Michigan’s best family resorts allow kids to race down indoor waterslides, learn to ski, bike around a car-free island or play beside Lake Michigan. Whether your family wants a cozy winter escape, an action-packed waterpark weekend or a laid-back summer retreat, these resorts deliver memorable fun.
Highlights
- Best indoor waterpark: Bavarian Inn Lodge
- Best four-season adventure resort: Boyne Mountain Resort
- Best classic Michigan experience: Grand Hotel
1. Great Wolf Lodge, Traverse City
3575 N US Highway 31 S
Traverse City, MI 49684
The Great Wolf Lodge is a super resort for families with young or tween kids! The resort offers daily activities, passes to the resort water park and kid-friendly dining options. Plus, you can book a camp-themed suite with a separate bunk bed room just for the kids.
Why Great Wolf Lodge Works for Families:
- Two day’s indoor waterpark admission included with an overnight stay (the day you check in and the day you check out)
- Water attractions for that work for kids of all ages, from toddlers through teens
- Themed suites with bunk beds
- Free scheduled activities
- Optional indoor attractions for an additional charge
SheBuysTravel Tip: While staying in Traverse City, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is only a day trip away! Find out everything you need to know with this Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan.
2. Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, MI 49615
Shanty Creek is best known for its winter sports and skiing, but this rural area is beautiful all year round, whether you’re golfing in spring, swimming or boating in summer or leaf peeping in autumn. The resort contains lodging in three separate villages: Summit Village, Cedar River Village, and Schuss Village, which together offer over 275 different places to stay.
SheBuysTravel writer Deb Steenhagen spent a July weekend at the Lakeview Hotel in Summit Village – the standard hotel lodging option, with an attached conference center. Here are her thoughts.
As part of my daughter’s youth group conference, I was able to get a room at their rate for two nights. I brought along my 17-year-old and a friend. The room was very spacious and comfortable for the three of us. Having a microwave and fridge helped with meal options since both kids are picky eaters. We also ordered pizza from a local restaurant, which delivered right to the room.
The kids loved the gaming room, arcade and both pool options (indoor and outdoor). There’s a hot tub by the indoor pool and the outdoor pool has a beautiful western view (perfect for sunsets!) down the slope of what is a tubing run in the wintertime, overlooking Lake Bellaire. Overall it was a very peaceful vibe and a wonderful escape from everyday life.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pools, restaurants and activities vary among Shanty Creek’s three villages, so research before your book.
Why Shanty Creek Works for Families:
- Various lodging options in the full resort – hotel-style rooms and suites plus condominiums and vacation homes.
- Multiple pool options and available recreational opportunities such as rentable bikes and e-bikes, sand volleyball, tennis, golf, disc golf, cornhole and more.
- Plenty of nearby inland lakes, offering beach access, pontoon, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing gear, and other water sports for summertime fun.
- Free parking and wifi.
- Multiple dining options during ski season, plus local Bellaire eateries nearby year-round.
3. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
286 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 286
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is an iconic seasonal getaway spot that dates all the way back to 1887 when it first opened its doors as a summer retreat for vacationers. Today, families flock to this luxury island resort to enjoy afternoon tea in the Parlor, horse-drawn carriage rides and historic area attractions.
While there are plenty of fun things to do as a family at the resort, the surrounding Mackinac Island area also includes several family-friendly experiences to discover. Be sure to drop by any of the island’s numerous homemade fudge shops and grab a slice to try (or just breathe in the sugary chocolate smells). You’ll thank me later.
Why The Grand Hotel Works for Families:
- The pool area with cabanas also includes a family zone with zero-depth beach entry, a water jet play area and a waterslide.
- You can rent bikes at the resort for use around the island (or bring your own bike).
- Feeling competitive? Head over to the pickleball and tennis courts (rental equipment is available).
- Enjoy the island sunshine while you play a round of croquet or bocce ball lawn games.
- Participate in family-friendly resort activities, such as movie night!
4. Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls
1 Boyne Mountain Rd.
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Well-known as a winter ski getaway, Boyne Mountain Resort near Petoskey is one of Michigan’s most versatile family resorts. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, lessons, equipment rentals and other snow activities across 415 skiable acres.
When the snow melts, the resort shifts to mountain biking, ziplining, golf, disc golf and recreation around Deer Lake. One of its newest attractions is SkyBridge Michigan, a pedestrian suspension bridge offering panoramic views above the Boyne Valley.
Lodging ranges from hotel rooms and suites to condos, villas and slopeside accommodations, some with kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Waterpark admission, SkyBridge tickets and many activities are priced separately unless included in a package.
Why Boyne Mountain Resort Works for Families:
- Skiing and snowboarding for different ability levels
- Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
- SkyBridge Michigan
- Summer lake and mountain activities
- Condos and villas for larger families
5. Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth
1 Covered Bridge Ln.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
The Bavarian Inn Lodge opened the Bavarian Blast Indoor Waterpark in 2025, which lays claim to the titel of Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, with three football fields of newly added family entertainment.
The expanded complex features 16 new waterslides, a wave pool, an active “Not So Lazy River,” toddler areas and an indoor-outdoor hot tub.
Away from the water, families can tackle laser tag, a three-story ropes course, climbing walls, mini bowling, miniature golf and arcade games. Adults even have access to Michigan’s first swim-up bar.
Registered overnight guests receive waterpark admission through the evening of departure day. The resort also sells day passes. Cabanas, arcade play and select attractions are avaialble at an added cost. Several on-site restaurants make it possible to spend an entire weekend without leaving the property.
Why Bavarian Inn Lodge Works for Families:
- Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark
- 16 new waterslides and a wave pool T
- oddler-friendly water-play areas
- Ropes course, laser tag, climbing and mini bowling
- Waterpark admission included for registered overnight guests
6. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Traverse City
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd.
Traverse City, MI 49684
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa combines family recreation with golf, dining and a full-service spa. Swim at the indoor pool complex, which includes an indoor water playground, or visit the seasonal Beach Club for private Grand Traverse Bay access and an outdoor pool.
The Den provides rainy-day entertainment with mini bowling, an arcade, virtual-reality games and an Egyptian-themed escape room. VR is intended for guests ages 10 and older, while axe throwing is restricted to adults. These attractions cost extra.
Accommodation choices include hotel rooms, tower rooms, condominiums and resort homes. Families staying in condos or homes can choose units with kitchen facilities and additional living space.
Why Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Works for Families:
- Indoor pools and a water-play area
- Seasonal private beach and outdoor pool
- Mini bowling, arcade, VR and escape room
- Condos and resort homes available
- Easy access to Traverse City attractions
7. Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center, Drummond Island
33494 S Maxton Rd.
Drummond Island, MI 49726
One mile off the eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Drummond Island is the perfect natural landscape for the Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center.
Offerings change significantly by season.
During the winter months, you can rent winter sports equipment and head out on the ice skating rink, tubing hill or cross-country ski trails.
Summer experiences include biking, kayaking, tennis, volleyball, swimming and more. For year-round fun, hit a hole-in-one at the resort’s indoor, 9-hole Junior Rock Putt-Putt Golf Center or paintball course.
Why Drummond Island Resort Works for Families:
- Cabins with room for families and groups
- Extensive hiking and off-road trails
- Golf and seasonal outdoor recreation
- Pet-friendly options available
- Remote Upper Peninsula setting
8. Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
One Lakeshore Drive
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Voted one of the top resort hotels in the Midwest by Travel + Leisure, Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island sits on 18 acres of waterfront property. After a day of touring the historic island setting by bike or horse-drawn carriage, your family can take a dip in the resort swimming pool, play in the arcade or participate in one of the resort’s complimentary kids activities.
Why Mission Point Resort Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a traditional room or a family suite with two bedrooms and space for up to 6 people.
- Resort activities include an outdoor swimming pool, an 18-hole putting course, bike rentals, arcade, movie theater and more.
- Complimentary kid’s activities can be booked at the resort concierge.
- Free wifi.
- Dog-friendly.
9. Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
Thompsonville, MI 49683
Located 30 minutes drive from Traverse City, this family resort is great for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding or enjoying outdoor activities like bike riding or hiking during the warmer months.
There are also plenty of accommodation options at Crystal Mountain Resort so even large families can find the perfect spot to stay.
Why Crystal Mountain Resort Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a variety of accommodation types including standard hotel rooms and condominiums.
- Complimentary resort activities include an indoor swimming pool with a family play area, a playground with a sandpit and a scavenger hunt.
- Your family can also purchase passes to Crystal Mountain’s Park at Water’s Edge, the resort’s one-acre, outdoor water playground.
- Families can book extra resort activities such as archery, outdoor laser tag, fat tire biking or horse-drawn surrey rides.
- Kid-friendly dining options are available onsite.
10. Otsego Club & Resort, Gaylord
696 E M 32
Gaylord, MI 49735
Oisego Club & Resort is a family-friendly ski-in/ski-out resort located in Gaylord, Michigan. During the warmer months, families can enjoy the resort golf course, swimming pool or book a fishing or canoeing excursion with a local rental company.
Why Otsego Club & Resort Works for Families:
- Families can choose from standard hotel rooms or pick a two-bedroom chalet with more space and a kitchenette.
- Your family can book a one-hour private ski lesson at the resort.
- Activities such as snowshoeing, fishing and canoeing can be booked.
- Free wifi and parking included.
- Pet-friendly.
11. Treetops Resort, Gaylord
3962 Wilkinson Rd.
Gaylord, MI 49735
Even if your family is new to skiing, the Treetops Resort in Gaylord is a great choice for a winter Michigan vacation. During the winter months, kids can participate in ski clubs (booked lessons) with other kids their age to learn how to ski or ski better. After a day on the slopes, you can relax in the resort swimming pool or grab a sweet treat at the lobby candy shop.
During the summer months, families can enjoy outdoor activities like rafting and canoeing.
Why Treetops Resort Works for Families:
- Participates in the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association Cold is Cool Passport, which allows 4th and 5th graders to ski free with a paying adult.
- Families can book additional activities such as tubing, sleigh rides and age-appropriate ski lesson clubs for kids.
- Candy Bar 81, located in the hotel lobby, has sweet treats, ice cream and drinks.
- Indoor/outdoor swimming pool.
12. Breakers Resort and Beach Bar, Saint Ignace
927 N State St.
Saint Ignace, MI 49781
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, this beachfront resort comes with amazing balcony views of this Michigan Great Lake.
After enjoying a free breakfast, your family can take a dip in the heated indoor pool, head out to the beach or spend the day exploring day trip-worthy attractions such as Tahquamenon Falls State Park (known for its breathtaking waterfalls) or Mackinac Island. In the evenings, cozy up by the fire pits on the beach for some quality screen-free family time.
Why Breaker Resort Works for Families:
- Families can choose a standard room or a family suite with space for up to 6 people.
- Complimentary breakfast
- Nightly bonfires on the beach.
- Heated indoor pool.
13. Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor
3600 Village Harbor Drive
Bay Harbor, MI 49770
With most rooms featuring a balcony view of the lake or Quarry, this relaxing family vacation spot is a great summer choice. Families can play on the beach, in the resort pool, with the lawn games or participate in the resort’s kid-friendly activities.
Why Inn at Bay Harbor Works for Families
- Families can choose between a standard hotel room or a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite with a kitchen or kitchenette.
- Seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool.
- Bike rentals.
- Lawn games and activities for kids.
SheBuysTravel Tip: This is a Marriott property, so join the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty club before you book to get the best deals and accumulate points for perks on future stays.
FAQs
Bavarian Inn Lodge now has Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, with 16 new waterslides, a wave pool and extensive dry attractions. Great Wolf Lodge is always an excellent choice, especially for younger children, while Boyne Mountain combines Avalanche Bay with year-round outdoor recreation.
Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek, Otsego Resort and Treetops are strong choices for skiing and snowboarding. Families who prefer indoor fun can visit Great Wolf Lodge, Bavarian Inn Lodge or Grand Traverse Resort regardless of the weather.
Inn at Bay Harbor offers Lake Michigan frontage, while Breakers Resort overlooks Lake Huron. Mission Point and Grand Hotel provide classic Mackinac Island stays, and Grand Traverse Resort operates a seasonal private Beach Club on Grand Traverse Bay.
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