Spring Break in Traverse City with Kids

3/4/2025 0 Comments

How to Spend Spring Break in Traverse City

Nothing beats adventuring in Northern Michigan and if you’re looking for the ultimate spring break destination for both kids and adults, you have to check out Traverse City, Michigan. Located just a short drive from most major cities in Michigan and with non-stop flights and service to over 300 domestic and international destinations through TVC - Cherry Capital Airport discovering the beauty of this area has never been easier!

We recently visited for the weekend in early March and had the best time as a family splashing at the waterpark, trying new restaurants, and shopping along Front Street. Keep reading to discover where we stayed, played and ate.

Disclaimer: Our trip was planned in partnership with Traverse City Tourism. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Where to Stay

Cherry Tree Inn and Suites is located right along the lakeshore offering modern, spacious suites which are perfect for families. Our room had a separate living room area and a balcony overlooking the bay. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to downtown Traverse City which is a convenient way to experience the best shopping and dining without having to worry about parking. In the winter, guests can enjoy the
indoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and dry sauna. In the warmer months you'll walk right out to 400 feet of sandy shores along East Grand Traverse Bay and can also enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool. Complimentary hot breakfast is provided each morning as well as a snack bar on site.

Where to Play

Great Wolf Lodge - Splash and slide through a 38,000-square-feet indoor water park kept at a perfect 84 degrees for year-round fun. Even if you’re not staying on property you can purchase a full or half-day pass. Our daughter was 16 months during our trip so the half day pass was the perfect amount of time for our family. While on property you can also enjoy a variety of other adventures for kids including an arcade, Build-a-Bear, mini golf (seasonal) and duck-pin bowling. We ended our day with dinner at Camp Critter which is an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're dining in the middle of the forest.

Great Lakes Children's Museum - Curiosity Place, currently located within Grand Traverse Mall, offers are a variety of exhibits and programs geared toward early childhood developmental. The space was well designed allowing children to take the lead and discover each of the different play areas at their own pace. Some of our favorite exhibits were the water table, indoor play set with design inspired by Mission Point Lighthouse, and the ball maze. There were also a variety of STEM exhibits that were great for older children and centered around the landscape, weather, and wildlife of the Great Lakes Region. Admission is $9/per person (1 and under free). Reservations are recommended with walk-ins available as space allows.

Peninsula Community Library - We love checking out new libraries on our travels (especially in the winter months) because it offers a clean, safe and quiet place to enjoy some play time and get the wiggles out. On our drive up Old Mission Peninsula we stopped at Peninsula Community Library which has a small indoor play space great for younger children with a variety of pretend play and building sets and a large selection of books.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons - Step into the unique history of the former Traverse City State Hospital which has been renovated into a variety of one of a kind shops and restaurants. You can also take a tour of the complex and learn more about the history, architecture and even walk through the 1883 steam tunnels (tours age 12+ with an adult). We had brunch at Red Spire Brunch House which was fantastic (the crab cake eggs Benedict is a must try). Be sure to make a reservation if you can as it does get busy. Or you can walk around to check out the shops while you wait for your table with everything from books, toys, clothes, home good and speciality gifts available.

Front Street - No trip to Traverse City is complete without strolling through the downtown district to discover the best shopping, dining and so much more. From clothing, books, toys and sweet treats, you never know what might catch your eye! A few of our favorite stops are M22, Cherry Republic, Rocket Fizz and Kilwin's.

Where to Eat/Drink

One of my absolute favorite parts about Traverse City is the variety of restaurants, wineries and breweries the area has to offer. It seems like something new is always popping up. We've traveled here many times over the years and still have places on our list we've yet to try. A few of the highlights from this trip were:

The Burrow TC - Specializing in California-inspired American cuisine and cocktails including a variety of seafood dishes. I had the lobster roll and my husband had the shrimp and toast which were both fresh and delicious. The truffle fries and ceaser salad were also surprising favorites. The dining room and bar offer a vibrant and airy feel serving lunch and dinner in addition to Saturday & Sunday brunch. Reservations are accepted.

Archie's Social House - A cozy cafe serving up classic brunch dishes with a twist including unique rotating specials like their lemon poppyseed pancakes. The restaurant has a chic boho-inspired vibe which pairs perfectly with a speciality coffee or brunch cocktail.

Outpost - The cutest coffee shop located in downtown Traverse City along Front Street. In addition to speciality coffee and drinks, they also serve a variety of freshly-prepared breads, pastries, cookies, and deli items.

Jolly Pumpkin Brewery - Located in a historic 19th century mansion along Old Mission Peninsula, the atmosphere alone is worth checking out. The food is also worth the trip and when you dine here you can enjoy artisan pizzas, sandwiches, and house smoked bbq dishes along with locally crafted beer, sours, and spirits.

Brys Estate Winery - Continue your drive along Old Mission Peninsula for a memorable wine tasting experience at this 155-acre estate. Order a tasting tree to sip on 3-5 wines or ciders of your choice or try a glass of their signature froze with a wine topper. Reservations are strongly recommended. During the summer months you can also visit The Secret Garden at Brys Estate which is home to 6,000 lavender plants and a seasonal fresh flower and herb garden.

Red Spire Brunch House - Located within The Village at Grand Traverse Commons this is one of the newest additions to the historic property. Enjoy classic American breakfast and lunch dishes including a variety of omelets and Benedicts. Reservations accepted.