If you’re looking for family fun in Michigan, there are several things to do with kids in Traverse City. This city is the county seat of Grand Traverse County, with a small portion of the city extending into neighboring Leelanau County. In fact, it’s the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region. Fairy Trails, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and Harvest food trucks are all great options.
Fairy Trails
If you’re looking for a place where your kids can play and explore nature without leaving the city, Fairy Trails for kids in Traverse City is just the place for them. Located in the middle of Traverse City, this trail system features leaf-covered stairs and meticulously built fairy houses. It’s like a little slice of heaven, filled with fun and adventure. And as an added bonus, it’s free!
The trail features miniature homes for fairies, including a giant bird’s nest, which were built by locals using natural materials. Each trail features guidelines to create a fairy house, including using local materials. Fairy Trails are seasonal and reconstructed each spring and summer. As they decompose, Mother Nature re-uses the structures, and the next set of hands rebuilds them. But, a fairy house is only good for a few weeks, so the next year’s fairy trail will have a new one.
For a magical experience, take the kids to Traverse City’s Fairy Trails. Located in Historic Barns Park, these trails are filled with small fairy houses created by local community members. And if you’re feeling particularly crafty, you can help build one yourself at the trailhead – just be sure to use natural materials! The trail will provide ample inspiration for building fairy houses for young children.
Harvest food truck
The Harvest food truck in Traverse City is serving locally grown, fresh foods, and is committed to supporting the local farm community. The food truck’s menu is always changing to feature local ingredients. Founded by Simon Joseph, a former food service professional, the truck is a great addition to the city’s culinary scene. As a family-friendly place to eat, kids will love the food trucks’ hip environment and unique offerings.
The food truck is a unique way to promote healthy eating and local, organic food. You can find a variety of dishes and even get a drink while you eat at the truck. In addition to food, Harvest also sells beer and wine, and all of its ingredients come from the local area. If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner spot, the Harvest food truck is an excellent choice. The outdoor seating area is great for kids to run around, but be sure to keep an eye out for poison ivy!
Great Lakes Children’s Museum
When you’re visiting the Great Lakes region, you’ll want to take the kids to the GreatLakesChildren’sMuseum in Traverse City. You can’t go wrong with a museum dedicated to the water table of the Great Lakes. Children learn about the water table, and about the lakes and their ecosystems. And, they’ll love the interactive exhibits.
The museum offers three sessions for young kids, including toddlers and preschoolers. It also features a light house, helicopter, and Life Cycle of a Cherry exhibit. You can also build a train track, or even a mock freighter, and explore the museum’s Science area. It’s even got a periscope for the curious, and you can use it to learn about the effects of gravity.
Parents can enjoy the exhibits for school-age children, too. The Let’s Go Sailing exhibit, for example, teaches children about the physics of sailing, and the Lilliputian Puppet Theater lets them play with puppets. Other children can enjoy the interactive play at the Great Lakes Water Cycle and Guardians of the Great Lakes. And as if that’s not enough, the museum has a toddler room, so you’ll be able to find your kids easily.
If you’re looking for an educational experience for your kids, the GreatLakes Children’s Museum in Traverse City is a great place to start. With more than 30 hands-on, interactive exhibits, the GreatLakesChildren’s Museum will inspire young minds and give them a foundation for lifelong learning. The museum is open seven days a week, and reservations are strongly recommended. While walk-ins are also welcomed, it’s a great place to visit with your family!
Leelanau Peninsula
There are many free activities for kids in Traverse City, including visiting the state museum or participating in the weekly kid’s matinee. The area is also home to two beautifully restored theaters, the State Theatre and the Bijou. Both have rotating collections and regularly scheduled events. Check out the website for more information, including events that are family-friendly. You can also purchase MyNorth tickets for discounted entry into museums, play areas, and local theaters.
Kids can enjoy the scenic views of the Grand Traverse Bay from Mission Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark located on Old Mission Point. There are hikes around the lake that lead to elevated viewpoints. Families can also spend a day at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, which has fun interactive exhibits and educational workshops. This museum is especially great for kids, as it has educational programs that will appeal to all ages.
One of the more historic attractions in the area is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, located 35 miles north of Traverse City. This lighthouse was constructed in 1858 and guided ships for the next two centuries. Today, it is fully restored and open to visitors. Self-guided tours are offered May through November. Hours vary. Visit the lighthouse during daylight hours to avoid crowds. There is a $1 entrance fee and a Michigan Recreation Passport is required.
Suttons Bay
For outdoor fun, Suttons Bay is a great destination for a family vacation. With four distinct seasons, the area is ideal for both summer and winter activities. While July is traditionally the hottest month, Suttons Bay is typically quite pleasant. Average highs reach 79 degrees in July, and the city can see 103 inches of snow in January. The beaches provide the perfect opportunity to cool off with a splash in the clean waters of Lake Michigan.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to the beaches, nature trails, and wine country tours. With beaches and nature ride trails within walking distance, there is no shortage of activities for the entire family. In addition to enjoying the warm water, Suttons Bay is also home to Michigan wine country tours and historic shopping. Whatever your family’s taste, Suttons Bay has something to offer for everyone. And, of course, there’s always a sunset to enjoy!
There are plenty of fun activities for children to enjoy in Suttons Bay, Michigan, including ice cream. Moomers Homemade Ice Cream makes 160 flavors of ice cream and serves them in milkshakes and cones. During the summer, you can even take a tour of the factory or sample the delicious treats. These summertime activities are sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
When it comes to outdoor activities, there are many things to do with kids in Traverse City at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This park is home to a scenic hiking trail, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which spans 22 miles and connects several of the major attractions. While the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes.
There are many attractions and activities for children to enjoy in this park, including swimming in the beautiful Lake Michigan. In addition to swimming, you can also go kayaking on the beautiful river. If you are visiting with your kids, make sure you bring a picnic lunch and a camera so that you can capture memories that will last a lifetime. In addition, you can take the kids fishing or kayaking.
Another place for families with kids is Empire Beach, which is not located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This beach is located west of the town of Empire and has public restrooms and a playground. Empire Beach is also home to one of the few working lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The shoreline is relatively rocky, so kids will want to be careful when swimming, but there is plenty of sand on the shore. And if you enjoy hiking, this is the place for you.
