[khfar]

We want to go up that way in a few months, since we've never been before. We have two young kids, so we might stay at Great Wolf. Aside from that, though, can anyone give me some other things to see and do, while we are there? I definitely don't want to stay inside a waterpark all day long!

Thanks!

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore is a MUST
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

Glen arbor and other little towns by sleeping bear are quaint and beautiful with wonderful beaches!!

depending on when you are going there might be some festivals in TC or Petoskey which isn't too far or Charlevoix which isn't too far.....

I am positive more people will have great suggestions!

depending on how old your kids are
Great Lakes Children's Museum // Visit Us

or i know the dennos museum has interesting varying exhibits!
Dennos Museum Center

the drive up 31 to charlevoix is beautiful too so you may just want to go up for scenery and shopping in charlevoix or petoskey-..you'll pass many orchards and torch lake and farmers stands and beautiful views of the bay.....

[mackinac81]

A month ago I drove on M-72 from Traverse City to Empire. It was a nice drive lined with cherry orchards and some woods. Empire itself is very, VERY tiny--but there's a nice little beach there where you can see the dunes in the distance. It's peaceful and out of the way.

Also M-22 through Sutton's Bay and Northport are pretty cool. Past Northport there's a lighthouse/shipwreck museum that's interesting. I've heard that Old Mission is stunning, but I've never driven there. Hope that helps.

[100%Michigan]

Originally Posted by khfar

We want to go up that way in a few months, since we've never been before. We have two young kids, so we might stay at Great Wolf. Aside from that, though, can anyone give me some other things to see and do, while we are there? I definitely don't want to stay inside a waterpark all day long!

Thanks!

I was just going to mention Great Wolf Lodge, may be nice for kids.
Well you can see Lake Michigan, visit the sandunes also known as sleepy bear sandunes... heard it was nice

[malamute]

Originally Posted by khfar

We want to go up that way in a few months, since we've never been before. We have two young kids, so we might stay at Great Wolf. Aside from that, though, can anyone give me some other things to see and do, while we are there? I definitely don't want to stay inside a waterpark all day long!

Thanks!

If you're going in July, some of the Cherry Festival activities are fun for kids, especially the parades. There's a Polish Festival in Cedar around that same time.

There are places for canoeing or tubing down a river. Sleeping Bear Dunes like was mentioned is a must-do with kids. Some old lighthouses, lots of different beaches and some with nice playgrounds for kids. The wharf at Leland and tourist shops.