Mackinac Island is a dream destination for families with pre-teens and early teens. With no cars, tons of outdoor adventures, and a mix of history and thrills, it's the perfect place for families to explore, learn, and have fun. This family-friendly itinerary includes all the must-do activities—plus some spooky and swashbuckling surprises!
Day 1: Arriving & Getting to Know the Island
Morning: Ferry Ride & Check-In
Kick off your adventure with a ferry ride from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Choose Shepler’s Ferry or Star Line Ferry, and if possible, sit on the upper deck for the best views of the Mackinac Bridge.
Once you arrive, check in at Mackinac House, so you can easily walk or bike to everything.
Afternoon: Lunch & Downtown Fun
Grab lunch at The Chuckwagon for burgers or stop by Doud’s Market for picnic supplies.
After eating, explore downtown Mackinac, stopping at souvenir shops and Joann’s Fudge to sample the island’s most famous treat. Then, take a fudge-making tour at Murdick’s Fudge—kids will love watching the process (and getting free samples).
Evening: Carriage Tour & Haunted Theatre
Hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about Mackinac’s history while riding through the scenic streets.
Afterward, if your kids love spooky stories, visit the Haunted Theatre, a fun and slightly eerie wax museum filled with ghostly legends and haunted island tales. It’s not too scary, making it perfect for pre-teens looking for a little thrill.
Wrap up the night with a sunset walk along Windermere Point, where kids can skip rocks or fly a kite.
Day 2: Adventure, Pirates & History Come to Life
Morning: Bike Ride Around the Island
Rent bikes and set off on the 8.2-mile loop around the island. The mostly flat trail is perfect for families, and pre-teens will love the freedom of biking without traffic!
Must-stop spots:
Arch Rock – One of Mackinac’s most famous natural landmarks. Great for an epic family photo!
British Landing – A perfect halfway point to grab a snack and take in the lake views.
Devil’s Kitchen – A cool limestone cave kids can explore up close.
Afternoon: Fort Mackinac & Pirate Adventure
After lunch at Watercolor Café, visit Fort Mackinac, one of the most interactive historic sites for kids. Here, they can watch musket and cannon firings, see live reenactments of soldiers’ daily life, and try hands-on activities like writing with a quill pen.
Then, it’s time for some swashbuckling fun! Head to the dock for the Mackinac Island Pirate Adventure Cruise, where kids can dress up, fire water cannons, and search for hidden treasure while sailing the Straits of Mackinac. This interactive pirate experience is a highlight for adventurous kids.
Evening: Family Dinner & Ice Cream Stop
After a full day, enjoy a relaxed dinner at The Yankee Rebel Tavern, which has plenty of kid-friendly meal options.
End the night at Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, home to Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream. Let the kids pick their favorite flavors before an evening walk through town.
Day 3: Nature & Last-Minute Adventures
Morning: Butterfly House & Sugar Loaf Hike
Start the day at the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House, where kids can walk through a garden filled with hundreds
of butterflies.
Afterward, take a short hike to Sugar Loaf, a massive limestone rock in the middle of the island. It’s an easy, kid-friendly trail with cool natural sights along the way.
Afternoon: Kayaking, Mini-Golf & Souvenirs
If your family loves water adventures, rent kayaks or paddleboards from Great Turtle Kayak Tours and explore Mackinac’s crystal-clear coastline.
Prefer something more relaxed? Head to Mission Point Resort for a round of mini-golf, then pick up last-minute souvenirs downtown before catching your ferry home.
Final Thoughts
Mackinac Island is the perfect mix of adventure, history, and fun. Whether your kids love biking, pirates, haunted tales, or hands-on history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Pack your bags, grab your bikes, and get ready for an unforgettable Mackinac Island family adventure!