Traverse City, Michigan

Local Family Events

Discover activities, classes, and events for children and families happening around Traverse City. From storytime to art workshops, find your next family outing.

24+ events
Mindful & Musical: Baby Bird @ Let's Play!
$16.00

Mindful & Musical: Baby Bird @ Let's Play!

Enjoy Ms. Miriam’s popular Mindful & Musical classes in our cozy studio environment! Baby Bird is a sweet, interactive gathering of babies and their caregivers. It’s a perfect time to engage with your new little one and to give and receive support from other grown-ups. The music, baby massage, movement and sensory exploration are geared toward babies, but older siblings of all ages are welcome to engage in a morning of fun with their littlest sibling! You can arrive 15 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to settle in, choose a yoga mat for your family, explore instruments and get to know other attendants. At the start of class Ms. Miriam leads the way with a very brief welcome before diving in! We will also provide a baby scale for weighing your little ones at class. Bringing an older sibling? As always, we’ll have our Creative Lab set up in the back of the studio for kids 8-12 years old. These self-led stations channel the creativity of process art, but with more mature materials and inspiring prompts such as still lifes or printmaking exploration. Let’s Play! Is for families of all shapes & sizes. Please select the ticket option that best matches yours! 1 child: $16 2 children: $28 ($16/first child + $12/additional sibling) 3+ children: $36 ($16/first child + $20/two or more siblings) Grownups are always FREE! Children not participating in a class (i.e. babes-in-arms) are welcome to tag along, no ticket needed. If an older sibling would like to utilize the Creative Lab, please include them in your ticket count! Space is limited and online ticket orders are highly encouraged. Drop-in attendance with cash at the door is accepted as space permits!

Fri, Jul 17at10:30am
Lets Play Studio, 531 W. Front St., Traverse City
Storytime at the Library
Weekly
FREE
Story Time
Preschool (3-5)

Storytime at the Library

Bring your little ones for a magical morning filled with stories, creativity, and fun! We will try to hold Storytime outside whenever possible. Bring a blanket to sit on and join the fun. What to Expect: Engaging story sessions Early literacy skill-building activities Exciting craftivity projects A chance to make new friends! Whether your child loves stories or is just discovering the joy of books, Storytime is the perfect place to nurture their imagination and develop essential skills.

Fri, Jul 17at10:30am
Elk Rapids District Library, 300 Isle of Pines, Elk Rapids
Fun Fridays at Mineral Springs Park
Weekly
FREE
Nature & Outdoors

Fun Fridays at Mineral Springs Park

Move, dance, listen and craft at Mineral Springs Park! Every Friday at 10:30 am, June 19 through August 14.<br><br><strong>Special editions:</strong><br>• June 19 — Field Day<br>• June 26 — Shred Rogers Family Concert<br>• <em>No Fun Friday on July 3</em><br><br>Part of Benzie Shores District Library's <strong>Unearth A Story — Summer Reading 2026</strong>. 630 Main St., Frankfort, MI · (231) 352-4671 · <a href="https://www.BSDLibrary.org" target="_blank">BSDLibrary.org</a>

Fri, Jul 17at10:30am
Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort
**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**
Daily
FREE

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program** **Interlochen Public Library** **Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM** Interlochen Public Library is proud to partner with Gather 2 Grow to provide free healthy sack lunches to children and teens throughout the summer. Lunches are available to all youth ages 18 and under, as well as adults ages 26 and under with disabilities. Families are welcome to stop by the library between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to pick up a nutritious lunch at no cost. This program helps ensure that children in our community continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. No registration is required. **Who is eligible?** * All children and teens ages 18 and under * Adults ages 26 and under with disabilities For more information, please contact Interlochen Public Library. **USDA Nondiscrimination Statement** In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Fri, Jul 17at11:00am
9411 Tenth Street, Interlochen, MI, 49643
Kids Crafternoon
Weekly
FREE
Arts & Crafts
Kids (5-12)

Kids Crafternoon

Drop in for a fun afternoon of crafts! A new creative project each week for kids of all ages. All supplies provided.

Fri, Jul 17at3:00pm
Leelanau Township Library, 119 E Nagonaba St, Northport
Happiest Hour: Art!
Weekly
from $16.000
Arts & Crafts
16 months - 12 years

Happiest Hour: Art!

Open Studio, but make it a party! Join us on Fridays for a casual celebration of the week’s end. With stations set up both inside the studio and out on the patio (weather permitting), grownups and their littles are welcomed to explore art & music, connect with other families, and even bring a picnic or enjoy a to-go meal from one of our restaurant neighbors! When led by Ms. Laura, the session will emphasize art; Ms. Miriam’s sessions will incorporate more music & movement! Bringing an older sibling? As always, we’ll have our Creative Lab set up in the back of the studio for kids 8-12 years old. These self-led stations channel the creativity of process art, but with more mature materials and inspiring prompts such as still lifes or printmaking exploration. Let’s Play! Is for families of all shapes & sizes. Please select the ticket option that best matches yours! 1 child: $16 2 children: $28 ($16/first child + $12/additional sibling) 3+ children: $36 ($16/first child + $20/two or more siblings) Grownups are always FREE! Children not participating in a class (i.e. babes-in-arms) are welcome to tag along, no ticket needed. If an older sibling would like to utilize the Creative Lab, please include them in your ticket count! Space is limited and online ticket orders are highly encouraged. Drop-in attendance with cash at the door is accepted as space permits!

Fri, Jul 17at4:30pm
Lets Play Studio, 531 W. Front St., Traverse City MI
Lego Creature Lab
FREE
Art & STEM

Lego Creature Lab

Build your own prehistoric creature! Use the library’s LEGOs to build your own dinosaurs creature. Follow a set pattern provided by the library, or unleash your imagination to create something totally unique! The theme for Summer Reading 2026 is Unearth a Story. Saturday, July 18th at 11:00am. Located at the Kalkaska County Library. 247 S. Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI All Summer Reading events are free to attend, and all families are welcome. We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact the library! info@kalkaskalibrary.org (231) 258-9411

Sat, Jul 18at10:00am
Kalkaska County Library
Parent and Baby Music Class (TC Philharmonic)
Weekly
$160 (8 sessions)
Classes & Workshops
Babies (0-1)

Parent and Baby Music Class (TC Philharmonic)

Have a child who loves music? Join local music educator Kristi Fish for a hands-on class where you and your little one will listen, sing, move, chant, play instruments, and more! Parents will learn how to incorporate music into everyday life. 8 sessions. $160. Scholarships available.

Sat, Jul 18at10:30am
Traverse City Philharmonic Center, 1724 S Garfield Ave
**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**
Daily
FREE

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program** **Interlochen Public Library** **Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM** Interlochen Public Library is proud to partner with Gather 2 Grow to provide free healthy sack lunches to children and teens throughout the summer. Lunches are available to all youth ages 18 and under, as well as adults ages 26 and under with disabilities. Families are welcome to stop by the library between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to pick up a nutritious lunch at no cost. This program helps ensure that children in our community continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. No registration is required. **Who is eligible?** * All children and teens ages 18 and under * Adults ages 26 and under with disabilities For more information, please contact Interlochen Public Library. **USDA Nondiscrimination Statement** In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Sat, Jul 18at11:00am
9411 Tenth Street, Interlochen, MI, 49643
Sunday School at The Salvation Army
Weekly
FREE
Faith & Community

Sunday School at The Salvation Army

Sunday School at the Salvation Army Community Center — for children and adults. Spiritual learning through scripture study, prayer, and accountable relationships in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Contact Susie Afton, Youth and Family Ministry Director, at (231) 946-4644 ext. 307 for more info.

Sun, Jul 19at9:30am
The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St, Traverse City, MI
Junior Church at The Salvation Army
Weekly
FREE
Faith & Community
Kids (5-12)

Junior Church at The Salvation Army

Junior Church at the Salvation Army Community Center — Sunday morning programming for children with age-appropriate worship, scripture, and activities. Contact Susie Afton, Youth and Family Ministry Director, at (231) 946-4644 ext. 307 for more info.

Sun, Jul 19at11:00am
The Salvation Army Community Center, 1239 Barlow St, Traverse City, MI
**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**
Daily
FREE

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program** **Interlochen Public Library** **Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM** Interlochen Public Library is proud to partner with Gather 2 Grow to provide free healthy sack lunches to children and teens throughout the summer. Lunches are available to all youth ages 18 and under, as well as adults ages 26 and under with disabilities. Families are welcome to stop by the library between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to pick up a nutritious lunch at no cost. This program helps ensure that children in our community continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. No registration is required. **Who is eligible?** * All children and teens ages 18 and under * Adults ages 26 and under with disabilities For more information, please contact Interlochen Public Library. **USDA Nondiscrimination Statement** In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Sun, Jul 19at11:00am
9411 Tenth Street, Interlochen, MI, 49643
Sunrise Studio: Music!
Weekly
$16.00
Music
16 months - 12 years

Sunrise Studio: Music!

You’re awake, your kids are awake, you need to get out of the house! We understand. We’ll make coffee! Come create and play with friends in this open studio-style class with sensory play, music and movement experiences. Led by Ms. Miriam, this studio session will emphasize music. Check out Ms. Laura’s Sunrise Studio: Art! sessions for art-centered exploration! Bringing an older sibling? As always, we’ll have our Creative Lab set up in the back of the studio for kids 8-12 years old. These self-led stations channel the creativity of process art, but with more mature materials and inspiring prompts such as still lifes or printmaking exploration. Let’s Play! Is for families of all shapes & sizes. Please select the ticket option that best matches yours! 1 child: $16 2 children: $28 ($16/first child + $12/additional sibling) 3+ children: $36 ($16/first child + $20/two or more siblings) Grownups are always FREE! Children not participating in a class (i.e. babes-in-arms) are welcome to tag along, no ticket needed. If an older sibling would like to utilize the Creative Lab, please include them in your ticket count! Space is limited and online ticket orders are highly encouraged. Drop-in attendance with cash at the door is accepted as space permits!

Mon, Jul 20at8:00am
Lets Play Studio, 531 W. Front St., Traverse City
Magic Monday: Art!
from $16.000
Arts & Crafts
16 months - 12 years

Magic Monday: Art!

Add a little magic to your Monday! Start your week at a slower pace during this extended Open Studio session. Grownups and their littles are welcomed to explore our studio materials and find inspiration from various stations set up with invitations to create. Unlike a structured class, this open-ended studio time is more flexible, with an extra-long window for self-led creation on your own timeline. Led by Ms. Laura, this studio session will emphasize art. Check out Ms. Miriam’s Magic Monday: Music! sessions for music-centered exploration! Bringing an older sibling? As always, we’ll have our Creative Lab set up in the back of the studio for kids 8-12 years old. These self-led stations channel the creativity of process art, but with more mature materials and inspiring prompts such as still lifes or printmaking exploration. Let’s Play! Is for families of all shapes & sizes. Please select the ticket option that best matches yours! 1 child: $16 2 children: $28 ($16/first child + $12/additional sibling) 3+ children: $36 ($16/first child + $20/two or more siblings) Grownups are always FREE! Children not participating in a class (i.e. babes-in-arms) are welcome to tag along, no ticket needed. If an older sibling would like to utilize the Creative Lab, please include them in your ticket count! Space is limited and online ticket orders are highly encouraged. Drop-in attendance with cash at the door is accepted as space permits!

Mon, Jul 20at9:30am
Lets Play Studio, 531 W. Front St., Traverse City MI
Family Storytime at Benzie Shores Library
Weekly
FREE
Story Time
Toddler 1-3 yrs

Family Storytime at Benzie Shores Library

Family Storytime every Monday at 10:30 am. June 15 through August 10.<br><br><strong>Destination Storytime dates:</strong> July 13, July 27, and August 10 (offsite locations — check library for details).<br><br>Part of Benzie Shores District Library's <strong>Unearth A Story — Summer Reading 2026</strong>. 630 Main St., Frankfort, MI · (231) 352-4671 · <a href="https://www.BSDLibrary.org" target="_blank">BSDLibrary.org</a>

Mon, Jul 20at10:30am
Benzie Shores District Library, Frankfort
Storytime
FREE
Story Time

Storytime

Bring your little ones for an energetic and engaging time of stories, movement, songs, and fingerplays. Geared for children, caregivers and families.

Mon, Jul 20at11:00am
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI
**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**
Daily
FREE

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program**

**Gather 2 Grow Free Summer Lunch Program** **Interlochen Public Library** **Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM** Interlochen Public Library is proud to partner with Gather 2 Grow to provide free healthy sack lunches to children and teens throughout the summer. Lunches are available to all youth ages 18 and under, as well as adults ages 26 and under with disabilities. Families are welcome to stop by the library between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to pick up a nutritious lunch at no cost. This program helps ensure that children in our community continue to have access to healthy meals when school is not in session. No registration is required. **Who is eligible?** * All children and teens ages 18 and under * Adults ages 26 and under with disabilities For more information, please contact Interlochen Public Library. **USDA Nondiscrimination Statement** In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Mon, Jul 20at11:00am
9411 Tenth Street, Interlochen, MI, 49643
4th and 5th Grade Book Club
Weekly
FREE
Library Events
Grades 4 - 5

4th and 5th Grade Book Club

Kids in 4th and 5th grade will read at least one pairing of a novel and graphic novel. Participants will discuss the books and engage in activities related to the reading. The group will decide their own reading pace.

Mon, Jul 20at1:00pm
Leelanau Township Library, 119 E Nagonaba St, Northport
Lake Leelanau – Food & Baby Pantry
Weekly
FREE
Food & Baby Pantry

Lake Leelanau – Food & Baby Pantry

LCN’s Baby Pantry provides diapers, wipes, toys, food and clothing for families, parents and care-takers that might otherwise have difficulty providing them. In 2024, 30,782 diapers were distributed to our tiniest neighbors through the baby pantry. Donations may be dropped off at LCN on Mondays between the hours of 9 AM and 2 PM. We welcome donations of most new or gently used baby supplies: Diapers, especially the larger sizes – 4, 5 and 6 Wipes New or gently used clothing. We especially need clothes in all of the toddler sizes. Please freshly launder gently used clothing items before donating. Food and formula that is within its shelf life date Baby toiletries - shampoo, powder, diaper cream, etc. Bibs, blankets, bottles, sippy cups, etc. New or gently used baby toys Maternity clothes Diaper Bags Maternity/Nursing Bras

Mon, Jul 20at2:00pm
7322 E Duck Lake Rd. Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Sunrise Studio: Art!
Weekly
$16.00
Arts & Crafts
16 months - 12 years

Sunrise Studio: Art!

You’re awake, your kids are awake, you need to get out of the house! We understand. We’ll make coffee! Come create and play with friends in this open studio-style class with stations for sensory play and age appropriate art experiences. Led by Ms. Laura, this studio session will emphasize art. Check out Ms. Miriam’s Sunrise Studio: Music! sessions for music-centered exploration! Bringing an older sibling? As always, we’ll have our Creative Lab set up in the back of the studio for kids 8-12 years old. These self-led stations channel the creativity of process art, but with more mature materials and inspiring prompts such as still lifes or printmaking exploration. Let’s Play! Is for families of all shapes & sizes. Please select the ticket option that best matches yours! 1 child: $16 2 children: $28 ($16/first child + $12/additional sibling) 3+ children: $36 ($16/first child + $20/two or more siblings) Grownups are always FREE! Children not participating in a class (i.e. babes-in-arms) are welcome to tag along, no ticket needed. If an older sibling would like to utilize the Creative Lab, please include them in your ticket count! Space is limited and online ticket orders are highly encouraged. Drop-in attendance with cash at the door is accepted as space permits!

Tue, Jul 21at8:30am
Let's Play Studio, 531 W. Front St., Traverse City MI
Clubhouse: Craft and Play
FREE
Arts & Crafts

Clubhouse: Craft and Play

Join TADL for DINO-mite themed fun on Tuesdays under the big tent on the front lawn! Family friendly games, activities and crafts. Geared for children, tweens and caregivers. This week we'll be crafting Thumbprint Dinosaur Bookmarks! FREE. No registration necessary.

Tue, Jul 21at10:00am
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI
Glen Lake Playgroup
FREE
0 - 6

Glen Lake Playgroup

Free playgroup for Leelanau families with children from birth through 6.

Tue, Jul 21at10:00am
Glen Lake School Playground
Story Hour with Miss Diane
Weekly
FREE
Story Time

Story Hour with Miss Diane

Join Miss Diane at the Library each Tuesday at 10am for stories, a craft, and a snack.

Tue, Jul 21at10:00am
Bellaire Public LIbrary - 111 S Bridge St, Bellaire, MI, United States, Michigan 49615
Summer Gardening Experience for Kids
Weekly
FREE
7 - 12

Summer Gardening Experience for Kids

Bring your children to Grow Benzie every Tuesday for a free Butterfly Labyrinth Gardening Experience, put on by the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation! 🌱 Through this experience, kids ages 7 to 12 explore gardening, mindfulness, and creativity, while learning how resilience grows. At the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, gardening is one of the expressive arts in our Beyond Trauma-Informed™ framework. These hands-on activities help build regulation-centered environments for children to build resilience and emotional well-being. Parents or trusted adults should plan to stay and enjoy the morning alongside your child. Drop-ins are always welcome, but a quick RSVP just helps us make sure we have plenty of supplies for everyone! This runs until September 1. Want more details? Message us or email kasie@scbf.org.

Tue, Jul 21at10:00am
5885 Frankfort Hwy Benzonia MI 49616

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