Mackinac Island with Kids: 10 Must-Do Activities

A few summers ago, we took our four boys, ages 8, 6, 2, and 9 months, on a trip to Mackinac Island, and it quickly became one of our favorite family vacations.

Our boys loved this trip so much that they’re begging to go back!

From the scenic ferry ride to riding bikes on all the car-free streets, our boys couldn’t get enough of this charming destination, and neither could I!

Plus, you can’t forget the fudge samples—a highlight for the whole family!

Mackinac Island is truly a kid’s dream and a mom’s too.

While Mackinac Island is often thought of as the perfect place for a couples’ vacation or a getaway with friends— which it definitely is— it’s also a fantastic place to take your kids.

If you’re planning to visit Mackinac Island with your kids, I highly recommend staying at least two to three nights.

This gives you plenty of time to explore, try all the fun activities, and truly soak in the charm of this unique destination.

Here are 10 must-do activities to make the most of your family trip to Mackinac Island!

1. Visit ALL the fudge shops

Did you know that Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge? I had no idea until I visited Mackinac Island for the first time.

To make it even sweeter, most fudge shops also serve ice cream 🍦 – a total win for our family! 🙌

My kids (and I) love fudge AND ice cream so Mackinac Island is the perfect place for us!

We had the best time wandering into different fudge shops, sampling all the delicious flavors.

And of course, we couldn’t leave without buying a few slices to take home- because let’s face it, resisting was impossible!

2. Mini Golf at Mission Point Resort

Mission Point Resort, located on the eastern side of Mackinac Island, is home to the charming Greens of Mackinac, an 18-hole miniature golf course with the absolute best views of the Straits of Mackinac. ⛳️

You don’t have to be staying at Mission Point Resort to enjoy the Greens of Mackinac miniature golf course, but I highly recommend booking your stay at the resort. We stayed here and loved it!!

DISCOVER MISSION POINT RESORT: 5 Reasons to Stay at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island

Our family had a blast playing mini golf here, and doing it as the sun set made the experience even more magical.

For an extra special experience, the course offers glow golf during the summer evenings (late May through early September).

One of the coolest things about this course? It’s set on real grass, offering a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find just anywhere.

Must Know Information: The Greens of Mackinac has varying hours depending on the season and is dependent on the weather.

Expert Tip: Bistro on the Greens, located right on the miniature golf course, is the perfect spot to enjoy a snack or meal before or after playing some golf.

3. Skip Rocks

Our boys could skip and play with rocks all day long on Mackinac Island, and the best thing about it- it’s absolutely free!

The island shore is very rocky so there are plenty of places to enjoy the rocks.

We skipped rocks right outside Mission Point Resort and stopped a few times during our bike ride around the island too.

4. Bike the 8.2 Miles Around the Island

This was my top bucket list item on our visit to Mackinac Island.

We rented bikes at our resort although there are plenty of other places to rent them near downtown such as Mackinac Wheels. 

Each of the bicycle rental shops has a variety of bikes to meet the needs of all families.

For example, we rented a bike for our eight-year-old, my husband and six-year-old rode a tagalong bike, and I pulled our 2-year-old and baby in a Burley.

The bike ride exceeded my expectations.

It was gorgeous and so fun!

Mom Tip: Take your time riding the 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island. Be sure to stop and enjoy the scenic views, hike up to see Arch Rock, and grab a snack at the concession stand along the way.

5. Take a Carriage Ride

One of the most unique things about Mackinac Island is its car-free charm, where the main modes of transportation are horses and bikes.

Taking a carriage ride is an absolute must!

There are several ways to take a carriage ride on the island.

There are several ways to take a carriage ride on the island, including Mackinac Carriage Tours for a longer, comprehensive tour or renting your own carriage from Jack’s Livery Stable.

We experienced our ride by taking a horse-drawn carriage shuttle from our resort to downtown. It was the perfect little relaxing ride to cross off a carriage ride from our Mackinac Island bucket list.

6. See Arch Rock

Visiting Arch Rock was another highlight of our trip.

This stunning geological formation, perched above Lake Huron, is a sight to see!

We had so much fun climbing the 207 steps to reach it.

It’s a bit of a workout, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.

My 8-year-old even counted every step on the way up—so we can confidently say there are exactly 207 steps to the top!

7. Fort Mackinac

My boys were beyond excited to visit historic Fort Mackinac, and it quickly became one of their favorite stops on the island.

The highlight for them was the cannon firing, which takes place about every hour- it’s loud and exciting!

They also loved the rifle demonstration and getting to see the soldiers dressed in full costume, adding to the historical experience.

For younger kids, the Kids’ Quarters was a fantastic hands-on area. It’s designed specifically for kids to engage with the history of the Fort in a fun and interactive way.

My boys had a blast dressing up as soldiers, playing instruments, building block structures, and using interactive computers to design their own Fort layouts.

We absolutely loved our time at Fort Mackinac, learning about what life was like there, and the views from the Fort weren’t too shabby either!

8. Butterfly House and Insect World

One activity we missed this time around- but is definitely on my list for our next visit to Mackinac Island- is the Original Butterfly House and Insect World.

This original butterfly house is home to over a thousand butterflies, fluttering among tropical plants and flowers.

Beyond butterflies, the museum also features a variety of insects and reptiles too!

It’s super convenient to visit- just a 5 minute walk from Mission Point Resort or a 8 minute walk from the edge of downtown Mackinac Island.

9. Play, relax, and soak in the views at Marquette Park

Located right below Fort Mackinac, Marquette Park offers stunning views of the harbor.

It’s the perfect spot to have a picnic, eat your ice cream, or simply relax.

10. Take a Guided Kayak and Paddle Board Tour

Exploring Mackinac Island from the water is high on my list for next time.

A guided kayak or paddleboard tour is a great way to do it!

Great Turtle Kayak Rentals offers both rentals and guided tours, making it a family-friendly option for a unique perspective of the island.

Wondering how to navigate getting to Mackinac Island with kids and luggage? Check out my Complete Guide on How to Ride the Ferry

Only have time to visit Mackinac Island for the day? Read my Everything You Need to Know for a Mackinac Island Day Trip to help plan a doable and memorable day on Mackinac Island!

Ready to Plan Your Mackinac Island Family Adventure?

Mackinac Island is the perfect destination for family fun and adventure.

From biking around the island to experiencing its historical sites, your day will be packed with memories!

If you want to organize your day, make sure to grab my free Travel Itinerary Planner below.

It includes helpful tips, a trip overview planning page, and daily itinerary pages to ensure you make the most of your time—whether you’re visiting Mackinac Island or any other family-friendly destination!

May you LOVE your adventure. KW