As someone who grew up in Northern Michigan, I can tell you that summer here is as great as they say it is. As locals, it’s the season we look forward to all year.

The windows are rolled down. The lake’s doing that glittery thing it does late into the evening. And you’re doing it all wrong if you don’t end the summer with some of that white sand in your car.

But summer moves fast. The days feel endless until suddenly… they’re not. You blink, and it’s August. You say “we should do that” a dozen times… and then Labor Day’s around the corner.

As a dad and a photographer, I feel it constantly–how fast time moves. How quickly the light changes and the days shorten. How easy it is to miss the good stuff.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Traverse City that make this season count, this is my personal list.

A local’s guide for things to do in Traverse City during the summer days that stick with you.

a sandy hill with trees and a body of water

a man and woman holding hands and walking with two children from our list of things to do in Traverse City

a road with trees and water in the background from our list of things to do in Traverse City

Both new spots and the tried-and-true gems we keep going back to with our kids, with our friends, and sometimes simply to just breathe it all in.

The ones that make kids forget about screens and adults remember why they live here.

We’re talking real moments. Lasting memories. And fun for the whole family. (Scout’s honor.)

1. Explore the Trails at Brown Bridge Quiet Area – Traverse City, MI

For when you need a hike that feels like a deep breath without ever leaving town.

This one’s right in Traverse City–no long drive, no crowds. Just 1,300 acres of forest, meadows, and boardwalks tucked along the Boardman River.

The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is what locals love about Northern Michigan: quiet trails, open sky, and that unmistakable hum of summer in the woods.

You’ll find loops ranging from 1 to 6 miles, with scenic overlooks and a few spots where you can dip your toes in the river.

It’s less “destination hike” and more “let’s go walk and see what we find.” (Which, if you ask me, is the whole point.)

Bring bug spray. Bring snacks. And leave your phone in the car if you can swing it.

This is the kind of spot you go to slow down a bit, without having to leave the city.

2. Kayak the Boardman – Traverse City, MI

A classic Traverse City summer activity that’s screen-free and scenic.

Looking for laid-back outdoor activity that doesn’t require a full day (and minimal kiddo breakdowns)?

You can rent kayaks or paddle boards from The River Outfitters, and they’ll deliver them straight to Hull Park so you can launch without any hassle. Or you can start at Medalie Park and end at Hull Park (literally whatever floats your boat.)

It’s an easygoing paddle, about 30 minutes depending on wind and how much your crew actually paddles.

Older kids can usually handle their own kayak. Younger ones can ride tandem.

Bonus: If you’re kid-free, check out Kayak Bike & Brew–a guided pedal-paddle-and-pour experience that stops at local craft breweries along the river.

Peddle a bit. Paddle a bit. Indulge a bit. Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon.

a woman holding a surfboard in the water

Prefer a longer paddle? Try the Crystal or Platte River.

If you’re up for a bit more of a drive, the Crystal River in Glen Arbor and the Platte River near Honor are two of Northern Michigan’s most iconic summer paddles.

The Crystal River is slow, shallow, and winding. Plenty of little twists and turns (and the occasional log to scoot over). It’s a favorite for families with younger kids, especially when the water’s warm and everyone’s up for a splash.

The Platte River is perfect for a full afternoon float. It ends at Lake Michigan, so you can beach it afterward and make a day of it. Bring snacks, sunscreen, and the kind of mindset that doesn’t mind drifting at nature’s pace.

Both are solid picks if you’re craving a get out of town and into the trees day trip.

3. Bike the Trail + Sip Wine at Black Star Farms – Suttons Bay, MI

One of the most scenic things to do in Traverse City for wine lovers and adventure seekers.

This one’s new: BATA buses now carry 11 bikes from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. You bike the 17-mile Leelanau Trail one way (mostly downhill if you’re smart about direction). The bus takes you and the bikes back. Three dollars. That’s it.

But here’s the real secret: Black Star Farms just added e-bike rentals and opened their private 3-mile trail system through the vineyards.

Kids love it. Parents can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace while kids explore the trails. It’s a real choose-your-adventure situation. (Everyone wins.)

Best time: Late afternoon when the light hits the vines just right.

4. Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Cherry Bowl Drive-In – Honor, MI

Mini golf, milkshakes, and movies under the Michigan sky.

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In (just outside Traverse City in Honor, MI) is a summer staple that feels like stepping back in time, in the best possible way.

You pull in early to snag a good spot. The kids hit the mini golf. You grab burgers, fries, and hand-dipped shakes from the 1950s-style diner.

Then the sun goes down and a double feature lights up the evening.

Bring your picnic blanket, your lawn chairs, or go old-school and back-in to watch from the comfort of your car. It simply doesn’t get more quintessentially summer than a drive-in movie night.

5. Hike to a Sunset View at Whaleback Natural Area – Leland, MI

The most underrated things to do near Traverse City that locals love.

Whaleback Natural Area. Near downtown Leland (just a 30 minute drive north of Traverse City).

3/4 mile hike. That’s all. Your 5-year-old can do it.

But at the top? A viewing platform 300 feet above Good Harbor Bay. You can see Pyramid Point. The Manitous. Everything Empire Bluff shows you, minus the crowds.

Go at sunset. (Trust me on this.)

Most people stop at Good Harbor Beach and never know the trail exists just 8 more minutes north. The beach is beautiful. But the view from above? That’s the photo that ends up on your wall.

6. Grab a Slice and a Scoop at Millie’s – Glen Arbor, MI

Pizza and ice cream. There’s no better summer combo.

Millie’s is perched right along the Crystal River, which means you can stay and enjoy their indoor seating, outside picnic tables, or grab a to-go order and have a pizza picnic riverside.

The menu? Comfort food at its finest. Wood-fired pizza. Scoops of homemade ice cream and sorbet. Absolutely delicious. 100 out of 10.

This one pairs perfectly with a day trip to Whaleback or Good Harbor Beach. Go for the view, stay for the pizza.

7. Slow Down at The Mill – Glen Arbor, MI

Coffee, wine, and riverside hangs in a reimagined 1870s gristmill.

Just around the corner from Millie’s is The Mill, a restored 1870s gristmill turned cafe and community space right in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This is one of those places where you pause and think: “Oh yeah. This is why we live in Michigan.”

Grab a morning cup of jo or a scratch-made pastry and settle into their riverside back deck. Come back later for a glass of wine or a casual dinner with a breeze off the water.

Their entire menu rotates often and is sourced with care: Parlor Coffee from Brooklyn, teas curated by In Pursuit of Tea, and a small but thoughtful selection of food that hits the spot without being overdone or fussy.

If you’re the kind of family that thrives on slow mornings and golden hour hangs… check out The Mill the next time you’re heading north. You won’t regret it.

If you’re looking for things to do in Traverse City that epitomize a Northern Michigan summer, these are just a taste of what our city has to offer.

If you’re still looking for things to do in Traverse City to honor what is arguably one of the best seasons in Northern Michigan, this list is a good place to start.

Whether you’re pedaling through vineyards, floating down the river, hiking to a sunset bluff, or licking melted ice cream off your wrist in Glen Arbor—the best moments are the ones that feel a little slower. A little fuller.

The kind you carry with you when the season’s over.

No wrong choices here.

Just don’t wait too long to make them.

P.S. If you end up doing any of these Traverse City adventures, drop a note and tell me which one. I love sharing our hometown with others and where these blogs lead you.