Michigan, known for its beautiful Great Lakes and diverse natural landscapes, is a fantastic choice for families seeking adventure and relaxation. The state offers a wide range of family-friendly resorts that cater to various preferences, from beachside fun in the sun to immersive activities in snow-covered hills. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, quiet getaway or an all-out vacation filled with endless entertainment, Michigan has it all.
Top family resorts in Michigan provide amenities and activities to suit visitors of all ages, such as indoor water parks, outdoor pools, and exhilarating water sports. Additionally, these resorts offer plenty of options for parents who wish to relax, like spas and golf courses. With their unique features, exceptional amenities, and perfect locations, these resorts surely create unforgettable experiences for families.
Explore the vast selection of Michigan family resorts and experience a memorable vacation with your loved ones. With countless options available, you can be confident that there is a resort tailored for your family’s preferences and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan offers diverse family-friendly resorts for all preferences and budgets.
- Top resorts boast unique features, exceptional amenities, and fun activities for all ages.
- Memorable family vacations await amidst Michigan’s beautiful natural landscapes and popular destinations.
Top Family Resorts in Michigan
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Located in Traverse City, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers a luxurious and family-friendly experience. With a wide range of amenities including a golf course, spa services, and spacious accommodations, there’s something for everyone in the family. The resort also offers an indoor water playground, perfect for kids to enjoy.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a popular destination for families all year round. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities at this incredible resort. Summertime offers numerous outdoor activities like mountain biking, golf, and hiking for all ages. The resort features comfortable accommodation and a variety of dining options.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain Resort is a family favorite, offering various outdoor activities for all ages. The resort boasts Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Avalanche Bay, ensuring fun for the entire family. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summertime offers golf, mountain biking, and zipline adventures.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a unique family destination, with abundant natural beauty and historical charm. Enjoy a car-free experience as you explore the island by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Stay in one of the island’s iconic hotels, like the Grand Hotel, and make sure to indulge in the island’s famous fudge.
Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City
Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City is an absolute treat for families, featuring a massive indoor water park, cozy lodging, and other fun attractions that will keep the whole family entertained. Slip and slide through water slides, tube rides, pools, and more at the water park in this unforgettable destination.
Activities for Families
Enjoying time together as a family can be a memorable experience at these wonderful Michigan family resorts. There are fun and exciting activities that will suit all tastes and interests, ensuring the entire family has an unforgettable time. Let’s explore the adventures awaiting your family.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Michigan’s family resorts are a paradise for those who love skiing and snowboarding. Resorts like Shanty Creek offer excellent slopes, various levels of difficulty, and lessons for beginners, making it an ideal destination for families looking to bond over winter sports. With well-maintained ski trails and a range of equipment rentals available, everyone can enjoy an exhilarating day on the slopes.
Hiking and Nature Trails
If your family prefers fresh air and scenic views, Michigan offers many beautiful hiking and nature trails for you to explore. Traverse City, for example, features stunning trails that wind through lush forests and along lakeshores. From casual strolls to challenging hikes, there’s something for every level of ability and every member of your family to enjoy.
Water-Based Activities
Michigan is known for its pristine lakes, making it a paradise for water enthusiasts. Resorts like the Great Wolf Lodge offer a fantastic indoor water park, including slides, tube rides, and swimming pools that cater to all age groups. Other popular water-based activities in Michigan include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, creating unforgettable memories for the entire family.
Golfing and Tennis
Don’t forget about the many golf courses and tennis facilities at Michigan resorts. Resorts such as the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa provide world-class golf courses suitable for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned pros. Tennis enthusiasts can also find top-notch courts for training and friendly matches, making every family member find something enjoyable to participate in.
From winter sports and nature trails to water activities and games, Michigan’s family resorts have a wide range of activities to offer. With so many options at your disposal, your family is sure to create cherished memories together during your visit to these fantastic locations.
Unique Features
Indoor Water Parks
Michigan is home to several family-friendly resorts that offer indoor water parks, a perfect way to have fun regardless of the weather. Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is a popular choice, boasting a massive indoor water park with water slides, tube rides, and pools that cater to all ages. Other resorts, such as Boyne Mountain Resort and Bavarian Inn Lodge, also offer exciting water park experiences for the whole family.
Alpine Slides
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, alpine slides provide thrilling downhill rides. Crystal Mountain is a resort in Michigan that features the state’s only alpine slide. Families can enjoy a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the slide and then speed down the winding 1,600-foot track, controlling their own sleds. This activity offers excitement for kids and adults alike.
Zip-Lining
Zip-lining is another adventure-filled activity that can be found at numerous Michigan resorts. Boyne Mountain Resort offers an exhilarating zip-lining experience, featuring ten different zip lines that traverse the beautiful landscape of the resort. For a more tranquil yet still exciting experience, Otsego Club & Resort in Gaylord also features a zip line course set amidst their stunning property.
Adventure Courses
For families seeking a unique outdoor challenge, several Michigan resorts offer adventure courses that test both physical and mental skills. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has a challenging treetop adventure course with obstacles like rope swings, ladders, and climbing walls, providing fun and excitement for all ages. Similarly, The Inn at Bay Harbor boasts an adventure course perfect for bonding and team-building experiences.
Additional Amenities
Dining Options
Most family resorts in Michigan offer a variety of dining options for guests, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. For instance, at the Great Wolf Lodge, families can choose from multiple on-site restaurants, including casual dining options like pizza, burgers, and ice cream, as well as sit-down options with full-service menus. Additionally, some resorts, like the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, provide fine dining experiences that are perfect for special occasions or date nights during your stay.
Spa Services
For parents looking to relax and rejuvenate, many Michigan family resorts offer spa services and treatments. Whether you opt for a massage, facial, or a customized spa package, spa facilities at resorts like the Inn at Bay Harbor and the Boyne Highlands Resort will help you unwind and destress. Some resorts might even offer specific services tailored for kids and families, giving everyone a chance to experience the soothing atmosphere of a spa.
Kids Programs and Childcare
To keep the little ones entertained and give parents some much-needed downtime, many Michigan family resorts offer kids’ programs and childcare services. Activities and facilities like indoor water playgrounds provided by the Great Wolf Lodge and kids’ clubs at Boyne Highlands Resort will keep the children busy and create fun memories during their stay. Make sure to check with your chosen resort for specific programs, age requirements, and any additional fees.
By choosing a family resort in Michigan with additional amenities like dining options, spa services, kids programs, and childcare, you can ensure a well-rounded and enjoyable vacation experience for the entire family. These features not only cater to the needs and preferences of each family member but also make family getaways memorable and stress-free.
Popular Michigan Destinations
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, offers a mix of educational and recreational opportunities for families. Visit the Hands-On Museum for interactive exhibits or stroll through the beautiful Nichols Arboretum. The city also has a variety of family-friendly dining options.
Lake Michigan
Stretching along the western side of the state, Lake Michigan provides a plethora of activities for families. You can relax on the sandy beaches, take a boat tour, or go fishing. There are many beach towns along the lake, each with its own charm and attractions.
New Buffalo
New Buffalo, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a popular destination with a beautiful beach and a quaint downtown. Families can enjoy the beach, browse the local shops, or take a short drive to visit nearby attractions like the Galien River County Park and the Four Winds Casino Resort.
Saugatuck
The artsy town of Saugatuck is a perfect getaway for families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Known for its scenic lakeshore and vibrant art scene, visitors can explore art galleries, take in a theater performance, or spend a day at the Oval Beach. The Saugatuck Dunes State Park is also a great option for those who love hiking.
Grand Rapids
As Michigan’s second largest city, Grand Rapids offers a diverse array of activities for families. The John Ball Zoo, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park are all popular attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Millennium Park provides trails for walking, biking, and more.
Explore More Resort Options
The Homestead
The Homestead is a family-friendly resort that offers a variety of activities and accommodations for people of all ages. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, guests can enjoy stunning views and easy access to the water. There are multiple lodging options, including inns and condos, ensuring a comfortable stay for each family member. Activities range from golfing and tennis to beachfront bonfires and swimming, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Bavarian Inn Lodge, situated in Frankenmuth, provides a unique and immersive experience for families. This German-themed resort features architecture and decor reminiscent of a Bavarian village. Guests can choose from 360 guest rooms, including family suites and themed rooms, to ensure a memorable stay. The lodge offers a large indoor water park, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options suitable for all ages.
Drummond Island Resort
Drummond Island Resort is perfect for families seeking adventure and relaxation amidst Michigan’s natural beauty. Located on Drummond Island, the resort boasts various accommodations, such as cabins, cottages, and luxurious log homes. Families can indulge in numerous outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, and golfing. Wildlife sightings are common, adding an extra element of excitement for nature enthusiasts.
Treetops Resort
For active families, Treetops Resort in Gaylord offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities. One of its main attractions is the premier golf courses that have earned numerous accolades. In addition, the resort features skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months. Guests can unwind in cozy accommodations, including hotel rooms, condos, and cottages. Dining options and a full-service spa round out the amenities for a complete family vacation experience.
Inn at Bay Harbor
The Inn at Bay Harbor, nestled along Little Traverse Bay, offers a luxurious escape for families seeking elegance and relaxation. The resort provides a range of accommodations, such as hotel rooms, suites, and cottages with lake views. Guests can indulge in the full-service spa, enjoy gourmet dining options, and participate in various outdoor activities, including golf, tennis, swimming, and boating. The Inn at Bay Harbor’s picturesque setting and top-tier amenities make it an ideal choice for a memorable family getaway.