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!
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The colorful attire and crazy antics of the Scottville Clown Band amuse people, but they also have extraordinary musical talent.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!