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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

SUMMER ACTIVITIES in Traverse City, MI

Make the most of your summer in Northern Michigan with a variety of activities for both families and adults at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Golf, gaming, hiking, biking, and tennis. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Tall Ship excursions and catamaran cruises. Wine tours, orchards, port towns, and festivals. There’s something for everyone in Traverse City.


Summer Activities at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Fill your Traverse City summer vacation itinerary without even leaving Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Our 900 acres of Northern Michigan landscape offer activities galore, from days spent golfing with friends to evenings watching the sunset at Aerie.

Northern Michigan Golf Experiences

Discover Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s three championship golf courses, including The Bear by Jack Nicklaus, The Wolverine by Gary Player, and Spruce Run by William Newcomb. Our unique courses with varying challenge levels are perfect for both a couples golf outing and golf groups of all sizes. Our courses open May 9 and tee times can be booked online or in-person at our Pro Shop through September 30.

Summer Treatments at Spa Grand Traverse

Visit Spa Grand Traverse to relax and unwind during your Northern Michigan vacation. With services ranging from massage therapies to skincare and unique deals for spring and summer, our spa is the perfect way to spend a day.

Seasonal Traverse City Dining Options

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa hosts a wide variety of first-class restaurants, from American favorites to fine dining. Enjoy 360-degree views of Traverse City from Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on the 16th floor of our Tower, or watch the 18th hole of The Bear golf course on The Grille’s outdoor patio.

Watersport Rentals at Blue Sky RentalsFamily Paddleboarding

Head down to our private beach (located across US 31 along East Grand Traverse Bay) and rent paddleboards, jet skis, kayaks, and more. Blue Sky Rentals is our watersport provider with tons of water fun options, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 9am-dusk.

Spring & Summer Packages at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Take advantage of special offers during your stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa with our unique spring and summer packages for adults and families alike.

Stay Your Way Package

Kick off the summer with savings with our 2-night Stay Your Way Package. Save big on an unbeatable rate plus enjoy a $250 Grand Traverse Resort and Spa credit to use during your stay. Credit can be used for golf, spa, dining, shopping, and more so you can stay your way and plan your perfect kick off to summer. Click below or call 800-236-1577 to book.

One Night Summer Golf Package

Stay and play this summer with the One Night Summer Golf Package at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Depending on your choice to book midweek or on the weekend, receive a full day of golf or one round, as well as a bucket of range balls for each person with your accommodation.

OFF PROPERTY Traverse City Summer ACTIVITIES

If you’re looking to venture off property, there are plenty of summer activities to explore throughout Traverse City. Whether you’re interested in nightlife or outdoor adventures, Northern Michigan has it all.

Turtle Creek Casino

Discover the ultimate northern Michigan getaway just moments from Traverse City at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. Whether you're a first-time visitor to the area or seeking a thrilling staycation, immerse yourself in luxury at their exquisite hotel. Experience the pulse-pounding excitement of 56,000 square-foot Vegas-style casino floor, indulge in delectable dining ranging from a top-notch steakhouse to a cozy deli, and unwind with amenities including nearby golf, rejuvenating spa services and much more. Your adventure begins here at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel - where every moment promises pure northern Michigan magic.

Leelanau Sands Casino

Explore the thrill of over 300 slot machines, a variety of table games, and convenient sports betting kiosks beckoning you from every corner of our vibrant casino floor. Meanwhile, your stay in the Lodge promises breathtaking bay views creating the perfect backdrop of relaxation. The enthusiastic Leelanau Sands Casino team ensures every moment is filled with excitement, whether you're enjoying a leisurely afternoon among friends or diving into the thrill of high-stakes gaming. Nestled amidst the stunning beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula, our location offers easy access to picturesque beaches, quaint towns, and a multitude of dining experiences. Take in the scenic drive along Michigan's famed M-22 highway and let anticipation build for your unforgettable getaway. 

Traverse City Pit Spitters

The Pit Spitters are a minor league baseball team from Traverse City, Michigan with the best mascot in the business, Monty! A collegiate wooden bat baseball team part of the Northwoods League, Pit Spitters games are a great place to go for fun all summer long.


Traverse City Summer Activities With Kids

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the perfect summertime Northern Michigan family destination. With tons of on-site activities to keep the family busy and even more adventures just outside our doors, it won’t be hard to keep the family entertained.

KID-FRIENDLY SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

We do much more than golf and tennis! Check our events calendar to see if we have upcoming kid-friendly events—these include movie nights, scavenger hunts, and more!

Family-Friendly Entertainment at The Den

Traverse City’s entertainment hub is located right inside Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s main lobby! Get the family together for virtual reality, arcade games, and more at The Den.

Traverse City Kayak or SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Rentals

The team at Blue Sky Rentals is happy to outfit your family with SUPs or kayaks for a paddle along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Make a Splash at the Traverse City’s Indoor Water Playground

Head to our indoor water playground to relax with the family while the kids have a blast on water features and slides.

Northern Michigan Golf Lessons for Children

The Resort offers golf lessons for all ages at our Golf Academy. Our golf pros tailor each lesson for a fun few hours out on the green!

ACTIVITIES for Kids Around Traverse City

Traverse City is so kid-friendly that you’ll never run out of activities to keep the little ones busy. If you decide to leave the Resort and explore the Traverse City area, Northern Michigan offers a wide variety of things to do that are perfect for kids.

Northern Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes

You can’t visit the Traverse City area without heading to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pick up a park pass (required for entry) at the base of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive before heading out on a scenic drive with the multiple pullouts and picnic areas along the way. Once you’re done, head to the dune climb for some fun in the sand, and end it with a dip in Lake Michigan at Glen Haven, which is just up the road.

Movies for Kids in Traverse City

Grab a flick at the historic State Theatre with the kids in downtown Traverse City during their 25-cent matinees. This is a perfect activity when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Great Lakes Children’s Museum

Just off downtown Traverse City, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum has fun science-based exhibits and features daily nature programs, activities, events, and more.

Traverse City’s Butterfly House

Just up the road from Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the G.T. Butterfly Garden & Bug Zoo, an indoor garden filled with butterflies, flowers, a frog exhibit, and more.

The Music House Museum

Listen to the sounds and history of Northern Michigan at The Music House Museum. This museum has a unique collection of instruments which provide guests a walk through the history and beauty of music in this area.

YOUR UP-NORTH GETAWAY

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for your next spring or summer vacation up north. With adult and kid-friendly activities inside and outside our doors, there’s something fun for everyone. Book a room online or give us a call at 800-236-1577 to make a reservation.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

Celebrate the magic of the season with Breakfast with Santa at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on Saturday, December 21. Click below to learn more and purchase tickets.

Book Now (Breakfast with Santa offer details)

Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner

Experience an evening of fine bourbon, thoughtfully crafted dishes and distillery history at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on Friday, December 6 with our Maker's Mark and Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner. Click below to reserve your spot.

Learn More (Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner offer details) Maker's Mark & Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner
Celebrate the Holidays

Celebrate the Holidays

Find your holiday fun at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa! From a Christmas buffet atop the Tower and your very own Christmas tree in your room that will leave you merry, there is plenty to celebrate at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Celebrate with Us (Celebrate the Holidays offer details)

Barefoot Podcast

The official lifestyle podcast of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Listen Now (Barefoot Podcast offer details) Barefoot Podcast
Turtle Creek Casino

Turtle Creek Casino

Just five minutes down the road, Turtle Creek Casino provides a variety of entertainment all night long. Visit the Bellstand for casino shuttle information.

Explore (Turtle Creek Casino offer details)