10 Awesome Family Adventures in Traverse City: A Local’s Guide

As the seasons shift from summer to fall, to early winter, so do patterns in our family. Our little town of Traverse City, a popular summer destination, now is quiet as school routines and after-school sports fall back into place. Our weekends, no longer full of hosting out-of-town guests, seem empty, and it always takes us a bit to figure out how to best use our free time.

Over the past three years, we started a tradition in our home during this quiet season- making space to honor the changing seasons and slower pace. Each year, our family uses this opportunity to play being a tourist in our own town. Now that the crowds have dispersed, we have free rein at restaurants and beaches, and we find ourselves choosing activities that we normally wouldn’t. 

The Joy of Being a Tourist In Your Hometown

One of the best things about being a tourist in our hometown is that it gets us thinking outside of the box. We try to look at our area with fresh eyes and imagine what we would choose if we were vacationing here. Every year, we find new things to do- in fact, most of the time, we learn about things in Traverse City that we didn’t even know existed.

My son tends to choose adventure-focused interests, while my daughter usually selects a water-based activity, or wants to try out new restaurants in neighboring towns. 

And the best part?  We come home from these times together, re-inspired by where we live and with our souls full of new memories.  Each season, there is something to offer, and here is our All-Star List of things from activities we have tried over the years.

1. Rent E-Bikes on the TART Trail

I have to admit, my son talked me into this one! We are avid mountain bikers and love hitting trails with our bikes. My son has a fascination with the new fad of e-bikes, and he so desperately wanted to try one out.

We had no plans on a Friday evening, so we called one of the local outfitters, Riding Electric, to get options and pricing. They are located just off the TART trail on Cherry Bend Road, a super convenient location to get our biking adventure started. The staff were extremely accommodating and helpful, getting us set up on our bikes and on our way quickly. 

We sped our way along the TART trail, taking in the lush forest and golden hour light surrounding us. My son couldn’t stop laughing, and his excitement was contagious. We raced along the trail, amazed at how quickly we made it downtown.

Jackson wanted to conquer some big hills in our area, so we headed into some neighborhoods, and up Wayne Hill. We sat at the top of the hill, looking over our beautiful town, as the sun made its way down to the Bay.

Our stomachs now rumbling, we zipped along the TART to Glendale Burgers for some delicious smash burgers and fries. Afterward, we raced the setting sun to Buchan’s West Bay for a quick ice cream delight before heading to return our bikes. After our adventure, I thanked my son for this idea- one which I never would have thought of on my own.

Turns out, renting an e-bike gives new life to the trails we have ridden countless times before! 

2. Play Mini-Golf at Glen Arbor River Club

This has been on our bucket list since we saw The Glen Arbor River Club open its doors. Perfectly nestled on a side street in Glen Arbor along the Crystal River, this new establishment changes the name of mini-golf.

The 18-hole course has professionally groomed putting greens, all with their own unique challenges and features.  The Club serves tacos, burritos, and bowls on-site, complete with a bar area to purchase delicious margaritas and craft beers. 

Most of the evenings feature live music, and the scene is both vibrant and welcoming. It is a perfect place to bring the family, with an area to roam and play. Get there early- the $20 fee for golf allows you to play the course as many times as you’d like!

3. Rent a Jet Ski on Grand Traverse Bay

I have to give my daughter credit for this idea! During the summer months, the Bay and its beaches are crowded with visitors and people doing water sports along the shore. When Layla first suggested this idea, I was hesitant.

We called down to one of the resorts, Sugar Beach, that offers jet ski rentals, and they confirmed they had plenty of availability. The process couldn’t have gone any smoother- there was free parking on site, and after filling out some quick waivers, we were sent off on the water!

The views from the Bay’s waters never disappoint, and it gave me a new perspective on the town we are lucky to call home. We zoomed out on the calm water, bouncing over waves and laughing together at the adrenaline rush. Then, we slowed our pace, driving closer to shore and looking at the gorgeous homes along the water’s edge. 

With my daughter’s arms wrapped around my waist, I gave gratitude for this new perspective and the inspiration found on my hometown’s shore.

4. Pick U-Cut Flowers in Omena

When driving along M-22, there are so many interesting places to pull off at. There are farm stands loaded down with local crops; baked goods found piled up on a roadside table; hidden picnic areas and parks; and also, beautiful flowers grown just for the purpose of beauty.

We have driven past the U-Cut Flower Farm in Omena countless times, always vowing to stop the next time. As the season drew to a close, my daughter reminded me that we had yet to pick a bouquet. She suggested we drive there on one of our mother/daughter date nights.

The owner greeted us with cheer, walking us through the flower gardens and explaining how to cut the flowers for the best bouquet. There are thrifted vases you can take your flowers home in, and all the supplies you will need for your bouquet are kept on-site. Each flower is priced slightly differently, so we made sure to grab a notepad to add up our total.

I gave my daughter free rein, and she wandered through the gardens seeing beauty at every turn. Each aisle had a new flower I had never seen, or that I didn’t know the name of before. It was equal parts seeking out beauty and learning more about what grows in our landscape.

After about a half hour, our bouquet was complete; full of vibrant colors and shapes, a perfect reflection of how I see my own daughter.

5. Take a Bike Tour Up to Sutton’s Bay

The fact that we have the TART trail at our fingertips is truly astonishing. You can opt for a quick ride, or a longer one, depending on your destination. This fall, we set off on a choose your own adventure afternoon, deciding to stop at places we have been before, but also making an effort to try some new places. 

Farm Club

It’s no shock our family loves Farm Club, with its appetizing dishes and unique beers. We always stop here for at least a farm board and a brew to get us warmed up. We love perusing the market, and always come away with some fresh baked bread or an idea for a gift for a family member. As a local, I personally love their brunch, which is only served during the fall and winter months.

Shady Lane Cellars

Next, we made our way to Shady Lane Cellars. I had never visited this winery before, but it now tops my list. Tucked away in a cozy nestle of trees, with lights strung on the branches, I felt as though I was stepping back in time to an old cottage found in the forest.

The staff was more than friendly, and the winemaker here definitely knows what she’s doing. My husband and I shared two tasting flights, and we would have gone home with any of them. The Blaufrankisch was our clear winner of the day, unique in its flavoring and bold in all the right places.

Hop Lot

We continued cruising all the way into Sutton’s Bay, stopping at the infamous Hop Lot for some street corn dip and live music, sampling a few of their beers they had just released for autumn. I always forget how much I love Hop Lot- especially in the fall, when bonfires are lit and the air is crisp. The bands are always good, and so is the beer.

Leo Creek Preserve

Our last stop of the evening brought magic to my spirit. My daughter begged to pull off Leo Creek Preserve, a floral haven complete with a short trail along the river.

We began counting the animals we saw. First, a cluster of bees bouncing between colorful bouquets. Then, we counted ten deer, six bunnies, and three dancing hummingbirds all making their way through this special spot. Last, we spotted two bluejays, escorting us as we got back on our bikes to ride home.

6. Zipline at Mount Holiday

Mount Holiday has adventures all year round- skiing and tubing in the winter, bike races in the spring, and ziplining in the summer and fall. My son had his eyes on the zipline course from a young age and convinced my husband and I to take him not only once, but twice!

The staff makes the process a breeze; they get you set up on safe equipment and load you up in the truck to take you to your first zip. 

We cruised at high speeds through the treetops, catching glimpses of the bay along the way. The staff kept us laughing and at ease with their jokes and energy, and the time flew by.

The best moment came on our last pass- a double zipline designed for racing side by side from the top of the resort all the way to the lodge. My son took his position, as I took mine. I’ll never forget the look of pure joy on his face as we flew through the air. These are the days I always want to remember.

7. Watch the Sunset & Star Gaze at Bohemia Beach

As we have explored all our area’s local beaches, this is hands down our favorite. No matter what time of the year it is, it is a favorite pastime to grab a pizza and our beach blanket, stock a cooler, and head to the beach for a late evening bonfire. As the fire burns beside us, and the water rushes at our feet, the stars slowly begin to burn bright above our heads.

Each season, we make it a point to go out for a fire and star gazing at least once, if not numerous times. We like to study the constellations and see if we can name a few without cheating. It is incredible how the stars shift their position in the sky as summer turns to fall, which turns to winter, which leads back to spring.

Although this adventure is free, the shooting stars and quiet nights spent on the beach are priceless. 

8. Ski at the Homestead

We love to ski, and typically let our kids roam free at Hickory Hills, or take them to the lifts at Crystal Mountain. A few years ago, we realized we had never tried out the Homestead, which sits right along Lake Michigan. They are always running good deals on a day of skiing, and it is a good mix of being a small resort with a lot to offer.

We loved the cozy fire pits throughout the property. People sat and shared stories from their day over a cup of cocoa. There are a few restaurants to choose from; whether you want a buffet, sit down, or grab-and-go situation.

There is an outdoor bar to grab a brew and roast some smores after a day of skiing, and plenty of places to warm up throughout the day. The view of Lake Michigan from the top of the lifts is truly spectacular and reminds me again of how lucky I am to call this place home.

9. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Route

This summer, we realized how long it had been since we had driven the scenic route up Pierce Stocking Drive. Typically, I consider this a tourist destination, and we avoid it in the heat of summer. This year, as summer wound down, we grabbed a sandwich from The Shipwreck Café and drove to the start. 

I forgot how absolutely stunning this drive is. We took our time, making stops a the pull-outs to grab a picture, or sit and eat our sandwiches. We parked near the top of the drive and hiked the Cottonwood Trail, which is a short 1.5 miles but connects to the top of the Dune Climb.

We hadn’t hiked this since the kids were little, and it was an amazing trip down memory lane. The views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan were beautiful, and we delighted in running off sandy dunes and tumbling down into what we like to call the “sand pits”. 

After the hike, we continued the drive, stopping at the Dune Overlook, before winding our way down into the forest as golden hour set in. The forest seemed to stop and hold its breath, just like I was doing. There are moments you don’t want to let go of, and this was one of them for me. 

10. Tube at Timberlee Hills

Last, but not least on our top tourist adventures is tubing at Timberlee Hills! This spot is truly special, with its large lodge always full of happy faces. Fires are always lit out back to warm up by, and the employees seem to have endless energy, helping to create a lasting memory. 

If you’ve never been snow tubing here before, I can’t recommend it enough. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done it, it always provides me with an hour of non-stop laughter and fun. Tickets are sold by the hour, which is usually plenty of time. You grab a single or double tube, and head to the lift. Your tube gets connected to a hook, and you get to sit right down and be pulled up the hill. When you reach the top, there are several employees there to help get you situated. You can connect the tubes of your group together, if you’d like, creating a giant snake down the hill. Or, you can run and jump on your tube, racing another rider. You can also request to be spun down the hill-my personal favorite- and the employee will spin you around before launching your tube down the hill. Whatever method you choose, I dare you to stop yourself from laughing.

A Reminder of Loving Where You Live

So, there you have it! Our family is always seeking to try something new, and making a point to be a tourist for a day continues to propel us to find new adventures. Not only does it fill our family bucket of memories, but it also reminds us of all the reasons we love living here.

The act of seeking gratitude is one I don’t take lightly, and playing tourist in your hometown is a sure way to find countless reasons to give thanks.