Family Friendly Activities Happening in Charlevoix
Get ready for the family road trip or a weeklong vacation! Charlevoix has plenty of family-friendly activities geared for every age level.
Enjoy the Water
This one may seem obvious because Charlevoix is practically surrounded by water, but we would be remiss not to write about this family favorite. Families love escaping to the beaches in Charlevoix: Mt McSauba, Michigan Beach, Ferry Beach, Depot Beach, Rex Beach, and Fisherman’s Island State Park each provide unique attributes. Stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline to find Petoskey Stones. Set sail on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan by getting out onto Sunshine Charters catamaran, or kids ages 8-19 can take a week-long sailing class with Lake Charlevoix Mariners. Head indoors on a rainy day and swim at Charlevoix Community Pool, where they often have special events and activities geared for families. And be sure to check out the ever-popular downtown interactive water fountain set along Charlevoix’s gorgeous marina.
Are you ready for an adventure?
Do your kids have a need for speed? Fly through the forested canopies via 7,000 feet of zip lines at Wildwood Rush. You can’t beat the views of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan from the treetops. Rent some kayaks, canoes or a raft from Jordan Valley Outfitters for an outing down the Jordan River, the first to be designated by the State of Michigan’s Natural Rivers Act. If your family is over 18, skydiving may be the most exhilarating way to have a family bonding session. Jump from Charlevoix with Skydive Charlevoix.
Learning at every age
Even though school is out for the summer, there are lots of hands-on learning activities to do. The Charlevoix Public Library has programs for all family members. Check out story time, read with Ginger the dog, dance class, arts and crafts and so much more! Visit Raven Hill Discovery Center for hands-on museum activities, animal room, fiber studio, ancient world replicas and more! Tour Castle Farms for a look back in history, ride the tram, enjoy the alphabet garden, play a game of giant chess, or see the largest model railroad in Michigan! Take a tour of the Earl Young Mushroom Houses to learn the history of these unique architectural gems from Charlevoix Historical Society or Mushroom House Tours. Stop by the downtown Farmer’s Market, every Thursday, to learn more about locally grown fruits and vegetables. There’s a new theme each week which makes these a great place to bring the family for a visit.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Adventure is waiting just waiting for you. Explore the trails or play a round of disc golf at the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area. Be sure to visit Charles Ransom Nature Preserve and Fisherman’s Island State Park for more trails. Rent bikes from Revolution Bike and explore miles of trails. Whether you are looking for a short ride or a long ride, the Little Traverse Wheelway stretches 26 miles and is beginner friendly but can also be enjoyed by experts alike. Visit an area U-pick farm and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Our favorites each offer a unique experience from petting farms to corn mazes: Friskes, Kiteleys, Kings, Rosenthal, Bolts. Get off the beaten path and ride the boat to Beaver Island. Explore the natural beauty of this rustic island.
If you are looking for a little adult time, send the kiddos to Camp McSauba or the Circle of Arts summer camp! Both will provide hours of entertainment for your favorite kids. While your kids are spending the day a camp, enjoy boutique shopping downtown Charlevoix, spend a day on the water, or grab a craft beer from Lake Charlevoix Brewing.