We love exploring the island with the boys. Even though they have grown up here, there is always something fun to check out and visit on our days off together. Next time you visit Mackinac Island with kids, here are some fun activities for you and your family to explore.
Visit Fort Mackinac and have Lunch at the Tea Room: Visiting Fort Mackinac is learning about such a huge piece of Michigan history - truly iconic. Fort Mackinac is the oldest building in Michigan. Learn about what it was like to live on Mackinac in years past. All ages will love visiting the Fort and seeing history come alive. Enjoy lunch at The Tea Room that boasts the best view for dining on the island.
Tour the Butterfly House: There are over 1,000 live butterflies to see when you visit The Butterfly House! Plus, visit the Insect World exhibit and see beetles, walking sticks, cockroaches, arachnids, and various reptiles! It’s a fun activity for kids to enjoy. The Butterfly House is the 3rd oldest live butterfly exhibit in the United States - definitely a spot to check out!
Grab a hotdog and fly kites at Windermere Point: So many opportunities to be outside. Grab a kite from Great Turtle Toys (next to Little Luxuries!) and head to Windermere Point. There are picnic benches along the water for you to sit and enjoy lunch from The Doghouse while your kids fly their new kites!
If you need to get wiggles out for your kids, there's a great playground at Marquette Park! Marquette Park is right next to Doud’s Market, so grab snacks or a picnic lunch and head to the playground or just simply run and tumble in the grass in the park! Another great green space is the grass at Mission Point. It's fun to run through the grass or bring a board game to the lawn at Mission Point Resort.
Need a sweet treat? Head up to Surrey Hill for donuts at The Feed Bag. On the way back to Main Street, stop and visit the Grand Hotel Stable & Carriage Museum. This is a working stable, so you can see 12 horses up close! There are also antique carriages on display that you can spend time looking at - truly amazing historical pieces of Mackinac!
Throw rocks along the Boardwalk: We love to walk the boardwalk at sunset to see and skip rocks! It’s a beautiful spot to end the day.
Need more recommendations for your trip to Mackinac? We have our Mackinac Favorites on the website here for you to use as a guide for your stay. We highlight things to do as a family, sunset spots, favorite bicycle trails and more!
