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Here are the top toddler approved things to do on Mackinac Island. I compiled this list after noting which sights and activities our 22 month old son was interested in. If you have a little one, we recommend adding a few of these sights and activities to your trip itinerary. Make sure to bookmark this post (or Pin it to Pinterest) if you’re planning to visit Mackinac Island with your toddler or small children.
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Throw Stones in the Lake
This activity may seem like a no brainer. All toddlers like rocks – stacking them, picking them up, throwing them down, and tossing stones of various sizes into the water to watch the splash.
I highly recommended this activity if your little one gets fussy biking the 8 mile loop around Mackinac Island or while shopping or dining in town. Along M-185, there are several rocky beaches to pull over to to allow your little one to wiggle and throw stones into the water. And to the west of downtown, Windermere Point is a large rocky beach that’s great for stone throwing.
Woods
If you bike towards the northwest side of the island, you may come across the Inn at Stonecliff and Woods Restaurant. Woods is a popular dinner restaurant owned and operated by the Grand Hotel. While it’s one of the island’s top places to eat at, it’s also one of the best spots for kids and toddlers. At the side entrance, there is a free duck pin bowling alley. There’s also free popcorn! This spot can keep your little one entertained for hours!
If you visit during lunchtime like we did, the bar is open. So feel free to relax with an adult beverage while your little one is preoccupied bowling.
Crack in the Island
According to my son, this crack is just as fun (if not more fun) than going down a slide. (He didn’t actually say that, but his reaction told me everything!)
He made me go through the crack twice and was CRACKing up the whole time (see what I did there?). Just make sure to watch their heads so they don’t knock them on the jagged rocks as they maneuver through.
The Crack in the Island is wide enough for both kids and most adults to fit through. It is wider at the bottom than it is at the top. It is also much longer than I expected (pictures are deceiving!).
Cave in the Woods
Similarly, Cave in the Woods is another fun spot to run around beneath and collect and stack stones. There was a lot of giggling! One neat thing I noticed during our time here is my son constantly showing me how he could touch the ceiling of the cave with his hand. Because he’s still a little one, I bet it’s entertaining for him to be somewhere where he can stand up but adults need to squat down.
Fort Holmes
Another toddler approved place on Mackinac Island is Fort Holmes. Once we entered into the Fort (which is free!), there are walls on all four sides. Since it also wasn’t a busy day (a perk of visiting in fall!), I allowed my son to explore naturally. He ran up and down the stone pathway into and out of the fort blockhouse and up and down ramps. Inside the blockhouse is only informational plaques on the walls, so nothing dangerous for young children to get into.
To keep you entertained while your toddler explores, check out the beautiful view on the west side of the Fort. Here you can see the Mackinac Bridge!
Mighty Mac
Now for food! When your little wants food and wants it now- Mighty Mac is an excellent fast food option. It is one of the only restaurants on the island that provides counter service. So once your food is ready, you can eat it at the restaurant or take it to go. We love the restaurant’s balcony which overlooks the harbor!
Places Not Approved by Toddlers
Now that toddler approved places are covered, I also noted which places my son didn’t enjoy and why.
- The interior of the Grand Hotel – Everywhere we looked, we noted a different color and/or pattern. It also seemed to be the busiest place on the island. Everything was very overwhelming to our son so save yourself the $10 per person entrance and return when they’re older.
- Sunset Rock – Rightfully so, the walls of Sunset Rock are high up to prevent falls. Because of this, the little ones can’t enjoy the beautiful view unless held up.
- Sugar Loaf Rock – There are signs warning people not to climb. As a toddler, that’s all one wants to do. The temptation is way too high so return to this feature when they are older.
Other Resources
Hopefully this toddler approved list of things to do on Mackinac Island comes in handy for your trip. Please note, when we visited, it was outside the peak season and not at all busy (the exception was the Grand Hotel). Visiting outside of the peak travel season, such as during fall, allows for a more relaxed trip. It is also a great way to see Mackinac’s attractions more intimately. Consider checking out these additional Mackinac Island travel articles to help plan your trip:
- Family Friendly Fall Getaway to Mackinac Island (Contains our 2 Day Trip Itinerary)
- Perks of Visiting Mackinac Island During Fall
- Mackinac Island on a Budget
- Mackinac Island’s Best Kept Secrets
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