Upper Peninsula with Kids: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Top Tips  

If you’re considering visiting the Upper Peninsula with kids, this is the ultimate guide! Look no further for the top 23 best things to do, where to stay, and tips on how to have the trip of a lifetime. 

Wandering Michigan Wisconsin contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust.
Read our disclaimer for more information.

23 Things to Do in Upper Peninsula with Kids 

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a gorgeous area. It has natural beauty, kind people, and various exploration opportunities.

 It can be overwhelming! Check out this list to help narrow down your options. 

1. Mackinac Island

Mackinac is a diverse island with many historic and cultural delights to explore and experience! It’s a perfect Upper Peninsula activity for families with kids because there’s so much to do.

Best of all— it’s car-free, making exploration easy and stress-free. 

Check out a narrated, horse-drawn carriage tour that will delight the kids! You can also visit the free Grand Stables, a working barn with horses. 

Or you can check out the Antique Carriage Museum with a functional blacksmith shop.

Finish your day with some world-famous Mackinac Island fudge! 

Plus, for active families, you can hike or bike around on plenty of trails (for all levels).

More interested in water activities? Kayak or paddle board and watch amazing sunsets from this historic spot. 

Read more | Visiting Mackinac Island in October: Everything You Need to Know

2. Sault Ste. Marie 

Pronounced Sue Saint Marie, this diverse waterfront community is a true hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula. Arguably the center of the Great Lakes, this town has lots of fun things to do with your kiddos!

Help your kids conquer their fear of heights and check out the Tower of History, a 210-foot-high observation tower. 

You can also check out the Museum Ship Valley Camp, a 550′ museum housed in an old lake freighter. 

Inside the massive cargo holds is a 20,000-square-foot museum with over 1,000 exhibits. There are also four 1,200-gallon aquariums housed in the freighter, featuring various fish species from the Great Lakes.

Of course, you’ll also learn how the sailors lived and worked on the ship back when it was functioning. Talk about cool!

Are your kids really into boats? You’ll also want to head down to the Rotary Island Park, just east of Aune-Osborn Campground. It has excellent views of the St. Marys River and is the perfect place to boat-watch.

Pro Tip: Get an iconic burger at Clyde’s Drive-In next door!

Want a fun family activity? Head to the River of History Museum Lockside Mini Golf for a fabulous experience. 

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to check out the Original Soo Locks Boat Tour. This live, narrated cruise on St Marys River will give you an unclose view of the gigantic hydroelectric power plants. 

Experience the upbound and downbound lockage through the Soo Locks. And you’ll get to travel through both Canadian Locks and American Locks! No passport is required. 

3. Isle Royale

Isle Royale is a perfect destination for adventurous families! Explore this isolated island and enjoy amazing backpacking, hiking, camping, boating, and diving opportunities! (Say that five times fast)

850 square miles of wilderness, Isle Royale National Park is surrounded by the gorgeous Lake Superior.

Whether you want to get out on the crystal-clear waters or enjoy one of the scenic hiking trails, this is a fantastic place to be one with nature.

The National Park Foundation’s Youth Engagement and Education programs are superb! No matter what age your kids are, there will be something for them to enjoy. 

If your kid has always wanted to become a junior ranger, there’s no better place to do that than Isle Royale!

4. The Deer Ranch

The Deer Ranch is the oldest live whitetail exhibit in North America, located in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Walk along the picturesque nature trail and see dozens of native Michigan whitetail deer. 

While the deer are in a separate enclosure, you can purchase deer feed and enjoy feeding them through the fence. 

If you call ahead, you can find out if they are bottle-feeding a few fawns. You and your kids could help out!

You’ll also want to bring your camera, as there will be numerous photo opportunities. 

The Deer Ranch is open 7 days a week from mid-May to mid-October, and admission is $6 a person. Kids under the age of 5 are free!

Pro Tip: Go earlier in the day! Later in the afternoon, the deer might be less interested in engaging with visitors (if they’ve already had a lot of snacks).

5. Presque Isle

Presque Isle State Park is a beautiful undeveloped wilderness outside downtown Marquette. 

It’s also one of the most visited sites in Marquette County— it is easy to access, and you can explore 323 acres of a gorgeous forested peninsula.

It extends into the water and offers visitors incredible vistas of the landscape and Lake Superior. 

This is a fantastic place to show your kids the glory of the outdoors. 

You can bike part of the narrow Peter White Drive around the park’s perimeter or head out on a hiking trail through the forest. 

Make a pit stop at Blackrocks for a gorgeous lake view and enjoy the ancient rock structure. 

The park is open all year long!

6. Piers Gorge (True North Outpost)

Piers Gorge is a stunning gorge formed by the Menominee River. The name comes from how the water drops down, similar to piers. 

With four sets of rapids and a nice hiking trail that runs alongside the river, Piers Gorge is the best place for a fun, family-friendly water adventure!

True North Outpost offers high-quality adventures that are fun for the entire family. 

Enjoy a guided white water rafting trip through this local company, or have your kids try bouldering at the indoor rock climbing gym.

You can also rent water sports equipment such as canoes, kayaks, tubes, and duckies.

If you want to go biking in the area, True North offers mountain and cruiser bike rentals and has kids’ bikes available. 

7. Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary

Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary allows visitors to travel through towering pines and a gorgeous forest.

It’s one of Michigan’s most extensive tracts of old-growth Eastern White Pines. 

The best trail to take small kids on is the 1-mile Cathedral Grove loop.

It passes by some of the oldest and largest giant white pines. These trees grow more than 125 feet tall and date back 300 years!

It’s also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids (or learn yourself!) about the different bird species in the area.

With over 85 bird species, you’re bound to see a bunch!

It’s also an excellent opportunity to have young kids do a scavenger hunt! 

This Pine Nature Sanctuary is located in Keweenaw County near Copper Harbor. 

8. Hessell, Woods & Waters, (Canoe & Kayak Tours)

The waterfront town of Hessell should also be on your Upper Peninsula bucket list! 

It’s located in the Les Cheneaux Islands. It is a quiet destination with good eats, art galleries, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Woods & Waters is a fantastic company to take a tour through!

Enjoy over 36 islands with tons of shorelines to explore, and get your kids going on a paddling adventure!

There are tours for all skill levels, so no matter your kid’s age, you can find something that will work for you.

Not interested in a water activity? Check out the nature preserves and public forests nearby for fantastic hiking and biking opportunities. 

Wood & Waters is an excellent choice because they can operate in the Hiawatha National Forest and are knowledgeable about technical, natural, cultural, and historical information to elevate your experience.

Read more | Hiawatha National Park Best Hikes

9. Agate Hunting 

For a great way to explore with purpose and teach your littles about geology, you can’t get much better than Agate hunting! 

The best place to find Agate is on any public beach with exposed rock gravel. 

You will want to ensure that whatever location you’re hunting at allows you to take it home— some just let you look, but then you have to put it back.

Agates are fun to hunt for because they come in many forms and colors. Most are between the size of an almond and a walnut. 

Check out these excellent agate hunting spots!

On the shore of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point, Little Girls Point, and the beaches in Grand Marais are all fantastic options.

Little Girl’s Point is an excellent destination if you want to camp. With both tenting and RV campsites close to the shores of Lake Superior, you’ll be in a prime location.

Whitefish Point has great beaches you can comb through looking for unique rocks. It’s close to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (which is worth checking out.) 

Crisp Pointe Lighthouse is a scenic and picture-worthy spot to turn over a few stones, and Paradise, Michigan, should also be on the list. 

The Agatelady Rockshop is a great place to stop by! It’s located on the South shore of Lake Superior. Head over and check out the rock shop, listen to a lecture, or peruse a few agate-focused books before finding some agates yourself!

10. Scott Falls and Alger Falls

For easy-to-access falls, you can’t get much better than Scott Falls. It’s a perfect spot for young kids, as it is one of the top 10 easiest waterfalls to visit in the Upper Peninsula.

You can pull up to the waterfall, located on Highway M28, just outside AuTrain. 

Then hike 50 feet off the road to go see the falls. They plunge about 12 feet down the hillside, with a small cave underneath.

As a bonus, it’s accessible all year long. Check it out during winter to see it frozen with a column of ice!

You can also check out the nearby Alger Falls. Another roadside waterfall, Alger Falls, is a beautiful, multi-level waterfall that plunges about 15 feet. 

While they are smaller in the middle of summer, they can be pretty impressive during the spring and fall. 

 11. Kitch iti Kipi

Kitch Iti Kipi is one of the most popular attractions in Michigan. It’s an absolutely breathtaking destination in the Upper Peninsula.

The state’s largest natural freshwater spring, nicknamed “The Mirror of Heaven.” 

The crystal-clear waters reflect the surroundings and offer a glimpse into the underwater world. It’s 40 feet deep and 200 feet across.

10,000 gallons of water (per minute!) erupt from fissures in the limestone rocks at the springs floor. 

You’ll need to walk to the spring on a 100-foot-long trail, but it’s easy. 

You’re not allowed to kayak or swim in the spring, so the best way to view the springs is via the observation deck or a hand-cranked raft that heads out into the water. 

There’s a concession stand by the dock that offers snacks, souvenirs, and picnic supplies. 

Still, feel like taking a dip? The overflow from the spring goes downstream and empties into the nearby Indian Lake. That’s a tremendous secondary location to enjoy playing in the water. 

 12. Sculpture Park

For a fun outdoor activity to do with your kids, look no further than Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. 

This museum has become an international destination that will delight adults and children alike. 

Experience top-rated display gardens and see over 200 featured works in the permanent collection. 

The sculptures are works by established and emerging sculptures and are integrated amidst the striking gardens for a full experience.

It’s a fantastic destination all year long and hosts different events and opportunities depending on the time of year.

This summer (until September 15th), the annual Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens bring top-rated national and international musicians to Michigan.

Enjoy fantastic music surrounded by beautiful garden views and inspiring sculptures. 

The park also has plenty of kid-oriented activities and programs. The Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is an interactive way for kids to use their senses. Have your kids dig for fossils in the rock quarry or launch a boat into the Great Lakes.

You can also take a Tram tour of the sculpture park! These narrated rides are a great way to see most of the park and learn about all the different sights. 

 13. State Fair

The Michigan State Fair is an original nonprofit for Michigan. Privately owned and funded, this state fair does not receive taxpayer funding. 

Its new business model enables the State Fair to be a great destination and give back to the community!

The Michigan State Fair Scholarship Program awarded scholarships to students from 28 counties and five urban gardens/farms throughout the state last year. These scholarships help keep the state’s agricultural tradition alive and well.

This year’s Fair is running from August 31st through September 4th. Make sure to add it to your list!

No matter the age of your kids, there’s an activity they’ll enjoy. Milk a cow at the Milking Cow Exhibit (and get a coupon for chocolate milk!). 

Check out the adorable young animal nursery exhibits, and see cute baby animals. 

There’s also a unique water stage production with talented performers, live mermaids, springboard maneuvers, and a Jet Ski! 

So go, hang out, and enjoy the Michigan State Fair, knowing your money gives back to the community. 

14. Pictured Rocks 

Pictured Rocks is a supreme destination! Check out the gorgeous multicolored sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, forests, and wildlife in the area.

There’s an activity to enjoy the gorgeous outdoors for everyone.

Check out a kayak tour near the Pictured Rocks, where a launch boat takes you to where the most stunning scenery begins. Skip the fruitless paddling and get right to the stunning views!

There are plenty of short hiking trails that are perfect for young children. Sand Point Marsh Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes you over a boardwalk through the wetlands. 

Enjoy old beach ridges, a cattail marsh, white cedar, and black spruce.

There are also plenty of overlooks and beautiful things to enjoy! Please note that pets are allowed for most (but not all) of the trails but must be on a leash.

Read more | 21 Best Things to Do in Pictured Rocks

15. Miner’s Falls, Alger County, close to Pictured Rocks

Miner’s Falls is off Miners Castle Road and is part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It has its own section in this article because it’s worth the visit. 

It’s located at the end of a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail. You’re welcome to bring a pet on this trail as long as they’re on a six-foot or shorter leash. 

The trail itself is wide and is a gravel and dirt path. You’ll go through a hardwood forest (with a slight elevation drop that makes this hike easier). 

The trail splits at the end. Take the right fork to see a partially obscured view of the falls. Take the left and go down 64 stairs to a small viewing platform where you can see the full, unobscured view. 

The waterfall is an impressive, 50-foot-tall one. Dropping over a sandstone outcrop, these falls are the most powerful in the park!

16. Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is located six miles north of downtown Marquette. This is a great hiking option for families because even the more challenging trails are accessible.

Head 1,000 feet above sea level and soak in the views! You’ll get to travel through a forest before making it to the summit. 

There’s a monument at the summit that you should definitely see. The stone obelisk was erected by Boy Scout Troop 1. 

There are three different vantage points. Check out the first observation deck that looks out towards Marquette. 

The second deck looks northward towards Little Presque Isle, and the third faces West for a view of Hogsback Mountain. 

Its close proximity to Marquette makes it perfect for a morning family activity! Head downtown afterward and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many excellent dining options nearby.

17. Chutes & Ladders Playground

Look no further than the Chutes & Ladders Playground for a full day of family-friendly fun! 

Unlike anything you’ve ever seen, this incredible play structure has tons to offer kids of all ages. 

It’s gigantic and sits on the top of a sandy incline. It has an absolute jungle of climbing structures and fun slides to play on.

Enjoy the swing set, or try one of the excellent tube slides!

Plus, not only is the playground itself fantastic, but the surrounding area is also fun to explore.

A sandy beach area is nearby, perfect for a refreshing swim, or you can use the public BBQ grills for a delicious meal. You’ll be working up an appetite!

All other playgrounds pale compared to this one— and you’ve got a full day of family-friendly fun to look forward to!

18. Oswald Bear Ranch 

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the best family-friendly activities on this list. Check out the largest bear-only bear ranch in the entire country!

The ranch contributes to various conservation efforts for the North American Black Bear. Rescued bear cubs are brought to the ranch and raised. 

Each time, there’s a contest to name the bear cubs.

With 4 total habitats and over 40 bears, you’ll spend the day wandering around the ranch and seeing the bears in their natural habitats.

Make sure to bring your camera so that you can take pictures! The kids are going to have an absolute blast.

19. Garlyn Zoo

Animal lovers will also enjoy checking out the Garlyn Zoo. It’s home to hundreds of native North American Animals.

This family-owned business was started in 1994 in the Upper Peninsula and offers a perfect, family-friendly atmosphere. 

With a natural wooded feel, paths lined with mature pine trees, and a park-like feel, it’s a fantastic place to experience various animals. 

Check out the Siberian Tiger, African Lion, Hyena, grizzly bears, wolfs, and otters. 

Most animals at the zoo are rescued or donated to the zoo. 

The vision behind the zoo is that families will get to enjoy animals and walk away with the desire to protect and preserve the wilderness. 

20. Tahquamenon Falls

This state park comprises nearly 50,000 acres in the Upper Peninsula. It also has various campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, boat launches, and fantastic trails and overlooks.

While there, you should definitely take the kids to see the 200-foot-wide Upper Falls. One of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, it’s an impressive view. 

The Lower falls are visible from the riverbank or via a rowboat rented from the park concession.

The river’s amber color is from tannins leached from the cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees. 

The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Occasionally, moose are seen feeding in the wet areas of the park, and black bears, coyotes, otters, deer, foxes, and beavers are all common.

Read more | 17 Tahquamenon Falls Things to Do

21. Christmas, Michigan

Located just 4.5 miles west of Munising is the magical town of Christmas. Experience the most beautiful time of year in this quaint small town!

Originally given its name by a Munising man who started a factory making holiday gifts, it has become a popular resort and snowmobile area.

It’s a perfect spot for anyone who wants a great home base with plenty of outdoor adventures! There are great parks and an iconic lighthouse.

What really makes the town special is the embracing of the holiday theme. All businesses in the town have a Santa Clause theme.

See Mrs. Claus, Elves, and Reindeer and celebrate Christmas year-round. 

22. Porcupine Mountain

You’ll find Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park by the shores of Lake Superior. 

Encompassing 60,000 acres of impressive waterfalls, beautiful woods, and loads of outdoor recreational opportunities, you’re sure to be impressed.

Locally known as “the Porkies,” it has so many natural attractions that you’ll never run out of things to do!

It also means that no matter the age of your kids, you’re sure to find an age-appropriate activity for them to enjoy.

Some notable aspects of the park include the Lake of the Clouds, the scenic Presque Isle River Corridor, chairlift rides in the fall, and a fantastic 18-hole disc golf course.

23. Scenic Drive from Marais to Munising

If your kids are content with a road trip, I recommend driving around the Upper Peninsula for a day. 

Head to the County Highway H-58 and enjoy the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There are plenty of waterfalls that you can see just off the highway— including Munising Falls.

You can also see Log Slide, a remnant of Michigan’s logging industry. 

The drive will take you through mammoth dunes along Lake Superior’s shore, and lasts for 58 miles.

Be warned; it’s a narrow and winding dirt road with some steep elevations at points.

Many previously mentioned stops are along this road— including Agate Beach, Miner Castle, and Falls.

You’ll also want to check out the Grand Sable Falls, Au Sable Point and Lighthouse, and the Old Sand Point Marsh Trail. 

Pro Tip: You might lose cell service for portions of this drive, so download a map before you head out!

---

Where to Stay in Upper Peninsula with Kids 

The best place to stay with kids in the Upper Peninsula is the Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront Hotel.

Located in St. Ignace, this hotel has everything you would need for a perfect family vacation. 

The rooms come with standard amenities— cable TV, a mini fridge, and complimentary wifi. What makes this hotel so unique are the extra features!

Every night there’s an evening bonfire and marshmallow roast by the beach. You can play in the water every day with an indoor and outdoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast is included. (One less thing to figure out!)

There’s also a children’s playground and a fitness center so you can stay in shape while the kids play. 

The hotel’s location is also ideal for a stay in the UP. Castle Rock is only a 5-minute drive away and discounted Mackinac Island vacation packages are offered at the tour desk. 

Click Here To Book Your Stay At the Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront! 

---

Upper Peninsula with Kids: Top Tips 

Check out these top tips for visiting the Upper Peninsula with kids!

• Split your adventure days: Let’s face it, active days are great— but they’re also very tiring. It’s a great idea to have a slow, easy day in between each adventurous day to give your kids (and you!) a break.  
• Snacks: The key to a great day is ensuring no one goes hungry. Make sure to pack lots of snacks for a day on the road (or a day out in the great outdoors.) 
• Let Your Kids In On the Plans: A great way to make sure your kids are (less) overwhelmed is to let them know the day before what you’ll be doing. Experiencing so much new stuff and not having a regular rhythm and routine can be overwhelming, so knowing what to expect can help minimize some of the stress.

---

Upper Peninsula with Kids: FAQ 

Check out these faq’s about traveling the Upper Peninsula with kids. 

Upper Peninsula with Kids: Conclusion 

There’s so much to do in the Upper Peninsula with kids. Whether you’re interested in introducing them to hiking for the first time or want to head out for a family camping trip, you’re sure to find something great to do!

Plus, with awesome destinations like Chutes & Ladders’ playground and the GarLyn Zoo, there’s plenty to do even without taming the wilderness yourself. 

What’s going to be your family’s first stop?

---

More Wandering Michigan Wisconsin

30 Best Small Towns In Michigan To Visit In 2024
31 Stops to Add to Your 2023 Fall Color Tour Michigan
Road Trip Around Lake Michigan: The Ultimate Itinerary
21 Best Things To Do In Pictured Rocks (2024)
Visiting Mackinac Island In October: Everything You Need To Know
17 Tahquamenon Falls Things To Do: The Ultimate Guide 2024
15 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns to Visit in 2024
Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes