Taking a Northern Michigan vacation with your kids can yield a hefty price tag, but there are various Northern Michigan hotels where kids stay for free—seriously! These four hotels located throughout Northern Michigan let children stay for free, offer deals on breakfasts, and many have kids activities to keep your little ones entertained all vacation long.  Check out the Northern Michigan vacation packages below:


Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

This resort is known across the country for its spectacular views and historic charm, but a little known fact is that children under the age of 12 stay at the resort for free! Children aged 12–17 can stay at the resort for a discounted rate: $59 a night. Children’s rates also include the same meal plan as the accompanying adult.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hotel guests age five and older can participate in the Grand Hotel’s children group programs during lunch and dinner. Activities include Quidditch matches, butterfly house visits, arts and crafts, Grand Hotel horse stable tours, rock collecting on the beach, and more. Each program serves a special kids lunch or dinner.

Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville

This family-owned resort is home to 36 holes of golf and an outdoor pool and water playground, making it the perfect family resort. Even better? Up to two kids under the age of 17 sleep free. Kids eight and under also eat breakfast free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Bayshore Resort in Traverse City

Located right on the beach of West Grand Traverse Bay, this Victorian-style hotel is perfect for families, as it offers beach access and is just a short walk to downtown Traverse City. Children under 17 sleep free, and with free wifi in every room and a full cable TV lineup, your children will have plenty to do when they aren’t enjoying the sun.

AmericInn Lodges & Suites in Charlevoix, Traverse City, & Petoskey

  • Charlevoix — Located just two miles from downtown Charlevoix, this hotel features an indoor pool, free breakfast, and children under 16 stay free.
  • Traverse City — Located only minutes from downtown Traverse City, this newly updated hotel offers a free breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and children 12 and under stay for free.
  • Petoskey — With a variety of room types, including suites with balconies, this newly updated hotel offers views of Little Traverse Bay and kids under 18 stay for free.

 More Northern Michigan Kids Activities