Kirk Park

Just a short walk from the Lake Michigan shoreline, this Ottawa County park punches well above its weight for a family afternoon out. The rubberized playground surface is genuinely one of the better ones around — kids can run and fall without you holding your breath every five minutes, and the 2-12 range is well covered. Pack a cooler, because the picnic tables and grills get serious use on weekends for good reason. The paved walking path down toward the beach is a nice touch, and the scenic overlooks with benches are worth lingering at, especially later in the day. Dogs are welcome too, which honestly makes it a go-to for the whole family.