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1) U.S. Coast Guard Open Ramp
Get up close and personal with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Walk beside the planes, sit in the cockpits and get autographs from pilots (all free). For noise sensitive kids, this is a way to experience the planes without the fear. Nothing beats it. June 30, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
2) Arnold’s Amusements Midway
If you only go on one ride, make it the Ferris wheel. It offers gorgeous views of West Grand Traverse Bay and all of the cherry-licious festivities happening in Clinch Park. July 1–8
3) Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast
Pancakes soar through the air and then get jazzed up with cherry topping and maple syrup. July 1, 8 to 11 a.m.
4) Kids’ Club
Head to Clinch Park for free events throughout the day. There’s a craft, bubble gum blow, line dancing lesson and more. July 1–8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo by Dave Weidner
5) The Good Eats
There’s always a delicious list of food vendors each year, but a few can’t-miss eats: smoked turkey legs, Gibby’s Fries and, obviously, cherry ice cream. July 1–8
6) Kids Cherry Teddy Bear Tea
Bring your favorite teddy and a blanket to F&M Park for storytelling, a craft and an afternoon tea party. July 2, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
7) Kids’ Pet Show
Always one of the most popular events. Also, free. Entries are open to pets and kids ages 3–12. The 2023 costume categories include gems like dress for the decades: the ’80s, most unusual pet and most creative cherry-theme. July 3, 9:30 a.m. to noon (Can’t make the pet show? 9&10 News will be live-streaming every cute moment.)
Photo by Katy Joe
8) Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest
It’s silly. It’s delicious. It’s messy. Preschoolers to age 12. July 3–7
9) Cherry Kids Fun Run
A one-mile, no-pressure, good-times-only race that ends with a sweet medal for everyone. July 6, 6 p.m.
10) Ultimate Air Dogs
Nearly 100 “dog athletes” leap through the air into a giant pool of water seeing who can jump the farthest distance. It’s impressive. July 6–8
Photo by Morgan Taylor
National Cherry Festival Pro Tips for Parents
- Have kids wear their swimsuits to the festival. That way you don’t have to wait in line to get changed, and a wet suit will keep them cooler while you’re walking around. If things get too hot, a quick jump in the bay is easy peasy. (Towels optional, when it’s 85+ degrees things dry quickly.)
- Walkie Talkies are fun and more kid-friendly than phones. Especially in crowded areas where kids have a tendency to get distracted and wander off.
- Have a meeting point that’s easy to find so kids without cell phones or Walkie Talkies know how to get there and wait if they get lost.
- Ride the bus! BATA’s Bayline (aka the blue line) is free and runs every 15 to 20 minutes serving all the major hotels and waterfronts in town from Meijer on the west side to Woodland Creek on the east side (near 5 Mile Road).
- Wear walking shoes. Wear walking shoes. Wear walking shoes.
- Do NOT forget sunscreen. Just don’t.
Photo by Dave Weidner