We hope you have been having the best summer break possible! Everyone loves the time of year when kids are able to take a few weeks off from school and the adults have less responsibilities to worry about. The warmer weather invites you to spend time outdoors and to book your next vacation getaway. As we slowly get closer to kids returning to school, you may be planning one final getaway before the season ends. Consider your back-to-school vacation to set sights on Traverse City. Our vacation destination offers incredible summer activities and events that will make your vacation one of the best yet. Take a look at what to plan for a back to school vacation to Traverse City.
Take a Back to School Vacation to Traverse City
Take advantage of the warm summer weather before school returns when you visit Traverse City by visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is the area’s top outdoor destination and is quick and easy to get to from Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes features bluffs that stand 450 feet above Lake Michigan making it a sight to behold. The lakeshore is considered a national park so you can check it off your bucket list. Expect to find lush forests along with beautiful inland lakes. Trails found all throughout the park will take you to specific viewpoints including Dune Climb, Platte River Point, and Port Oneida. Visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a great way to keep your kids off their screens and focus more time and attention to the beautiful outdoors around them.
Attend the National Cherry Festival
The summer season hosts the biggest event that Traverse City sees year to year: The National Cherry Festival. This unique event highlights the cherry production that the Grand Traverse Region is known for with 8 days full of exciting activities and events. Traverse City has been nicknamed the Cherry Capitol of the World and it is easy to see why when you attend this event. The National Cherry Festival begins this year on June 29th where it kicks off the decadent event. One of the biggest events each year at the National Cherry Festival is having the United States Navy Blue Angels take to the sky for a stunning aerial show. Additional activities throughout the festival also include having premier music artists take to the stage including The Stone Temple Pilots and Goo Goo Dolls headlining this year. Grab your favorite festival foods including turkey legs, Gibby’s fries, and of course cherry pies! The National Cherry Festival has plenty of kid friendly activities for everyone to enjoy such as Midway fair rides including a Ferris wheel. Face painting and other activities are available on the festival grounds too. Book a tour of the local cherry orchards where you can see the incredible cherry crop and just how much the area is able to produce. The National Cherry Festival is a highlight event each year bringing in over half a million people over the week. Don’t miss out on the festivities taking place this year from June 29th through July 6th!
Go Sailing
Take the whole family out for a little adventure on Lake Michigan with a sailing tour. When you are on the shore you will probably see plenty of huge sail boats navigating around the water. You too can set sail on one of these boats with a local tour from Wind Dancer Sailing Tours. The company gets its name from the Wind Dancer schooner that hosts each tour. You will be able to feel the breeze through your hair as you are shown how to maneuver the boat and learn all about sailing. Their tours also provide a variety of culinary and drink options to pick from too. A Tour with Wind Dancer Sailing offers a once in a lifetime experience you do not want to pass up on.
Check Out Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park
Your one stop shop for family friendly activities can be found over at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park. This local park features two 18-hole mini golf courses with obstacles including sunken ships, cascading waterfalls, and even pirate dungeons. Head over to the go cart race track to try your hand at a little high speed competition. The bumper boats are a great way to cool off during the summer and the Blackbeard’s Den Game Room lets you beat the heat and enjoy arcade games indoors. You will find that Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park has extended hours throughout the summer so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some fun!
More Summer Fun in Traverse City
As you can see, there is plenty of fun left you can still have here in Traverse City this summer. Get ready for an unbelievable stay before school returns!
