Best Family Resorts in Michigan for 2024

Whether you’re planning a warm summertime adventure or snowy getaway in the dead of winter, you can find a fun family resort in Michigan. From outdoor oases, luxurious all-inclusive retreats, and more, here are 12 of the best family resorts in Michigan.

These properties will offer you and your family the comfort, amenities, and excitement you need when looking to book a relaxing vacation. 

12 Best Resorts in Michigan for Families

1. Great Wolf Lodge 

Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is the ultimate family getaway, featuring a massive indoor water park, cozy lodging, and other fun attractions that will keep the whole family entertained.

Kids will enjoy panning for gemstones and minerals at Oliver’s Mining Sluice or creating a fuzzy friend at the lodge’s Build-A-Bear Workshop. There’s also MagiQuest and Compass Quest, which unlock interactive and enchanting adventures across the lodge. 

Hit the hay and book a standard, themed, or premium suite with enough space and amenities for the entire pack. There are also three dining options that are sure to please everyone, plus two spots to grab coffee and dessert. 

2. Crystal Mountain 

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville promises a relaxing family vacation no matter the season, with fun activities lined up for both the kids and parents.

Enjoy the great outdoors during the summer with hiking and biking, plus off-site canoeing, kayaking, and tubing trips. Thrill-seekers will love the archery courses, outdoor laser tag, rock climbing walls, and adventure course with ziplining. Cool off in the pool and water playground that spans an entire acre of land.

See spectacular views on a chairlift ride or as you cruise down the 1,700 foot long Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide. At the end of a fun day, sit under the stars at the nightly campfire.

Plenty of activities are lined up in the winter at Crystal Mountain, too. Fat tire biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling promise snowy fun. There are also ski and snowboard lessons available.

While the kids are out playing, mom and dad can rejuvenate at Crystal Spa with treatments like Thai massages, gemstone facials, and mani-pedis. Parents will also love the 36-hole golf course and chic cocktails at LEVEL FOUR Rooftop Bar.

When you’re ready to call it a night, choose from cozy cottages and bungalows, ski-in, ski-out homes, and more with Crystal Mountain’s huge variety of accommodation options. Cook from the comfort of your kitchen by picking up all the essentials at Mountain Market, or choose from five other delicious dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

3. Bavarian Inn Lodge 

The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth brings authentic German charm to the heart of Michigan. Costumed employees and Bavarian-inspired decor and architecture bring relaxing family fun with plenty of activities.

Splash around the lodge’s indoor water park with pools, whirlpools, and slides. Find air hockey, pool tables, and an arcade with over 160 games at the Family Fun Center, plus an indoor mini-golf course that transports you to Bavaria. 

The lodge’s crown jewel is the Bavarian Inn Lodge Restaurant. For over 130 years, 20 million guests have enjoyed their all-you-can-eat family-style dinners. Enjoy authentic German fare like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and rouladen, plus their world-famous chicken. 

Wake up in Germany when you stay in one of the 360 European-themed rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi and river views, plus free nightly entertainment and an adult-only European-style courtyard which features an indoor pool and whirlpool.

4. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa 

The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme makes the ideal northern Michigan family vacation.

Outdoor activities include golfing, biking, tennis, and hiking trails, plus snow sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Splash around the indoor water playground or in one of the many pools and hot tubs. 

The Den offers a world of fun for everyone, with ax throwing, boutique bowling, an escape room, arcade, and an incredible VR (virtual reality) experience. Hear live music at Governors’ Pool, or journey to the top of the resort’s 17-story glass tower to see spectacular views. Or, rejuvenate at the spa with treatments like massages and facials to beauty services like nail care and eyelash extensions.

Traverse City has been nationally recognized for its incredible food scene, and Grand Traverse Resort has plenty of dining options to prove it. There are seven restaurants, lounges, and bars with menus ranging from pub food and café fare to craft beer and cocktails. There’s also in-room dining so that you can enjoy breakfast or a late-night snack from the comfort of your room.

5. Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls brings family adventure to northern Michigan, no matter the season.

Summer at the resort includes unique activities like segway tours of the forest, paintballing, and chairlift rides, plus classics like biking, fishing, ziplining, and golfing. The Beach at Deer Lake offers a full day of paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and sailboating. There’s also a tennis academy, wakeboard camp, and a children’s adventure camp. 

Winter activities include ice skating, fat tire snow biking, snow tubing, heated swimming, and more. Relax at the spa with services like massages, facials, and mani-pedis.

There are 12 on-site dining options to curb your cravings and quench your thirst, from pub food and American classics to full bars and sweet treats. When you’re ready to call it a night, choose from hundreds of rooms. Everyone will be comfortable whether you book your stay in a European-style lodge, luxurious condo, cozy cabin, or family-style villa.

6. Boyne Highlands Resort

Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs is a relaxing family vacation destination. There’s something here for everyone with outdoor adventures galore, plus golf courses and a spa for parents.

Have fun year-round with activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, and swimming (the pool is heated). In the summer, take a scenic chairlift ride or segway tour through the forest.

Dine at various restaurants, lounges, and cafes, or enjoy dinner and a show with the Young Americans Dinner Theatre. Stay in condos, luxe hotel rooms, or book The Bartley House, a classic Michigan lodge popular with families and features the largest hot tub in the Midwest.

7. The Homestead

The Homestead in Glen Arbor is surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was once voted “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America viewers. From seasonal outdoor activities to relaxing spa and salon services, The Homestead makes the perfect family getaway.

Visit during summer for some swimming (either in the pool or Lake Michigan), boating, biking, fishing, golfing, and more. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with incredible views of Sleeping Bear Bay and Sleeping Bear Dunes. While the kids play, Spa Amira and Lillyjade Salon will get you looking and feeling fresh.

Book your stay in a historic waterfront inn, a cozy lodge, a homey hotel room, or a luxurious villa. All offer the space, amenities, and comfort you need for your family. When it comes to dining, you’re guaranteed to find something fresh, local, and delicious.

Among the seasonal dining, Cavanaugh’s at the resort offers both grocery items and a hearty café-inspired menu year-round— so you and your family can stop by for a quick bite to eat or pick up what you need to make dinner back at your place.

8. Portage Point Resort 

Portage Point Resort in Onekama offers classic lakeside fun with relaxation in mind.

Eddie’s Pool & Beach Club features an infinity pool with views that spill into Lake Portage. There’s also on-site access to this lake, as well as Lake Michigan. Come in the summer for family bingo nights, sandcastle contests, ‘Music Under the Stars’ and ‘Rock ‘n Roll Night’ with prizes and a DJ. 

On-site, Portage Point Cafe & Pizzeria whips up tasty lakeside grub while Lahey’s Pub serves wine, cocktails, and craft beer. Rest easy when you stay in stunning condos, cottages, or “dollhouses” that offer a truly unique and memorable experience.

9. Drummond Island Resort

The Drummond Island Resort in Drummond sprawls across 2,000 acres of land, offering outdoor adventures and beautiful views galore. This retreat is the perfect family destination with woods, water, and wildlife during every season.

Enjoy the winter wonderland of northern Michigan with off-roading, snowmobiling, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding. Drummond Island has 150 miles of sandy beaches and stunning panoramic views of Lake Huron.

Pins Bar & Grill is the biggest bar in the upper peninsula, serving up an extensive food and drink menu available for takeout. Enjoy arcade games, corn hole, and an electric jukebox while you drink and dine.

Stay in beautiful and comfortable cabins and lodges that offer complimentary amenities and space for everyone. A variety of vacation rental cabins are also available and will house up to 18 people, plus feature incredible panoramic nature views.

10. Treetops Resort 

Treetops Resort in Gaylord is an incredible golf and ski destination offering tons of family fun with beautiful views.

There are five award-winning golf courses where many of ‘the greats’ have played across rolling hills with amazing views. In the winter, Treetops offers extreme tubing, dog sledding, and sleigh rides on top of skiing.

There are seven on-site dining options, ranging from beer and burgers to cafés and a candy shop with plenty of sweet treats. Book your stay in one of their four accommodation options (lodges, inns, condos, or cottages) with amenities that will make your stay more comfortable, like a spa and salon, shuttle service, and Wi-Fi.

11. Sleeping Bear Resort 

The Sleep Bear Resort is a proud mom-and-pop spot located halfway between Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The area is home to many sandy swimming beaches, rivers for kayaking and hiking, and biking trails. In the winter, bundle up and find cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow tubing nearby. 

At the end of an adventurous day exploring this corner of Michigan, relax and sleep comfortably in one of Sleeping Bear’s spacious cabins or lodges.

12. Lakeside Cabins Resort

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, a nature-filled getaway with the whole family, head to Lakeside Cabins Resort in Three Oaks. Just 75 miles east of Chicago, this homey getaway offers simple cabins and tons of outdoor activities that will help you unplug and unwind.

There are two huge outdoor heated pools, plus two private lakes for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Stop by Pinewood Lodge for games, a community fire pit, and a screened-in space for picnics and family gatherings. 

There’s also a playground for the kids and a sports field for beach volleyball, basketball, and more. Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming events like Bingo, arts and crafts, live music, and themed weekends.

Kick back and relax in cabins, complete with a full kitchen, spacious lofts, and a flowing floor plan— if you fall in love with the area, you can even purchase a cabin so you can keep coming back to make incredible family memories.

Conclusion

When it comes to booking your family vacation, there are endless resorts in Michigan that will fit your family’s needs. Thrilling year-round outdoor adventures, relaxing spa services, delicious cuisine, and cozy lodging make Michigan an ideal Midwest vacation destination for keeping both the kids and parents happy. 

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