Family-Friendly Restaurants
10 kid-friendly restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops rated and reviewed by families.
Mundos 305 is a welcoming neighborhood café in downtown Traverse City that's perfect for families needing a cozy pit stop during a day of exploring. With tasty pastries, kid-friendly drink options (including hot chocolate and steamed milk), and a relaxed atmosphere where little ones are genuinely welcomed, it's an ideal spot to recharge without the stress of keeping kids perfectly quiet.
Mary's Kitchen Port is a welcoming Traverse City staple that takes the stress out of dining with kids. This casual specialty food spot serves up delicious sandwiches and kid-approved menu options in a relaxed atmosphere where parents can actually enjoy their meal while little ones feel right at home.
🎮 EntertainmentIncredible Mo's is a one-stop entertainment destination perfect for families looking to spend quality time together under one roof. With bowling lanes, an exciting laser tag arena, hundreds of arcade games, and on-site dining, this venue offers everything needed for a fun-filled outing rain or shine. The 4.4-star rating from over 1,100 reviews confirms it's a local favorite for birthday parties and family celebrations.
Cherry Republic is a delightful specialty shop in downtown Traverse City where kids can discover all things cherry, from chocolate-covered treats to cherry salsa. Families love the free tasting stations throughout the store, where children can sample unique cherry products, and the fun, colorful displays make shopping an adventure rather than a chore.
Grand Traverse Pie Company is a Traverse City staple that makes mealtime easy and delicious for families. This casual downtown spot serves up hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and of course, their famous homemade pies that kids and parents alike rave about. The relaxed atmosphere means wiggly little ones are welcome, and the dedicated kids menu ensures even picky eaters find something they love.
🌊 Water ParkGreat Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is the ultimate family resort destination, combining a massive indoor water park with a full-service hotel and entertainment complex. The resort features everything from thrilling water slides and wave pools to mini golf, bowling, arcades, and multiple dining options,all under one roof, making it perfect for multi-day family getaways regardless of Michigan weather.
Rare Bird Brewpub offers a refreshing twist on brewery dining by creating a genuinely family-friendly atmosphere where parents can enjoy craft beer while kids play games and explore outdoor spaces. With rotating food trucks, lawn games, and a welcoming vibe, it's a casual spot where families can relax without worrying about keeping kids entertained or perfectly behaved.
Grand Traverse Pie Company is a beloved Traverse City institution that combines comfort food with sweet treats in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Kids will love choosing from the impressive display of fresh-baked pies, while parents appreciate the simple menu of hearty sandwiches, soups, and salads that satisfy hungry families. The casual atmosphere means you don't have to worry about wiggly little ones, and the famous cherry pies make for a perfect reward after a day of exploring northern Michigan.
Traverse City Pizza Company offers families the best of both worlds: satisfying pizza and salads for lunch or dinner, plus delicious ice cream for dessert all in one stop. The outdoor seating makes it easy for kids to enjoy their treats without worrying about messes, and the casual atmosphere means parents can relax while the whole family refuels during a day of exploring downtown Traverse City.
Sleder's Family Tavern brings together history and family fun in downtown Traverse City. This casual eatery combines hearty American comfort food with an old-school arcade and relaxed atmosphere that keeps kids entertained while parents enjoy a meal in Michigan's oldest continuously operating tavern.