Are you wondering if there is enough to do on Mackinac Island with kids? We’re here to tell you there is and our kids can’t get enough of it!

Our kids keep asking to go back to Mackinac Island, Michigan over and over again. It is one of our favorite family vacation spots. The laid back atmosphere promotes family togetherness and there is more than enough to keep the kids entertained.

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There are two places our kids ask to go more than any other. The first is Walt Disney World, and the second is Mackinac Island, Michigan. I’d say when another trip ranks up there with Disney World, you know you have a winner.

Mackinac Island with kids

When we were planning our first trip to Mackinac Island with kids, I remember thinking, “this sounds beautiful and amazing, but will there be enough for the kids to do?”

When people talk about Mackinac Island, Michigan they mention a quaint town with no motorized vehicles, cute shops, fudge tasting, and beautiful scenery. Not exactly what you would think would be appealing to kids.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth! We have visited Mackinac Island with kids three times now. They love it so much!

Ferry Ride

Even the very start of a trip to Mackinac Island is exciting for kids. The ferry is such a fun experience itself. The kids will love watching it dock and climbing on board. If you’re brave enough – and it’s not too cold or windy – you can even sit in the open air on the very top! No matter where we sit, our kids are anxiously looking out the windows and watching everything the whole time!

The first year we visited, we stayed in Mackinaw City and took the ferry to the island two times. The kids loved every ferry trip, but we quickly realized we’d rather stay on the island for our next trip. The next year, we took the Starline ferry and had such a terrible experiences with them dropping two pieces of our luggage and losing one. This past trip, we took Shepler’s Ferry out of St. Ignace (they also have a dock in Mackinaw City) and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone! Just a helpful hint from us to you.

Horses

I’m going to go out on a limb and say most kids enjoy seeing horses. On Mackinac Island, they are everywhere! You start to see them immediately when you step foot off the ferry, carriages pass up and down the street, you can hear them from your room, and you can even take a carriage tour.

We took a carriage tour on our first trip to the island, and it’s definitely a must-do. You get to see and hear all about the island, visit the museum, switch carriages, and stop at arch rock. It’s so interesting, but it can be a little long for kids.

Seeing the horses all over the streets is definitely a highlight of Mackinac Island for kids. Our kiddos never lose their excitement every time a new carriage passes by. If you’re lucky, a nice carriage driver might even have a treat for the kids to give the horses! Just don’t go up to them and start petting without asking – I saw plenty of people do that and it made me cringe every time!

Biking

If your kids like riding bikes like ours do, biking on the island will be one of the highlights of their trip. There are so many places to rent bikes. You can bring your own if you’d like, but you have to pay extra on the ferry. However, we found renting bikes to be so inexpensive and easy. I would definitely recommend it. Plus, if you stay on the island, your hotel might even have a discount for you.

We always go right to the shore when we get our bikes. It is gorgeous! The kids can stop along the way and look at the water, stack rocks like others do along the way, or just explore. Last year, our kids even found some small animal bones washed up along shore!

Walking and exploring the island

When planning a trip to Mackinac Island with kids, be sure to leave plenty of time to just walk around and explore. You’d be surprised at how much the kids just like being there and will be content to walk around and see new things. We walk up and down the main drag multiple times a day and the kids never complain.

Many of the buildings and different sights on the islands have historical markers you can read to discover some of the history. Our kids like finding those spots and we read them together.

As I said before, you can’t go far without seeing horses, so that is definitely something that keeps the kids’ attention while walking and exploring. Also, if your kids need to get out a little energy, there is a playground right in the middle of town, a large lawn where they can run, and steep stairs and trails for them to climb.

Shopping and Fudge Tasting

Maybe our kids are weird, but they love to shop. At least at little touristy shops where they think they can talk Mom or Grandma into buying them something. There are many cute shops, and plenty that will appeal to kids, up and down the street.

Even if your kids aren’t into shopping, they may tough it out if you stop in enough of the fudge shoppes that litter the street for a little taste.

 

Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac is a must when visiting Mackinac Island with kids! We actually didn’t visit the fort until our third trip, and we were all completely enthralled with it. The fort can get very busy during peak times, but we visited in the Fall and felt like we had the place to ourselves!

There are so many interesting buildings, films, scenes, and sights to keep kids and parents entertained. They even have shooting demonstrations and a cannon firing. During certain times of the day, you can also hop on a walking tour and learn a little more. I definitely recommend the walking tours. They are short and interesting, and give you a break from reading everything.

I’d say the kids’ favorite spot on the tour was the “Kids’ Quarters” where they have interactive exhibits, dress up, and photo opportunities.

Even if you’re not into history, Fort Mackinac is a must because of the absolutely gorgeous view! It’s the most beautiful views I’ve ever had of the island.

Hotel Pool

So, maybe this isn’t specific to Mackinac Island with kids, but to traveling with kids in general. In our experience, as long as the hotel has a pool, the kids don’t care where we are! Those pools are a lifesaver at times!

The last two trips we’ve taken to Mackinac Island with kids we have stayed at the Lakeview Hotel. It’s one of the oldest hotels on the island, so it has great antique charm. I’ll admit, the rooms are on the smaller side – especially the bathrooms – and the amenities aren’t what you’d expect from a modern hotel. However, the charm, location, and the gorgeous pool make up for it!

This past trip we were given a corner room overlooking the main street. It was amazing! We even had a little table in the turret and we could see everything and hear the horses’ hooves when they walked by.

Should you plan a trip to Mackinac Island with kids?

I think you know our answer! We would say “yes, yes, yes.” A “yes” for each time we’ve visited Mackinac Island with kids. I can also tell you now, without a doubt, we will be back.

There is a feeling on the island. It is a place that just makes you feel like you’re someplace special. It promotes family togetherness, gives you unique experiences to look back on, and is a vacation your family will never forget.

Alright, so who’s planning a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan now?

 

 

 

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