29 Things to Do in Traverse City with Kids

Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, is home to more than 1,550 acres set along Lake Michigan. The park is home to a rustic campground, mini cabins, a lighthouse, the park's trail system (also known as Cathead Bay trails), an interactive playground and a picnic area with a pavilion.

The Village of Northport sits on Grand Traverse Bay near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, north of Traverse City. This quaint waterfront village offers visitors a large marina, kid friendly restaurants and ice cream shops, galleries, public beach, playground area, nearby state park and more. There are plenty of rentals to stay, or drive up for an afternoon!

Clay Cliffs Natural Area offers visitors unparalleled views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Visitors can take a one and half mile hike on both flat and hilly terrain along trails that wind through the woods, up a bluff and through a field, back to the original starting point. A viewing platform offers gorgeous views of Lake Michigan from 200 feet above the beach. Views of Lake Leelanau and its beautiful countryside can be seen on the trail heading down the bluff which is also home to one of the best wildflower sites on the peninsula.

Experience an authentic “up north” getaway in Leelanau County. The historic Leland Lodge offers 18 hotel rooms, three cottages, two restaurants, abundant event space, and is situated in a lush garden setting, adjacent to the prestigious Leland Country Club.

Leland is a picturesque, coastal small town located on a sliver of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula... surrounded by incredible natural beauty, excellent amenities and charm!

The Manitou Islands, consisting of North and South Manitou, are located in Lake Michigan and are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. These islands are known for their scenic beauty, historic sites, and diverse ecosystems, including old-growth forests and dune landscapes. Accessible by ferry from Leland, Michigan, they offer hiking, camping, and a peaceful retreat into nature.

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is a nostalgic, family-friendly destination that has been operating since 1953. Known for its retro 1950s atmosphere, it features classic car speakers, a playground, and a vintage concession stand. As one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Michigan, it offers double-feature movies under the stars during the summer season.

The Homestead sits on Lake Michigan and borders the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offering a scenic lakeside escape year‑round. Accommodations range from hotel rooms and inn suites to villas and vacation homes, offering amenities such as a spa, golf courses, multiple restaurants, beaches, and winter sports facilities. In winter, The Homestead features skiing (with limited ticket sales to avoid lift-line crowds), snowshoeing, and ice skating. In warmer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, tennis, hiking, and take in sunsets over the lake.

Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District is your go-to destination for outdoor fun, shopping, and relaxation in Glen Arbor. Just 26 miles from Traverse City, this adventure hub has been offering unforgettable kayak and canoe trips for over 25 years.

Enjoy the quaint vacation town of Glen Arbor! Nestled among the Crystal River, the Glen Lakes, and Lake Michigan. Due to its proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Maple City, and Empire, the area offers a variety of landscapes and four seasons to enjoy exceptional year-round recreation

More than just a retail store, the Cherry Republic Glen Arbor campus is a must for cherry lovers! Sample and shop for yummy cherry products (jams, jellies, salsas, candies, etc.) at the Great Hall, soda taste or wine taste at The Winery and dine at the Cherry Public House on cherry-themed snacks, ice cream and lunch or dinner items. The three different venues are tied together by beautiful gardens filled with perennials, outdoor seating and dining areas, statues and kid-friendly play areas (including a cherry pit spitting arena).

Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna make up the natural world of Sleeping Bear Dunes. High dunes afford spectacular views across the lake. An island lighthouse, US Life-Saving Service stations, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history.

Riverside Canoes is conveniently located on the Lower Platte River at the M22 bridge. They’ll get you on the river faster so you can enjoy a day of fun in the Michigan sun! Your Riverside Canoe Trip is sure to be an enjoyable time, whether you take a canoe, kayak, tube, or raft. Riverside is ready to accommodate groups of all sizes.

Empire, Michigan is a small village located on the shores of Lake Michigan within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers sandy beaches, towering dunes, and scenic trails. Despite its small size, Empire serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts exploring northern Michigan.