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You are here: Home / Family Vacation Ideas / Family Winter Fun in Traverse City, Michigan
Here's the scoop on Traverse City, Michigan! Your guide to winter fun, skiing, activities, resorts, restaurants, breweries, and more!

Family Winter Fun in Traverse City, Michigan

February 12, 2017 //  by Tania Lamb//  7 Comments

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Disclosure: All or part of this trip was provided free or at a reduced cost for review purposes, but the opinions are solely that of the writer. A TravelingMom cannot be bought.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Family Winter Fun in Traverse City, Michigan
  • Lodging in the Traverse City Area
  • Crystal Mountain
  • Shanty Creek Resort
  • Shanty Creek Activities
  • Dining in the Traverse City Area
  • Breweries and Wineries in Traverse City
  • Traverse City

Winter Days don’t need to get you down! In fact, they can be some of the best days of the year in Michigan. Latina Traveling Mom, Tania, traveled to the Traverse City area in Northern Michigan to get an idea of what a “Pure Michigan Snow Day” feels like. Let’s just say it’s packed full of family fun and adventure. Skiing, fat tire biking, tubing, snowshoeing, and spa treatments are just the tip of the cross-country ski.

Downhill Skiing at Crystal Mountain in Traverse City, Michigan is one way to have winter family fun!
Beautiful day for downhill skiing at Crystal Mountain in the Traverse City area in Northern Michigan. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom.

Family Winter Fun in Traverse City, Michigan

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingMom may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Spoiler Alert: I fell in love with Traverse City the moment I landed at the quaint Cherry Capital Airport. I didn’t have to walk far; I passed by an inviting fireplace, the security line looked rather short, and parking is right across the street. Traverse City, Michigan is located in Northern Michigan. I immediately took note of how charming everything is – from the airport, to the streets, to the restaurants. There are many cities within driving distance, such as Chicago, Toledo, Milwaukee, and some parts of Canada.

Lodging in the Traverse City Area

Where should you stay? I was able to experience two different resorts in the Traverse City area – Crystal Mountain and Shanty Creek Resort. Both offer different lodging packages for various budgets and family sizes. I recommend calling each resort to build a custom package with the activities that interest you.

Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain (about 45 minutes from Cherry Capital Airport) was named a Top 12 Best Family Ski Resort in U.S. and Canada by Condé Nast Traveler in 2017 and with good reason. The moment I stepped foot on property, it felt like home. With accommodations of every size (yes, even ones to fit my familia of 7!), Crystal Mountain offers comfy beds for everyone. From hotel rooms to condos to 3-4 bedroom villas, Crystal Mountain is the perfect place for a couples retreat or a family reunion.

Spend the night in a lovely cottage at Crystal Mountain Resort in Northern Michigan. A beautiful home away from home.
A home away from home in the lovely cottages at Crystal Mountain in the Traverse City area. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

Everything you need is all together in one area. Restaurants, Crystal Spa, a little store in case you forget something from home, and most important, the slopes! I had not been skiing in about 15 years, so I was very rusty. There are lessons available for ages 3 and up. I’m telling you, those 5-year-olds were passing me down the mountain. Safety is always a top priority and my instructors were great.

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    If you are more of a ‘lodge girl’ as my amiga describes herself, don’t worry. Go to Crystal Spa! My massage was fabulous. You can even book the whole place for a night if you want!

    Aside from downhill skiing, Crystal Mountain also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat tire biking, and more! We were able to snowshoe through Michigan Legacy Art Park, an art park that features over 40 sculptures, poetry stones, and an outdoor amphitheatre. Each of the sculptures interprets or represents a piece of Michigan history. It was quite stunning.

    Crystal Mountain, near Traverse City, Michigan, also offers fat tire biking, which has been on my bucket list!
    Rent a fat tire bike at Crystal Mountain and ride through the snow! Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    While I would love for my family to stay in one of those amazing cottages, they are pricey, so start saving up!

    Shanty Creek Resort

    Located in Bellaire, Michigan, Shanty Creek Resort is like your Disney World of ski resorts. It’s big..really big. But to me, big means more options. The more economical of the two resorts, Shanty Creek also has lodging (420 options, in fact) to fit every family size. Shanty Creek is comprised of 3 Villages – Summit Village, Schuss Village, and Cedar River Village. You can catch a shuttle to transport you to each village as each village offers something different. However if you don’t want to wait, call the Shanty Creek taxi that will take you around for $2 a ride.

    Shanty Creek Activities

    With 2 ski mountains and 53 ski slope runs, Shanty Creek does not disappoint for you skiing enthusiasts. I waved to my friends who went down the more advanced runs, while I lived it up on my green hills, thank you very much.

    We stayed at Summit Village and right outside my window was the view to the very awesome 6 lane tubing park. Tubing was one of my favorite activities. I’m a kid at heart, so I was laughing up a storm sliding down those hills!

    Tubing fun at Shanty Creek Resort near Traverse City, Michigan
    After a great tubing run, warm up by the fire and enjoy the view at Shanty Creek Resort. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    Shanty Creek also offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire bike rentals, and wait for it..dogsled rides.  Pets That Pull operate the dogsleds, and your children will squee when they are pulled by those gorgeous Siberian Huskies. You must make reservations and rides are available on Saturdays and holidays. Only children under 100 lbs. can ride. I was pleasantly surprised (note: ecstatic!) when Mike said I could ride, but I was the shortest in my group, so it’s possible I was mistaken for a child 😉 Bucket. List. Worthy.

    Siberian Huskies pull you for a dogsled ride at Schuss Village at Shanty Creek Resort.
    Take a look at the gorgeous Siberian Huskies from Pets that Pull at Shanty Creek. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom
    Dog Sledding at Schuss Village at Shanty Creek Resort. Photo Credit: Jennifer Merrick

    If you have children of different ages, such as toddlers and teens, Shanty Creek may be a little more difficult to maneuver since everything is spread out. You also have to factor in shuttle time.

    For more pictures of accommodations and winter activities at these resorts and in the Traverse City area, check out this video!

    Dining in the Traverse City Area

    Walking downtown in Traverse City, I spotted plenty of ridiculously delicious restaurants. I recommend amical, where the Olive Twists and Peanut Butter Mousse Tart left a permanent impression on my belly. That dessert was the best peanut butter anything I’ve ever had.

    You also have to try Patisserie Amie. Apparently French was the name of the game and not something I would normally choose on my own. Luckily I had great recommendations from the locals, because I would have missed out. Sunday through Thursday, they are open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., so grab yourself some brunch! I consider myself a hot chocolate connoisseur, and this cup of hot chocolate was in the top 2 I’ve tasted. I also grabbed a dessert to go, because when your chocolate is good, you know the rest of the desserts are worth the calories. ¿Qué? You’re right; calories don’t count on vacation.

    Here's the scoop on Traverse City, Michigan! Your guide to winter fun, skiing, activities, resorts, restaurants, breweries, and more!
    Plenty of delicious dining options in Traverse City, Michigan! Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    Don’t forget about the restaurants on property at the resorts. The standouts in my mind are breakfast buffets, an omelette made before your very eyes, Thistle fries, and a seared chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun. You’re welcome.

    Breweries and Wineries in Traverse City

    What does a girl who doesn’t drink alcohol know about breweries and wineries? Not much. However, I will tell you I visited three and was fascinated by the stories and people behind the businesses. Each one cares about their people and Michigan. It’s about family, dreams, and helping out the community. I may not be able to tell you about the taste (though my colleagues and friends were raving about them), but I can tell you I was touched by the sincerity, creativity, and integrity. I met the nicest people, the kind that give you hope about the human race.

    So check them out! Short’s Brewing Company (a short shuttle ride from Shanty Creek), Iron Fish Distillery (a short shuttle ride from Crystal Mountain), and Left Foot Charley (located in Traverse City). I have to give a special shout out to Iron Fish for adding a sand pit and games for children to come play.

    Amazing breweries are to be found all within 45 minutes of Traverse City, Michigan.
    Traverse City, Michigan is also known for the best breweries. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    Traverse City

    I had a smile on my face during the entire trip. The “Cherry Capital of the World” definitely has a lot to offer. As soon as I saw the State Theatre in Traverse City with the old marquee, I knew I was going to like it here.

    Here's the scoop on Traverse City, Michigan! Your guide to winter fun, skiing, activities, resorts, restaurants, breweries, and more!
    The State Theatre in Traverse City, Michigan lights up the street with character. Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    I’ve heard Northern Michigan residents described as having a “We have a go outside and play” mentality. I love this mentality! In a world full of iPhones and electronics, I need a place for my family to go outside and play together. Traverse City fits that bill and then some.

    TravelingMom Tip: Visit Traverse City in March. Not only will you get blue skies and skiing, but prices and crowds are lower!

    To start planning your Michigan vacation, visit www.michigan.org. I’ll see you in the snow!

    Here's the scoop on Traverse City, Michigan! Your guide to winter fun, skiing, activities, resorts, restaurants, breweries, and more!
    When you’re so happy, you just want to jump in the snow to make a snow angel! Photo Credit: Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom

    Here's the scoop on Traverse City, Michigan! Your guide to winter fun, skiing, activities, resorts, restaurants, breweries, and more!

    TravelingMom Tip: Protect yourself while traveling with Medjet. 2020 Medjet Members hospitalized with active COVID-19 infections are now eligible for Air Medical Transport within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Learn more about how to become a Member here.
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    Category: Family Vacation Ideas, Midwest Family Vacation IdeasTag: Michigan

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    7 Comments on “Family Winter Fun in Traverse City, Michigan”

    1. Jamie Bartosch, Suburban TravelingMom says:
      October 9, 2017 at 11:51 pm

      We love Crystal Mountain too! Such a nice, family-friendly resort. Next time we’re gonna check out some of these places you mentioned in Traverse City!

      Reply
    2. Christine Tibbetts says:
      February 15, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      Excellent destination. Thanks for the insight, and the memories. Snowshoes and the Legacy Art Park a wonderful combination vacation event. Appreciate all your foodie tips too.

      Reply
    3. coolchillmom says:
      February 15, 2017 at 10:22 am

      Thank you for covering it all for us! What a fun destination. I so want to do it all!

      Reply
    4. Anonymous says:
      February 15, 2017 at 8:48 am

      5

      Reply
    5. Kuleen says:
      February 15, 2017 at 8:47 am

      Snow Angels! My daughter would love to visit a place where it snows. She keeps asking when it will snow here at home. In Central Texas. Where it is 80 degrees in the middle of winter. It is probably time we consider a trip to a place where snow is guaranteed.

      Reply
    6. Pingback: 5 Reasons to Love Shanty Creek Resorts in the Winter - Lola Lambchops
    7. Tania Lamb, Latina TravelingMom says:
      February 13, 2017 at 9:41 am

      5

      Reply

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