It’s the kick-off to summer, so make it count with these 2019 Memorial Day kids activities!


Learn About Native American History

Honor the first Native Americans and the Anishinaabe culture in a historic celebration of traditional drumming, dancing, food, music, and demonstrations at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace on Memorial Day Weekend. The Native American Festival will feature guided tours of the museum, a pow-wow, a hairpike chokers workshop for kids and adults, hand drum making, and much more.

Take a Trip that Withstands Time

Nestled in a fairytale setting, the beautifully preserved, historic wharf town of Glen Haven was a lumbering village more than a century ago. Today it’s a fun destination for your family. Exceptionally restored to its early 1900s heritage, Glen Haven is home to a blacksmith shop where guests can see how iron is heated and forged into useful tools and parts. The Cannery Boathouse displays the largest public exhibit of Great Lakes small craft in Michigan, and the Glen Haven General Store sells items relating to the history of the area including food, toys, and books. There’s also a gorgeous beach on Lake Michigan, picnic tables, a restroom, and access to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail. Spend the day here!

Rock Hunt at the Petoskey Stone Festival

The annual festival features Petoskey stone hunts for prizes, Michigan gemstone vendors, lots of great Northern Michigan foods, and entertainment. The Petoskey Stone Festival is at Barnes Park Campground in Eastport about 50 minutes north of Traverse City.

Fly a Kite

On Memorial Day or any fair weather windy day, you’ll find the skyline dotted with the bright colors of kites aloft. Follow their strings to earth and you’ll find most end at the Open Space—a huge grassy area on the edge of West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City. But there are other spots fit for flying, too! Here are some fun spots to fly kites and where to purchase them.

Go to a Car Show

Does your child love everything with a motor? Head to Northport for Cars in the Park held annually the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Spectators and participants enjoy the wide variety of cars from pre-war to modern, both stock and modified, foreign and domestic.

Cruise the Straits of Mackinac

There’s so much to see along the Straits of Mackinac, and the best way to experience it all is aboard a  Star Line or Shepler’s ferry. With cruises for the whole family, you’ll be able to see lighthouses, fireworks, and rare night sky constellations in a whole new way. Check out these 5 fun summer cruises. 

Catch a Double Feature at the Cherry Bowl

A double feature starts at dusk all summer long at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In. All films are rated PG-13 or below (in other words, no R’s). Grab dinner at the Cherry Bowl diner—we love the hot dogs and homemade caramel corn—or make a meal out of popcorn with real creamery butter. There’s also a playground, frisbee, volleyball, mini golf, and more!


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Northern Michigan Memorial Day Activities