
Family Friendly Events
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Photo by Cherry T-Ball Drop
Downtown Traverse City bustles with party goers for the annual CherryT Ball Drop held on New Year’s Eve. The gates open at 10:30pm and the event ends at 12:20am. Cost is a $5 donation that benefits a different charity each year. The beneficiary for 2024 was Project Feed the Kids which plays a critical role in ensuring children and their families have access to nutritious meals. Just over $15,573 was raised for the organization at the 2024 event.
CherryT is a play on words for Charity and the cherry, a symbol of the Traverse City region, which grows about 75% of the nations tart cherry crop each year.
The celebration takes place at the downtown intersection of Front Street and Cass Street. The family-friendly event sees crowds estimated at 8,000 to 12,000 people. The non-profit organization in charge raises money and collects non-perishable food items while people party for a purpose in Traverse City’s own version of Time Square.
Local acts and a DJ on the lit stage help bring in the new year. Right before midnight, the large illuminated cherry is lowered to usher in the coming year, courtesy of Team Elmers & North Michigan Concrete Asphalt Excavation Crane & Rigging. A short fireworks display follows the ball drop.
Sponsors for the 2024 event were Traverse City Tourism, Leelanau Cellars, Team Elmers, North Michigan Concrete Asphalt Excavation Crane & Rigging, Delamar Traverse City, DoorDash, North Bar TC, and UpNorthLive.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Communities in Mason, Oceana, and Manistee counties sponsor many Easter events and egg hunts for kids in the spring.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
Set in the heart of downtown Ludington is the Todd & Brad Reed Photo Gallery, and it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates true beauty.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!