Top Things to do on a Family Vacation in Northern Michigan: Traverse City Edition
📸 Petrenkod from Getty Images
Discover the family-friendly charm of Traverse City, where every corner holds a new adventure for families seeking a memorable getaway. From outdoor explorations to delightful experiences in town, Traverse City has something for everyone. Northern Michigan stands out as the ultimate retreat, offering a blend of charming towns, unspoiled landscapes, and opportunities for families to enjoy quality time, fun, and relaxation. This wonderful town was voted as part of the 2024 Good Housekeepings Best Family Travel Awards under the Must-See Cities as a Three-in-One Vacation. If your family is venturing into Traverse City with children of any age, especially during the warmer months, an abundance of exploration and play awaits you.
Family-Friendly Hotels, Traverse City:
Embark on a family adventure to Traverse City and discover an array of fantastic accommodations tailored to make your stay truly memorable. From cozy retreats nestled amidst nature to luxurious resorts offering endless amenities, Traverse City has something to suit every family's needs and preferences. Let's delve into some of the great places where families can create cherished memories together.
Great Wolf Lodge: Dive into a world of endless fun and adventure at Great Wolf Lodge! With its thrilling water slides, cozy accommodations, and family-friendly activities, this resort is a haven for both kids and adults alike. From splashing in the water park to enjoying delicious meals together, every moment here is filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Grand Traverse Resort: Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Traverse City, Grand Traverse Resort offers a luxurious retreat for families seeking relaxation and recreation. With its championship golf courses, rejuvenating spa, and array of dining options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring the nearby wineries or simply basking in the breathtaking views, your stay here promises to be unforgettable.
The Homestead: Experience the charm and hospitality of northern Michigan at the Homestead. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, this resort is a tranquil oasis for families looking to reconnect with nature. Whether you're lounging on the beach, hiking through picturesque trails, or indulging in farm-to-table dining, every moment spent here is a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Wander North Rentals: Make your family vacation truly unique with an Airbnb rental in Traverse City! From cozy cottages by the lake to spacious condos in the heart of downtown, there's a perfect home away from home for every family. With personalized amenities and the chance to live like a local, your Airbnb stay promises to be filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for years to come.
Outdoor Activities for Families
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Beach Day: Spend a day at one of Traverse City’s many beaches. Clinch Park Beach is a great option, where kids can build sandcastles, swim, and enjoy the playground. West End Beach offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for family relaxation and water activities, or make day trip to leland and visit Vans Beach and The Cove for lunch.
Tall Ships and Discovery Cruise: Set sail on West Grand Traverse Bay with a family-friendly boat ride—choose a historic tall ship sailing adventure or hop on the Discovery Cruise for a relaxing tour with great views.
Kayak the Boardman Lake or River: Paddle through downtown Traverse City along the Boardman Lake and River. It’s a calm and scenic way to explore the area by water. There are many restaurants you can pull your kayak up like the Filling Station and Firefly.
📸 Dave Weidner MyNorth.com
Visit the Lighthouses: Head to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula or the Mission Peninsula to climb the historic Grand Traverse or Mission Point lighthouse, learn a little history, and take in the stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Explore Leland aka Fishtown - Wander the charming boardwalks of Fishtown, grab ice cream, check out the historic dam, stock up on sweets at the Dam Candy Store, and finish it off with a visit to the nearby beach.
Wineries with Playgrounds: French Valley Vineyards and Dune Bird Winery offer the best of both worlds: delicious wine for the grown-ups and play areas to keep the kids entertained while you sip and relax.
Jacobs Farm TC: At Jacobs Farm, families can enjoy a variety of activities amidst the beautiful countryside. From picking fresh fruits like strawberries and cherries to exploring corn mazes, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also take tractor rides through the fields or indulge in delicious homemade treats at the farm stand. With its scenic charm and engaging activities this promises a memorable and enjoyable family vacation experience.
Fishing: With a valid fishing license, you can cast your line into the numerous lakes and rivers in the area. To target larger catches, venturing into deeper waters on a boat is recommended. The Michigan Charter Boat Association's directory is an excellent resource for finding licensed captains in the region.
📸 Diane Dakins at PetoskyArea.com
Stone Hunting: Northern Michigan stands out as one of the rare regions where Petoskey stones can be discovered. These fossilized prehistoric corals feature tightly packed, six-sided corallites. Exploring along the shorelines, especially those with rocky terrain such as Vans Beach in Leland, is the key to finding these unique stones.
Splash Pad at Clinch Park: While there are extensive public beaches to explore, Clinch Park sets itself apart with its splash pad, lifeguards during the summer, and its convenient location just two blocks from the City Opera House. The park also offers a playground, picnic tables, and concessions, providing a perfect spot for a refreshing break without the need to pack up and drive.
Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Beach: A visit to the dune climb is a must for all ages, with kids particularly enjoying the exhilarating run down the dune. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a worthwhile destination for a day trip, and we already planned the day out for you with our blog post The Best Things to Do In Glen Arbor: A Day Trip. Take a break in the afternoon and grab some grub by taking the kids to Art’s Tavern for some delicious tater tots, or Cherry Republic for some sandwiches and a cherry pit-spitting contest. Then, head across the street to grab some ice cream, or over to The Grocer’s Daughter for some delightful chocolate. another great nearby option is to kayak or canoe the Crystal River. The gentle current and crystal-clear water make it perfect for beginner paddlers and little adventurers.
📸 AleksandarNakic from Getty Images Signature
Fruit and Flower Picking: A fantastic way to engage with local agriculture, especially with kids, is by getting a bit dirty while picking fruits and flowers. Not only is the experience rewarding, but there's nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked fruit. Recommended spots include Buchan’s Blueberry Hill on the Old Mission Peninsula for blueberries from mid-July to August and Moondance Flower Farm, where you can create a bouquet of seasonal blooms.
Rent Bikes & Ride: Get ready to explore the scenic beauty of the Tart Trail by renting bikes from Brick Wheels! Whether you're seeking adventure or a leisurely ride, this popular trail offers a delightful journey through picturesque landscapes. With your bikes ready, embark on an unforgettable ride along the Tart Trail, immersing yourself in nature's splendor and enjoying the freedom of the open road.
Traverse City Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: Visit a fun 18-hole mini-golf course with a pirate theme, perfect for family-friendly competition. Treasure hunts and challenges make it an great experience for all ages.
Boardman River Nature Center: Learn about the outdoors with some educational nature exhibits and trails for families interested in outdoor learning. Birdwatching and wildlife observation opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
Games and Shopping Experiences to Enjoy:
Coin Slot: Step back in time at Coin Slot, a retro arcade in downtown Traverse City packed with classic pinball machines, vintage video games, and fun for kids and adults alike.
📸 Rocket Fizz Traverse City
Shop Downtown Traverse City: Explore the bustling atmosphere of Front Street, lined with unique shops and boutiques. Kid’s will especially love the timeless old-fashioned soda pop and candy shop, Rocket Fizz. Stroll through the Open Space Park and enjoy a picnic with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Great Lakes Children's Museum: Engage your little ones in interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Hands-on activities and play areas make it an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.
Traverse Area District Library: Take a break with a visit to the library for story time sessions and children's reading programs.
Pottery Painting: Get creative at Handz on Art where kids can choose any pottery piece and select from tons of colors to paint their own masterpiece.
Family Friendly Restaurants & Desserts:
Hoplot: This family-friendly brewery in Suttons Bay features a large outdoor beer garden with fire pits, yard games, and a play area—perfect for parents to unwind while kids burn off some energy.
📸 Pangea’s Pizza
Farm Club: A scenic spot just outside of town with fresh farm-to-table fare, open green space and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy.
Pangea's Pizza Pub: This funky spot offers a global twist on classic pizza flavors, with toppings inspired by cuisines from around the world. From the spicy kick of their Thai-inspired pizza to the savory goodness of their Mediterranean masterpiece, there's something to satisfy every adventurous eater in the family. Plus, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect spot for a relaxed family meal.
Slabtown Burgers: This laid-back local favorite is known for its delicious burgers, friendly staff, and quick service—great for a casual and satisfying family meal.
Glendales: A charming roadside burger diner offering the best burgers in town.
Bubbas: This downtown hangout offers a solid kids' menu, tasty comfort food, and a relaxed vibe that’s great for families—don't skip the tater tots!
Little Fleet: A lively outdoor gathering spot with food trucks, picnic tables, and live music. Everyone can grab what they like and enjoy it together picnic-style.
North Peak: A rustic-chic brewpub with a kids’ menu, coloring activities, and great food for all ages.
📸 MyNorth.com by Jon-Paul Allgaier
The Filling Station: All aboard the flavor train at The Filling Station! This family-friendly pizza joint combines delicious pies with a unique dining experience in a converted gas and train station. Kids will love watching the pizza chefs toss dough in the open kitchen, while parents can relax with a locally brewed beer from the tap. With options ranging from traditional pepperoni to gourmet specialties like their BBQ Chicken pizza, The Filling Station is sure to fill both your stomach and your heart with joy.
Moomers Ice Cream: A visit to the renowned Traverse City Moomers ice cream shop is a must. Perched overlooking the creamery and dairy farm just outside of town, this award-winning establishment offers a delightful experience. Children delight in observing the cows, while everyone can savor the choice of over twenty daily flavors. For an extra fun day, take the Tall Ships Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Cruise which takes you on a cruise across Lake Michigan to Moomers. Kids will love riding on the pirate ship while getting to enjoy a scoop or two of their favorite flavor!
Traverse City stands as a practical haven for families seeking a mix of relaxation and entertainment. Beyond its quaint charm and outdoor attractions, the city offers a range of activities for families to engage in, creating lasting memories. From exploring the scenic landscapes to enjoying local attractions, Traverse City caters to a diverse range of interests. So, as you plan your family getaway, rest assured that Traverse City has much to offer; it provides an authentic and enjoyable experience for families of all sizes and ages.
