It’s not uncommon to meet visitors to the area who have been coming here since they were children…and are now bringing their own kids to experience the same special vacation that they grew up with!
Here are some resources that may be helpful when planning your trip to Glen Arbor + the Sleeping Bear Dunes, for things to do with kids and family:
ACTIVITIES + CLASSES
Glen Arbor Arts Center
Providing art classes for children, adults and families year-round and the family friendly summer-long Manitou Music Festival known for an annual free concert at the Dune Climb in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We are ground zero for creativity.
In the summer, on the new outdoor patio between the stores “Coastal” and “M22 Glen Arbor” is a great new outdoor patio. The business hosts a Sprouts, kids art class weekly in the morning and on Thursday evening, they host Live Music select weeks in the prime of summer. Check our Event Calendar.
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear
Connecting the community to the history and preservation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and historic farmland, They offer visitor information as well as host programs and tours. A couple of great kid and family friendly summer events include: Celebrate Historic Sleeping Bear in July and Port Oneida Fair in August.
The Glen Arbor Township hosts things like Tennis Lessons & Pickle Ball, among other community classes and activities year round.
The Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor hosts special events like Kids Reading Hour and Author visits. Contact them to see what’s coming up. Check our Event Calendar.
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
Glen Arbor Township Park
Newly renovated in 2018: Playground, Tennis Courts, Basketball Hoops, Pickleball Courts, Restroom Facilities w/ water bottle refill station, Park Benches, green space, sidewalks and pavilion.
Located at the corner of State Street & Lake Street (Glen Arbor)
Old Settler’s Picnic Area
Small Playground, Picnic Seating, Dock, Restroom Facilities
Located on Dunn’s Farm Road near County Road 616 (Burdickville)
Empire Village Park | Empire, MI
Playgrounds (Large and Small), Beach Volleyball, Beach Access, Restroom Facilities
Located at the end of Niagara Street
EVENTS
Check out our Community Event Calendar for current events and to see what’s happening now. Local Businesses and Organizations can post their events here.
SHORT TRIPS
The Dune Climb | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Send the kids up the steep, sandy climb…then watch them speed down with delight! A favorite for all ages. Restrooms and vending machines available on-site, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
(Disclaimer: Bring water & sunscreen! It gets especially hot on the sand in the elevation. Know that the “Dune Trail to Lake Michigan” Round trip is 3.5 miles and may take 2-4 hours depending on the weather and your physical condition.)
Glen Haven | Glen Arbor, MI
Visit the Boathouse Museum (in the Cannery), General Store and Blacksmith Shop for demonstrations.
Restroom facilities available on-site, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Empire Museum Complex | Empire, MI
Historic complex featuring multiple buildings including a Sail & Rail display, a barn with horse-drawn equipment, a fire house, a blacksmith shop, an old saloon and more. Call for current hours to visit, explore and learn!
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail | from Empire, MI to Port Oneida
Enjoy a section of the groomed, non-motorized heritage trail. Sections reach from the Dune Climb, through Glen Arbor to Bohemian Rd. & M22. Rent them at The Cyclery in town. Trail tips and maps are also provided there.
The Crystal River | Glen Arbor, MI
The perfect river for all ages and ability levels. It is incredibly gentle and never too deep so even toddlers can enjoy the paddling experience! Trips available through Crystal River Outfitters and All About Water.
DINING
There are many options for family-friendly dining in the area, with both eat-in to take-out options. If you have a question about the kid-friendly nature of a specific restaurant, we suggest that you contact them directly or email us with your questions.
> Go to List of Dining + Specialty Foods
SHOPPING
From sampling cherry candies at Cherry Republic to perusing the toy section at The Totem Shop, there are lots of kid-friendly shopping destinations in Glen Arbor. Be sure to visit the children’s section at The Cottage Book Shop, as well as staying for their Story Time during the summer.
> Go to List of Specialty Shops
>Go to List of Businesses that provide Recreation
EXTERNAL LINKS FOR MORE
Pickleball and Tennis may be available through the Glen Arbor Township and at The Leelanau School
Leelanau Parenting Community > Facebook
Glen Arbor Art Center for art related programs, music, classes and events.
Sleeping Bear Dunes hosts special events in the National Park like: Junior Rangers, Solar Viewings, Guided Hikes and more.
Have something to contribute? Send an email to: [email protected] ~ We’d love to hear from you!
