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Family Activities in Traverse City

Beaches, mini golf, go-karts, hiking, and more for families with kids.

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Family Activities in Traverse City

154 places

Beaches, mini golf, go-karts, hiking, and more for families with kids.

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Traverse City is one of the best family vacation destinations in the Midwest with countless activities designed for kids and parents alike. From sandy beaches and amusement parks to nature trails and educational attractions, families will find endless opportunities for fun and adventure in Northern Michigan.

Many family-friendly activities are concentrated near downtown and along the waterfront, making it easy to combine multiple activities in a single day. The city's parks and recreation areas offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces perfect for families. Summer brings special events and outdoor festivals that welcome visitors of all ages.

  • Beaches with shallow, safe waters for kids
  • Mini golf and go-kart courses
  • Family hikes and nature trails
  • Interactive museums and educational attractions

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Showing 36 of 154 places

Alligator Hill Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Empire

Alligator Hill Trail

Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.

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Almira Township Lakefront Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Almira Township Lakefront Park

Tucked away in Benzie County, this lakefront gem gives families a quiet escape from busier Traverse City beaches. The park sits right on Crystal Lake's pristine shoreline, where kids can splash in shallow waters while parents actually relax. A network of easy trails winds through towering pines and hardwoods,…

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Antrim Creek Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Antrim Creek Natural Area

Two distinct trails wind through the rolling hills north of Traverse City, each with its own personality. Nipissing Trail takes you through dense hardwood forests where deer paths cross the main route, while Trillium Ridge climbs to higher ground with glimpses of Grand Traverse Bay through the canopy. Both trails…

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Arbutus Lake No. 5 Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Arbutus Lake No. 5 Park

Tucked away in Grand Traverse County, Grace Macdonald Park is one of those hidden gems that locals love to share. The trails wind through beautiful hardwood forests and open meadows, perfect for families wanting an easy hike without the crowds. Your dog will love exploring the scents along the well-maintained paths,…

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Arcadia Dunes: Dry Hill Trails in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Arcadia Dunes: Dry Hill Trails

The Dry Hill Trails are an 11 mile multi-use trail system reached from the St. Pierre Trailhead. Part of Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve.

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Art & Connection in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Antrim County

Art & Connection

Art & Connection transforms a quiet corner of Antrim County into a vibrant creative hub where local artists and visitors converge. The gallery walls showcase rotating exhibitions that capture Northern Michigan's spirit through diverse mediums—from oil paintings of Torch Lake's turquoise waters to sculptural pieces…

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Art & Soul Gallery in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Traverse City

Art & Soul Gallery

You know that feeling when you discover a gallery that actually gets it? Art & Soul Gallery is one of those rare finds in Traverse City. The space showcases work from local and regional artists who capture the spirit of Northern Michigan in ways that'll surprise you. I've seen everything from stunning cherry blossom…

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Art on Union in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Traverse City

Art on Union

Art on Union transforms the creative landscape of downtown Traverse City with its rotating exhibitions of contemporary regional artists. This intimate gallery space showcases everything from bold abstracts to delicate ceramics, with monthly shows that keep the walls fresh and exciting. The gallery champions emerging…

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Bay View Trailhead in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Maple City

Bay View Trailhead

A scenic hiking trailhead near Maple City offering beautiful views and access to trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

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Bayfront Beach and Bike in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Antrim County

Bayfront Beach and Bike

The gentle whir of bike chains mingles with lapping waves at Bayfront Beach and Bike, where two-wheeled adventures begin just steps from Antrim County's pristine shoreline. Their convenient delivery service brings quality bikes directly to your doorstep, eliminating the hassle of pickup and drop-off. Feel the lake…

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Bayfront Scooters - Pro Scooters, Skateboards & Electric Bikes Rentals sales in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

Bayfront Scooters - Pro Scooters, Skateboards & Electric Bikes Rentals sales

Here's something different for exploring Traverse City – electric scooters that'll have you zipping around the bayfront with the biggest grin on your face. Bay Front Scooters puts you right in the action, cruising past the marina, hitting the TART Trail, or just meandering through downtown at your own pace. These…

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Bayside Gallery in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Leelanau Peninsula

Bayside Gallery

Tucked away on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Bayside Gallery showcases an impressive collection of regional artwork that captures the spirit of northern Michigan. The gallery highlights local painters, photographers, and artisans who draw inspiration from Lake Michigan's shoreline and the peninsula's rolling…

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Bayside Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Williamsburg

Bayside Park

A community park in Acme Township offering waterfront access, green space, and recreational facilities.

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Bellows Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Frankfort

Bellows Park

Community park in Frankfort with open green space, playground equipment, and a neighborhood gathering spot.

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Benjamin Maier Ceramics in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Leelanau Peninsula

Benjamin Maier Ceramics

Step into Benjamin Maier's working ceramic studio on the Leelanau Peninsula and watch artistry come alive. This isn't your typical gallery where you simply observe from a distance. Here, clay transforms into stunning functional pottery and sculptural pieces right before your eyes. The studio showcases Maier's…

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Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Benzie County

Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum

You'd be surprised how much fascinating history is packed into this unassuming Benzie County gem. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum tells the story of this corner of Northern Michigan through authentic artifacts, vintage photographs, and exhibits that bring the past to life. Kids love exploring the…

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Benzie Conservation District in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Benzie Conservation District

The Benzie Conservation District manages some of northern Michigan's most pristine natural areas, creating exceptional hiking opportunities throughout Benzie County. Their trail systems wind through diverse ecosystems - from dense hardwood forests to wetland boardwalks where you can spot great blue herons and painted…

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Betsie River Pathway in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzonia

Betsie River Pathway

Multi-use trail system on Longstreet Road near Benzonia offering hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing along the Betsie River.

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Betsie Valley Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Betsie Valley Trail

The Betsie Valley Trail transforms a former railroad corridor into 22 miles of smooth, crushed limestone path perfect for families and their four-legged companions. This rail-trail cuts through Benzie County's diverse landscape, connecting Frankfort to Thompsonville with gentle grades that make it accessible for all…

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Beulah Village Park in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Benzie County

Beulah Village Park

Crystal Lake's crown jewel sits right in the heart of Beulah, where sugar-sand beaches meet some of Michigan's clearest waters. This expansive public beach draws families and their four-legged companions to its gentle shoreline, where kids can splash safely in the shallow areas while adults soak up the sun. The beach…

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BHMuseums & Galleries
Museums & Galleries-Antrim County

Blue Heron Gallery

Blue Heron Gallery showcases the artistic spirit of Antrim County with carefully curated collections from regional and national artists. This intimate gallery space highlights diverse mediums including oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, and handcrafted jewelry. Local landscape artists capture the stunning beauty…

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Boardman Valley Stables in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Boardman Valley Stables

Saddle up for trail rides through some of Grand Traverse County's most scenic countryside at Boardman Valley Stables. These guided horseback adventures wind through rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open meadows just minutes from downtown Traverse City. The well-trained horses suit riders of all skill levels, while…

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Brenda J. Clark Gallery in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Leelanau Peninsula

Brenda J. Clark Gallery

The Brenda J. Clark Gallery sits quietly along the Leelanau Peninsula's rolling countryside, where local and regional artists find a perfect showcase for their work. Inside this intimate space, you'll discover rotating exhibitions that capture the essence of Northern Michigan - from vibrant cherry orchard paintings to…

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Brick Wheels in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

Brick Wheels

Skip the hassle of loading bikes onto your car – Brick Wheels brings quality rental bikes directly to your door in Traverse City. Their delivery service means you can start pedaling the TART Trail or exploring downtown streets without the transportation headaches. The fleet includes comfort cruisers, mountain bikes,…

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Brown Bridge Quiet Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Brown Bridge Quiet Area

Brown Bridge Quiet Area lives up to its name with peaceful trails that wind through dense hardwood forests and open meadows in Grand Traverse County. The well-maintained paths make this spot perfect for families with kids who want to explore Northern Michigan's natural beauty without tackling challenging terrain.…

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Cedar River Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Cedar River Natural Area

The Cedar River winds through this hidden gem in Grand Traverse County, where local families have been creating memories for generations. Native Ottawa tribes once traveled these same riverbanks, and you can still see the ancient cedar groves that gave this area its name. The gentle trails wind through wetlands and…

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Cedar Run Creek Natural Area in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-MI 49650

Cedar Run Creek Natural Area

Conservation area near Lake Ann with trails along Cedar Run Creek through forest and wetland habitats.

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City Bike Shop in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Traverse City

City Bike Shop

Right in the heart of downtown Traverse City, City Bike Shop sits where the urban energy meets outdoor adventure. The shop's windows face the bustling sidewalks of Front Street, where you can watch cyclists roll past heading toward the bay or returning from the TART Trail. Inside, the smell of chain oil mingles with…

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CAHiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails-Grand Traverse County

Climb A Tree

Adventure calls from the treetops at this unique outdoor experience in Grand Traverse County. Climb A Tree takes hiking to new heights with guided tree climbing adventures that let you scale towering hardwoods using professional rope systems. Kids and adults alike can safely ascend majestic oaks and maples, reaching…

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Coastline Cycles in Traverse City
Biking (Rentals & Trails)-Benzie County

Coastline Cycles

Coastline Cycles brings the freedom of two wheels straight to your doorstep in beautiful Benzie County. Their delivery service means you can skip the hassle and start pedaling Michigan's stunning shoreline trails within minutes of arrival. The team stocks quality bikes built for everything from leisurely rides along…

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COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Benzie County

COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center

COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center transforms learning into an adventure that captivates curious minds of all ages. This innovative Benzie County destination combines hands-on science exhibits with interactive discovery zones that make complex concepts accessible and fun. Kids can experiment with physics principles,…

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Cottonwood Trail in Traverse City
Hiking & Trails-MI 49636

Cottonwood Trail

Hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes winding through forested areas and offering peaceful nature walks near Glen Arbor.

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Courtyard Fine Art in Traverse City
Museums & Galleries-Traverse City

Courtyard Fine Art

Tucked into Traverse City's vibrant arts district, Courtyard Fine Art showcases the creative spirit that flows through Northern Michigan like the Boardman River. The gallery's carefully curated collection spans local landscapes that capture the moody beauty of Lake Michigan shorelines to contemporary pieces that…

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