Looking for the best Traverse City kids activities for your Northern Michigan vacation? Check out these kid-friendly Red Hot Best Traverse City kids activities. With some strategic planning, a family-friendly vacation that’s fun for adults and children alike can become a reality. Below are some ideas for a cultural, outdoorsy, and (hopefully) stress-free day in Traverse City that everyone will enjoy. For more Red Hot travel ideas in Traverse City, make sure to check out the June 2014 issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.
Start your day out early with a trip to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, located on West Bay and just two miles from downtown Traverse City. Activities are generally water-themed, and offer kids the chance to “become” a raindrop in a water cycle exhibit and race boats at the water table. Admission is $6 and children under age two get in free.
The line-up outside Moomer’s peaks at about 7:30 pm
Reward your children with a trip to Moomer’s, an ice cream shop and creamery. Kids will love the Blue Moon and SuperMoo flavors, but as the names may suggest, be wary of blue ice cream dripping in the backseat. Instead, take some time to sit and enjoy the property. →
Head back downtown for some outdoor playtime at Kids Kove, a playground located on the grounds of the city’s Civic Center. There are pyramids, forts, rope bridges, and even a skate park for children to explore. There’s also a mile-long walking track for adults.
Take a break from the sun with a matinee showing at the historic State Theatre. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, kids’ tickets only cost 25 cents, as it did back when the State Theatre opened in 1916.
End the day with dinner at one of Traverse City’s diverse restaurant options. Blue Tractor and North Peak, have surprisingly expansive children’s menus that include roasted chicken and burgers. There are also some great options for adults that include an extensive beer lists and American-style pub food.
If there’s still energy to spare, take the kids to Pirate’s Cove for mini-golf and bumper boats. For more adventurous kids, there’s even a water coaster with a 50-foot drop.