Use this list of 15 Places To Take Kids in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula to plan the ultimate family getaway in Michigan!
If there’s one vacation I crave in Michigan each summer, it’s a visit to the Upper Peninsula. So many families seem to stop at the bridge, and that’s such a mistake if you ask me! Visiting the Upper Peninsula is such a magical adventure not to be missed.
There’s just one thing: it’s HUGE, and can be intimidating to plan, especially if you don’t have a few weeks to spare. Last summer we conquered the Eastern Upper Peninsula in 4 days with our kids, and this year we hope to tackle the west. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, here are our can’t miss spots for the east side of da yoop!
15 Places To Take Kids in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula

Just before the bridge:
Park near Colonial Michilimackinac and go under the bridge so you can put your feet in both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at the same time. Pretty cool! My kids really enjoyed looking for rocks and throwing them in the water, too.
Weinerlicious. If the silly name doesn’t make your kids want to stop, the giant hot dog on the roof may help!

Just over the bridge:
Castle Rock. Sure, it’s kind of a tourist trap, but it’s worth the climb for the views and a photo op with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox! And the climb is just $1, so it’s affordable.
Clyde’s Drive-In. Clyde’s is famous for good reason: It’s AMAZING. Good food and that classic drive-in experience that is always fun to show the kiddos!
Sault Ste. Marie
Soo locks. Keep your eye out for boats so you can watch the engineering wonder that is the Soo Locks. The information center is perfect for explaining how it all works for kiddos that are interested!
Antlers Restaurant. This restaurant is a silent zoo full of mounted animals of all kinds. My kids LOVED walking around and seeing what was there. The fan favorites was a two-headed cow!
Ship Valley Camp Museum. Honestly, I was worried my kids would find this boring — after all, it is a museum — but that was FAR from the case. They loved learning about ships that have sailed the Great Lakes. It helps that the entire museum is on a real ship, and the kids are free to explore! Mine loved learning about the Edmund Fitzgerald, especially.

Tahquamenon Area
Everyone knows about the Upper Falls, which are stunning, but let’s be honest: It’s pretty lame if you’re a kid. That’s why I always suggest adding on the Lower Tahquamenon Falls Island Adventure. Families can row out to the island where they can explore and get IN several waterfalls. The views are beautiful, and it’s sure to give your kids something to talk about for days. $7/person or $20 for 3-5 people.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch. Where else can you see bears up close and they aren’t threatening to steal your food? Check out two dozen rescued bears at this unique attraction! $20/vehicle.
Munising Area
Waterfalls around Munising. Stop at any hotel or visitor center for a waterfall map and follow the signs. There are TONS to go to. We even tackled a few more difficult ones, which weren’t a problem if you have active kids. Our favorite was Memorial Falls. Free.
Pictured Rocks. While a boat cruise is nice, kids may find it boring. You’re best off driving around and popping out of your vehicle whenever possible! Kids will love exploring the ancient rocks. This National Park is FREE, too.
Munising Pirate Cruise. This was our “big splurge” on our trip and it was SO worth it. Climb aboard The Good Fortune for a comical ride around Lake Superior. The kid cruise is perfect for those 12 and under. Kids can shoot water cannons, look for treasure, play games and more. Super cute! {Parents, they sell snacks and alcoholic drinks, too!} Adults: $27, kids 12 and under are $15, ages 2 and under are $1.

Southeast Upper Peninsula
Manistique. This quaint town is cute to explore, especially it’s gorgeous boardwalk with a lighthouse that you can walk out to. Free.
Kitch-iti-kipi. This “Big Spring” is visually stunning. The best part for my kids was steering the raft across the lake so we could see down into the crystal clear water. Well, that, and climbing the amazing tress surrounding the property. Free with a Michigan State Parks pass.
Fayette Historic Townsite. This state park is educational and gorgeous. My kids enjoyed seeing what life was like in the late 1800’s in an iron ore town that was forgotten. Free with a Michigan State Parks pass.

I really feel I just scratched the surface for amazing places to explore, but I wanted to show you all that having a wonderful vacation in the Upper Peninsula with young kids is not only SUPER affordable, but SO fun, too!
If you’re looking for ideas just for couples, check out this list.
Happy planning if you’re headed up there this summer, and feel free to give me tips for conquering the west next!
[…] few years ago, my husband and I did a romantic vacation there, last year we headed to the east side with the kids, and this year we took on a chunk of the upper/western quadrant. Each time has been more memorable […]