Rainy days, cold weather, or just a need to get out of the house? There are plenty of indoor activities for kids in Traverse City and Northern Michigan. From hands-on museums and climbing gyms to art studios, bookstores, and indoor play spaces, here are places to explore with kids.
altitude trampoline park
An indoor trampoline park where kids can jump, bounce, and burn off energy.
Visit: Altitude Trampoline Park
the Great Lakes Children’s Museum
A hands-on children's museum where little ones can learn through play, explore interactive exhibits, and try something new. A great indoor outing for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Boardman River Nature Center
Explore the indoor wildlife and conservation exhibits at the Boardman River Nature Center. Kids can browse the children’s book section, try sensory activities, and get creative with arts and crafts. While there isn’t a ton to explore inside, you can spend 30 minutes to an hour here, making it a nice option for a low-key indoor outing.
Visit: Boardman River Nature Center
Laughing Fish Gallery Art Cafe
Pick a project and let the kids make something of their own! Choose from 30+ wooden projects, including laughing fish, sailboats, aliens, cats, dogs, owls, and more. All supplies are provided, and projects start at $20.
Incredible Mo’s
From bowling and arcade games to an escape room, Incredible Mo’s has plenty of options for family fun.
Good to Know: Half-price bowling on Mondays from 12–5 PM.
Visit: Incredible Mo’s
Cognition Science & Discovery Center
Let the kids experiment, build, and explore at Cognition Science & Discovery Center in Beulah. With hands-on exhibits and plenty to discover, it’s a fun indoor outing for curious kids.
Visit a Local Bookstore
Visit a local bookstore and find your next read! Browse the shelves, let the kids pick out a book, and make an outing out of it.
Here are five Northern Michigan bookstores worth visiting: Horizon Books, Blue Vase Books, Bay Books, The Cottage Book Shop, and McLean & Eakin Booksellsers.
Climb at Elev8
Let the kids climb, explore, and burn off energy at this indoor climbing gym in Traverse City. ELEV8 offers bouldering, auto-belay climbing, and rope climbing, with options for different ages and experience levels.
Visit: ELEV8 Climbing Gym
Handz On Art
Pick out a piece of pottery, choose your paint colors, and make something of your own at Handz On Art Studio. Walk-ins are welcome for smaller groups, so no reservation needed!
Visit: Handz On Art Studio
Play at An Indoor Play Area
Need to let the kids burn off some energy? Check out the indoor play areas at the Grand Traverse Mall, Burger King, McDonald’s, or Friske Farm Market for a place to climb, play, and get the wiggles out.
Dennos Museum Center
Explore art and rotating exhibitions at the Dennos Museum. It’s a chance to introduce kids to new artwork, see something different, and explore a local museum together.
Visit: Dennos Museum Center
Browse a Toy Store
Visit a local toy store and let the kids pick out something new! Here are four stores worth exploring: Toy Harbor, Underground Toys, Stoney Cabin Toys, and Enerdyne.
Play Arcade Games
Have a kid or teen who loves arcade games? Head to The Coin Slot, Incredible Mo’s, or Right Brain Brewery to play arcade games.
See a New Movie
Catch a new movie on the big screen! Visit the Bay Theatre, State Theatre, Elk Rapids Cinema, or AMC Cherry Blossom 14 to see the latest releases.
