Traverse City is famous for its outdoor scene, but on the days when the weather isn't cooperating, there's plenty to do inside.
Here's a lineup of fun places to explore from within.
The Butterfly House & Bug Zoo
It's just what it sounds like-fluttery, fabulous fun! The Butterfly House is filled with gorgeous, scented flowers and an endless array of butterflies. Some days offer very rare sightings, like the giant Atlas moth, which only lives for a few days. Also check out the Bug Zoo, where you can explore everything from the Tarantula Tree to the (active!) Honeybee Observation Hive. The zoo offers self-guided tours and provides interactive educational exhibits about fascinating animals that benefit the planet in unique ways. Open May 1 through Labor Day.
ELEV8 Climbing Gym
Are the kids climbing the walls? Show them how at Elev8- a full-service climbing gym located near downtown Traverse City. Climbing amenities include bouldering, auto belays, top rope, lead, and hangboards. You can drop in any time they are open and get outfitted with rental gear and be shown the ropes (literally). Beginners to seasoned climbers are welcome. They offer different meetup groups on Friday evenings. Costs vary.
COGNiTiON
This science and discovery center in Benzie County is well worth the drive. The "science playground" lets children (and adults) learn about the world around them. One of the crowd-pleasers (and shockers) is Snake Feeding Day, where the resident snakes get to share their lunch with the crowd. Another favorite is the state-of-the-art inflatable dome planetarium, located in the Earth and Space Lab at COGNITION. The cutting-edge digital software offers an interactive and immersive 360-degree adventure.
Dennos Museum Center
This museum has its quiet and serene galleries, as well as its kids-of-all-ages gallery: The Discovery Room. This very hands-on gallery features interactive wonders, such as a laser harp, a sound wall, and a giant Lite Brite board. The room is kid-centric, but the adults end up having just as much fun! The museum's signature collection is Inuit Art of the Canadian Arctic, one of the country's largest and most historically complete collections of these distinctive sculptures and prints. In addition, the museum is an autism-friendly destination.
Ice Skating
When the wind and snow are blowing, you can take on Old Man Winter a little easier with indoor ice skating. Howe Ice Arena and Centre Ice Arena offer seasonal open-skate times and drop-in hockey games. Rentals are available. Find information for both arenas at centreice.org.
Handz on Art
This is a great option for adults and kids alike. Go through the endless display of pottery and pick one out to paint. The pieces are fired after you leave and can be picked up or shipped to you once they are ready. There are several different choices, from plates to mugs to ornaments. The huge, open room and large tables are great for an entire family to spend the afternoon together. Be sure to call ahead for groups of six or more.
Boardman River Nature Center
This adventure has activities inside and out. Hike or snowshoe the trails behind the nature center along the Boardman River and play on the playground, or spend time inside exploring the nature-focused exhibits. There is even a full-sized black bear on display! They also offer events and hands-on adventures.
Traverse City Curling Center
If you're a pro at curling, you can rock this indoor activity. If you're a newbie, let the (ice) chips fall where they may and try a one-time, 90-minute beginner's session. All participants must wear clean, flat sneakers (no boots, clogs, or sandals). The room is 45°, so dress accordingly, but remember, you will sweat! Rent up to two hours of ice time, with instruction if you'd like, for groups of up to eight players. Membership is not required.
Arcades & more
Check out the Coin Slot Arcade Bar in downtown Traverse City. There you'll find a full bar along with food trucks next to pinball machines galore. All ages are welcome, with 21+ only after 9 p.m. Right Brain Brewery is another spot to get your game on, with more than 30 vintage pinball machines on hand, plus local ales to sip. This place is family-friendly, and you'll sometimes even find indoor cornhole tournaments underway, with bean bags flying amongst the tables!
The Den at Grand Traverse Resort offers an arcade, an escape room, boutique bowling, and virtual-reality experiences. Oh, and did we mention axe throwing? Great Wolf Lodge offers a full arcade area, plus "Ten Paw Alley"-very short bowling lanes built for smaller rollers. They also have a huge indoor water park where you can splash, swim, and slide the day away. A limited number of day passes are sold daily.
