Take Your Pick from Endless Things to Do in Traverse City MI
Beaches, fruit, festivals – whatever summer fun you can imagine, it’s probably happening in Traverse City.
There’s a reason why vacationers flock to Traverse City when the weather warms up – it’s a lovely destination and summer is the time when Traverse City is ripe with things to do with kids.
The natural beauty of Grand Traverse Bay, coupled with the charming downtown, tasty restaurant options, plentiful outdoor activities, and abundant winery stops make this a regular destination for family vacations and romantic weekend getaways.
Clinch Park Beach
in this article
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Things to Do in Traverse City MI
With so many options on where to go and what to do with kids – or without – in TC during the warmer months, we thought it would be helpful to have a list of the best things to do in Traverse City for visitors across a variety of interests.
Let’s go!
1 – Make it a Beach Day
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City: With dozens of beaches to choose from, there’s one for every type of beach day you could want. Here area few of our favorite beaches in the TC area:
Clinch Park Beach + Splash Pad
111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI, 49684
If you want to enjoy concessions, modern restrooms and a splash pad along with your beach, visit Clinch Park downtown.
You can ride a bike to Clinch Park via the TART Trail system. Lifeguards are on duty at the 1500-foot long sand beach during the high summer months.
Clinch Park, including the beach and the splash pad, is free to visit, but you will probably need to pay for parking.
Traverse City State Park
1132 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49686
Traverse City State Park is located on East Bay and offers restrooms and a lengthy sandy swimming beach with a nautical-themed playground.
You will need a state park pass to access the beach by car, or you can bike to the park using the TART trail system.
If you do bike, access to the beach requires using a highway pedestrian stairway overpass. You will need to lock your bikes on the far side of the overpass and carry your beach items over with you.
More Beaches in Traverse City
If you want a beach with fewer people, drive a bit and find one of the many public access points that dot the lakeshore.
There are so many to choose from that you could spend a month just visiting the different free beaches in the area.
Here are a few to get you started:
- Bayside Park in Acme has a nice grassy section and shallow beach area.
- Haserot Beach Park near Old Mission has a sandy beach, playground, and boat launch.
2 – Bike the Trails
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Over the past two decades, the Traverse City TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) group has been working hard to build a network of trails and bikeways across the region, making hitting the trail one of the best things to do in Traverse City.
Right now there are over 60 miles of trails just waiting for bikers, walkers, and in-line skaters.
Most visible is the TART trail, but there are plenty of other trail options to keep you busy. Here’s a PDF map of the trail system.
Bike Rentals
Brick Wheels
736 E Eighth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
If you need to rent bikes, stop at Brick Wheels, conveniently located on the TART trail. They carry kids bikes, bike trailers, trail-a-bikes, and more and will be able to give you more info on the trail system – or just point you to the nearest beach and ice cream shop!
Mountain Biking
VASA Single Track
5450 Supply Road, Traverse City
If mountain biking is more your thing, head to the VASA single track.
The trailhead will connect you with 13 miles of well-marked, well-maintained singletrack.
Kids & Beginners Mountain Bike Park
VASA Skillz Building Loop
4450 Bartlett Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690
You’ll find 2 one-mile loops with jumps, tabletops, berms, and rock gardens to give kids (this area is geared toward kids ages 6+) and adults a place to work on their technical skills.
3 – Find a Festival
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Most people have heard of the National Cherry Festival, held in downtown Traverse City the first full of week of July.
That’s not the only festival around, though! Chances are if you’re visiting Northern Michigan in the summer, there’s a festival nearby.
| Cedar Polka Fest: August 22 – 25, 2024 |
| National Cherry Festival – June 29 – July 6, 2024 (Traverse City) |
| Great Lakes Equestrian Festival – July 3 – August 4, 2024 (Williamsburg) |
| Venetian Festival – July 20 – 27, 2024 (Charlevoix) |
| Elk Rapids Harbor Days: July 31 – August 3, 2024 (Elk Rapids) |
| Northwest Michigan Fair: August 4 – 10, 2024 (Traverse City) |
4 – Visit the GT Commons & Play Bocce Ball on the Lawn
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons are a destination in themselves.
The historic buildings once served as a psychiatric hospital. Years of restoration and preservation efforts have turned this place into a destination. (Adult Date Night Idea: Take the Tunnel Tour!)
Shop the Mercato, dine at one of the unique restaurants, hike the trails behind the buildings to the Hippie Tree and Historic Barns & Botanic Garden, or lounge on the expansive front lawn.
Specifically, take time to lounge on the outdoor patio at Left Foot Charley, a Traverse City urban winery tucked away here.
Then, take a turn with the bocce balls on the nearby courts at the Village Piazza.
5 – Go Flower & Fruit Picking
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
When you’re in the Traverse City area, you are in the middle of an amazing agricultural area that produces some of the best fruit around.
Experiencing the local produce fresh from the farm is one of the best things to do with kids in Traverse City MI in the summer!
Picking cherries in Traverse City in July
Depending on the time of your visit, you can look for different flower and fruit picking experiences.
Here’s a list of when different fruits are in season and where you can go fruit picking in the area:
| Strawberries: June | Guntzviller’s Berry and Vegetable Farm: 11122 US 31 South, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 Bulldog Berries: 7187 East Harrys Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684 Secret Garden at Brys Estate: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
| Cherries: July | Rennie Orchards: 11221 Munro Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
| Raspberries: mid-July to early August | Guntzviller’s Berry and Vegetable Farm: 11122 US 31 South, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 |
| Blueberries: mid-July to mid-August | Bulldog Berries: 7187 East Harrys Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684 Buchan’s Blueberry Farm: 1472 Nelson Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
| Apples: September & October | Rennie Orchards: 11221 Munro Rd Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
| U-Pick Flowers: Spring through Fall | Secret Garden at Brys Estate: 3309 Blue Water Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 Omena Cut Flowers: 12401 E Freeland Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Old Mission Flowers: 16550 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 |
6 – Rent a Kayak or SUP
The River South, Medalie Park @ Boardman River & Lake, 1910 W. South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
The River East, TC State Park Beach @ East Bay, 1132 US31, Traverse City, MI 49686
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Bring your own or rent water toys to play on.
Stand Up Paddle Boards are a great option for the oft-calm Grand Traverse Bays.
Or choose to kayak in the Boardman River or in the lake – either option will cool you off. If you need to rent equipment, check out The River Outfitters. They’re located in the heart of downtown Traverse City and offer all sorts of rentals.
7 – Go Fishing
Daydreamer Fishing Charters, 231-218-5176 (text or call Captain Ben)
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
My brother runs a charter fishing boat in Traverse City, Michigan.
I’m proud of my little brother for his top-notch ratings on Trip Advisor for Daydreamer Fishing Charters.
He’s a dad and knows how to get kids involved in the catch and set them up for big wins. My kids can attest to how awesome it is to catch big fish with Captain Ben!
Hint – book a trip for August. That’s when many of the out-of-state visitors have gone home (their schools typically start before many in Michigan) and the salmon have started biting in the bays. It’s an experience you will never forget!
More Traverse City Ideas
21 Things to do with Teens
Activities teens & tweens actually enjoy
TC’s BEST FAMILY RESTAURANTS
Yummy flavors & family-friendly places to eat
Toddler-Approved Fun
Stroll the shops, hit the beach
Unexpected Adventures
Off-the-beaten path in Traverse City
Multi-Gen Trip Ideas
Activities, eats & stays for all ages
Festivals & Fun
Traverse City’s best things to do in the summertime
8 – Watch a $1 Matinee at the State Theatre
233 E Front St Traverse City, MI 49684
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Watching a film on the big screen in the renovated, historic State Theatre is a treat. Bonus: candy and kiddie combos are well priced, too!
Hint: Buy your tickets online to ensure you get seats. It’s easy and that way you won’t arrive at 9:46 AM to find the show sold out.
It’s no secret that the historic State Theatre has $1 kids matinees every Saturday at 10 AM (and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer.)
9 – Zip Line at Mt. Holiday
3100 Holiday Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Are you looking for adventurous things to do in Traverse City?
Mt. Holiday is the local ski hill in the winter. In the summer months it transforms into zipping adventure.
Plan on 90 minutes to do the eight zip lines.
(Riders must be between 60 – 260 pounds, hair tied back, and wear closed-toe shoes.)
10 – Head to the Ballpark for a Pit Spitters Game
Turtle Creek Stadium, 333 Stadium Dr., Traverse City, MI 49685
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Traverse City has its own baseball team: the Pit Spitters.
Elite college baseball players call Traverse City home for the summertime, playing games for the Northwoods League.
Baseball is played, yes, but the game is also punctuated with fun between-innings entertainment.
There’s a playground with a sandy bottom and lots of lawn for the kids to run around on, too.
11 – Play Around at Pirate’s Cove
1710 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City MI 49686
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
From the road, Pirate’s Cove appears to be a fun place to play putt putt. What you don’t see is that beyond the giant mini-golf mountain, there are lots of other amusements to play on.
Specifically, Pirates Cove is home to: Ropes Challenge Course, Adventure Golf, Go-Carts & Kiddie Go-Carts, and Bumper Boats.
12 – Try Bowling, Axe Throwing & Play the Arcade
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
If you need indoor things to do in Traverse City, you’ll find bowling at Lucky Jack’s as well as Incredible Mo’s.
The Den at the Grand Traverse Resort has an arcade as well as axe throwing.
Lucky Jack’s
1705 S. Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
Incredible Mo’s & Sauce Restaurant
1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd, Grawn, MI 49637
The Den at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
13 – Children’s Museums
Great Lakes Children’s Museum, 13240 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center, 232 N Michigan Ave, Beulah, MI 49617
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Take your pick between these two hands-on destinations just for kids.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is located just outside of downtown Traverse City.
This museum is best for kids up to age eight.
As of March 2024, reservations are recommended and walk-ins are limited. $9 per person age 1 and up.
COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit started by a Benzie mother-daughter duo in 2017.
This smaller, STEM-based center is best for kids under 10. There’s a planetarium open for one week each month starting on the 2nd Sunday (extra fee).
$9 per person age 2 and up.
14 – Tall Ship Sails on the Bay
Traverse Tall Ship Company, 13258 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Inland Seas Education Association, 100 Dame St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Don’t miss a stop to Traverse Tall Ship Company. These tall ships played a big part in the history of the Great Lakes and are one of the favorite things to do in Traverse City MI.
Now, families can jump aboard what looks like a pirate ship and sail the big waters out of TC. The summer sailing season begins Memorial Day Weekend.
The Tall Ship Manitou is a replica of an 1800s coasting cargo schooner. Book your spots on a Moomers Sail and get some of the country’s best ice cream while you cruise the open waters.
Or, get an education out on the water when you learn by doing with the Inland Seas Education Association. While they offer school field trips during the school year, you can sign up for public programs, specialty sails, and overnight accommodations throughout the summer.
Programs like Great Lakes Discovery let you act as a scientist on board, or Steady the Ship gets your family playing the part of schooner sailor.
15 – Visit the Nature Center & Go Hiking
Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
When it comes to hiking and nature in the area, the Grand Traverse Conservation District is all over it. Not only do they manage the Boardman River Nature Center on Cass Road, but they also are keepers of nine different nearby natural recreation areas.
An interpretive center (Boardman River Nature Center) with 7 miles of improved trails along the Boardman River that includes 1200 feet of boardwalks and bridges. The nature center has exhibits, a nature theater, and an activity area for kids.
Get outside of town a bit further, and the conservation effort belongs to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. They watch over a huge number of amazing properties – so many that they’ve built a directory so that users can search by desired activity and location.
Some are close to downtown Traverse City like Refitt Nature Preserve.
Just outside of town, in Long Lake, the South & Fox Island Nature Preserves are accessible by boat or kayak and make fun summer day excursions.
Most of the destinations, like the Arcadia Marsh Preserve or the Antrim Creek Natural Area, are a considerable drive from Traverse City and would make good day trips.
16 – Find the Best Playgrounds
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Playgrounds in Traverse City are a little harder to find than you might imagine. They are always at the top of our list of things to do with kids in Traverse City MI, though, so we thought we’d share.
Here are a few of our favorites – please note that some are located on school grounds and are not available during school hours.
| Grand Traverse County Civic Center 1213 W. Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686 | Playground, skate park, one mile outdoor paved walking/biking track. |
| Bryant Park 1101 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI, 49686 | This lakeside park with sandy beach also has a nice shaded playground. |
| Greilickville Harbor Playground 13133 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684 | This park has a sandy beach, BBQ, picnic, playground areas, bathrooms and a swing set. It’s located near the Children’s Museum. |
| Immaculate Conception Elementary School 314 Vine St, Traverse City, MI 49684 | This private school often allows the public to play on their amazing playground after hours. Artificial turn and lots of unique play structures are a huge draw. |
| Central Grade School 301 Seventh St, Traverse City, MI 49684 | Large Public School playground with lots of different play structures, located in a neighborhood. |
| Woodland Sweets & Eats 4386 N US Highway 31 N Traverse City, MI 49686 | Swings and climbing structures located at this ice cream and pizza shop along East Bay. |
17 – Farmer’s Markets
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Farm-fresh produce is always a winner and a great way to spend some time.
| Indoor and Outdoor Markets at the Village Commons During the warmer months (May-October), the Outdoor Farmers Market is held on Monday afternoons, from 2 – 6 PM on The Piazza (between Cottageview and Red Drive). In the colder months (November-April), you can stay toasty while you shop at the Indoor Farmers Market in The Mercato corridor on Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM. |
| Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers’ Market Wednesdays and Saturdays, lot B across from Clinch Park. |
18 – Get Painting at Handz On Art
144 Hall St Suite 110, Traverse City, MI 49684
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Stop in for a few hours at Handz On Art, a paint your own pottery studio in the Warehouse District in Traverse City, MI.
The owner is really helpful, kind, and inspiring. Choose from the many different options for kids and adults. Be sure to inquire about shipping your art home if you will not be in town for very long.
19 – Conquer MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge
3575 N U.S. 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
You don’t have to be a house guest at Great Wolf Lodge to play their addicting MagiQuest game.
To play the game, you need a wand that has been activated in their MagiQuest store (fee). After that, players spend time trying to beat dragons, complete quests, and do other tasks to win the game. Kids should be able to read for the best experience.
Most players will spend hours on the game, making this a great rainy day activity and one of our top things to do in Traverse City.
20 – Hunt for Petoskey Stones
Rockport State Park: c/o P.H. Hoeft State Park, 5001 US-23 North, Rogers City MI, 49779
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
The beaches in Traverse City are sugar sand and not great for rock hunting. To find the prized Petoskey stone, you’re going to need to head out of town and get ready for a hunt.
Thankfully, you don’t need to drive all of the way to Petoskey to uncover some of these gems. (If you’re really into rock and fossil hunting be sure to put Rockport State Park on your bucket list – they have an old quarry where you can mine for fossils and Petoskey stones!)
| Barnes Park: 12298 Barnes Park Road, Eastport, MI 49627 A picturesque park on the north end of East Grand Traverse Bay. |
| Elk Rapids Day Park: 920 S Bay Shore Dr, Elk Rapids, MI 49629 |
| Antrim Creek Natural Area: 9890 Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI 49729 Search along the creek. |
| Fisherman’s Island State Park: 16480 Bells Bay Rd S, Charlevoix, MI 49720 |
| Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach: 3701 Point Betsie Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635 |
| Christmas Cove Beach: E Christmas Cove Rd, Northport, MI 49670 |
| Peterson Park: 10001 E Peterson Park Rd, Northport, MI 49670 Lots of different fossilized coral as well as a lot of other rocks to pick from. |
| Sayler Park: 5923 Yuba Park Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
21 – Crystal Mountain’s Outdoor Waterpark & Alpine Coaster
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Visiting Crystal Mountain for the day (or staying here!) is an excellent choice.
There is so much to do here during the summer for families:
Alpine Coaster: You ride a chairlift to the top of the mountain and then you ride down a curved track on a specially designed sled.
Michigan Legacy Art Park: A thirty-acre preserve located on the Crystal property with over 1.5 miles of hiking trails. Along the trails, you will find over 50 sculptures.
Outdoor Adventure Pool: Zero Entry pool with slides, water guns and lily pads. There’s a sandbox and playset, too.
Edge Adventure Course & Zipline, Vertical Edge Climbing Wall, Mountain Biking Trails & Bike Rentals, Laser Tag, Paintball & Archery, Chairlift Rides.
22 – Shop Downtown
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Popping our heads into a few Downtown Traverse City shops is another one of our favorite things to do in Traverse City MI.
Some of the shops we frequent:
| Sweet Pea 205 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 Cute selection of baby and young children’s clothing, toys, shoes, and more. I always find something new or interesting in here. |
| Toy Harbor 221 E Front St Traverse City, MI 49684 Downtown is also home to Toy Harbor, a uniquely-filled toy shop that kept my kids’ attention for some time. I was impressed with the wide variety of unique items not found in big-box stores. They really took to this Thinking Putty! |
| Cherry Republic 154 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 This store is so fitting, as Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the world. Stop in for cherry everything – be sure to try the bottled soda – my kids’ favorite! |
| Horizon Books 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 The local bookseller that the town wouldn’t let go! They have a wonderful children’s section, cafe, and three floors of amazing books. Stop in and buy something – you’ll be glad you did. |
Food & Drink
24 – Dining, Drinking & Snacking in Traverse City
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack, there are a lot of great places to eat in Traverse City with kids!
spanglish
1333 Yellow Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
at The Commons also has great Mexican fare. Details.
chef’s in
519 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684
Perfect place to grab that sandwich before you hit the beach. Details.
Little fleet
448 E Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686
Downtown Food truck mecca with lots of foodie options. Yummo! Details.
hop lot brewing company
658 S W Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Not a lot of food options here, but their outdoor space is kid-friendly. Details.
moomer’s ice cream
7263 N. Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Drive out to see the cows that give the milk to make your Ice Cream. The wait is worth it. Details.
Day Trips from Traverse City
25 – Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Northern Michigan Town
Why it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City:
Traverse City is surrounded by charming neighboring towns. They are all unique and fun to discover.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Climb the dunes, visit Lake Michigan, ride your bikes, gaze at the night stars – there is so much to do here. Put it into a day or make it a longer trip! Details.
Tube the Platte River
Rent tubes and float with your gang down this relaxing, beautiful river in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Details.
Torch Lake
Rent a boat and cruise out to the sand bar for the day for a memory-making day. Details.
petoskey
Petoskey delivers big on fresh air and family-friendly fun. Details.
charlevoix
3575 U.S. 31 North S, Traverse City, MI 49684
Mushroom houses, a quant village, and beautiful lakes. Details.
Mackinac Island
The island is almost 3 hours away from Traverse City, so it would make for a really long day trip, but you could do it if you were pressed for time. Details.
crystal Mountain
Go for the day or just stop by for a ride down the Alpine Coaster. Details.
Best Places to Stay in Traverse City for Families
There are a multitude of places to stay in Traverse City with kids.
Lodging options vary greatly, from downtown hotel rooms, neighborhood vacation rentals, or accommodations outside of the city limits.
Downtown Traverse City
Staying in downtown Traverse City is perfect for people that want restaurants, beaches, shops and festival access right at their fingertips.
If you have bicycles, there’s a good chance you won’t even need a car to get to most places on your list.
Luxury Loft Hideaway
127 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684
The chef’s kitchen is to die for and the décor play to the strengths of the historic building. Definitely recommend if you have the chance. Details.
delmar traverse city
615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Bayside hotel is a 3-block walk from downtown. They have a great patio with indoor and outdoor pools. Details.
Park Place Hotel
300 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684
This historic hotel is one of the tallest buildings in downtown, giving it fantastic views of Grand Traverse Bay as well as the city. Details.
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel
1773 North US Highway 31, Traverse City, MI 49686
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel features a private beach, heated indoor pool and a continental breakfast – and it’s a half mile from Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. Details.
If you want more space than a hotel offers, look into vacation rentals in the neighborhoods of Traverse City.
The tree-lined streets are filled with charming houses from the 1800s and 1900s. You will be able to ride bikes to most everything while enjoying the laid back vibe of the old streets.
Here are some of our top picks:
Unique Loft in Historical State Hospital
Traverse City, MI 49684
This suite offers the ultimate in loft-living! Three levels, with 18 ft. ceilings. 790 sq.ft. VRBO condo – 1 bedroom + loft, 1.5 baths, sleeps 2 – 4. Details.
Downtown Riverfront Condo
Traverse City, MI 49684
3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, Sleeps 8
Great decor, bunk beds Details.
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula is a favorite place for many people to stay because of its proximity to Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, and its natural beauty.
Orchards and wineries take advantage of sweeping hilltop views. Beaches are everywhere. Leelanau is an amazing place to base your Northern Michigan vacation around.
Leland Lodge
565 Pearl St, Leland, MI 49654
Leland Lodge is also a good central destination for your “Up North” travels. Details.
East Bay & Acme
The East Bay and Acme areas are where you will find many lodging options and restaurants geared toward tourists.
cherry tree inn
2345 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI 49686
This family-friendly hotel is close to the beach with great amenities. Details.
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
1683 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI 49686
Families love the nice sandy beach at this hotel. Details.
grand traverse resort
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
In addition to hotel rooms, they offer condos to accommodate all family sizes. Amenities here include pools, beach, shops and activities (golf, tennis, etc.) Details.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula doesn’t have many lodging options.
The largely rural peninsula is home to several wineries and many million dollar homes. That said, if you can find a place for your family on Old Mission, take it. You’re in for a treat.
lake cottage
Old Mission Peninsula, MI 49673
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 4
This cottage was updated in 2021 and features a rare location directly on the lake with 80 feet of East Bay Frontage. Details.
Kaiser House
Old Mission Peninsula, MI 49673
Amazing sun rise viewing, fire place, outdoor patio dining, and downtown TC just 3 mins away. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8. Details.
quad level with private beach
Old Mission Peninsula, MI 49673
Private frontage and beautiful views on the East Grand Traverse Bay in this newly renovated 4 bedroom, 3 bath fully furnished quad level home. Details.
South
great wolf lodge
3575 U.S. 31 North S, Traverse City, MI 49684
They offer big suites for families plus the perk of an indoor water park. Details.
You’ll also find chain hotels mixed with shopping centers as you get farther away from the lake and the peninsulas or choose a vacation rental from the map.
What does your family love most about Traverse City in the summer? Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know!
Just Published
Thank you so much. Visiting from Southeast Louisiana this spring and loving your ideas for our itinerary! Excellent ideas.
I hope you have a wonderful visit. If you are lucky, you’ll be there during the spring apple tree blossoms. They are so lovely!
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Bright Blooms is a great place to play for all ages! There’s even a massage therapist there a few days a week during open play!
Bright Blooms is now closed :-(, but they are holding a summer day camp every Wednesday at Twin Lakes Park in TC.
Don’t forget Elf Cafe! An incredible kid friendly spot with healthy food and kids play areas. http://www.eatlearnfrolic.com/
ELF is now closed :-(. The Fairy Trails behind where ELF was have grown though!
New since you were a kid, but one of the most fun things happening in TC, TC Bubble Soccer. We have tons of happy customers and cater primarily to family fun. http://www.tcbubblesoccer.com. http://www.facebook.com/tcbubblesoccer
Somehow Bright Blooms KinderPlay was left off the list!! It’s a wonderful indoor themed play space with rooms such as a Pirates themed room, a train table, a kitchen and a farm, a dress up and puppet theater room, a veterinarian room and more!! Children’s music classes and drop off parties are held weekly!
Thanks for letting us know about this place- we haven’t heard of it til now!
Any tips for Cherry Festival with kids?
Nice job Melody. Glad I got to see this.