No. 07
Traverse City
Jacob's Farm
Traverse City · On M-72, Three Miles East of Downtown
A 100-year-old farm right on M-72, three miles from downtown TC. Live music every night in summer, wood-fired pizza, a full bar with local craft beer and cocktails, and a sprawling outdoor space with picnic tables, lawn games, and room for kids to actually run around. No reservation needed, dogs welcome, kids welcome, and the kind of atmosphere that makes people stay for four hours when they planned to stay for one.
VibeOutdoor, relaxed, and genuinely fun for the whole group — everyone wins here
What to GetThe wood-fired pizza and whatever is on draft. The outdoor space does the rest.
Insider TipNo reservation needed. Show up, grab a picnic table, and let the evening happen.
No. 06
Traverse City
Clinch Park
Traverse City · West Bay Waterfront
Right on the West Bay waterfront in downtown TC, Clinch Park has one of the best splash pads in northern Michigan — a free, fully interactive water playground with sprayers, jets, and water features that will keep younger kids entertained for hours. There's also a sandy beach right next to it, plus a marina with boats to watch. Bring a towel and a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Free, no admission, right in town.
VibeSunny, busy, and genuinely fun — the easiest family stop in downtown TC
What to DoLet the little ones loose on the splash pad, then hit the beach and watch the sailboats on West Bay.
Insider TipFree parking on the street before 10am. After that, use the Old Town parking structure one block away.
No. 05
Traverse City
Two Sons Pizza + The Coin Slot
Downtown Traverse City · Inside The Coin Slot Arcade Bar
The best pizza in TC — New York-style, 20-inch pies with cold-fermented crust, house sauce, and ingredients that are the real deal. Two Sons is inside The Coin Slot, a fantastic arcade bar with 20+ pinball machines and a rotating selection of classic arcade games. Order a pie, let the kids play, and eat between games. One of the best family setups in downtown TC.
VibeCasual, fun, and easy — great pizza and games under one roof
What to GetThe Grand Pepperoni or the Meatball. Order a full pie and eat it between games.
Insider TipClosed Monday and Tuesday. Open from noon Thursday through Sunday. Kids welcome until 9pm.
No. 04
Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Dune Climb
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore · Glen Arbor
The first dune is a 10-minute climb and completely worth it for the view of Glen Lake appearing suddenly below you. Then comes the best part: running back down. Kids absolutely love it. The full hike to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip — harder than it looks and further than it appears. Try to avoid midday, when heat and crowds are peaking. The Dune Climb is one of the most purely fun things you can do in Michigan, regardless of age.
VibeBig, wild, and genuinely thrilling — one of the most memorable things a family can do in Michigan
What to DoClimb the first dune together, take in the view of Glen Lake, then run back down. That's the move.
Insider TipBring more water than you think you need, especially if you're doing the longer hike.
