Family Fun
By Brandon Hubbard, Staff Writer
While surviving the brisk winter sports in Northern Michigan might be a great way to enjoy a vacation, it isn’t always the best plan for families traveling with young children. In this region, there are still plenty of family-oriented activities to keep the little ones away from frostbite and parents away from insanity.
Libraries
There might be nothing better than a good book on a quiet winter day. But many of the area libraries extend their efforts far beyond the books, audio books and DVDs that they loan to the public.
At the Petoskey Public Library, there are weekly movie showings on Wednesdays and Fridays sponsored by the Petoskey Film Theater and shown in the Carnegie Building across Mitchell Street from the main library. For listings and show times, contact (231) 758-3100.
The library also holds a 30-minute literacy program for parents and children under 3 years old; it mixes songs, stories, finger plays, puppets and poems that are aimed at the developmental needs for the children. Drop-ins are welcome.
“The program moves at a fast pace to keep the little ones interested,” said Barbara Cook, the library administrator.
For 3-5 year olds, a preschool story hour features an enthusiastic reading of an illustrated story.
Other events include historical society lectures and holiday events, like an early New Years Eve party for families that ends at 9 p.m. For more information, visit the library at www.petoskeylibrary.org or call 758-3100.
At the Charlevoix Public Library, programs range from reading and crafts for younger children to a Winter 2010 Teen Film Festival, to a weekly writers’ group for adults. Located at 220 W. Clinton St. in downtown Charlevoix, the library can be reached at 547-2651 or visited at www.charlevoixlibrary.org. It has an extensive children’s wing with plenty of activities for youngsters and teens.
Bowling, arcades and mini-golf
Northern Lights Recreation located on M-119 is the destination for grabbing a game on the lanes or hitting the greens.
With 16 bowling lanes, an 18-hole miniature golf course, billiards room, arcade and restaurant, Northern Lights provides for all a family’s needs in one place. On the weekends, the restaurant features live music for adults and the lanes transform into a neon cosmos for glow bowling. For young bowlers, lightweight balls are available, as are smaller shoes sizes. For more details, call 347-3100 or visit www.northernlightsrec.com.
The Jungle, on U.S. 31 in Petoskey, is an indoor miniature golf course that combines a rainforest motif with plenty of fun hazards for a family of golfers. Afterward, families can stop by the arcade and earn prizes for the tickets they win. 348-8787; adjacent to Big Boy restaurant.
Other places to bowl:
Boyne City Lanes, 582-7291
Gemini Lanes, East Jordan, 536-2411
Paul Bunyan Lanes, Charlevoix, 547-2848
Indoor waterpark
Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain, in Boyne Falls, displays a Swiss-Austrian snowy village theme with activities for all ages.
While the outdoor enthusiasts on the slopes are hoping for hot chocolate, the 84-degree waterpark keeps splashers wanting lemonade year-round. Some of the attractions include the Splasherhorn — 800 gallons of water that pour onto unsuspecting people below at the sound for a horn’s blast — and the Rip Zone, which simulates a surf wave indoors. There are also plenty of waterslides to keep people going all afternoon. For more information: (800) 462-6963 or visit www.avalanchebay.com. 547-7979
Entertainment and gaming
With a nod to the play houses of old, The Opera House in Cheboygan features a Victorian theatre was originally constructed in 1877. Each week the line-up for concerts changes, inviting dramas and traveling shows to take the stage. The Opera House is location at 403 N. Huron St. in Cheboygan; the box office phone is (231) 627-5841. For general information and schedules, visit www.theoperahouse.org.
The Odawa Casino and Resort provides a one-stop destination for gaming, dining and entertainment. Featuring theater, music and tradeshows in the 1,000 capacity Ovation Hall, there is always something happening at the resort. The O Zone nightclub features DJs from around the country and a bustling dance floor surrounded by private tables.
In the main area of the casino, there are blackjack, roulette, poker and craps and slot machines of almost every denomination. Placed in the center of the gaming area is the Rendezvous Lounge, which is lined with big sofas, flat screen televisions and a circular bar. For more information, call (877) 442-6464.
Downtown shopping and dining
Northern Michigan is a great location for grabbing a coffee and spending an afternoon shopping. A long-time guilty pleasure of the area, just about every town and village — Petoskey, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw City and Indian River to name a few — have shopping districts with unique shops that won’t be found anywhere else. And don’t forget to grab some lunch and scout a location for dinner while out. Many of the local restaurants use regional ingredients in an amazing ways to entertain the palette.
The arts
Northern Michigan is rich in galleries and artisan shops. But, the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey is the epicenter of local art that is happening in the region. Open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the gallery features everything from traditional work in the Art Tree Gallery to a special events like wine tastings and artist lectures. The center is located at 461 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey. For more information, visit www.crookedtree.org or call 347-4337.
Community pools
Charlevoix, 547-0982
Harbor Springs, 526-4824
East Jordan 536-2250
