What winter things are there to do in Traverse City with kids? Plenty! Between hockey and ice skating, sledding, skiing, and tubing, you may forget how quickly winter goes by once the snow flakes start flying. There are plenty of options for winter fun whether you are looking for things to do with kids in Traverse City during holiday break or after school. Before you head out to the sledding hill, make sure your kids have the right winter gear, especially snow mittens for toddlers and the best sleds. Here are 8 things to do in winter once you are all bundled up!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Your purchase helps TheCherryLife.com grow!

1. Explore Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

You probably think of hot, sunny days and a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan after hiking through the sand dunes. Winter brings an entirely new experience to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are fewer people on the Dunes and you can explore more of the area! Bundle up and take the entire family out to sled, go on a guided hike, It’s the perfect time to try out winter activities on the Dunes! More information!

Note: Certain areas of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are not accessible during the government shut down. The guided snowshoe tours will resume after the government shutdown is over.

Sledding down the Dunes

Guided snowshoe tours

Hiking Trails: Old Indian Trail, Platte Plains, Empire Bluffs, Windy Moraine, Shauger Hill, Cottonwood, Dunes, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Sleeping Bear Point, Alligator Hill, Bay View, Pyramid Point, Good Harbor Bay

2. Ice Skating

There are open skating times at Centre Ice, but you can also enjoy a few outdoor spots to enjoy skating with your family. The outdoor ice skating rinks usually open in January, but it depends on the whether. Need to rent skates? Centre Ice and Crystal Mountain both offer skate rental.

3. Snow Tubing

Have you gone down a hill on a tube? No? Now is the BEST time! It’s family friendly and open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday pending there is enough snow. One hour costs $14 or you can purchase a day pass for $24 per person. Learn more about snow tubing on Timberlee Hills.

Mt. Holiday also offers tubing and it’s a great option for the east side of Traverse City. It costs $11 per hour on the weekday and $13 per hour on the weekend.

4. Fat Biking at Timber Ridge RV Resort

You have probably gone skiing at Timber Ridge RV Resort, but have you tried fat biking around the VASA Trail? Go riding and then warm up by the fire in the Lodge. The TART Trail is also cleared by volunteers through the winter and makes a great trail for fat biking.

5. Sledding in Traverse City

Sledding in Northern Michigan is a given, but where are the best hills open to the public? Here are some favorites that your kids will beg you to try out. Observation hill is best suited for older children because of how steep it is! Check out the 10 sleds for kids and sledding safety tips before you head out.

6. Skiing Around Northern Michigan

If you enjoy hitting the slopes, then northern Michigan offers MANY opportunities. Get your season pass at a ski hill or cross-country ski at one of many great trails. Each ski hill or resort offers skiing lessons and you can sign your kids up with the GT Ski Club for a winter packed with skiing lessons, races, and community.

7. Winter Hiking in Traverse City

If you love hiking or snowshoeing, then you can take advantage of the numerous trails in the area. There are MANY great trails to hike in the Traverse City area, but here are some favorites that are easy to access.

8. Warm up at a Local Resort

Even if you are heading to Florida for Spring Break, escaping to one of the awarding-winning resorts in northern Michigan is always welcome. Each one offers a unique experience for guests and you can join in many activities without staying the night if you live nearby.