Spring Break Fun for the Whole Family

Eight free or low-cost activities for kids and their grown-ups

By Geri Dietze | March 21, 2026

We all love getting away for spring break, but staying put in our beautiful northwest has its advantages, too. If you’re looking for entertainment close to home, check out the following list of engaging activities for all ages, both indoors and out, between March 27 and April 5. Visit the individual websites for more information, and remember that some activities require registration.

1. Get a Little Culture

What: Spring Break at the Museum
When: March 27 - April 4 (Closed March 30)
Where: Dennos Museum, 1410 College Dr., Traverse City
Cost: Kids are free with accompanying adults. (Under 15 must be accompanied by at least one adult.)
Details: Get the whole family talking about art, sculpture, and history at the Dennos. When you arrive, stop at the front desk for a scavenger hunt; turn it in before you go to receive a prize! Younger kiddos can get hands-on in the Discovery Gallery, and be sure to check out the Trilobite Treasures exhibit to learn about prehistoric life under the sea. For more ideas to get the conversation going, head to the website’s Gallery Activities for a list of fun things to do while you visit. dennosmuseum.org

2. Make Cool Stuff and Play with Your Food

What: Crafternoon: Station to Station and Cereal Party
When: Thursday, April 2, 3-4pm, and Friday, April 3, 10am-11am
Where: Boyne City District Library, 201 E. Main St., Boyne City
Cost: Free
Details: On Thursday, kids grades 3-8 will have a blast visiting craft stations set up for making buttons, magic wands, bookmarks, and more! Then on Friday, ages 4-10 will enjoy a breakfast party and cereal craft. (Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a parent.) Registration required for both by linking to the library calendar. boynelibrary.org

3. Find Some Eggs

What: Easter Celebration
When: Saturday April 4, 10:30am-3pm
Where: The Village of Walloon Lake, north M-75, Walloon Lake
Cost: Free (While supplies last.)
Details: The walkable village at Walloon Lake is a treasure every day of the year. Celebrate Easter with free family activities including egg hunts, brunch with the Easter bunny (reservations available, but not required), cookie decorating, plus games and activities for the older kiddos. Guess the number of jelly beans in the jar for a chance to win a half-day Tri Toon boat rental. Hosted by Barrel Back Restaurant. facebook.com/BarrelBackRestaurant

4. Make New Friends Outside

What: Family Playgroup
When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 10:30am (1.5 hours)
Where: Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire.
Cost: Free. No registration needed.
Details: Nature-based play groups for families with children ages 0 to 5 are regularly scheduled on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Head out on April 2 for outdoor play, stories, snacks, and connection with other families in this gorgeous 1,502-acre nature preserve in the heart of Antrim County. Fur kids are welcome, too. grassriver.org

5. Learn for Five Days Straight

What: Spring Break Staycation Kids Week at St. Ambrose Cellars
When: March 30 - April 3, times vary
Where: St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S. Pioneer Rd., Beulah
Cost: Free unless otherwise noted (Pizza Day $10)
Details: Thank you, St. Ambrose, for this action-packed week for kids! Play board games and giant-screen video games, make stop-action movies, craft pizzas, learn to play disc golf, and get up close and personal with a collection of reptiles. Space is limited, so reservations are a must. Stay for great food and craft libations (for the grown-ups). stambrose-mead-wine.com/events

6. Get the Drop on Spring

What: Spring Break Drop-in Kid’s Activities
When: March 30 - April 3, anytime between 10am-3pm
Where: Pine Hill Nursery, 886 US-31 North, Kewadin Cost: Free
Details: Staying home for spring break? Bring the kiddos out to Pine Hill’s Torch Lake location and start thinking about the garden (the nursery’s seed selection is totally stocked!). Practice green-thumb gardening with a visit to the sunny greenhouse and plant something to take home. There will also be a spring break scavenger hunt. pinehill-nursery.com

7. Watch Something Out of This World

What: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
When: Wednesday, April 1, Time TBD
Where: Lyric Theatre, 275 E. Main St., Harbor Springs
Cost: Adult 13+: $12, Seniors 65+: $10, Children 3-12: $9, Under 3: Free
Details: This sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a sure bet at the beautiful and historic theater in Harbor Springs. Plus, the Lyric concession stand is a dream come true for all ages. Fresh organic popcorn with real butter; classic movie theatre candies; specialty treats, locally made; plus, fountain sodas and adult beverages. Tickets sell out fast; order online for best results. lyricharborsprings.org/movie-schedule-now-playing

8. Bug Out in Cheboygan

What: Spring Break at the Library
When: March 30 - April 2 (times vary)
Where: Cheboygan Public Library, 100 S. Bailey St., Cheboygan
Cost: No fee, no registration required.
Details: These activities are open to all, no matter what school the kiddos attend. Learn about mushrooms and paint a wooden mushroom; enjoy the Bug Bonanza; watch A Bug’s Life movie (snacks included or BYO); and learn how to paint Legos. cheboyganlibrary.org

Photo: Families get together for a Grass River Natural Area playgroup.