The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Summer Vacation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

It’s easier than you might think to plan a summer escape that keeps toddlers giggling, kids smiling, teens off their devices and adults happy. Adventure is everywhere in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Families and youth groups plunge into nonstop fun. They discover what a blast it is to chase waterfalls, do their favorite watersports on crystal-clear lakes and rivers, dig into centuries-old history at forts and mines or soar and spin at fairs and festivals. Add unique roadside attractions and souvenir shops and you’ve got the ultimate vacation everyone will love and no one will want to leave. 

Get started with these kid-approved suggestions for creating the ultimate summer vacation in the U.P.

The Mystery Spot

First, wow your kids by crossing the “Mighty Mac” Mackinac Bridge from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to St. Ignace. They won’t know whether to look up, look out or look down, the views are so mesmering, 

Then, head five miles west on U.S. Highway 2 to the world-famous Mystery Spot, voted Michigan’s No. 1 unusual attraction by readers of Michigan Living Magazine (AAA). Here, optical illusions and physical sensations defy gravity and logic — phenomena so surprising that you’ll want to capture them on camera. 

This attraction delights all ages and many of the site’s two million visitors return year after year. Take your adventure to new heights flying through the forest on two ziplines, one with an epic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There’s also a custom-designed 18-hole mini golf course, a maze and a one-of-a-kind gift shop filled with souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. The Mystery Spot offers ample parking for cars and trailers, as well as clean restrooms. 

Beaches Along U.S. Highway 2

If your goal is to relax, then play with your kids on some of the most picturesque beaches in Michigan. The soft sand and dunes that trace the northernmost edge of Lake Michigan are amazingly beautiful and uncrowded. Just follow U.S. Highway 2, west of St. Ignace and turn into any of the scenic pull-offs. 

Fill your beach days by building sandcastles, flinging Frisbees, kayaking or cutting through the waves on your standup paddleboards and swimming, wading and floating in the shallow, salt-free water.

On breezy days, fly kites or kite surf. Let your camera collect the sky’s shifting colors, the sun-dappled water and the pure joy lighting up your kids’ faces. 

While driving U.S. 2, take a break at Cut River Bridge & Roadside Park, a family-favorite place to stretch. Your kids will love reaching the beach on the wooden walkway and everyone will be wowed by the towering bridge views. Hike the forest trails, spot birds and wildlife, enjoy a picnic at one of the tables and visit the restrooms before continuing your journey.

Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park

Give your kids a walk on the wild side under the cool shade of the pines. At this family-run zoo, your little explorers can come face-to-face with hundreds of native North American animals like wolves, badgers, foxes, otters and even a cougar and bison. They’ll also meet exotic species from across the globe, including lions, lemurs, camels, reindeer and Siberian tigers. With hands-on fun like sluice mining for gems, animal feeding stations and a picnic area for lunch or snack breaks, this is a breezy stop for your kids and you to learn something new about our planet.

Kitch-iti-kipi: The “Big Spring”

Kitch-iti-kipi is one of the most kid-engaging natural wonders in the U.P. Part of Palms Book State Park near Manistique, it offers experiences that spark kids’ imaginations. One of the favorites is taking turns spinning the big wheel on the large, self-propelled raft as it glides across the spring’s crystal-clear, ever-bubbling waters. Another is peering through the glass viewing panel in the center of the deck, watching swirling sands, ancient tree trunks and large trout swimming just below the surface. 

The short, paved path from the parking area to the dock is stroller-friendly and accessible, so it’s easy if you have young children to enjoy the visit. After exploring the spring, relax at nearby picnic tables, use the grills, check out the concession stand for snacks and take advantage of modern restrooms. Your kids will never forget this family outing!

Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise & Riptide Ride

One of the best ways to experience the spectacular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with multiple ages is by taking a Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise. For over 50 years, these guided boat tours, an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, have showcased Lake Superior shoreline’s gorgeous natural features. Each narrated cruise departs from the Munising City Dock and travels along miles of dramatic Lake Superior shoreline, where you can view colorful sandstone cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls and other photo-worthy highlights. Cruises range from two to three hours and are suitable for children, with several options available to fit your itinerary, including the Classic Cruise, Sunset Classic Cruise, Spray Falls Cruise and Sunset Spray Falls Cruise.

Want to crank up the excitement for your adventure-loving crew? Hop aboard the Riptide Ride, Pictured Rock’s #1 boat tour, for an absolute thrill from start to finish. 

Zoom across the waves for 25 jaw-dropping miles, hugging the Grand Island coastline where the tallest cliff rises 300 feet toward the sky. This 90-minute ride is a nonstop blast — soaring eagles overhead, dramatic waterfalls splashing into Lake Superior and two legendary lighthouses. The time together will get high-fives from your kids and you, too.

Adventure Mining Company

There are reasons why the word “Adventure” is in the name of this Greenland family destination. The Adventure Mining Company gives guided tours through one of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s best-preserved historic copper mines. First opened in 1850, this mine produced over 11 million pounds of native copper during its years of operation. Today, you can step back in time to explore its cool underground passages while learning about the region’s prehistoric and industrial mining history. 

The popular Prospector’s Tour offers your family a chance to explore the mine’s largest chambers and pass by shafts leading to lower levels where miners once pulled up pure copper and silver. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Rappel down an 80-foot mine shaft! Or take extensive tours through rarely seen parts of the mine. Limited mobility tours are also available upon request. Before you leave, take home a piece of history with copper souvenirs sold on-site or online. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but reservations are highly recommended.

Easy-to-Access Waterfalls

Make this the summer of the Great Waterfall Hunt. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, your kids, from little adventurers to too-cool teens, will love finding waterfalls and hearing their thunder in the distance before spotting their misty cascades. The falls highlighted below offer short walks, boardwalks and viewing platforms that are just right for young children and casual hikers. Longer adventures with your teens are in the link above. You soon will be chanting in unison, “We’re going on a waterfall hunt. We’re going to see a big one…”

• Au Train Falls – A short drive from Munising, this site offers an easy trail to both upper and lower falls.
• Bond Falls – One of the region’s most dramatic falls near Paulding, it features a boardwalk and multiple viewing platforms. Your family will love the close-encounter points and taking awesome pictures.
• Jacobs Falls – This tall, cascading waterfall gets five stars from many families. Not only is it right by the road (M-26) near Eagle River, but it’s next to The Jampot. Inside the bakery, you can buy delicious jams, jellies and baked goods crafted by the monks who live in their Byzantine Catholic monastery.
• Laughing Whitefish Falls – A short walk and staircase take you to an observation deck with sweeping views of this tall, fan-shaped waterfall near Rumely. The parking lot has grills and a hand pump for water.
• Miners Falls – What a beautiful sight near Munising! A well-maintained gravel trail and stairway lead to an overlook with views of this powerful cascade close to Pictured Rocks.
• Munising Falls – A paved trail leads to this picturesque waterfall right in the city of Munising. It is temporarily closed; stay updated on the status at the National Park Service website.
• Scott Falls – Not into hiking even for a short distance? No problem. See this small waterfall right from the roadside on M-28 in Au Train. Park across the highway on the Lake Superior side, then walk over for a closer view. If your kids are adventuresome, challenge them to find the secret trail tucked behind the falls and take a family hike.  
• Tahquamenon Falls – Among Michigan’s most famous waterfalls, both Upper and Lower Falls feature extensive boardwalks, viewing areas and trails. Recent and upcoming accessibility improvements, including enhanced pathways and viewing platforms, make these stunning falls even more family-friendly. You can also rent a canoe to the Lower Falls, get out on shore and wade into the cool, churning river.
• Wagner Falls – Follow M-94, 1.5 miles south of Munising to this waterfall surrounded by old-growth pine and hemlock trees. It’s a very short walk to the observation deck. 

For more inspiration, explore these blogs:

Kid-Friendly Museums

Ignite your kids’ curiosity, awe and understanding with time spent at these U.P. museums. They quickly eliminate “I’m bored” on rainy days. 

• Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming – Offers tours and kid-friendly displays about U.P. mining history and geology.
• Da Yoopers Tourist Trap & Museum in Ishpeming – A lighthearted, family-friendly attraction full of quirky exhibits, novelties, Yooper humor and oversized roadside oddities.
• Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island – Makes history real with live reenactments, interactive exhibits and stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac.
• Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point – Appeals to older children fascinated by maritime history and legendary Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Houghton County Historical Museum Complex in Lake Linden – Features an old train depot, vintage train rides, a one-room schoolhouse, copper mining history and more. It’s the perfect boredom-buster for the whole family.
• Tahquamenon Logging Museum in Newberry – Great for hands-on learning about the U.P.’s logging past, with vintage equipment and riveting-to-watch demonstrations.
• Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum in Marquette – Features interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences perfect for curious young minds.

Explore These Activity-Packed Guides for More Kid-Approved Ideas

Before you finalize your summer activity list, pick and choose ideas from these guides.

Family-Friendly Dining

Dining options across the U.P. cater to your family’s range of tastes. These choices top many kids’ lists.

• Antlers Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie – This local favorite is known for its wild game décor and hearty menu. Kids love identifying all the familiar and quirky animals on display.
• Clyde’s Drive-In – Give your kids an old-fashioned carhop experience in St. Ignace,  Sault Ste. Marie and Manistique. Family members with huge appetites will love the challenge of finishing their giant burgers, fries and classic malts and milkshakes. But your kids will have fun choosing what they like from a special menu and having it arrive in a cardboard car!
• Donckers in Marquette – A historic soda fountain and restaurant with an old-fashioned candy counter, breakfast favorites, sandwiches and sweet treats. It brings the kid out in everyone.
• Falling Rock Café & Bookstore in Munising – Combines a cozy café with books, board games and ice cream that’s great anytime, but especially on rainy days.
• Hilltop Restaurant in L’Anse – Known for its giant cinnamon rolls, a favorite shareable treat for families.
• Java Joe’s Café in St. Ignace – A funky, colorful all-day breakfast spot kids love, with pancakes, waffles and more.
• Main Street Pizza in Marquette, Munising, Gladstone, Manistique, Iron Mountain – Quick, casual pizza joint great for a relaxed family meal.
• Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts in Munising – Offers traditional U.P. pasties with a variety of dessert pasty options.
• Swedish Pantry in Escanaba – A unique Swedish-themed restaurant with a broad menu and playful clock décor that delights children.

Practical Tips for Families

• Dress in layers – Temperatures can vary throughout the day.
• Bring insect repellent – Those beautiful U.P. forests and lakes are home to a few bugs.
• Plan for travel time – Distances between destinations may be greater than expected. Take a break at rest areas and gas or electric car charging stations when you see them.
• Embrace a relaxed pace – The region is best experienced when families take time to explore. More tips, here.
• Pick up U.P.-themed games and books – Stock the car with U.P. guides and wildlife bingo, along with history and trivia books to keep kids engaged on long drives.
• Stop at roadside attractions – Some of the best family memories happen at quirky, unexpected places along the way. Keep your eyes open for scenic pull-offs, a giant pickle barrel, sculptures, small-town shopping and walking the Narnia Trail (find the storybook lantern in the woods).
• Pack a cooler with snacks and water – Restaurants can be spaced out; having drinks and snacks on hand keeps everyone happy between meals.

Plan Your Visit

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers an exceptional summer vacation experience for families, with its perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation and one-of-a-kind attractions. To make the most of your trip, start by booking your accommodations early. Lodgings can fill quickly during peak summer months, especially in popular areas like Munising, Marquette, St. Ignace and the Keweenaw Peninsula. Purchase tickets in advance for Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises and Adventure Mine tours.

When planning your itinerary, consider dividing your visit by region — Eastern, Central and Western U.P. — to help manage travel times between stops and maximize your time exploring each area. A little planning will go a long way toward creating a smooth, fun-filled adventure and unforgettable memories for the whole family. Few places on earth become a family vacation tradition like the incredible U.P.!