Where the Wild Things Roam

Families have always been one of our favorite types of visitors in northern Michigan. It really brings out the kid in all of us.

 

If you travel with busy hands, we recommend a trip to one of our science or exploration centers.

 

Raven Hill Discovery Center is the perfect place to spend a day exploring different lands and times. They have an indoor exploration center, complete with live animals and activities tables, or you can explore different times in history in their one-room schoolhouse or stroll through Ancient World.

 

Oden Fish Hatchery & Michigan Fisheries Welcome Center is located just north of Petoskey on US 31. This great facility explains the life cycle of fish in our natural waters, and offers a cutaway view of the river that’s fascinating for all ages. They even offer a series of programs for kids throughout the summer.

 

Pond Hill Farm, located just north of Harbor Springs, is another of those perfect places to take curious minds. This working farm has a petting zoo, hay rides, and a great café.

 

If you’re looking for a quiet time, the Petoskey District Library has a wonderful array of kids programs during the summer. From lap sit programs to teen movie nights, they have something for kids of all ages.

 

To help you kids get back to nature, let them have a little fun with the programming held by the Little Traverse Conservancy. These exploration programs teach kids about nature and how to protect it.

 

Take your whole family down to Friske’s Orchards in Atwood for u-pick strawberries, cherries, and apples. This family-owned, family-friendly business is kept in line by the loveable Grandma Friske, who still has a hand in all of the baked goods that come from the market. They boast a great petting farm and playground for kids.

 

One of the favorite activities of kids visiting the Petoskey area is the hunt for the elusive Petoskey Stone. Any sandy or rocky beach on Lake Michigan is the perfect hunting ground for these wonderful fossils. Just give them a bucket or sprayer (because their spots show up easier when they’re wet) and send them out searching.