outdoor Fun
Riverside Canoe
Family-run business that strives to provide family fun and lasting memories by renting various watercraft for a fun-filled day on the Platte River. Riverside Canoes is located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Lucky Jack's Family Fun Center
42 acre park with tons of facilities including a baseball field, pickle ball court, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, skate park and ice rink. There's also a pavilion with grills and picnic tables.
Jacob's Corn Maze
If you and your kids are a fan of mazes, then take on your biggest challenge yet in this massive adventure-maze the size of 10 football fields. A total of 4.5 miles of maze features pirates, dinosaurs, and other surprises along the way. And while you're at it, stop for snacks at Gallaghers Farm Market!
Pirate's Cove Adventure Park
Enter a world of swashbuckling, high-seas adventure -- Pirates Cove has it all, from bumper boats and go carts, to 18-hole mini-golf, to a rope course and a zipline. And when that tires you out, head inside for the family-oriented arcade with plenty of video games and plush-prize machines.
State Theatre
In the summer look for kid’s movies and other awesome things for the little ones here. They do a lot of great activities in the summer especially during the Holiday season ($0.25 kid's matinees!) and during the Film Festival at the end of July.
Indoor Fun
Handz on Art
A fun relaxing activity for all ages. Great selection of pottery to choose from. You create your piece and they fire it.
Lucky Jack's Family Fun Center
Arcade, laser tag, laser maze, bumper cars, bowling, billiards and more. Great pizza, food, and spirits. Northern Michigan's largest family fun center!
Busy Bodies Bounce Town
Busy Bodies Bounce Town is a 10,000 square foot indoor play center. They have a variety of inflatable bouncers and obstacle courses to entertain elementary school age children or younger, with a special toddler area for the smaller children. General admission is only $12 per child for unlimited playtime or $5 for the toddler area.
Museums & Learning Centers
Great Lakes Children's Museum
Conveniently located less than 2 miles from downtown Traverse City, with plenty of free parking, captivating exhibits and activities, special programs, and nearby parks and child-friendly eateries, the Museum makes a wonderful all-season destination for families and groups.
Boardman River Nature Center
The Nature Center offers an interpretive gallery and rotating exhibits that change with the seasons. The displays encourage interaction and feature Michigan’s most interesting fauna and flora.
G.T. Butterfly House & Bug Zoo
Take a self-guided interactive tour within a lush, tropical Butterfly Garden. Hundreds of tropical butterflies fly among the garden paths while you explore!
The Music House Museum
Step back in time and experience a rare collection of antique automated musical instruments in live performance at The Music House Museum, just 8 miles north of Traverse City on US 31 North.
Joseph H. Rogers Observatory
Located fifteen minutes south of downtown Traverse City. Youth-oriented astronomy presentations. Call or visit our website for schedule of public viewings and other events.
Dennos Museum
The Dennos Museum Center seeks to engage, entertain and enlighten its audiences through the collection of art, and the presentation of exhibitions and programs in the visual arts, sciences and performing arts. They have a wonderful kids area in the museum that is fun for all ages!