28 Fun Things to Do with Teens in Traverse City
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Traverse City: The Teen Edition
Heading to Traverse City with a teen or tween? Wondering what they’ll want to do, beyond sleeping in?
Finding good stuff for teens to do is a puzzle at times, but Traverse City’s stacked with hangouts and fun things to do that probably won’t get voted off of the idea list.
Check out this guide for what we think are the coolest activities for teens in Traverse City. It’s got a little bit of everything, from mural hunting to art projects to arcades and rock climbing. You’ve got options!
in this article
Beach & Water Things to Do with Teens in Traverse City
The list starts here with some of the most iconic Northern Michigan activities for sun-loving teenagers.
Rent Paddleboards & Tandem Bikes
PaddleTC offers all the things needed for a little active adventuring. Rent paddleboard, tandem bikes and more right at Clinch Park Beach in downtown. 199 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Book a Charter Fishing Trip
Book a charter fishing trip and it’ll be something for the memory books. Lake Michigan fishing trips operate out of Leland and Frankfort. Both of the Grand Traverse Bays have charters that offer packages that work for teens, adults, and even kids.
There are lots of fishing charters in Traverse City to choose from. Most of them fish Grand Traverse Bay. Salmon fishing in August is a riot!
Lazy River Float (Platte River)
Tubes, kayaks, paddle boards (take your pick) and enjoy floating down the lazy Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Choose from 1, 2 or 4 hour floats and plan on a picnic at the end because you end up in Lake Michigan! Honor, MI 49640
Beaches, Beaches & More Beaches!
Trying to decide which beach to go to in Traverse City is like trying to pick an ice cream flavor at an ice cream shop. There are so many choices, and they all have nuances that’ll make some people prefer one over another.
Here are the classic TC choices:
- Clinch Park Beach – your downtown Traverse City beach day in one stop: big sandy shoreline on West Bay, clear blue water for swimming, a splash pad for kids, snack stand & changing rooms, and the TART Trail rolling right through. Located directly across from downtown shops and hotels.
- West End Beach – sandy beach with volleyball courts that’s popular for boats to anchor just offshore. Located just west of the Marina and Clinch Park.
- Traverse City State Park – this busy roadside beach and campground is on East Grand Traverse Bay, a couple miles east of downtown Traverse City. It has a wide, sandy shoreline plus bathrooms, picnic spots, and shallower water that’s good for swimming.
- Bryant Park Beach – Family‑friendly West Bay beach with a big playground, grills, restrooms, shade trees, and great sunset views at the base of Old Mission Peninsula.
- East Bay Park Beach – Neighborhood beach on East Bay with a shallow swim area, playground, kayak and small boat launch, lifeguard in season, and lots of picnic space under pine trees.
Beach at East Bay Park, Traverse City
East Bay Park Playground
Clinch Park Beach, Downtown Traverse City
And here are a few more that are worth the drive: Sleeping Bear Dunes Beaches
Day Trip or Camp at Power Island
Perhaps lesser known: Traverse City has an island!
Power Island, to be exact, is located in West Bay, and is only accessible by boat or jet ski. It’s a 200‑acre county park (owned by Grand Traverse County) where you can hike, swim and even camp.
Power Island Dock – Grand Traverse County
Power Island Fire Pit on West Bay Beach
Power Island Sign
Getting to the island is the trick.
If you don’t have a boat of your own to get out to the island, here are a few more ways you can get there:
Power Island Jet Ski Tours – These are a mix of a guided jet ski ride plus an island stop. While teens can’t drive the jet ski (unless they’re at least 18) they’ll still like the open‑water speed of the jet ski and the slower scenery-filled stretches. And of course, time to swim and explore near the island.
Wind Dancer Sailing Adventures will also take you to Power Island. In 2026, they offer daily Pontoon Ferry Services and Camping Excursions to Power Island.
Jet Ski & Pontoon Boat Rentals
Blue Sky Rentals – Good if you just want to rent a jest ski and get out on the water in Traverse City. They rent jet skis plus pontoon boats, kayaks, and SUPs.
Cruises, Boat Rides & Sailing Adventures
Nauti-Cat Cruises – sailing catamaran – Cruises are typically 2 hours and include a Noon cruise, Happy Hour cruise, Windjammer cruise (windier time of day)
Wind Dancer Sailing Adventures
Traverse Tall Ship Company (Manitou & Scout)
Ice Cream Cruise Traverse Tall Ship Company
Tall Ship Manitou
West Bay View from Tall Ship Manitou
Discovery Cruises at Discovery Pier
Action & Adventure Things for Teens in Traverse City
Wheels on Rails
Wheels on Rails is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard NOT to get excited about.
You ride custom-made “rail bikes” on old, out-of-service railroads through the woods. Choose a a 3- or 6-mile tour for your group.
5843-5853 US-31, Grawn, MI 49637
Wheels on Rails
Grawn, MI 49637
Wheels on Rails is a one-of-a-kind experience even the grumpiest teens will get excited about. Ride custom-made “rail bikes” on old, out-of-service railroads through the woods. Choose a a 3- or 6-mile tour for your group.
Try Curling
You have two great options in the Traverse City area: the Grand Traverse Curling Club in town and the Leelanau Curling Club in Maple City, about 20 minutes away.
If you’re looking to try curling during the summer, it’ll have to be Leelanau Curling Club – it’s Northwestern Michigan’s only dedicated curling facility that’s open year‑round.
Bonus: Leelanau Curling Club is connected to Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse. It makes a nice outting, especially if you are participating in one of their frequent
Hickory Hills Disc Golf
Traverse City, MI 49684
Teens seeking a fun challenge should head to the Hickory Hills Disc Golf Courses. With two 18-hole layouts starting in the woods near the lodge, they’ll enjoy awesome course, stunning GT Bay views, and plenty of hills.
MI Smash Therapy
Twilight Open Skate
Traverse City, MI 49696
Check out the open ice skating at Centre Ice Arena. Be sure to check their schedule before going as their times may change.
Go Ghost Hunting
Kingsley, MI 49649
Go Ghost Hunting with the Haunted Traverse Tour Company just south of Traverse City. This hands-on lets you use real investigation gear while exploring haunted woods and fields after dark.
Led by theatrical guides from Haunted Traverse Tour Company, the 2-hour outdoor tour blends eerie local legends, history, and interactive fun.
Designed for ages 13+, it’s a memorable way to get your adrenaline pumping—no jump scares, just real ghost-hunting vibes.
Blaster Battles at the War Zone
Traverse City, MI 49686
Get caught up in epic battles at the War Zone. Come when you want with a membership. Otherwise, join their open play on Saturdays and Sundays.
Rock Climbing at Elev8
MI 49686
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or brand new to climbing. Elev8 has something for all levels of learners. In addition to climbing they offer yoga, fitness, and youth programs.
Visit the Skateboard Park
Traverse City, MI 49686
Enjoy the skate park at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.
These ramps are not just for skateboards; you can take bikes, rollerblades, and scooters too.
DIY & Artsy Things to Do
#9 Get Creative at an Art Studio
Traverse City is a hands-on, artsy kind of place, and that’s evident by the number of local places teens can make things.
Surfaces is is a chill, make-yourself-at-home art spot where you can grab supplies, sip something, and sit down to create by booking a class or dropping into their riverside art space on the west end of downtown.
Paint bar, open studio, and classes: One of the biggest perks at Surfaces is the DIY Bar and open studio setup, where you can walk in, grab a seat, and start creating.
They run everything from watercolor basics and collage nights to crochet, kids’ art, and summer art camps, so teens can bring a friend or just show up solo and learn something new.
309 W Front St Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49684
Classes at Surfaces Art Shop
Free Kid Zone
DIY Station
Boardman River Terrace, Surfaces Art Shop, Traverse City
Candle Bar
Hang Out Area,
Handz On Art is a paint-your-own pottery studio in the Warehouse District in Traverse City, MI.
Choose from the many different unfired ceramic pieces for kids and adults. (Be sure to inquire about shipping your art home if you won’t be in town to pick it up later.)
144 Hall St Suite 110, Traverse City, MI 49684
ClaySpace TC is a community ceramics education studio that offers classes, workshops, and lessons for teens, adults, and kids. Teens 16+ up can join a Try-It Wheel class, which is a 2-hour crash course on the potter’s wheel, or open studio Teenage Ceramics if you’ve got an open calendar.
1455 Barlow Street, Traverse City, MI, 49686
Laughing Fish Art Cafe is a working studio and cafe experience located in the Grand Traverse Commons that’s open to the public on select days. Choose from their 30+ unique projects and they’ll help you along with tips and tricks to get you started. Book your spot online, space is limited.
1200 W. Eleventh Street, Traverse City MI 49684
Laughing Fish Art Cafe Projects, Grand Traverse Commons
Hours, Laughing Fish Art Cafe
Laughing Fish Art Cafe, Traverse City
Build your own Terrarium Bar at Darling Botanical
Traverse City, MI 49684
Build your terrarium at Darling Botanical Co. in the Warehouse District.
They provide everything you need, or you can bring your own container.
Storytelling Bonfire with the Beach Bards
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Join the Beach Bards this summer for poetry, storytelling, and music by a bonfire on Lake Michigan. Happening on Fridays during. the summer at 8 PM, starting with a Children’s Hour.
$1/person. Park at Leelanau School.
Hunt for Murals
MI 49683
Have a blast hunting for murals throughout Downtown Traverse City.
Movies, Games & Sports for Teens in Traverse City
Watch Drive-in Movies at the Cherry Bowl
Honor, MI 49640
This historic landmark has been an “Up North” Tradition dating back to the ’50s. Nothing says summertime like a night at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In.
State Theater
Catch a Pit Spitters Game
333 Stadium Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685
Head to Turtle Creek Stadium to watch the Pit Spitters, TC’s hometown baseball team.
This fan-favorite team has clinched league titles, dishes out family-friendly vibes, and serves up classic ballpark eats—all just outside Traverse City.
Whether you’re a local or in town for the Cherry Festival, catching a Pit Spitters game is a great way to spend a summer evening.
Go Karts and Bumper Boats at Pirates Cove
Traverse City, MI 49686
Pirates Cove Adventure Park is home to: Ropes Challenge Course, Adventure Golf, Go-Carts & Kiddie Go-Carts, and Bumper Boats plus two adventure golf courses.
Indoor Go Kart Racing
Traverse City, MI 49686
K1 Speed Traverse City is a thrill ride for all ages—rain or shine.
Open year-round, this indoor racing hub features a professionally designed track, high-speed, all-electric go-karts (up to 45 mph!), plus an arcade, café, and event spaces. Perfect for walk-in races, birthday parties, or team outings.
Escape Rooms
Try your wit at figuring out the clues and solving the puzzles to reach your exit.
Escapeology is a high-adrenaline escape game where players work together inside a themed room to complete their mission before time runs out.
1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd, Grawn, MI 49637
Timewind Escape Rooms
221 Garland St, Traverse City
Axe Throwing & Arcade at The Den
Visit The Den at Grand Traverse resort for more indoor activities like axe throwing, bowling, and arcade games.
Hit up an Arcade
#7, Traverse City, MI 49684
If you would like some indoor fun, check out The Coin Slot Arcade. This classic arcade and Pinball Bar offers a rotating selections of games.
Incredible Mo’s (Grawn) has an arcade, too, along with a bowling alley and laser tag.
The Music House Museum
Thrifting, Shopping & Vintage Stops
Hunt for Vintage Finds or Follow the Resale Trail
Traverse City, MI 49686
Finding that perfect item (clothing or relic) is always a thrill. Happily, there are lots of places to check out in the TC area. Follow the Resale Trail for vintage and consignment.
Some of our teen’s favorite stops are
- Zany Consignment – East
- Penny Lane – downtown TC
- ACTS – Acme Christian Thrift
Check out Cherry Republic
Traverse City, MI 49684
Enjoy the finest Michigan cherries in every item you sample, see, smell and purchase at Cherry Republic.
There’s more than cherry pie and homemade ice cream here. From jam, salsa, & bbq sauce to chocolate covered cherries & sour cherry drops, you’re not walking out of this store empty handed.
Bookstores & Coffee Shops
Horizon Books – a long‑time independent bookstore and community hangout downtown. In addition to loads of books and gift items, they also have an in‑house coffee/sandwich shop and cafe.
Common Ground Co-op – a newer community‑owned, mixed‑use hub focused on food, art, housing, and wellness. Visitors can pop in for coffee, food, events, and to explore the shared community spaces, no membership required. Housed at the co-op:
- The Alluvion, which is a arts venue for live music, film, comedy, literary events, and more, located on 2nd floor.
- Higher Grounds Coffee Learning Lab
- Bookable Treehouse Suites
Grand Traverse Commons
Find a Cool Coffee Shop
Nature & Farm Things to Do
Sample the Goods at Michigan’s Only Tea Farm
Traverse City, MI 49684
Check out Light of Day Organics, Michigan’s only tea farm. Open Fri-Sun, visitors can sample free teas, learn about tea, sip matcha smoothie shots from the tea bar, and explore the gardens.
Hike & Hangout at a Nature Preserve
Traverse City is serious about the outdoors, and it shows. Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy manages dozens of preserves, with 80 properties open to the public across its region (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Manistee Counties).
Many are located in Grand Traverse County, and each offers different opportunities.
One of our favorites to hike and beach at is Maple Bay Nature Preserve.
Jacob’s Farm TC
Feed the Alpacas
Thompsonville, MI 49683
Feed the alpacas at Cotton Creek Farms. Tour the farm and visit their shop. Purchase some alpaca-inspired souvenirs.
Visit Mission Point Lighthouse
Traverse City, MI 49686
Mission Point Lighthouse is an iconic and historic landmark at the top of Old Mission Peninsula 17 miles north of TC.
This cool wood lighthouse sits half-way between the North Pole and Equator on the 45th Parallel.
The lighthouse is no longer operational, but overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay, has a park, expansive beach, gift shop, and historic log cabin. For a minimal fee, you can go inside the lighthouse for a self-guided tour.
Cool Places to Grab a Bite
These spots offer up hangout-worthy settings and the kind of food teens actually want.
Don’s Drive In
Farm Club
J & S Hamburg
Mama Lu’s – A Modern Day Taco Shop
The Filling Station
The Little Fleet
Places to Stay
For teen-friendly lodging in Traverse City, consider staying at one of these local hotels or resorts.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Crystal Mountain Resort
Outdoor Hot Tub Time at Crystal Mountain
Guests and members can relax in the hot tub at Crystal Mountain. The hot tub is even available for rent after hours for your own private group.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites
Delamar Resort
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
So, is Traverse City Teen-Approved? TOTALLY!
If you’re still wondering whether TC is actually fun for teens – yep, it is! There’s so much to do here that isn’t boring. It’s one of those places where you can mix outdoor adventures with chill hangout spots, and still eat really well. And honestly? It’s fun for grown-ups too.
So go ahead, book the trip, bring the kids, and get ready to make some solid family memories.
More Michigan
Get Creative at an Art Studio
Surfaces is is a chill, make-yourself-at-home art spot where you can grab supplies, sip something, and sit down to create by booking a class or dropping into their riverside art space on the west end of downtown.
Paint bar, open studio, and classes: One of the biggest perks at Surfaces is the DIY Bar and open studio setup, where you can walk in, grab a seat, and start creating.
They run everything from watercolor basics and collage nights to crochet, kids’ art, and summer art camps, so teens can bring a friend or just show up solo and learn something new.
309 W Front St Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49684
Handz On Art is a paint-your-own pottery studio in the Warehouse District in Traverse City, MI.
Choose from the many different unfired ceramic pieces for kids and adults. (Be sure to inquire about shipping your art home if you won’t be in town to pick it up later.)
144 Hall St Suite 110, Traverse City, MI 49684
ClaySpace TC is a community ceramics education studio that offers classes, workshops, and lessons for teens, adults, and kids. Teens 16+ up can join a Try-It Wheel class, which is a 2-hour crash course on the potter’s wheel, or open studio Teenage Ceramics if you’ve got an open calendar.
1455 Barlow Street, Traverse City, MI, 49686
Laughing Fish Art Cafe is a working studio and cafe experience located in the Grand Traverse Commons that’s open to the public on select days. Choose from their 30+ unique projects and they’ll help you along with tips and tricks to get you started. Book your spot online, space is limited.
1200 W. Eleventh Street, Traverse City MI 49684
