Summer Enjoyment in Downtown New Baltimore’s Family-Friendly Atmosphere
New Baltimore, MI, located on Lake St. Clair, offers a welcoming downtown area for families. Key attractions include Walter and Mary Burke Park, which features playscapes, picnic areas, a swimming beach, and sports like volleyball, perfect for family outings. People from surrounding communities like Algonac, Marine City, Armada, Richmond, Macomb, Mt. Clemens, Fraser, Casco, New Haven and Chesterfield flock to New Baltimore in summer for its beach and events. The clean beach and waterfront views at Walter and Mary Burke Park attract families for swimming and picnics, while festivals like the Fishfly Festival offer entertainment. Dining options, provide family-friendly meals and shopping, making it a popular getaway spot.
Several key features make downtown New Baltimore particularly appealing for families:
Walter and Mary Burke Park: Located downtown, this park is a cornerstone for family activities. It includes playscapes, picnic areas, a swimming area, beach, volleyball, and tether ball, as detailed on the city’s facilities page (https://www.cityofnewbaltimore.org/facilities/facility/details/Walter-and-Mary-Burke-Park-Downtown-Wate-2). Reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor praise its clean environment, with comments noting it as “fantastic for kids of varying ages” and ideal for family vacations, with lifeguards on duty from noon and nearby amenities like frozen yogurt shops (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g42510-d10792221-Reviews-Walter_and_Mary_Burke_Park-New_Baltimore_Michigan.html). No pets are allowed, ensuring a safe space for children.
New Baltimore Farmers Market: Held on Washington Street, this open-air market runs from the Sunday after Memorial Day through mid-October, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and community engagement (https://www.newbaltimoremi.com/downtown-new-baltimore-happening). It’s a family-friendly venue where parents can shop while children enjoy the lively atmosphere, often accompanied by live music or special events.
Fishfly Festival: An annual event in June, organized by Bay-Rama, Inc., the Fishfly Festival features fireworks, live music, and family activities, with a prime viewing spot at Walter & Mary Burke Park. This festival is particularly popular, drawing families for its festive atmosphere and lakefront seating, making it a highlight of the summer calendar.
Yoga in the Park: Every Sunday from June to September, Santosha Yoga hosts sessions in the park, offering a family-oriented activity with views of Lake St. Clair as a backdrop. While primarily for adults, these sessions can be inclusive, providing a relaxed setting for families to participate together.
Additionally, the downtown area is undergoing development, with restored historic buildings like the former Christie Funeral Home now housing retail and luxury apartments, and Stahl’s Bakery being transformed into a brewery (https://www.newbaltimoremi.com/). These changes suggest a growing commercial scene that could further enhance family-friendly dining and shopping options.
Downtown New Baltimore, MI, stands out as a family-friendly destination with its parks, beach, and community events like the Fishfly Festival and farmer’s market. Residents and visitors enjoy the summer here through beach visits, festival participation, and family dining, making it a vibrant summer getaway. The city’s commitment to recreation and ongoing development ensures it remains a top choice for family-oriented summer activities.