Ready to plan your next family trip?
Let Rosie handle the details so you can focus on making memories together.
Traverse City · 5 days
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, and the Leelanau Peninsula in five summer days. The route is built around water — lake beaches in the morning, dune climbs after lunch when the sand is warmest, and sunset spots on West Bay. We've spaced the big physical days (dune climb, kayaking) with recovery days at the beach, and every evening has a cherry-something dessert stop.
1 hrs
3 hrs
1.3 hrs
1.3 hrs
A gentle arrival day and easy departure bookend three days of dunes, beaches, and water adventures. The big Sleeping Bear day comes early while energy is high, then the trip gradually eases into beach and sailing mode.
Food truck lunch, Clinch Park Beach swim, and sunset at Old Mission Lighthouse.
Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Haven Beach, and Cherry Republic.
Morning kayaking, Heritage Trail biking, and a beach stop on the way back.
Boardman River tubing, Peterson Beach, and farm-to-table dinner.
Schooner Manitou sail, Moomers ice cream, and farewell Front Street stroll.
Family Score rates each venue 0–100 based on age-appropriateness, safety, and fun factor.
Clinch Park Beach
splash pad, shallow water, lifeguards, changing rooms with nursing facilities
Glen Haven Beach
safe shallow areas, colorful rock collecting, and stroller-friendly paths
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
160+ flavors on a farm with animals to see
Dune Climb
massive sand dunes for an unforgettable outdoor adventure
Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
free cherry tastings, ice cream, and fun cherry souvenirs
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
safe, car-free paved trail perfect for family biking
Crystal River Outfitters
kayaking through gentle rapids on crystal-clear water
Schooner Manitou
raise sails and learn maritime skills on Grand Traverse Bay
Peterson Beach
hidden gem with shallow waters and spectacular dune views
A typical 5-day Traverse City Dunes & Lakeshore trip for a family of 4
Estimated total
$1,500 – $2,750
family of 4 · 5 days
Accommodation
~$150–$300/night (vacation rental near Sleeping Bear or downtown TC)
Dining
~$40–$80/day (2 picnic lunches save money; $–$$ restaurants; ice cream treats)
Activities
~$350–$550 total (Sleeping Bear pass ~$25, kayaking ~$120, Schooner Manitou ~$200, bike rentals ~$60–100 — beaches free)
Transportation
~$40–$60/day rental + gas (30–45 min drives to Sleeping Bear area from TC)
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore pass ($25/vehicle for 7 days) covers the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and beach parking. Buy it once on Day 2.
Pack picnic lunches for Days 2 and 4 — there are beautiful spots at the Scenic Drive pullouts and Platte River Point that save $30–50 per meal.
All 5 beaches (Clinch Park, Glen Haven, Fisher's Run, Peterson, Old Mission) are free. Build your days around beach time to keep costs low.
Cherry Republic sampling is free — you can easily spend an hour trying products without buying anything. Moomers ice cream is $4–7 per serving.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is 30–45 minutes west of Traverse City. Plan for the drive on Days 2–4. The Glen Arbor area is compact once you arrive — most stops are within 5 minutes of each other.
This trip is heavily outdoor-focused. Have a rainy-day backup plan — consider the Great Lakes Children's Museum, downtown shopping, or a winery tour if weather turns. Check dune conditions before the Climb.
Crystal River kayaking and Schooner Manitou sailings fill up in peak summer. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for July dates. Both are weather-dependent with limited makeup opportunities.
Bring water shoes or tennis shoes (not flip-flops), plenty of water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Sand gets everywhere. The Dune Climb is deceivingly strenuous — start early before the sand heats up.
Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor is cash-only — stop at an ATM beforehand. Most other restaurants accept cards. Cherry Republic and Moomers accept both.
Swap stops, change dates, add your own picks. Rosie keeps the rhythm intact.