Looking for an easy summer lake getaway within driving distance of Ohio?
Our trip to Higgins Lake was the perfect long weekend escape—just about a 5-hour drive from Cleveland, making it ideal for a quick, low-stress family trip.
We spent 3 nights at a lakefront Airbnb, traveled with grandparents, and brought along four kids ages 6 and under—so this was very much a real-life, flexible, family-focused getaway.
If you’re looking for a place to slow down, spend full days on the water, and keep things simple, Higgins Lake is a great option.
Henderson Lake, Michigan at a Glance
- Location: Higgins Lake
- Distance from Cleveland: ~5 hours
- Trip Length: 3 nights (perfect long weekend)
- Best for: Families with young kids + multi-generational trips
- Trip style: Relaxed lake vacation
- Where we stayed: Lakefront Airbnb
- Top highlight: Boat day + crystal clear shallow water
- Good to know: Weather can change quickly
Where We Stayed (Airbnb Lake House)
For this trip, staying in a lakefront Airbnb made all the difference.
With little kids and grandparents, having:
- Space to spread out
- A full kitchen
- Easy lake access
- Room for naps and downtime
…was key to keeping the trip enjoyable for everyone.
We kept meals simple—breakfast and most dinners at the house, with easy lunches in between lake time.
👉 If you’re traveling with younger kids, I’d 100% recommend prioritizing a home right on the water.
Boat Day: The Highlight of the Trip
Hands down, the best part of our trip was renting a boat.
One of the best things about Higgins Lake is how clear and shallow the water is, especially in certain areas—making it perfect for families with younger kids.
Higgins Lake is:
- Crystal clear
- Calm and easy to navigate
- Has large shallow areas perfect for swimming
This made it ideal for younger kids who aren’t strong swimmers yet.
We spent hours:
- Anchoring in shallow water so kids could safely swim
- Tubing (big hit with the older kids!)
- Cruising around the lake
It was one of those days where no one wanted to leave the water.
👉 If you go, make renting a boat a priority—it completely makes the trip.
🎣 Fishing on Henderson Lake
Fishing was an easy, low-pressure activity we mixed into the trip.
We kept it simple:
- Fishing off the dock
- Short fishing breaks throughout the day
It’s a great spot for introducing kids to fishing without needing a full setup or schedule.
South Higgins State Park
🌧️ Rainy Day at the Lake
Not every day goes as planned—and we had a full washout rain day.
Instead of trying to force plans, we kept it simple:
- Played games at the house
- Relaxed and recharged
- Took short walks between rain showers
And honestly, it ended up being a nice reset day for everyone.
👉 Always plan for at least one weather day on lake trips—it makes everything feel less stressful.
🚗 Drive from Cleveland to Higgins Lake
One of the best parts of Higgins Lake is how easy it is to get to.
At about a 5-hour drive from Cleveland, it’s perfect for a long weekend.
We love this distance because you can:
- Leave in the morning and still enjoy your first day
- Skip flights with young kids
- Pack everything you need (which always helps for lake trips)
👉 It’s one of those “just far enough to feel like a vacation, but easy enough to actually do” trips.
👨👩👧👦 Why This Trip Worked for a Big Family
Traveling with:
- 4 kids ages 6 and under
- Grandparents
…means the trip needs to be simple.
What made this one work:
- No packed itinerary
- Everything centered around the house + lake
- Flexible days
- Activities that worked for all ages
No rushing, no overplanning—just easy family time.
💡 Tips for Planning a Higgins Lake Trip
- Book a lakefront Airbnb early (they go fast in summer)
- Plan for at least one full boat day
- Keep meals simple and easy
- Bring games for downtime or rain
- Don’t over-schedule—this is a “slow down” destination
🧳 What to Pack for a Lake Trip with Kids
- Life jackets
- Towels (more than you think you need)
- Snacks + drinks for long lake days
- Water toys + floaties
- Card games / board games
- Light rain jackets
🧭 Planning Your Next Family Getaway?
If you’re looking for more easy, family-friendly trips like this, start here:
These are some of our go-to destinations for simple, memorable trips with kids.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for:
- A quiet, family-friendly lake
- A trip focused on time together
- A destination that’s easy and relaxing with kids
Higgins Lake is a great choice.
This ended up being one of our favorite easy summer getaways from Cleveland, and it’s definitely a place we’d come back to again.
❓ FAQs About Higgins Lake with Kids
Is Higgins Lake good for kids?
Yes—especially because of the shallow, clear water areas that are perfect for swimming.
Do you need a boat?
Not required, but highly recommended. It was the highlight of our trip.
How long should you stay?
3 nights is perfect for a long weekend.
What if it rains?
Plan for downtime—games, relaxing, and short walks worked great for us.
