Looking to spend a fun-filled summer weekend with your kids in Traverse City? This area offers so many family-friendly activities that it’s easy to fill your days without ever feeling rushed. From beach days to simple stops for ice cream, there’s something here for every kind of family.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s also a really special place to document this season—summer here has a way of feeling slower, fuller, and worth remembering. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a summer weekend in Traverse City with kids:
1. Wineries That Welcome Families
Wine tasting might sound like an adult activity, but a few local wineries make it easy for the whole family to enjoy.
-Seven Hills Winery offers a spacious lawn where kids can run and play while parents relax. It’s simple, open, and easygoing.
-Brys Estate offers a more immersive experience with vineyard views and a seasonal lavender farm. Kids can explore the space, and the addition of ice cream makes it a fun stop for everyone.
-Bowers Harbor and Mari Vineyards are also great options, with outdoor seating and a relaxed, open feel. Both offer plenty of space to spread out, which makes them an easy choice when visiting with kids.
There are so many wineries throughout both peninsulas, but these are a great place to start if you’re looking for something that feels welcoming and low-pressure for the whole family.
2. Short’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids
Take a short drive to Elk Rapids and visit Short’s Pull Barn for a laid-back, family-friendly brewery/food truck experience. With plenty of outdoor space and a relaxed atmosphere (they even have a large sandbox with toys for littles and cornhole boards for older kids!) it’s a great place for parents to unwind while kids have room to move. Pair it with a walk through Elk Rapids for a slower afternoon.
3. Pirate Ship Ride: Traverse City Tall Ships
Set sail on a pirate ship adventure across Grand Traverse Bay. This interactive experience is always a hit with kids, complete with costumes, storytelling, and a little bit of imagination. It’s a fun way to get out on the water while creating something your kids will talk about long after the trip.
4. Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
You really can’t visit Traverse City without stopping at Moomers. Known for its homemade ice cream and farm setting, it’s a favorite for a reason. Kids can watch the cows while enjoying their treat, and it’s one of those simple stops that ends up being part of the memory.
5. Explore Downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City is full of little spots to wander into—shops, bakeries, the local farmer’s market, and casual places to eat. In the summer, there’s often live music, various events, and a lively but still relaxed feel. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time and just see where the afternoon goes. Traverse City is also known for its beaches, and there are a few right in or right on the edge of downtown that are perfect for families. Whether you’re heading to Clinch Park, Bryant Park, or Greilickville Harbor Park, you’ll find calm water, sandy shores, and space for kids to just be kids.
6. Ride Bikes on the TART Trail
The TART Trail is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore Traverse City as a family. This paved trail runs along the water and through town, making it perfect for a relaxed bike ride with kids.
There are several local shops where you can rent bikes, trailers, or kid-friendly gear, so it’s easy even if you didn’t bring your own. It’s the kind of activity where you can take your time—stopping along the way for a beach break, a snack, or just to take in the view.
7. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes is always worth it. From the Dune Climb to scenic overlooks and quiet beaches, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the area. Kids will love the adventure, and it’s an easy place to spend an entire day exploring. I have a whole blog post on best places to visit here as well!
8. Traverse City Pit Spitters Baseball Game
If you’re visiting in the summer, catching a Pit Spitters game is a fun and easy evening plan. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of snacks and space to enjoy the game without it feeling overwhelming.
9. Pirates Cove Adventure Park
For a little more energy, head to Pirates Cove. With mini golf, go-karts, and other activities, it’s a great place to let kids play and burn off some energy. It’s lively, fun, and perfect for a full family outing.
10. Bay Meadows Golf Course
Bay Meadows is a great option if you’re looking for something a little slower and more low-key. Their par 3 course is perfect for beginners and kids, making it an easy way to introduce little ones to golf in a relaxed environment.
11. A Photo Session to Remember Your Trip
While you’re filling your days with all of these experiences, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to document this time together. A session here doesn’t need to feel like something separate—it can be woven into your trip in a way that feels easy and natural. Whether it’s an evening at the beach, a quiet walk downtown, or just letting your kids run and play, the goal is to capture it as it actually feels. Many families choose to plan a session during their visit so they can hold onto more than just snapshots from their trip.
If you’re planning a visit to Traverse City and this feels like something you’d love to include, I’d be happy to help you plan a session that fits naturally into your time here.
You can learn more about my sessions via my website HERE, or reach out via the form below to start planning!
6/12/26
