Kid-Friendly Activities & Destinations in Northern Michigan: Top 5 Choices

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Northern Michigan is a popular kid-friendly destination for vacations. The area offers families a wide variety of landscapes to explore, local cuisines to enjoy, wildlife to scope, and adventures to take. 

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So, if you’re in the process of planning an upcoming vacation chock-full of Northern Michigan family fun, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 5 kid-friendly activities Northern Michigan visitors can enjoy. 

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Keep reading to find the perfect activities and destinations to visit for your family - whether you’re an avid adventurer, casual explorer, or relaxation aficionado. There’s something for everyone on our list. 

Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Northern Michigan 

The key to a winning family vacation? Filling it with kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained (and tire them out!). If you’ll be visiting northern Michigan soon, here are the top 5 kid-friendly activities to add to your itinerary. 

Pond Hill Farm

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The Pond Hill Farm is the epitome of the phrase “there’s something for everyone.” The Farm features a winery, brewery, cafe, market, and family fun activities. Parents and trip-go-ers can wander the farm with a beer in hand, and take in all that the 200 acres of nature and landscape have to offer. 

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While you enjoy your sips, the kids can partake in a gnome house hunt through the woods or play on the playground. Of course, petting the farm animals is a must, and seasonal fun includes a pumpkin patch in the fall.  

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Don’t want to leave any family members out? No worries; dogs are welcome outdoors at Pond Hill Farm, and also in the Biergarten tent or deck. With a combination of hands-on farm experiences, outdoor play, and engaging activities, Pond Hill Farm provides a perfect family outing that blends fun with a touch of farm life education.

Nub’s Nob 

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Nub’s Nob is the premier skiing and snowboarding location of Northern Michigan, solidifying its spot on our list of the top 5 kid-friendly activities to do in the region. The area offers visitors 246 acres of land, with downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities. 

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Kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing and snowboarding lessons tailored for beginners, ensuring they have a fun and safe experience on the slopes. The resort also features terrain parks and special trails designed for young adventurers. 

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Off the slopes, children can participate in snow tubing and explore the kids' play area, making it a perfect winter destination for families seeking both excitement and relaxation.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

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Bring your nature-loving crew to Thorne Swift Nature Preserve to see all that Michigan has to offer in nature and wildlife. This kid-friendly activity and hidden gem is located near Harbor Springs. It’s a 30-acre preserve that boasts a diverse array of kid-friendly activities Northern Michigan tourists are sure to enjoy.

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The easy-to-navigate trails meander through lush forests and scenic dunes and lead to a serene beach along Lake Michigan. Providing ample opportunities for exploration and discovery, and letting your young vacationer’s imaginations run wild. The preserve's interpretive nature center is a highlight, offering educational exhibits and programs designed to engage young minds with the wonders of the natural world. 

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Children can participate in guided nature walks, where they can learn about local flora and fauna, or enjoy a hands-on experience at the touch-and-feel tables. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find delight in the preserve's rich avian population, while budding ecologists can explore the various ecosystems present within the preserve. 

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The beach area is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break, allowing families to enjoy the stunning lake views and the tranquil sounds of nature. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve offers a perfect blend of education, adventure, and relaxation, making it an excellent destination for a day out with kids.

Big Bear Adventures

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Nestled near Indian River in the town of Indian River, Big Bear Adventures is a hub that offers a diverse range of activities designed to captivate young adventurers. Children can embark on exciting river trips, including tubing, kayaking, and canoeing along the scenic Sturgeon River, where gentle currents and picturesque surroundings make for a safe and enjoyable water adventure. 

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For those who prefer land-based activities, the adventure park features an 18-hole mini-golf course with fun and challenging obstacles that keep kids entertained. The park's popular ropes course and zip line provide an exhilarating experience, allowing kids to test their agility and bravery high above the ground, all under the supervision of trained staff, ensuring safety. 

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Additionally, Big Bear Adventures offers guided nature hikes and wildlife observation opportunities, enabling children to learn about the local ecosystem and its inhabitants. With its combination of water sports, adventure courses, and educational experiences, Big Bear Adventures is a perfect destination for families seeking a day full of outdoor fun and memorable activities for kids in Northern Michigan.

Harbor Springs Sk8 Park

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The newly opened Harbor Springs Sk8 Park offers a skatescape and ramps for skateboarders and skaters. One of the few skating parks in the area gathers the family for a day of shredding the park and packing a picnic to enjoy, too. 

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Not a skater yourself? The park also has pickleball courts! You can pick up paddles and balls from the Sk8 Park if you don’t have your own, and don’t forget - the courts are first come, first serve. Considering the popularity of the sport, you may want to catch the sunrise and get to this kid-friendly destination early. 

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If you’re more into disc golf, head down to another park location in Harbor Springs, Kiwanis Park, to take on its course. Between the two parks, you can have a day of outdoor recreation and fun. 

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With this list of 5 kid-friendly activities, Northern Michigan visitors can fill their time with fun, relaxation, and adventure. If you’re not from the area, be aware of the state’s seasonal considerations. For instance, in winter, the area experiences cold temperatures and heavy snow (perfect for Nub’s Nob!). In the spring, the weather can be rainy, and in the summer, it can be hot and humid. 

Places to Eat with Kids in Northern Michigan 

Another important part of any vacation with kids? What and where to eat! To help navigate the local foodie and culinary scene, here are the top 5 recommendations on places to eat with kids in Northern Michigan. 

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1. Yummies - No vacation with kids is complete without a trip to an ice cream shop. Yummies is the place to be for kid-friendly travelers, and even better? The place is dog-friendly too! Behind the store’s iconic pink door is a variety of ice cream novelties, flavors, and treats to choose from.  
2. Kilwins Chocolate Factory - For dessert or a sweet treat any time of the day, Kilwins Chocolate Factory is a kid-friendly activity and eatery, too. Take yourself on a free self-guided tour of chocolate making and indulge in the result as you shop their sweet selections. 
3. The Side Door Saloon - The kids will love the friendly, frog-adorned menu, and family-centered service at Petoskey’s Side Door Saloon. With an outdoor and indoor eating area, this is the perfect all-season spot to grab a meal for kids and adults, alike. 
4. The Garden Cafe - Located conveniently at one of our top kid-friendly activities, Pond Hill Farm, is another kid-friendly place to grab a bite to eat. This is also a perfect option for families feeding vegetarian or vegan eaters, with a wide variety of local produce and healthy meal options on the menu. 
5. The Polish Kitchen - Add a worldly flair to your Northern Michigan getaway with a trip to Harbor Springs’ own, The Polish Kitchen. What may seem like just a strip mall, you’ll be thrown back in time with classic Eastern European dishes made with love. 

The Final Word: Kid Friendly Activities Northern Michigan

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Northern Michigan has something for everyone, and of all ages, too. Now that you have our complete guide to kid-friendly activities Northern Michigan visitor…it’s time to make your plans to visit this beautiful area. The only questions left are; where will you stay, and which activity will you do first? 

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Connect with all that the local area has to offer with charming, boutique accommodations. At OTIS Harbor Springs, we welcome families with open arms and go above and beyond to make your vacation one to remember. 

‍Explore our rooms, inspired by mid-century design and the surrounding landscapes, or start craving the culinary delights you can indulge in while you’re here. Don’t forget, save or share this guide to plan your kid-friendly activities Northern Michigan style, and follow OTIS on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with all the latest the area has to offer.