Traverse City, Michigan is so much more than a summer beach and National Cherry Fest destination. You have plenty of family fun during the winter season!
Snowy landscapes beckon for outdoor adventures. Indoor activities keep families bonding even in blustery wintertime. Here are our favorite winter family attractions.
Read more: Snowy Adventures Await in Traverse City with Our Family Winter Travel Guide
Outdoor winter adventures
If your family isn’t the hibernating type, challenge the kids to climb up snowy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and sled down. You’ll definitely get energy out and likely slide down super quickly. I recommend goggles, a helmet and a hot chocolate flight afterwards at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate.
Other ways to savor the fresh, crisp air are to ski and snowboard at nearby Crystal Mountain. Snow tube down Timberlee Hills or Mt. Holiday for pretty much guaranteed giggles. Snowshoe, hike, fat tire bike or cross-country ski options abound around the Traverse City area.
Indoor activities to keep you warm
For those who prefer warm, indoor activities, visit the Great Lakes Children’s Museum with little ones. It’s like an indoor playground with learning snuck in. Paint pottery at Handz on Art, no appointment needed.
Older kids and adults can literally climb the walls at Elev-8 Climbing Gym. From bouldering to auto belays, beginner to advanced climbers will find challenges that activate their mind and body. There’s also yoga and fitness classes too.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers a host of indoor entertainment options sure to keep the kids engaged on chilly days. The indoor water playground features slides and ropes challenges. The Den is where you’ll find an arcade, escape room, mini bowling, virtual reality and axe throwing (for those over age 18). Our family was able to conquer the multi-chamber, Egyptian themed escape room. It was a fun way to collaborate as a crew.
Shopping and cherries
Downtown Traverse City is a delight, especially amidst the falling snow. Stroll for boutique shopping and fun dining options. M-22 is an adventure apparel company all about the Great Lakes region.
When in the “Cherry Capital of the World”, you surely can’t miss Cherry Republic, a store packed with every cherry creation you can imagine, like chocolates, salsas and jams. Plus, they feature free samples so you know you’re going to find items you love. I am enchanted by the Spiced Cherry Preserves, while my kids can’t get enough of the Imperial Chocolate Covered Cherries.
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