26 Things to Do with a Group in Traverse City in the Winter

Things to Do with Kids of All Ages in the Winter

1— Eat Giant S’mores Indoors

The Filling Station Microbrewery has something for everyone in the family, including the kids. Try the s’mores pizza for a sweet and gooey unexpected treat. Chocolate, marshmallow and a crispy crust are baked in their wood-fired oven. You’ll also find savory flatbreads, tasty salads and of course, the Filling Station’s own craft beers brewed on-site. Enjoy a meal, a drink or dessert on their new enclosed outdoor patio for a fun winter activity in Traverse City. For a look at their mouth-watering pizzas and salads watch the video above.

2— Hit the Ice for a Twilight Skate

Turn the music up, the lights down, and ice skate under the disco lights at a Twilight Skate at Howe Arena. Traverse City brings back the rockin’ rink to create memories for the next generation. This family-friendly winter activity is only $7/person with $5 skate rental available on-site. Check Twilight Skate schedule here.

3— Explore Creativity 

When your guests have kids, it’s nice to know there are places to go to entertain them- even in the winter. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum in Traverse City offers interactive exhibits and creative programs for both children and the adults in their lives. In Beulah, discover the wonders of the natural world and meet fun and friendly animals at Cognition. Wherever you go, you’ll pull kids away from screens and spark their curiosity. 

4— Embrace Your Need for Speed

For an up-north experience your out-of-town guests will remember, zoom over to K1 Speed Traverse City. Home to all-electric go-karts, and a one-of-a-kind indoor track, everyone’s need for speed will be satisfied. The fun doesn’t end on the track- continue to the arcade for a chance to win prizes and unwind in the Paddock Lounge Café serving American fare and refreshing drinks.

5— Make a Kid-Friendly Tasting Tour

Plan a day trip around town and introduce your guests to the flavors of Traverse City with your very own tasting tour. Many shops encourage you to try before you buy. Sample all things cherry at Cherry Republic, enjoy a taste of Michigan at Benjamin Twiggs, indulge in the olive oils and flavored vinegar at Fustinis, and taste gourmet popcorn at Pop-Kies. What’s better than eating your way through Traverse City?

Games, Sports and Indoor Activities in the Winter

6— Learn to Curl

There’s a restaurant in Maple City where you can eat, drink and learn to curl. That’s right, Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse is also home to the Leelanau Curling Club which has a designated curling rink on-site. Traverse City Curling Club is another great place to bring your out-of-town guests and learn to toss the rock and sweep your way to victory. It’s a fun winter activity for kids and adults of all ages.

7— Climb High at ELEV8

Cold weather doesn’t slow things down at ELEV8! Let them show you and your guests the ropes on their bouldering wall, find your zen in yoga classes, hit the weights, or explore their youth programs. You can even book a party! With membership options for everyone, ELEV8 keeps the fun going year-round.

8— Play Old School Arcade Games

Who’s ready to take on the pinball king? The Coin Slot in downtown Traverse City is home to dozens of ‘80s and ‘90s classic arcade games just waiting for a new high score. From Donkey Kong and Galaga to Frogger and Centipede, there’s a blast from the past on every wall. Think arcades are just for kids? Think again- there’s beer here, and it’s not the only one! Right Brain Brewery features nearly 30 pinball machines and hosts multiple weekly leagues.

9— Test Your Golf Skills

The greens may be under a blanket of snow, but you can still hit the virtual links at X-Golf Traverse City. Rent a simulator by the hour for up to 6 people per bay. Practice and get feedback on your skills or play a simulated round. Plan on one hour per person to play 18-holes. Simulators can be reserved for up to four hours. So when your competitive relatives come for a visit, why not challenge them to a round of golf. Rates range from $40 to $65/hour.

10— Try Your Paddle at Pickleball

Looking for sporty things to do in Traverse City in the winter? Whether you’re already riding the pickleball hype or new to the sport, Pickle U is the perfect place to play on a winter day. Go solo and join an open match, or convince your family and friends to come along. Court reservations accommodate 1-6 players and can be reserved for an hour or two. Paddle rentals are just $2.50/hour, and you can access the ball machine for $7/hour. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the courts!

Less Active Things to Do in the Winter

11– Take a History Tour at The Village

Book a tour at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and spend 2 hours learning about the history of the buildings that once housed an asylum for the mentally insane. Explore the underground steam tunnel, go inside untouched buildings and discover how an abandoned asylum was transformed into a modern community. Try the Taste the Village tour which includes wine tasting at Left Foot Charley and beer flight at Earthen Ales. Reservations required. Online booking available here. To learn a bit before you go watch the History of the Village video above.

12— Take a Musical Walk Through Time

Located just north of Traverse City in Acme, the Music House Museum is filled with treasures of another era. Docent-led tours will guide you through the museum. From simple music boxes and early radios to the grand 1922 Mortier dance hall organ, you’ll see and hear our musical past come to life. The Music House is open from November through April, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every day from December 27th to 30th. Tickets $18/adults, $7/students. Special pricing is available for families, veterans, seniors, and AAA. Active military are FREE.

13— Experience a Theater Performance

Traverse City is home to several theaters with fabulous performances throughout the year. Check out the calendars for the City Opera House, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and Old Town Playhouse to see if there’s a concert, play or music performance while your guests are in town. Pair that with a dinner out and that’s a full evening of great entertainment.

14— Catch a Movie at a Local Theatre

When the wind chill drives the kids indoors, head to the movies. Northern Michigan boasts a handful of beautifully restored, arthouse theaters. In Traverse City, you’ll find the State Theatre. They host a kids $1 matinee every Saturday at 10 a.m., and a calendar of special events that take movie fun to a whole new level. In Frankfort, visit the historic Garden Theatre, and in Suttons Bay, explore the community-focused Bay Theatre. Be sure to visit their websites for showtimes.

15— Winter Wine Tours and Wine Dinners

Winter is the perfect time to visit the many wineries, cideries and distilleries near Traverse City. They are less crowded, and often have fun events for a group if you plan ahead. Chateau Chantal includes a short tour in their working wine cellar with a coursed pairing dinner at the inn. Perfect for date night, or even book a private event. If you had tasting in mind don’t miss the one-room schoolhouse on Old Mission Peninsula that made homework and detention tasteful. In fact, these wines by Peninsula Cellars are downright delicious. Stop by the century-old schoolhouse on M-37 for wine and cider tasting. And when you don’t want to be the driver, call Wine & Beer Tours to hop on the bus and let them navigate our snowy roads. 

16— Experience Music for the Record Lovers

Music truly makes the world go round, and Traverse City has no shortage of it! Whether you’re looking to buy or perform, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. Explore a treasure of oldies, goodies, and new releases at RPM Records– and good luck leaving empty-handed. Enjoy local talent or take the stage at Eugene’s Record Coop. And don’t miss the chance to catch a live show downtown at The Alluvion.

17— Shop an Indoor Farmers Market

What do Michigan farmers do when the cold wind blows the farm stand closed? They bring the harvest indoors. Every Saturday throughout the winter you can shop the indoor farmers market in the halls of The Village Mercado. Merchants set up booths with winter greens, eggs, honey, mushrooms, homemade treats, fish, milk, meats and more. Open 10am–2pm on Saturdays November–April.

Things to Do Outdoors in the Winter

18— Hike in an Art Park

At Crystal Mountain Resort you can explore an outdoor sculpture garden known as Michigan Legacy Art Park. More than forty larger-than-life sculptures are nestled along the trail which loops through a 30-acre forest. The park is open every day year-round. Donations accepted for park access. Snowshoe rentals available through Crystal Mountain. Check out the video above to see what it looks like in the summer, then see what it’s like in person this winter.

19— Go Sledding on the Dune Climb

You’ve probably taken your guests to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the summer. But if you want a real adventure grab some sleds and head to the Dune Climb this winter. There’s plenty of parking and one giant hill that won’t disappoint. A word of advice: if it’s windy, don’t let go of the sled. You won’t be able to run fast enough to catch it. And don’t park too close to the bottom of the hill. It’s not uncommon for sledders to end up in the parking lot! National Park Pass required.

20— Snowshoe at a Winery

Turn wine tasting into an active adventure. The 45 North Vineyard Trail is a 3-mile groomed recreational trail for biking, skiing or walking located at Forty-Five North Vineyard and Winery on the Leelanau Peninsula. Take your guests for a hike followed by wine and cider tasting at the winery. Check their Facebook page for trail conditions.

21— Instagram an Art Walk Downtown

Within the Downtown district, you’ll discover outdoor art throughout the city. Why not make it an Instagrammable adventure? Pose with the statue of Perry Hannah, Traverse City’s founding father on Union Street. Make heart hands in front of the heart wall on Park Street. Find your wings on East Front Street and a mosaic mural on West Front. As you stroll, keep an eye out for other colorful murals along the way. It’s a fun way to enjoy a winter activity in downtown Traverse City.

22— Visit a Lighthouse

There are four historic lighthouses within 35 miles of downtown Traverse City. Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of Old Mission peninsula has a beautiful park surrounding the grounds. They aren’t open for tours in winter but they do offer a keeper program year-round for those looking for a unique experience. Grand Traverse Lighthouse is located inside the Leelanau State Park in Northport. The most photographed lighthouse in the state is Point Betsie Lighthouse. While not open in the winter, it offers a beautiful beach to explore in all seasons. Keep driving along M22 and you can enjoy the view of the Frankfort Lighthouse followed by shopping or a meal at Stormcloud Brewing downtown.

Things to Do for Date Night or With Friends in the Winter

23— Eat and Drink a Massive Mary

The Massive Mary is an attraction all its own. This giant Bloody Mary from Boone’s Prime Time Pub in Suttons Bay is a meal in a glass. And it’s definitely Instagram-worthy. With a Buffalo chicken slider, a burger slider, onion rings, pickle chips, green olives, celery, lemon, lime and a snit of beer… your friends won’t believe you ate and drank the entire thing. Watch the video above to see more mouthwatering dishes at Boone’s Prime Time Pub.

24— Try to Escape at Incredible Mo’s

Looking for things to do with teens? How about an activity that challenges their minds. At Escapology, you have one hour to try and solve the puzzles and free your team from one of three escape rooms. Book the room for two to eight players, ages 12 and up. When you’re done grab a meal at Sauce or break out the bowling shoes. Incredible Mo’s has you covered for a whole day of fun.

25— Drink Beer in an Igloo

We can’t hide the fact that it is winter, so why not embrace it? Hoplot in Suttons Bay was the first to employ igloo seating in the winter and the idea took off. It’s so popular in fact that you’ll want to book your igloo in advance! If you prefer to take your chances you’ll also find the geodesic domes at St Ambrose Cellars in Benzonia.

26— Arts and Crafts for Adults

We saved one of our new favorite finds for last. Secondhand Social Club in downtown Traverse City is an open art studio for adults over 16. They share a space with Slip Vintage, a cool retro clothing shop. Sign up for a unique class, or reserve the space for your group to use their art supplies and make something fun. They even have non-alcoholic bottled cocktails and snacks for sale on-site.

26 things to do with a group in Traverse City in the winter

There you have it: 26 ways to entertain your out-of-town guests in Traverse City this winter. And just to make life a little easier, we put them all in one place. Save this post to make the most of the season. Be sure to share that tip with your guests, too! Now get out there and enjoy all the things to do in Traverse City in the winter.