Silver Beach is an ideal location for families to spend the entire day. The beach is situated on Lake Michigan and offers a great place for families to play in the water or sand. There are kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, beach volleyball courts, grills and shaded pavilion areas with picnic tables. There’s also a large playground with slides, climbing equipment and swings, just a few steps from Lake Michigan.
Walk a little further away from the lake and your family will find the giant Whirlpool Compass Splash Pad. The splash pad is surrounded by grass and is the perfect spot for families who are looking for a break from the beach.
Across the street from the splash pad is the Silver Beach Carousel, another great way to get out of the sun and enjoy a ride during your beach day.
In July and August, family-friendly movies are shown in the park once a week.
Hours
The beach is open dawn to dusk, year-round.
Things to Know/Bring
There are lifeguards on duty in the summer months, as well as restrooms (open May through October), outdoor rinse showers and a concession stand located near the parking lot. This beach gets very crowded in the summer and on weekends, so be prepared for crowds and arrive early if possible.
Dining
A concession stand, serving hot dogs, snacks, ice cream and hamburgers, is situated just steps away from the lake. Silver Beach Pizza is also just a short walk away and offers takeaway options.
Parking
The beach is surrounded by paid parking lots, which often fill up quickly in the summer months. Free parking lots can be found several blocks away (up the bluff, up a large staircase), closer to the downtown area. And metered, street parking (which can be even harder to come by) also surrounds the area.