Traverse City will exceed your expectations to enjoy the Michigan outdoors, whether you are downhill skiing or traversing the nature trails on cross-country skis. Two ski resorts are located within Traverse City. Additional ski resorts are within a one-hour drive from Traverse City that offer downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Outdoor and indoor skating rinks are available in and around the city. Adults and children can stay warm at the warming huts, which accompany many outdoor rinks.
The area ski resorts schedule hourly snow-tubing sessions. Children should dress warm, wear boots and hold on tight as they fly down the hills on an inner tube. Automatic lifts will provide the return trip for another fast and fun tubing run.
Traditional sledding is offered throughout the area at local parks, and horse-drawn sleigh rides are available at local resorts. Snowshoes can be rented to experience the nature trails that wind throughout the area.
Enormous water slides, indoor pools, water forts and whirlpools highlight the water parks that are easily accessible in and around Traverse City. Two water parks are located within Traverse City and surrounding area ski resorts also offer indoor water parks. Activities abound as children enjoy the indoor pools with three-story water slides, theme pools and challenging water activities. Adults can relax in the whirlpool and spas as the children enjoy the indoor arcades and play areas.
The Great Lakes Children's Museum offers an array of activities for children of all ages. Highlights of the museum include the interactive water table, toddler beach and lighthouse play area. All visitors will enjoy the view of Grand Traverse Bay from the lighthouse attached to the museum.
Traverse City hosts the Cherry Capital Winter Wow!fest in mid-February. This is a three-day family-oriented festival that includes food, music, snow sculptures, a petting zoo, dog sleds, snowshoe races, pony rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Children can watch or compete in winter activities geared to their age and skill level.
