The Best Things to Do in Traverse City with Kids
Traverse City is a great place to visit with kids! This charming Michigan town is packed full of kid-friendly activities, attractions, and restaurants. From playing at the beach to exploring the local wineries, there’s something for everyone in Traverse City. Here are our top picks for fun family activities in this vibrant city on the shores of Lake Michigan:
Moomers: 7263 N. Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI
Moomers is a must stop for the little ones (and big ones, too). Their ice cream flights are a hit and the farm views are lovely. Be sure to plan your time wisely because lines can be long and shaded seats are hard to come by. This is by far our favorite Traverse City stop (my 3-year-old emphatically agrees) – highly recommend!
Good Harbor Bay Beach: Good Harbor Trl, Glen Arbor, MI
Traverse City has beautiful beaches to choose from but the best beach for kids hands down is Good Harbor Bay Beach. With crystal clear water and a long sandy beach, it is the perfect spot for little ones to play and swim. The views are amazing and it is worth the drive to experience this paradise.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: 830 Cottageview Drive, Traverse City, MI
The long and eerie history of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons makes it a must stop for exploring. The Traverse City State Hospital was once a state-run asylum for the mentally ill. However, it has since been transformed into a thriving community known as The Village. This community is home to many businesses, restaurants, and shops. Spanglish is our favorite place to eat in The Village. This Mexican/American spot offers delicious food and a fun atmosphere.
Farm Club: 10051 S. Lake Leelanau Dr, Traverse City, MI
Traverse City is a foodie’s paradise, and Farm Club is definitely a must-stop. The food is exceptional, and the kids menu is a crowd pleaser. There’s plenty of room for kids to roam and play, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier or more accommodating. We always have a great time at Farm Club, and it’s definitely become one of our favorite Traverse City restaurants.
The Boathouse Restaurant: 14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI
The Boathouse Restaurant is one of Traverse City’s crown jewels. The waterfront views are exceptional, and the food lives up to the hype. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try. And if you’re dining with little ones in tow, never fear: Boathouse is extremely kid-friendly. They provide activity kits to keep kids entertained, plus high chairs and booster seats. In short, if fine dining is on your list while traveling with kids, be sure to stop by the Boathouse Restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.
The Little Fleet: 448 E Front St. Traverse City, MI
The Little Fleet is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a fun, unique experience. We recommend stopping by during the day with kids to avoid the crowds. At The Little Fleet you can get food and drinks inside or from the incredible food trucks outside, often while listening to live music. The atmosphere is a blast and it’s definitely worth a trip.
9 Bean Rows: 9000 E. Duck Lake Rd., Suttons Bay, MI
Traverse City’s lovely neighbor, Suttons Bay, is lucky to have 9 Bean Rows, hands down the best bakery in town. If you’re staying near downtown, stop by 9 Bean Rows on your way to Good Harbor Bay Beach for a picnic lunch you won’t soon forget. The sandwiches are delicious. And the pastries! But save some room for the fresh produce, too. You can’t go wrong with 9 Bean Rows.
Wineries: Old Mission Peninsula and/or Leelanau Peninsula
Traverse City is a great place to visit for wine lovers of all ages – Don’t miss them just because you are traveling with kids! Almost all of the wineries in Traverse City are family-friendly, with games and activities to keep kids entertained. To make planning a breeze (and driving safe) book a tour with Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours. They will take care of all the details, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. With our kids, we love to visit Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate, Bonobo Winery, and Hawthorn Vineyards… There are SO Many more! For more information on kid-friendly wineries in Traverse City, stay tuned for my upcoming blog post!
Other Favorites:
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Restaurants:
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Breweries & more:
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Tandem Ciders (For cider lovers, Smackintosh is a forever favorite!)
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Right Brain Breweries (For beer lovers, there are so many great ones, but this is a no-brainer!)
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Rainy Day Activities:
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Great Wolf Lodge Day Pass (indoor waterpark for all ages)
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If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly destination that has it all – great food, amazing beaches, and delicious beer and wine – Traverse City is the place for you (and your kids). I can’t recommend it highly enough; that’s why we go every year!
Have you been to Traverse City? Let me know in the comments what your favorite thing about the city was.
