10 Kid-Friendly Things to Do on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, nestled in the scenic waters of Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is a captivating family-friendly destination brimming with charm, history, and adventure. This enchanting island, famous for its car-free streets and Victorian-era ambiance, offers a truly unique escape that feels like stepping back in time. Whether your children are eager young explorers, budding history buffs, or simply in search of outdoor fun, Mackinac Island has something special to offer every member of the family. From discovering historic forts and learning about the island’s rich past to enjoying bike rides along the shoreline and indulging in the island’s famous fudge, Mackinac Island promises to keep your kids entertained while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Pedal Your Way Around the Island

Start your Mackinac Island adventure with a bike ride around the island's famous 8.2-mile perimeter trail. With no cars allowed on the island, biking is the perfect way to explore its scenic beauty at your own pace. This picturesque trail winds along the island’s shoreline, offering stunning views of the Great Lakes, historic landmarks, and natural wonders along the way. The ride takes you past towering cliffs, tranquil beaches, and lush forests, with opportunities to stop and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, the perimeter trail provides a memorable experience that’s suitable for all ages.

Highlights and Tips:

• Scenic Beauty: The perimeter trail offers breathtaking views of the water, rocky cliffs, and lush forests that make Mackinac Island so unique.
• Family Fun: Rent bikes from one of the many shops in town, with options for kids, tandem bikes, or even trailers for younger children.
• Practical Tips: Start your ride early in the day to avoid the crowds and ensure plenty of time to stop for photos and sightseeing. Don’t forget to pack water, snacks, and sunscreen for your journey.

2. Step Back in Time at Fort Mackinac

Immerse your family in history with a visit to Fort Mackinac, a beautifully preserved military outpost that dates back to the American Revolution. Perched on a bluff overlooking the island, this historic fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the past through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and reenactments that bring history to life for kids and adults alike. As you wander through the fort, you’ll explore barracks, officer’s quarters, and even a historic hospital, all of which paint a vivid picture of 18th-century military life. The fort's strategic location also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters, making it a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and those simply seeking a memorable family experience.

Highlights and Tips:

• Live Demonstrations: Watch as soldiers in period uniforms perform rifle and cannon firing demonstrations, giving kids a glimpse into the life of a soldier in the 18th century.
• Interactive Exhibits: Explore the barracks, officer’s quarters, and hospital to learn about daily life at the fort, with hands-on exhibits that engage young minds.
• Practical Tips: Plan to spend a few hours at the fort, and check the schedule for special events like the flag-raising ceremony or guided tours. Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a bit of walking involved, and bring a jacket, as the fort is located on a breezy hill.

3. Enjoy a Carriage Ride Tour

Experience the unique charm of Mackinac Island with a horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic streets and scenic landscapes. The island’s ban on motor vehicles enhances this traditional mode of transportation, offering a leisurely and authentic way to explore. Guided tours take you past the island’s iconic sites, including the majestic Grand Hotel, the stunning Arch Rock, and the charming historic downtown. As you ride through the island, your guide will share captivating stories about Mackinac’s rich history, from its Native American heritage to its Victorian-era splendor. This relaxing carriage tour is a delightful way to soak in the island's beauty, providing both educational and picturesque moments that the whole family will enjoy.

Highlights and Tips:

• Guided Tours: Sit back and relax as your guide shares fascinating stories about the island’s past, from its Native American heritage to its days as a Victorian resort.
• Scenic Stops: The tour includes stops at key sites, such as Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, and the island’s historic downtown, giving kids plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and explore.
• Practical Tips: Book your carriage ride in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Bring along snacks and drinks, as the tour can last up to two hours. Be sure to have your camera ready for some picturesque photo opportunities.

4. Visit the Butterfly House and Insect World

For a magical experience, take your family to the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World. This enchanting attraction is home to hundreds of live butterflies from around the globe, fluttering freely in a lush, tropical garden. Children will be mesmerized as vibrant butterflies land gently on their hands, shoulders, or even noses, creating moments of pure wonder. After exploring the butterfly house, venture into Insect World, where fascinating creatures like giant beetles, tarantulas, and praying mantises await discovery. The informative displays provide an educational yet entertaining experience, making it a perfect blend of nature and learning that will captivate the curiosity of both kids and adults.

Highlights and Tips:

• Butterfly Encounters: Watch your kids’ faces light up as butterflies land on their shoulders, hands, or even noses! The peaceful environment is perfect for quiet observation and gentle interaction.
• Insect World: After exploring the butterfly house, venture into Insect World to discover fascinating creatures like giant beetles, tarantulas, and praying mantises. The informative displays make learning fun and engaging.
• Practical Tips: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience, and remind your kids to move slowly and carefully to avoid startling the butterflies. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for butterfly-themed souvenirs.

5. Explore Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac Island State Park, which covers over 80% of the island, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a perfect playground for families. The park offers a variety of activities, from leisurely hikes along well-marked trails to more challenging treks that reveal the island’s rugged beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Arch Rock, a natural limestone formation that provides breathtaking views of Lake Huron from its lofty perch. The park is also ideal for picnicking, with numerous scenic spots like British Landing and Windermere Point where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. This expansive park is filled with historical landmarks, natural wonders, and serene spots that invite exploration and relaxation alike.

Highlights and Tips:

• Hiking Trails: Discover the island’s rugged beauty on foot by exploring its many trails, which range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Don’t miss Arch Rock, a natural limestone formation that offers stunning views of the lake below.
• Picnicking: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the park’s many scenic spots, such as British Landing or Windermere Point. The fresh air and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect family outing.
• Practical Tips: Bring along water, snacks, and sturdy shoes for your adventure in the park. Be sure to pick up a map from the visitor center to help navigate the trails and find points of interest.

6. Visit the Haunted Theater

For a spooky yet fun-filled adventure, take your family to the Haunted Theater on Mackinac Island’s Main Street. This quirky attraction offers a lighthearted fright with animated displays of ghosts, ghouls, and other eerie characters, making it a hit with kids who enjoy a bit of Halloween-style fun. The Haunted Theater is designed to entertain rather than terrify, with its colorful and cartoonish characters that add to the whimsical atmosphere. Along with the playful scares, visitors can also learn about Mackinac Island’s ghostly lore and legends, which have been passed down through generations. It’s a short, engaging experience that’s perfect for adding a little thrill to your day on the island.

Highlights and Tips:

• Family-Friendly Fun: The Haunted Theater is designed to be more fun than scary, with colorful, cartoonish displays that entertain rather than terrify. It’s suitable for most ages, though younger children might prefer to skip the spookier parts.
• Ghost Stories: Learn about the island’s haunted history and hear tales of mysterious happenings that have been passed down through generations.
• Practical Tips: The Haunted Theater is a quick visit, so it’s perfect to fit in between other activities. Consider visiting later in the day when the spooky atmosphere adds to the fun.

7. Take a Ferry to Mackinac Island

The adventure begins even before you set foot on Mackinac Island with the thrilling ferry ride across the waters of Lake Huron. Several ferry companies offer transportation from the mainland, and kids will be thrilled by the open-air ride, the wind in their hair, and the excitement of approaching the island. The ferry ride itself provides stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, the expansive Great Lakes, and the island as it emerges on the horizon. For those seeking an extra thrill, opt for a high-speed ferry, which zips across the water, adding a bit of adrenaline to the journey. This scenic and exhilarating ride sets the perfect tone for the adventures that await on Mackinac Island.

Highlights and Tips:

• Scenic Views: The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, the surrounding Great Lakes, and the island as you approach. Be sure to have your camera ready for some great shots.
• Speedboat Option: For an added thrill, choose a ferry that offers a high-speed boat, which gets you to the island quickly and provides an exhilarating ride.
• Practical Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the upper deck for the best views. Bring a jacket, as it can get chilly on the water, and keep an eye on younger children as the deck can get crowded.

8. Discover Mackinac Island’s Fudge

No visit to Mackinac Island would be complete without indulging in the island’s world-famous fudge. The sweet aroma of freshly made fudge wafts through the streets, drawing visitors into the island’s many charming fudge shops. Here, you can watch skilled confectioners pour, cool, and cut the fudge right before your eyes, making the experience as enjoyable as the taste itself. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from—ranging from classic chocolate to unique combinations like maple pecan or peanut butter chocolate—there’s a delicious treat for every palate. Kids will love sampling the different flavors and selecting their favorites to take home as a sweet souvenir of their island adventure.

Highlights and Tips:

• Fudge Shops: Visit iconic shops like Murdick’s or Ryba’s for a variety of fudge flavors, from classic chocolate to unique options like maple pecan or peanut butter chocolate. Many shops offer free samples, so you can try before you buy.
• Fudge-Making Demonstrations: Watch the magic happen as expert confectioners pour, cool, and cut the fudge on marble slabs. The process is fascinating to watch, and the aroma will have your mouth watering.
• Practical Tips: Be prepared to bring home more fudge than you intended—it’s that good! Consider buying some as gifts for friends and family, and don’t forget to store it in a cool place to keep it fresh.

9. Explore Historic Downtown

Mackinac Island’s downtown area is a delightful blend of historic charm and modern convenience, offering a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained. As you stroll through the quaint streets, you’ll encounter a mix of historic sites, unique shops, and inviting restaurants. Landmarks like the McGulpin House and the Biddle House provide a glimpse into the island’s early days, showcasing the lives of its first settlers. The downtown area also boasts a range of boutiques where you can find everything from locally made crafts to Mackinac Island-themed apparel. With toy stores, candy shops, and plenty of ice cream parlors, downtown Mackinac is a lively hub that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Highlights and Tips:

• Historic Sites: Visit landmarks like the McGulpin House and the Biddle House to learn about the island’s early settlers and see how life on Mackinac Island has evolved over the centuries.
• Shopping: Browse the island’s charming boutiques for souvenirs, from locally made crafts to Mackinac Island-themed apparel. There are plenty of options for kids, including toy stores and candy shops.
• Practical Tips: Downtown can get busy during peak season, so plan your visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Many shops offer shipping, so if you find something you love, you can have it sent directly to your home.

10. End the Day with a Sunset at Windermere Point

After a full day of exploration and fun, there’s no better way to wind down than by watching the sunset at Windermere Point. This serene spot offers unobstructed views of the sun dipping below the horizon over the Straits of Mackinac, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple. It’s a peaceful setting where families can relax, reflect on their day, and simply enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Bring a blanket, perhaps a picnic dinner, and sit back as the day comes to a close with this stunning natural spectacle. The quiet, laid-back atmosphere at Windermere Point provides a perfect end to your family’s island adventure.

Highlights and Tips:

• Relaxing Atmosphere: Windermere Point is a quiet, less crowded spot where your family can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. It’s also a great place for a picnic dinner or a round of frisbee with the kids.
• Sunset Views: The sunsets at Windermere Point are breathtaking, with the sky painted in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. It’s a perfect photo opportunity, so be sure to bring your camera.
• Practical Tips: Bring a jacket, as it can get cool by the water in the evening. Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially if you plan to bring a picnic. Consider packing a thermos of hot cocoa or tea to keep warm as you watch the sunset.

From bike rides to historic tours and sweet treats, Mackinac Island offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that will create lasting memories. Whether your kids are eager to learn, play, or simply relax, this special island has something for everyone.