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:  A visit to Moomers is one of the best things to do in Traverse City with kids! Moomers makes over 160 different ice cream flavors on-site at the store and dairy farm. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. The whole family will have fun seeing the dairy farm and creamery while you enjoy your special treats!

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:  With hands-on learning and exploring experiences geared toward young children, The Great Lakes Children's Museum is one of the best things to do in Traverse City with kids. Have indoor fun exploring exhibits focused on the Great Lakes, sailing, ships and the world around us.

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:  Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers families a comfortable home away from home with kid-friendly accommodations including condos and suites. Guests can enjoy the resort's golf course, spa, beach club, tennis courts, shopping area, fine dining, indoor and outdoor pools, health club and much more. Family-friendly beach bonfires, live music, water sport rentals, scavenger hunts, lawn games and more are also available for added fun!

Beth Wood said:  Check out Lucky Jack's family fun center for plenty of things to do with kids in Traverse City when you want to spend some time inside. Enjoy bowling, laser tag, an arcade featuring over 80 different games, laser maze, bumper cars and more. Kids bowl free during the summer (with sign up).

Beth Wood said:  The TART (Traverse Area Recreational Trail) is a 10.5 mile paved trail that runs from the west side of Traverse City to Acme Township. It links to the Leelanau Trail, Boardman Lake Trail and Three Mile Trail for additional passage. People of all ages enjoy biking, walking, scooting a stroller, or running along the trail. Stop along the trail to find fun things to do in Traverse City with kids: explore the beautiful scenery, parks, restaurants and shops.

Beth Wood said:  Enjoy water fun year-round at Great Wolf Lodge! This indoor water park and hotel features waterslides, a lazy river, pools, water activities, hot tubs, cabanas and much more for the whole family. An outdoor pool is available during summer months. After a day of fun in the water, be sure to check out the other family-friendly activities Great Wolf offers: mini-golf, shopping, bowling, an arcade, quest games, p.j. storytime and more. Each hotel room is fashioned to look like you're staying in a log cabin...bunk beds are available for added fun!

Beth Wood said:  Farmer's Markets are a dime a dozen during the summer months in and around Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula. Gallagher's stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere and great location between Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. When available, a barnyard is available for children to explore where they'll meet chickens, pigs and lambs. An outdoor picnic area is a great spot to enjoy ice cream or a treat from the bakery. You can also shop for fresh produce, local wines, baked goods and much more within the store.

Beth Wood said:  The Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City offers guests of all ages exhibitions and programs in the visual arts, sciences and performing arts. Both indoor and outdoor art installations and exhibits are available for viewing year round. The on-site Discovery Gallery offers hands-on exhibits and experiences appreciated by children and adults. The Milliken Auditorium typically hosts concerts, films and other live art performances throughout the year.

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:  Music lovers in your family? Plan a trip to the Music House Museum to take an hour and a half guided tour of music through the ages. The museum's collection starts in the 18th century and goes to 1950. See and hear rare instruments that actually play, as well as learn about the engineering and craftsmanship of these instruments. From music boxes to recorded sound to radio to complex instruments like player pianos and organs, you'll witness a little bit of everything to do with automated music.

Beth Wood said:  This park is located two miles away from downtown Traverse City. It features a campground, a quarter mile beach on the Grand Traverse Bay, playground areas and more for its guests to enjoy. Camping reservations can be made year round.

Beth Wood said:  ISEA's mission is to "inspire Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion in people of all ages." They offer hands-on learning activities aboard tall ship schooners that set sail from the Sutton Bay Marina on Grand Traverse Bay. These 2-3 hour long interactive and educational sailing excursions are family-friendly and great for guests of all ages.