4 Family-Friendly Beaches Near Sleeping Bear Dunes
Planning a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids? These four beaches are worth adding to your list. From shallow, warmer water for little kids to wide sandy beaches and beautiful dune views, each one offers something a little different.
Empire Beach
Empire Beach is one of my favorite family-friendly beaches in Northern Michigan. You get soft sand, clear water + beautiful dune views, and there’s plenty to keep kids busy beyond the beach.
There are two playgrounds, a lighthouse to check out, and easy access to South Bar Lake. With clean restrooms and plenty of space to explore, it’s an easy place to spend most of the day.
Good to Know:
Paid parking is enforced
Additional parking is available down the road if the main lot fills up
Great sunset beach
North Bar Lake
North Bar Lake is a great spot for kids! You get access to North Bar Lake + Lake Michigan, and where the two meet, the water is shallow + warm — perfect for little ones to splash and play.
Good to Know:
National Park pass required
Vault toilet near the parking lot
It’s a bit of a walk to Lake Michigan since you have to walk around North Bar Lake
If your littles are up for a walk, it’s a great spot. If not, it’s probably better for elementary-age kids.
Glen Haven Beach
Glen Haven is a great family beach if you want soft sand, clear water, and a little more to explore beyond the beach.
There’s plenty of room to spread out, plus an old boat near the parking area that kids will want to check out. It’s also close to the Dune Climb, so you can easily combine the two.
Don’t miss Glen Haven Historic Village. Just a short walk from the beach, you can explore the maritime museum, blacksmith shop, cannery, and boat museum. These historic sites are included with your park pass, with daily demonstrations offered Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Good to Know:
Restrooms are available
Park pass required
Bohemian Road Beach
Bohemian Road Beach is a fun choice if your kids love exploring, swimming, and throwing rocks. It's a wide, rocky beach with soft sand areas a little farther from the shoreline, and my kids could throw rocks here for hours.
The shoreline is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, so keep that in mind if you're bringing little ones or a lot of beach gear.
Good to Know:
Park pass required
Vault toilets
VERY rocky- so definitely recommend Teva or Keen style sandals.
