30 Things to Do in Traverse City with Kids

Beth Wood said:  Plan a day trip to the charming town of Suttons Bay. Located on the Leelanau Peninsula, it's an easy drive from Traverse City along the famed and scenic M-22 highway. You'll find shopping, art galleries, restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, a marina, a public beach and a park with a children's playground on the beach and much more during your visit. Art shows, craft fairs and wine festivals are often held in the park during summer months.

Beth Wood said:  Leelanau State Park is located on the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula on Lake Michigan's coast. The 1,550 acre park features a campground, playground, Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, picnic area and hiking trails. Hike on over 8 miles of trails through wooded areas leading to the amazing shoreline. "Hidden" art installations can be spotted in some of the wooded areas off the trails....see if you can spot a flying monkey or serpent on your hike!

Beth Wood said:  The Village of Northport sits on Grand Traverse Bay near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, north of Traverse City. This quaint waterfront village offers visitors a large marina, kid friendly restaurants and ice cream shops, galleries, public beach, playground area, nearby state park and more. There are plenty of rentals to stay, or drive up for an afternoon!

Beth Wood said:  Clay Cliffs Natural Area offers visitors unparalleled views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Visitors can take a one and half mile hike on both flat and hilly terrain along trails that wind through the woods, up a bluff and through a field, back to the original starting point. A viewing platform offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan from 200 feet above the beach. Views of Lake Leelanau and its beautiful countryside can be seen on the trail heading down the bluff which is also home to one of the best wildflower sites on the peninsula.

Beth Wood said:  This family-friendly hotel sits adjacent to the Leland Country Club golf course. Single or double occupancy rooms or small cottages are available. The onsite restaurant, Bogey's 19th Hole, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner that can be enjoyed indoors or on the large outdoor deck where musicians entertain guests several nights a week. Beautiful gardens, patios and green space add to the hotel's charm. Lobby games, nearby playground and bike loans for hotel guests add to the fun. It's just a short walk to town for shopping, dining, public beaches and the marina.

Beth Wood said:  Located northwest of Traverse City, Leland is a small coastal town located on the Leelanau Peninsula. Sitting between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan, Leland offers its visitors beautiful scenery, shopping, galleries, restaurants, public beaches, harbor and marina, historic Fishtown canal area, coffee shops and more - all within walking or biking distance of one another.

Beth Wood said:  Plan a day trip or overnight camping trip to North or South Manitou Island. Visits to the islands offer beautiful beaches, camping areas, lighthouses, hiking trails and more. The Manitou Island Transit Ferry offers daily trips to both islands from the Leland Harbor. Choose the more guest/camper friendly South Island or the more exploratory/rustic North Island for your adventure.

Beth Wood said:  Step back in time and visit this old-fashioned drive-in movie theatre. Cherry Bowl shows family-friendly double-features during the summer months - only G, PG, and sometimes PG-13. Enjoy mini-golf, an outdoor playground, and family fun events like hula hoop contests, pony rides and clowns! Homemade popcorn, caramel corn, hot dogs, ice cream, sodas and candy are available for purchase.

Beth Wood said:  The Homestead Resort is a year-round oasis nestled in the woods along the shore of Lake Michigan. The Homestead lets you experience the magic of both summer and winter "Up North." Spacious rooms, condos and villas are available for rent. Enjoy an outdoor pool, lazy river, beach area and more during summer months and downhill snow skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing during winter months. On-site restaurants, shopping, resort transportation, a spa and more are available for guests' enjoyment.

Beth Wood said:  Plan a family fun day kayaking on the Crystal River or biking on the trails along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Crystal River Outfitters provides kayak rentals for a 2-3 hour paddle down the Crystal River in Glen Arbor. "Shooting the Tube" is a top attraction - a culvert large enough for you and your kayak to pass through.

Bikes are available to rent so you can cruise around the downtown area of Glen Arbor, head to the beach or hit the many bike trails along the Leelanau Peninsula. Whichever activity you choose, you'll have fun while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you!

Beth Wood said:  Northwest of Traverse City, the town of Glen Arbor sits on the shore of Lake Michigan among the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This quaint lakeside town has lots to offer and is the perfect spot for a family friendly day trip! Guests will enjoy shopping, galleries, dining, public beaches, playgrounds and more on their visit.

Beth Wood said:  More than just a retail store, the Cherry Republic Glen Arbor campus is a must for cherry lovers! Sample and shop for yummy cherry products (jams, jellies, salsas, candies, etc.) at the Great Hall, soda taste or wine taste at The Winery and dine at the Cherry Public House on cherry-themed snacks, ice cream and lunch or dinner items. The three different venues are tied together by beautiful gardens filled with perennials, outdoor seating and dining areas, statues and kid-friendly play areas (including a cherry pit spitting arena).

Katie G. said:  Spend the day on the beautiful Platte River canoeing, kayaking, rafting or tubing. Located about 40 minutes outside of Traverse City, families will enjoy the scenery and beauty as they glide down the Lower Platte River. With a gentle current and shallow depth (2-3 feet), your approximately 2 hour trip down the river will pass through Loon Lake and end at the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan.

Katie G. said:  Empire is located about 30 minutes east of Traverse City, on the southern end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families can enjoy shopping in the village, hiking along the beautiful Empire Bluffs or relaxing at one of the many beaches. You won't want to miss the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area, view the taxidermy animals on display in the museum or purchase a park pass. Family-friendly dining favorites include: Joe's Friendly Tavern, Tiffany's Cafe, Empire Village Inn and the Shipwreck Cafe.

Beth Wood said:  The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline is a must see! Campsites, 100+ miles of hiking trails, dune climbs, scenic drives, beachfront, lighthouses, a maritime museum and much more are waiting to be explored at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline. Be sure to take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile long drive goes through the forest, over dunes and allows you unparalleled and spectacular views of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Glen Lakes.