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Sand Dunes. Refreshing sandy beaches. Forested trails with a variety of flora and fauna. Dark night skies. What’s not to love about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?

But are you wondering if it’s a good destination for families? Will there be enough to do to keep the kids occupied?

The short answer? Yes!

Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach, hiking through scenic woodlands, or tubing down a lazy river, there are endless ways for families to connect with nature and make unforgettable memories together.

With a bit of planning and a spirit of adventure, Sleeping Bear Dunes becomes a giant natural playground where families can run wild, explore freely, and fall in love with the great outdoors.

About Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking natural wonder located along the northeast coast of Lake Michigan. Spanning over 70,000 acres, the park is best known for its towering sand dunes, some rising nearly 450 feet above the lake, offering dramatic views and thrilling hikes.

The landscape is a blend of glacially sculpted hills, deep forests, inland lakes, historic farmsteads, and 35 miles of pristine freshwater shoreline.

Designated a national lakeshore in 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes is also steeped in legend and lore. The park’s name comes from an Ojibwe story about a mother bear and her two cubs, which is commemorated in the dunes and the nearby Manitou Islands.

According to the legend, two cubs and the mother bear were crossing the lake to get away from Wisconsin, in search of a location with more food. The two cubs drowned, and the mother bear washed ashore, where she sat overlooking the area where the cubs had died. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has lots to offer families, from climbing sand dunes, hiking through forests and woodlands, kayaking or canoeing on the lake and rivers, biking, stargazing, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the history of the area. 

Things To Know Before Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes with Kids  

• A vehicle pass is required for all trail use in the park. You can purchase one at the visitor center, one of the campgrounds, or online. The America Is Beautiful pass will also work.
• Pets are allowed in most areas of the park, but must be kept on a 6 -foot leash. Pets are not allowed on the dune climb. 
• Glass is not allowed on any park beaches. 
• Make sure you are prepared for a variety of weather-warmer temperatures during the day and colder at night. If you plan on getting out on the lake, it will often get chilly-so bring extra layers.
• Be prepared for spotty cell service throughout the park. It is not uncommon to have no cell service. Be sure to have an idea of where you are going in case you are unable to access GPS directions. 
• Hiking through sand can be challenging, so be sure to bring steady shoes or hiking boots. 
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking can be tiresome, especially for younger children. 
• The park is open 24 hours a day all year round. However, some areas of the park may be closed during the winter months, like the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. 

Best Time to Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

The best time to visit is going to depend on what you want to do. 

If your main reason for visiting is swimming, you will want to visit in the summer months (July & August) for the warmest water temperatures. 

If hiking/climbing the dunes is your main focus, visiting in spring/fall might be the better option. You will find less crowds and cooler temperatures, making dune climbing a little less strenuous. In the fall, you will also be treated to unparalleled fall colors. 

If you enjoy winter activities and don’t mind the cold, visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter offers a unique experience. You will experience fewer crowds and fun activities like snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 

We visited in July, and although some of the dune climbs were a little difficult due to hot temperatures (bring lots of water) we still had a great time and were able to enjoy the beaches of Lake Michigan! 

Best Things to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with Kids

The Dune Climb 

The Dune Climb is one of the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids, but it can be strenuous so you will want to make sure you are well prepared. If you decide to complete the entire climb, it will be about 3.5 miles and could take up to 4 hours, depending on the weather. 

The good thing about the Dune Climb is you don’t have to complete the whole thing to have a great experience. There are several steep dunes that you have to climb up and down to reach Lake Michigan, but even just climbing a couple of them and turning around can be a ton of fun for the family. 

There is a paved parking lot at the start of the Dunes Climb with a nearby restroom and vending machines. Hiking through sand can be very difficult, so you will want to make sure you have good, sturdy shoes. A hat for shade and water is highly recommended as well. 

**Pets are not allowed on the dune climb. 

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive 

Another one of the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids is the 7.4 mile long Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The drive features 12 stopping points and takes approximately two hours to complete, giving you views of Lake Michigan, the Glen Lakes, and sand dunes. 

The entrance to the scenic drive is located on S Dune Highway. A vehicle pass is required for the drive as well as the other main attractions in the park, like the Dune Climb. 

The Stops along the Pierce Stocking drive include:

• Covered Bridge: An old covered bridge built in the 1960’s and reconstructed in 1986, a popular photo spot 
• Glen Lake Overlook: scenic views of Glen Lake 
• Picnic Mountain & The Dune Overlook: Views of the dunes, Lake Michigan, & Manitou Islands in the distance 
• Cottonwood Trailhead: A 1.5 mile loop trail through sand dunes with views of Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, and the D.H. Day Barn.  
• Leaving the Sand Dunes: Transition from the sand dunes to the beech-maple forest.
• Dune Ecology Basswood Tree: A tree representing the harsh living conditions of flora and fauna on sand dunes. The tree stabilizes the dunes, allowing other plants to grow.
• Beech Maple Forest: A different side of the Sleeping Bears ecosystem, a forest of mainly sugar maple and American Beech, among others.
• Changes in Time: An overlook that demonstrates how the landscape has transformed since the last glaciers melted approximately 11,800 years ago, evolving from barren sand and gravel plains into the lush, forested dunes seen today.
• Lake Michigan Overlook: One of the best overlooks of Lake Michigan with views of the Empire Bluffs and the Manitou Islands.
• Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook: Located 600 ft. from the Lake Michigan Overlook, the Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook gives you views of the eroding Sleeping Bear Dune. This dune is what the park gets its name from.
• North Bar Lake Overlook & Picnic Area: Overlook of North Bar Lake with views of Platte Bay and Point Betsie. This is a good spot to see the fall foliage once leaves begin to change.
• Pine Plantation: Collection of Pine trees planted before the area became Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These trees are not natural to the area, but were planted for benefits including preventing soil erosion, providing a windbreak, and habitat for wildlife.

Along the drive you can find bathrooms at the entrance trailer parking area, Picnic Mountain, Lake Michigan Overlook, and the North Bar Lake Overlook and Picnic Area. 

Be aware that the drive is closed to vehicles in late October/early November through early Spring (usually around mid-May). There is a 20 mph speed limit along the drive, so don’t plan on getting through it too quickly! 

Go Camping

Camping is one of the best activities in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids and one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the nature of the area. Choose from camping in the main area of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the Platte River Campground or D.H. Day Campground or a more primitive site on the Manitou Islands.

The Platte River Campground is open year round. It has 179 sites, including tent sites, walk in sites, and group sites. The D.H. Day Campground has 87 campsites, including tent & RV sites. The campground is open from April to November.

When heading out for a camping trip in Sleeping Bear Dunes, make sure you and the kids are prepared, know what you need, and know what to do if something doesn’t go quite right. Remember important camping tips like plant safety, water safety, fire safety, the buddy system, and the leave no trace principles. These tips will help you protect yourself, your family, and the environment.

Go For a Hike 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features over 100 miles and a wide variety of trails that wind through towering sand dunes, dense hardwood forests, serene inland lakes, and along breathtaking bluff overlooks. No matter what your family make up is (small children or older kids), you will find hikes to suit your needs!

Some of the most popular hikes include: 

1. Bass Lake Loop: A fairly easy trail suitable for families. The trail takes you around Bass and Deer Lakes on a 3.5 mile loop.
2. Otter Creek Loop:The Otter Creek loop is a 4.6 mile loop, but is a mostly flat trail around Otter Creek and Otter Lake. Both loops are located in close proximity and can be combined for a longer hike.
3. Empire Bluff Trail: A 1.5 mile round trip trail with a gradual incline that is easily doable for families with young children. The trail starts as a walk through a beech-maple forest. At the top you will find a boardwalk overlooking Lake Michigan and North Bar Lake.
4. Sleeping Bear Point Trail: A 2.8 mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 305 feet along open sand dunes and forests. Along the trail you will also go past an old coast guard station. 
5. Pyramid Point Trail: A 2.7 mile round trip trail with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. 
6. Cottonwood Hiking Trail: Accessed via the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail taking you through sand dunes with views of Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, and the Manitou Islands. 
7. Windy Moraine Trail: A 1.5 mile loop trail with a modest incline to the Glen Lake overlook. The trail takes you through meadows, forests, and the moraine left by glaciers. 

Go to the Beach  

Swimming in Lake Michigan is one of the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids. The park contains 35 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan’s east shore, with crystal clear waters, scenic backdrops, and a variety of beach types.

The waters in Lake Michigan can be chilly, even in the summer months, but on a hot summer’s day, it will feel refreshing! 

Many of the beaches along Lake Michigan’s shore will give you a similar feel to an ocean beach, but with freshwater. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a nice Caribbean island, but not having to worry about saltwater in the eyes is a plus of swimming in Lake Michigan.

There are several family friendly beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes, including: 

1. Glen Haven Beach: A pebble beach on the edge of Sleeping Bear Bay. Popular activities include swimming, beach combing, walks on the beach, and kayaking/canoeing. The Glen Haven beach is close to the Glen Haven Village, a historic village highlighting the history of the area. 
2. Good Harbor Bay Beach: Located in the northern part of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Good Harbor Bay Beach is perfect for families with a long sandy beach, a small stream running through from the woods into Lake Michigan, a picnic area, a vault toilet, drinking water, and a short walk from the parking lot to the beach. There is a $10 parking fee along with the vehicle pass required for the entire park.
3. Platte River Point Beach: This is a unique beach where the Platte River flows into Lake Michigan, giving you the option of swimming in the shallow river waters or jumping into Lake Michigan. This is also the ending point for many tubers and kayakers, making it a busy area in the summer months. 
4. Esch Beach: Esch Beach is located at the mouth of the Otter River. The beach contains a sandy shoreline with bluffs and dunes surrounding. The area where the river runs into Lake Michigan creates a quiet, shallow area for kids to splash around and play in. 
5. North Bar Lake Beach: This beach has warmer water than the beaches along Lake Michigan’s shore, making it more favorable for kids. Another great feature is it is right next to Lake Michigan and connected by an outlet, so you choose either for swimming. 
6. Petterson Beach: One of the most secluded beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes, Petterson Beach is found at the end of Petterson Road. The area offers stunning views of Sleeping Bear Point, Empire Bluff, and, on clear days, South Manitou Island. There is parking and vault toilets.

Go Bicycling 

Another way to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes’ trails as a family is bicycling. There are plenty of miles of biking trails in the park, including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Peterson Road, Shauger Hill Road (steeper and more difficult), and Aral Road (from the Esch Beach parking area).

The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is the main biking route, a 20-mile paved multi-use path that stretches between Empire and Bohemian Road (CR-669).

While most of the trail is paved, a short section through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District is gravel. This trail accommodates riders of all ages and skill levels, though some segments feature steep grades, which are clearly marked with warning signs.

When biking in Sleeping Bear Dunes, be sure to follow trail etiquette and remember that biking is not permitted on hiking trails, beaches, or sand dunes. 

Water Sports 

Sleeping Bear Dunes offers a variety of water sports that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking for a leisurely experience. Kayaking and canoeing are popular family friendly activities, with opportunities to paddle along the Lake Michigan shoreline or explore the serene waters of inland lakes and rivers. Both the Crystal River and the Platte River are good options for beginner level kayaking and canoeing and families looking to enjoy the activity. 

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is another fun activity for families to try. Little Glen Lake, with its calm and shallow waters, serves as an ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned paddleboarders. 

For those seeking a more relaxed water activity, tubing down the Platte River offers a leisurely way to experience the park’s natural beauty. Visitors can float along the gentle river, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Local outfitters, such as Crystal River Outfitters, provide rental services for tubes, as well as canoes and kayaks, making it convenient for families and groups to enjoy a day on the water. 

Explore the History of the Area 

Exploring the history of Sleeping Bear Dunes reveals a rich tapestry of stories—from ancient Native American legends to 19th-century maritime life. The area’s name comes from the Ojibwe legend of a mother bear and her two cubs.

Long before European settlers arrived, the Anishinaabe people occupied the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering in the forests and along the lakeshore. Their cultural heritage still echoes in the landscape and is honored through interpretive signage and programming within the park.

The 1800s brought logging, homesteading, and shipping to the area, much of which can still be seen today. At Glen Haven Historic Village, visitors can step back in time to explore a preserved blacksmith shop, a general store, and the Cannery Boat Museum, which showcases the area’s deep ties to Lake Michigan’s maritime past.

The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum further highlights the bravery and dedication of the Life-Saving Service crews who patrolled the coastline. Exploring these historic sites gives visitors a deeper appreciation for how people have lived with and relied on this dramatic and beautiful landscape over time.

Visit the Manitou Islands 

The Manitou Islands make a nice side trip when enjoyinging a Lake Michigan east shore road trip. It is also one of the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids. The Manitou Islands, consisting of North and South Manitou Islands, sit on Lake Michigan and are part of an island chain extending North up to the straits of Mackinac. 

Both islands can be reached by private boat or on the passenger ferry from Leeland, Michigan. 

Tickets range from $23 to $65 for a round trip. Reservations are recommended as it is not uncommon for the ferry to fill up. 

South Manitou Island is generally considered the better option for a day trip and features 10 miles of pebble lined beaches, white cedars, and unique sand dune formations. There are plenty of things for families to do on the island, including visiting the village, hiking up the sand dunes, hiking through the cedar forests, visiting the lighthouse, exploring ghost towns, taking a wagon tour of the island, and camping. 

North Manitou Island is much more remote and offers visitors a more primitive experience. The main activities on North Manitou Island include hiking on over 23 miles of trails, swimming, exploring inland lakes where you can fish and observe wildlife, exploring historic remnants, backpacking, and camping. 

If you are looking to stay overnight, both islands feature camping options. There are three campgrounds on South Manitou-the Bay Campground, Weather Station Campground, and Popple Campground. The Bay Campground is closest to the dock and has 25 individual sites and three group sites. The Weather Station Campground is on the southside of the island and overlooks Lake Michigan. It has 20 individual sites and three group sites. Popple Campground is the furthest from the dock and the least crowded. The campground features seven individual sites.

Camping on North Manitou Island is open, meaning you can choose where to camp. However, all camps must be 300 feet away from the Lake Michigan high water mark, lakes, streams, ponds, springs, buildings, or other camps. There is a village campground, which is the only area on the island where a fire is allowed. When camping on North Manitou Island, there is a camping fee per night and a park visitor pass is required. 

If you are planning on camping on the island, you will need to purchase a backcountry camping permit, which can be purchased at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Sleeping Bear Dunes campground offices, or Leland dock. 

Other information to keep in mind: 

• Pets are not allowed on the islands. 
• When visiting and camping on the islands, be sure to bring water filtration equipment as the only purified drinking water is found in the village.
• There are no food services, stores, or medical services on the island, so be sure to plan ahead. 
• A visitor’s pass for the national lakeshore is required to visit the islands. 

***Ferry Service is not currently available for North Manitou Island due to construction on a new dock (2025). Be sure to check with the Manitou Island Transit before planning your trip to verify if ferry transportation is open.***

Go Stargazing 

The fun in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Stargazing is one of the best things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes with kids. With some of the darkest skies in the country with minimal light pollution, you will be treated to fantastic views of the stars, meteors, and if you’re lucky, even the Northern Lights. 

To enhance the stargazing experience, the park collaborates with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society to host monthly “Star Parties.” These events feature guided night sky explorations, telescope demonstrations, and educational programs suitable for all ages.

While the events are free, a park pass is required for entry. For those planning a self-guided stargazing night, it’s advisable to bring a flashlight, preferably with a red filter to preserve night vision, and allow approximately 20 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness. Checking the weather forecast and moon phases can also help ensure optimal viewing conditions. 

Where to Stay Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

Go Camping

For nature lovers, camping is one of the best choices for accommodations in Sleeping Bear Dunes. You will find 2 campgrounds along the lakeshore and additional campgrounds on the Manitou Islands. 

The Platte River Campground offers 179 tent sites, RV sites, walk-in sites, group sites, and backcountry sites. The campground is open year round. 

The D. H. Day Campground is another option for camping within Sleeping Bear Dunes. It is located in the Leelanau District. It features 87 campsites and offers easy access to Glen Arbor, the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and historic Glen Harbor. D.H. Day Campground is closed during the winter months. 

The Manitou Islands are another great option for camping. You can stay in one of three campgrounds on South Manitou Island or go backcountry camping on North Manitou Island. 

Visit the NPS page on Sleeping Bear Dunes for specific camping information when planning your trip! 

Stay in a Nearby City 

If you prefer indoor accommodations, consider staying in a nearby town/city, like Glen Arbor, Empire, or Traverse City. 

Glen Arbor or Empire 

Glen Arbor is the closest town to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located just outside. 

1. M22 Inn Glen Arbor: Located in Glen Arbor with quick access to shops and dining, along with nearby access to Sleeping Bear Dunes. 

Empire is another nearby town with accommodation options. 

1. Empire Lakeshore Inn: Conveniently located inn with standard hotel rooms. 
2. The Cottonwood Inn B&B: A cozy B&B with a homelike feel located just outside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

You can also find entire vacation homes and cottages for rent, so consider using Airbnb and VRBO to find the perfect accommodations for your family. 

Traverse City

1. Sugar Beach Resort Hotel: A waterfront hotel with an indoor pool and beach access. 
2. Parkshore Resort: A waterfront hotel with beach access, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub/jacuzzi, and onsite restaurant.  
3. Great Wolf Lodge: If you have been to a Great Wolf Lodge resort, you know they are excellent choices for families! Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City offers an indoor water park, hot tub/jacuzzi, kid friendly suites, an arcade, build a bear workshop, bowling alley, mini-golf, and Magiquest. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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