With our massive indoor water park, amazing attractions, complimentary daily events and activities, and delicious dining options, there’s no shortage of ways to play.
Arts & Culture
Known for its creative spirit, Traverse City features galleries, theaters, and music venues that celebrate regional talent and heritage.
1. State Theatre Children's Quarter Matinees
Enjoy a beautiful old-style movie palace experience every Saturday at 10 am (and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer). Catch the latest animated and live-action sensations, plus children’s movies from around the world, for only 25 cents a person -- the same price the theatre charged when it first opened back in 1916!
2. The Music House Museum
Player pianos? Check. Nickelodeons? You betcha. Great for a rainy day, the Music House Museum, (recognized by Forbes.com as one of the ten reasons to visit Michigan’s Lower Peninsula), showcases an assortment of elaborate automated instruments from the 1870s to the 1930s. Ongoing guided tours explain it all -- with Wurlitzer organ accompaniment.
3. City Opera House
A premiere destination for culture and entertainment, the City Opera House is home to an amazing array of live entertainment. We're talking musical events, live talks, film screenings and more! The building is one of just 48 opera houses built in Michigan during the 19th and early 20th centuries. "The Grand Old Lady," as it's affectionately known, is nestled comfortably in downtown Traverse City!
4. The Discovery Center at The Dennos Museum Center
This permanent gallery at The Dennos Museum Center puts a focus on both the arts and sciences. Highlights include a Laser Harp, Anti-Gravity Mirror, and Sound Wall (an interactive sculpture that creates music when you touch it). Also check out the Hubble Space Telescope Theater, which features an ongoing transmission from NASA.
Source: via dennosmuseum.org
5. Old Town Playhouse
Created back in 1960 to help bring amateur theater into Northern Michigan, the Old Town Playhouse boasts a 277-seat mainstage auditorium and an 80-seat studio theater. It's located just minutes from downtown, which makes this destination a great spot to bring the kids after spending a day exploring the city. The playhouse also offers youth education courses throughout the year!
Source: Old Town Playhouse
Festivals & Events
Traverse City’s event calendar bursts with celebrations, from cherries to cinema—ensuring there’s always something happening.
1. The National Cherry Festival
If you happen to be in town during fourth of July weekend, then you've got to check out the National Cherry Festival. Considered “pure Michigan," the festival brings together local cherry growers in order to celebrate the agricultural community. The celebration features over 150 events and activities for kids, including pit-spitting, pie-eating contests, turtle races and more!
2. The Traverse City Film Festival
Speaking of summer activities, we'd be remiss not to mention the Traverse City Film Festival! In July and August, downtown Traverse City presents a series of films, from the classics to new aged flicks designed to intrigue the mind and lift the spirit. You can also check out free panel discussions with directors, writers, actors and other members of the film industry!
Source: via The Traverse City Film Festival
3. Traverse City Comedy Festival
This lively event brings top comedians from across the country to Traverse City for several nights of laughter. Shows take place at multiple venues, creating an energetic downtown atmosphere.
Other Things To Do In Michigan Near Traverse City
1. Turtle Creek Casino
Turtle Creek Casino offers gaming, dining, and live entertainment just a short drive from downtown Traverse City. Whether you enjoy slots, table games, or nightlife, it’s a go-to destination for excitement.
Source: Grand Traverse Resort
2. Historic Fishtown in Leland
Take a trip back in time when you visit Fishtown, about 25 miles away. A working waterfront, it’s one of the last non-commercialized fishing harbors in all of Michigan. Walk among a collection of fishing shanties dating back 150 years, now housing clothing boutiques, art galleries and gift shops. It’s a great place to get a unique thank you gift for your house or pet sitter.
3. Interlochen Center for the Arts
On a beautiful forested campus 20 minutes southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen fine arts camp and boarding school hosts hundreds of concerts, dramatic performances and dance recitals. Check their event calendar before you visit, or just visit anytime -- a walk on the grounds alone provides sounds and snippets of young artists in action.
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes were recently honored as the "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's Good Morning America. This 35-mile stretch of coastline with historic farms, a lighthouse, and maritime museum is often called Michigan’s largest sandbox. If your kids can climb to the top of the 110-foot dune, it’s a joyous run down to the bottom! The Sleeping Bear Dunes is also home to tons of hiking trails, swimming areas, museums and more!
5. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Are you craving some more time by the water? Hop in the car and go cruising along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile loop weaves through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes. It also leads to some of the best views of Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan.
Source: via nps.gov
6. Glen Arbor
Take a quick trip to the neighboring town of Glen Arbor! The area is nestled between Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes. It's a quaint little area, which means it lends itself to a lot of family-friendly fun. Rent bikes and explore the town, check out more of the Michigan coastline, go out to eat at one of their locally sourced restaurants! There's also Cherry Republic to explore, the world's largest exclusive retailer of cherry products!
Source: Empire Bluff Trail - Empire
7. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Are you craving some more time by the water? Hop in the car and go cruising along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The 7.4-mile loop weaves through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes. It also leads to some of the best views of Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan.
Looking for more to do in Traverse City and the surrounding areas? Check out their tourism site. We hope you have a great family vacation!
There’s a lot to be said for slowing down and simply enjoying each other’s company on vacation, and with everything a family could possibly need under one roof, our very own Great Wolf Lodge is just the place to do so. Pay no mind to finicky weather, their water park is kept warm at 84-degrees year-round, and with so many activities for kids, there’s no need to make big plans!
