Find the Best Family Adventures in the Petoskey Area

Mom loves to golf, and Dad really needs to get in some hiking. The kids want to go mountain biking and play disc golf. The grandparents want some ziplining followed by fly fishing. And everyone agrees they need a new summer read.

That’s the great thing about the Petoskey area: You don’t have to pick. In this northern paradise, you can do it all. Our region abounds with shopping and recreation opportunities for families and kids of all ages. Summer brings out the fun in the Petoskey area, whether you want to chill and relax or soak in the sun and waves.

 

Outdoor adventures for the whole family

There are literally too many choices for families yearning to spend time in the great Petoskey area outdoors. One of the biggest draws to the region is the plethora of recreation areas and wild water to accommodate just about any interest.

Boyne City

Want to see beautiful views of Boyne City and glittering Lake Charlevoix from new heights? Then Avalanche Mountain is your destination. This popular hiking, mountain biking, and disc golf site is a huge draw. For more mountain biking, try out close to 15 miles of fun at Boyne Forest Trail. You may want to hit Gilda’s Lake Street Bakery downtown for decadent pastries or a crisp and delicious crepe after your arduous hike or ride.

Tibetan yaks in Boyne City? Kiwidinok Petting Farm is an up-close and personal experience with yaks, sheep, miniature ponies, alpacas, and other friendly residents—great for kids and adults who love animals.

The Boyne City Farmer’s Market is a huge draw for families. Farmers and vendors are always on hand, selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, art, body care products, candy, prepared foods, flowers, and more. There are often family events and live bands throughout the season.

Also near downtown Boyne City, check out Peninsula Beach and the new free kid’s splash pad that was added in 2023.

Get out on the water! Boyne River Adventures rents tandem and single-person kayaks for five-mile trips down the Boyne River, with pickups at Old City Park in downtown Boyne.

Stop and smell the flowers at Lavender Hill Farm just outside Boyne City’s downtown area. Heading through Horton Bay and out into the countryside, you will come across Lavender Hill Farm, decorated in fields of purple. They have an extensive lineup of events and workshops to sign up for, or take the whole family on a guided golf cart tour of the farm. Your teens will find photoworthy opportunities within the lavender. Younger kids can sign up for fun workshops like pottery painting for 5+ or paint and sip for ages 3+ (maybe pick up a yummy Lavender Lemonade in the gift shop). There are plenty of fun workshops for your teens too, like flower arranging, pottery, dried floral wreath workshops, henna workshop, or bingo with your bestie! Sign the whole family up for bingo in the barn or Yoga in Bloom for a beautifully relaxing experience.

Boyne Falls

Boyne Mountain is one of the area’s premier attractions. Lodging options can fit multiple generations of your family, and while you’re there, you’ll be well-entertained, whether it’s a spa day or outdoor adventure you’re craving. In the summer, soar through the trees on a zipline. Try Avalanche Bay indoor waterpark for slides, surfing, and play structures for the little ones. Play pickleball, disc golf, fly fish, or simply relax during a Deer Lake boat tour or chairlift ride up the side of the mountain. Take a thrilling walk across one of their newest attractions: SkyBridge Michigan. Or send the kids to a camp experience for tennis, wakeboarding, or golf. Whatever you pick, you’ll have plenty of dining options available after a hard day’s play.

 

Harbor Springs

The Highlands in Harbor Springs offers many of the same opportunities for fun as Boyne Mountain, with mountain biking, golf, swimming, hiking, yoga, disc golf, horseback rides, summer camps, spa treatments, and scenic chairlift ride options. Families will also enjoy the Young Americans Dinner Theatre, with live performances throughout most of the week.

There are so many ways to spend time out on the water. Travel with ease between Bay Harbor, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs with regularly scheduled trips and sunset cruises on the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company. The beautifully restored Pointer Boat can also accommodate your fam for a shoreline cruise. Dip your toes in our sparkling waters at Zorn Park City Beach, a popular swimming area with lifeguards in the busy season, swing sets, and a swimming platform, plus easy access to downtown. Or book a charter fishing adventure through Water Tractor Sport Fishing Adventures. And Harbor Springs Sk8 Park welcomes people of all ages to try out their skating prowess.

Pond Hill Farm is a perennial favorite for families. First, there’s a petting zoo and tons of activities for kids to enjoy, like their Gnome House Hunt, where kids can discover 12 unique gnome houses. Second, there’s homemade pizza and other truly tasty dishes, along with estate-grown wines and farm-brewed beers, and ciders. Third, Pond Hill holds events for all ages throughout the seasons.

Take a hike! Little Traverse Conservancy properties with their hiking trails dots the landscape. If you keep heading north, the Headlands Dark Sky Park shows off northern Michigan’s magnificent nighttime views, and they have seasonal presentations and plenty of hiking trails. Wilderness State Park is another of the region’s gems: 26 miles of shoreline, over 20 miles of trails, and gorgeous scenery.

Last, but not least, don’t forget the Blissfest Folk and Roots Festival that typically takes place in July. People converge from all over to attend this epic gathering. Kids and teens can participate in a range of activities and events during the festival. Sign your emerging artists up for Club Bliss so that they can connect, create, and collaborate with others. They have young artists perform here and then don’t let them miss the Club Bliss Craft Tent during the festival: scheduled make and take crafts, workshops, and busker performances.

 

Petoskey

For family outdoor fun near restaurants and groceries, head to Petoskey State Park, home of million-dollar sunsets. Aside from the extremely popular modern campgrounds with water views, the park includes a mile of glorious sandy beach and hiking trails of varying intensity. It’s also a great location to find the fossilized corals known as Petoskey stones. The Little Traverse Wheelway, a prime paved trail for sightseeing by bike or on foot, runs past the park and into Petoskey proper and Harbor Springs.

For more parks with amenities, take the family to Bear River Valley Recreation Area near the heart of downtown Petoskey. Bike, walk, or bird your way along a 1.5 mile path, or for grown adult kids and parents ready for a thrilling adventure, kayak along the quarter-mile whitewater rafting course – special safety gear required for this adventure. Just a short walk or drive away, you can find Bayfront Park—with a playground, breakwall, pavilion, grilling area, and waterfall—and Sunset Park, which features a kids-only fishing pier. And you can find even more Little Traverse Conservancy properties in the Petoskey area.

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf, a delightful Petoskey mainstay, has an 18-hole mini-golf course for all the swashbuckling adventure your family can take. And if your fam is into disc golf, there’s a spacious course adjacent to the Bear River at The River Road Sports Complex, along with hiking trails and sports fields.

If you’re seeking time on the water, the aforementioned Bear River is popular for canoeing and kayaking, and Bear River Canoe Livery can get the entire family geared up for fun. Petoskey’s Work-N-Bites, along with Bay Harbor’s RodZilla Charters, Northern Exposure Charters, and Plumber’s Helper Charter Service charter fishing trips and cruises around the bay area.

 

Events for Kids and Families

Summer is the ideal time to keep an eye out for fun outdoor activities and events happening in the area. Downtown Petoskey has Movies in the Park at Dark each summer on Friday nights, featuring a family-friendly lineup of movies. In July, Harbor Springs Historical Society puts on Shay Days in celebration of the inventor Ephraim Shay, who was famous for his patented, geared locomotive. They host live model steam trains, historic toys and games with a reenactor, children’s crafts, games, and STEM activities. This will also be a great chance to check out the new Ephraim Shay Works Museum just next door to Shay Park, where the Shay Days festivities occur.

At our local Farmer’s Markets, be sure to make a note of their kids’ days that have fun learning experiences and games geared towards kids.

 

Indoor activities, recreation, and shopping

Even a rainy day isn’t a bad day in northern Michigan. With plenty of indoor recreation and shopping, you’ll have no shortage of activities to while away the hours and soak up all the area has to offer.

Boyne City

For Fun’s Sake, you need to get to a toy store! This Boyne City store carries toys, books, games, craft items, Legos, play boxes, and everything else you need for kids’ gifts and parties.

For families with little ones who just can’t sit still, Lake Side Elite offers youth gymnastics, dance, American Ninja Warrior-style courses, day camps, and lots of options for drop-in classes. Boyne Area Gymnastics also welcomes kids and parents for tumbling, gymnastics, cheer, and recreational classes, with drop-ins available.

 

Harbor Springs

Downtown Harbor Springs in the summer months is a dream from a picture postcard. If you’re looking for downtown fun, Lyric Theater often features family-oriented movies. Between the Covers, Harbor’s delightful independent bookstore, will have your family loaded up on books for all those vacation down moments and delicious rainy days. The Outfitter Harbor Springs carries just about everything you need, from clothes for all ages to camping and beach day equipment. And for cookies, a vital part of the northern Michigan menu, Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, featured in our area bakery guide, simply cannot be beat.

Outside of the downtown area, Northern Lights Recreation is a classic venue for kids of all ages to enjoy bowling, laser tag, billiards, arcade games, parties, and meals.

New this summer, the Harbor Springs Historical Society will be opening the Ephraim Shay Works Museum! Located inside the newly renovated Shay Hexagon House in Downtown Harbor Springs, the museum will feature interactive and hands-on exhibit galleries on the main floor of the stamped-steel hexagon house, demonstrating the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to economic and societal progress.

 

Petoskey

Petoskey’s local shops carry a plethora of family-friendly goods. Rocking Horse Toy Company is a fan favorite. From games to stuffed animals, puzzles, toy cars and trucks, crafts, Legos, and more, Rocking Horse has it all, and you’ll have a hard time tearing your kids from the store. Cheekade Meekade has tons of cool toys, games, and gift items for all ages. Bearcub Outfitters carries clothes and outdoor and sports gear for all ages, with an entire room dedicated to kids’ clothes, shoes, and accessories. Fox and Hound Boutique and Apple Blossom Baby and Decor carry baby and children’s clothes and beautifully curated toys and items for the home.

Looking for your next beach read, or perhaps a toothsome novel to sink into after the kids are asleep? Look no further than McLean & Eakin Booksellers, one of northern Michigan’s finest independent booksellers. With a robust YA section, an award-winning children’s section, a huge selection for adults, and puzzles and games, they’re a favorite destination for bookworms.

Petoskey District Library and Crooked Tree Arts Center schedule family-friendly events all year round, with a huge selection on their schedule during the warmer months.

There’s no shortage of indoor recreation and amusement in Petoskey. With a revolving set of scenarios, incredible artwork, a mysterious atmosphere, and intriguing clues, Know Way Out’s escape rooms have become popular spaces for family fun. They also offer outdoor clue hunts in downtown Petoskey. Out of This World Arcade and Game is your destination for that retro video game experience you’ve been craving since Pizza Hut got rid of your favorite tabletop Pac-Man. And if you miss freezing temps in the summer, make an appointment with Petoskey Ice Arena.

Check out the Event Page on PetoskeyArea.com for more event information, and check for natural area closures due to storms or other weather events. Happy summer adventuring to you!

 

About the Author: Jen DeMoss is a newcomer to the Petoskey area and loves northern Michigan. You can catch her paddling a canoe, hiking a trail, or swimming in Lake Michigan as often as the weather cooperates. She’d love to help you make the most of your time in this paradise she now calls home.