Alligator Hill Trail
Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.
Beaches, mini golf, go-karts, hiking, and more for families with kids.
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.
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Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.

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,…

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…

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,…

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.
A large nature preserve near Arcadia featuring towering dunes, trails, and Lake Michigan shoreline.

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…

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

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…

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…

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…
A community park in Acme Township offering waterfront access, green space, and recreational facilities.
Community park in Frankfort with open green space, playground equipment, and a neighborhood gathering spot.

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…

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…

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

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…

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…
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…

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…

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…

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,…

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.…

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…
Conservation area near Lake Ann with trails along Cedar Run Creek through forest and wetland habitats.
Protected natural area on South Leelanau Highway with trails through diverse habitats near Empire.

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…
A dramatic natural area near Leland featuring towering clay bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline.
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…

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…

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

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…