at the Holiday Inn! Besides my kids loving the bunk beds, the suite gives you a little more room to spread out.
• Book early and check for specials! Splash Universe often has deals on their website and the water park is popular so they fill up quickly.
• Although we brought puddle jumpers (kiddie life preservers) for our younger two children, Splash Universe has life jackets to borrow while at the water park. There was plenty available the entire weekend.
• If you have an extra swim suit for your children, bring them! We came back from the water park for a break or for a meal and the kids wanted to change, and putting on a dry swim suit is much more comfortable.
• If you’re passing through Dundee and just want a place to stay but not be surrounded by a ton of families/children, the Holiday Inn has rooms available in the front of the hotel, farther from the water park.

It’s been almost two weeks since we visited Splash Universe and our two year old still says “water park” several times a day (often at bedtime to remind us to take him back!). Obviously he had a blast along with the rest of the family! If you’re looking for a quick family getaway, definitely consider Splash Universe, you won’t be disappointed!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated to write this post, however our lodging, water park passes, and some meals were provided by Splash Universe. And as always, all the opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

This Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaway to Dundee, Michigan (including Splash Universe Water Park) post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.

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