Family Fun on the Traverse Wine Coast

Monday, July 29, 2024 11:00 AM

by Sophia Trudeau

Planning a trip to the Traverse Wine Coast and want to involve the whole family in the fun? Imagine this: You’re driving through picturesque vineyards with the sun shining down, and everyone in the family is excited about the adventure ahead.

Take a look at these kid-friendly wineries you should add to your itinerary and get ready for a memorable family outing filled with laughter, delicious treats, and, of course, some fantastic wine for the grown-ups!


Left Foot Charley 

At Left Foot Charley, you can enjoy a variety of red and white wines, hard cider, and sparkling wine. The winery is at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the former site of the old state hospital, where The Piazza across the street becomes the perfect place for everyone to gather. You can find a sandbox in the garden area filled with toys, so kick back and relax on the patio, while the kids have a blast nearby!  




Brys Estate 

Brys Estate is a family-run winery with an outdoor lawn surrounded by beautiful rows of vineyards. They offer frosé, wine, and hard ciders for adults, as well as refreshing nonalcoholic drinks for the little ones. You can even join your kids in a fun game of cornhole at the lawn bar! It’s a fantastic place for the whole family to unwind and have a great time. 




Dune Bird 

At Dune Bird, you can enjoy a new take on traditional wine and even grab a delicious espresso. The cozy, modern tasting room and spacious lawn are perfect for chilling out. They have a fun playset for the kids with plenty of toys, cornhole, and croquet. 




Black Star Farms 

Black Star Farms is nestled on the beautiful rolling hills of the Leelanau Peninsula. They have over 50 wines, ciders, and spirits that express the nature of what the region has to offer. The bonus, kids are welcome in their tasting room! They can also have a blast exploring The Farm where you can find horses, goats, chickens, and pigs, or you can take a walk on one of their hiking trails. 




Cherry Republic 

Cherry Republic is located in downtown Traverse City, and is a must-visit! Not only do they have samples of cherry sodas and cherries of every kind that your children will enjoy, but they also have a fantastic wine-tasting bar with a variation of wines – think red, white, sweet, dry, bubbly, and even cherry-infused. A bonus for the kiddos is the variety of different ice cream flavors for them to enjoy while you sip on a glass of wine.



45 North Vineyard 

Located directly on the 45th parallel, a significant feature of our unique geographical wine-growing region and the idea behind the name, 45 North Vineyard is a great stop when exploring the Leelanau Peninsula. For the kiddos, there is The 45 North Vineyard Trail connected to the tasting room, with 3 miles of hiking to explore! Or relax on their lovely outdoor deck where you can hang out and play some bocce ball!

Here’s where you can find them:




 

*Please consume alcohol responsibly and make sure to have a designated driver. Designating a driver or arranging alternative transportation options can help ensure everyone’s safety and prevent any potential accidents or harm. Remember, responsible drinking is key to having an enjoyable and worry-free time, so take care and make responsible choices!

Author: Sophia Trudeau
Sophia Trudeau is currently an intern at Traverse City Tourism. She is a senior, attending Grand Valley State University where she will be getting her degree in communications with a minor in public relations. Sophia is a Traverse City native.