Thinking about a this this summer but have three children, 3 yrs 2 yrs and a baby who would be around 4-5 months when we would go. It it toddler friendly? also do they rent some kind of carriers so we could pull them behind us on the bikes? any tips would be helpful. we are looking to drive from PA and wanted a place that would be around 8 hr drive, if you have any better suggestions please post them.
Good place for toddlers?
Hello jjiillee,
Here are three places on Mackinac Island that rent bikes.
Island Bicycle Rental
http://www.mackinac.com/islandbicycle/
Ryba%26#39;s Bicycle Rentals
http://www.rybabikes.com/
Mackinac Island Bike Shop
http://www.mackinacislandbikes.com/
I think you will see the cost of renting bikes maybe a bit high. If you could bring your own bikes with you it would save you money. You can take your own bikes over to the Island for a slight charge.
I took my daughter over to the Mackinac Island when she was 3 years old and she loved it. I think your two year old would like it to but not sure if the 2 year old%26#39;s attention span would last the whole day.
Now this is just my opinion but I would think about visiting Mackinac Island in a few years when the 3 and 2 year old could rent their own bikes or bring their bikes with them. For this summer I would think there would be some other vacation spot for your family that would be as much fun and less work for you.
Hopefully there will be other Tripadvisor people that will post and suggest other places in Michigan to go or give you advice/experience going to Mackinac Island.
Good place for toddlers?
jjiillee,
We took our 2 year old last Labor Day and she had a great time watching the horses, riding in the carrier behind the bike and generally running around Marquette Park. She was exhausted at the end of each day since we did so much walking.
We did take a stroller for extended outings, but she had fun walking along Main Street with the family.
There are a limited number of carriers, it seems, so you probably want to get one earlier in the day rather than later.
The Original Butterfly House is a must see, the kids love it along with the bug exhibits!
All of the restaurants we visited (Village Inn, Pink Pony, Sea Biscuit, Horns, Pancake House and several others) had kids menus and high chairs.
The carriage ride was a bit long for our 2 year old, but my sister-in-laws older kids (7%26amp;5) enjoyed it.
I would also suggest stopping by the great lawn in front of the Mission Point for some relaxation and to let the kids run around.
Finally, Mission Point offers hay rides if enough people sign up. I don%26#39;t think you have to be a guest to take advantage of that, though we happened to be. That was a hit all the way around (the hay ride, not Mission Point).
Have a great trip!
The Island is a great place for kids of all ages! I agree with the suggestion to bring your own bikes/carriers if you can. You can rent carriers and bikes with kid seats on the back, but with the money you spend for having them for one day, you could easily buy your own. Not to mention the freedom you have by having your own bikes is great! Bikes cost $7 each to bring on the ferry, but far better than the rental cost!
Your little ones certainly will not have any trouble sleeping when they are on the island. Between the Fort, butterfly houses, riding around the perimeter of the Island (my favorite!), and just running around the parks and playgrounds, they%26#39;ll be worn out. Going into the interior of the Island might be a bit difficult with the little ones, (all uphill)but then you have some great things to look forward to the next time.
We usually stay at a condo with our kids, because you can bring your own food and save money by cooking your own meals. But most of them are a ways out of town, so a hotel may be a good option for you. I would suggest either Island House or Main Street Inn and Suites. Main Street Inn has some of the best accommodations, but being in town can be a bit noisy at night. Island House is just outside of the main part of town, much quieter, but still very convenient. Island House also offers breakfast but Main Street does not have a restaurant. Though there are many great choices just a few steps from the Inn. Many of the other hotels have bars and music well into the night. While those hotels are also great it is something to consider.
As you know, relaxation is key when travelling with kids the ages of yours. I really think you can do that on the Island. Sit with your husband and watch the kids play and take in the natural beauty at the same time! Enjoy!
Our children are now 6 %26amp; 8 and we have been going to Mackinac Island every other year since my oldest was 9 months. My kids love it! We%26#39;ve always had a wonderful time. We brought our own double bike carrier that turns into a stroller along with us last time. The carriers that I saw being rented looked much smaller than ours, so I don%26#39;t know if it they were all single carriers or just that they were a different brand.
The original butterfly house is always a hit. We%26#39;ve never done the carriage tour as it seems way too long for kids, but the last time we were there we took a ride to the Woods restaurant mid-day. We had a couple drinks, did some duck pin bowling, and called a carriage to take us back to the main street. At times the carriage taxis may be busy, so call at least 1/2 ahesd of time to schedule a pick up.
Other things we like to do are play on the playground in front of the fort, get sandwiches at the deli in front of Misson Point and have lunch on the lawn overlooking the water. The Yankee Tavern is one of our favorite restaurants for food and atmosphere. There%26#39;s also a Brian%26#39;s BBQ that serves food right on the sidewalk (close to Harbour View Inn). And of course shop in the hokey stores down the main street.
Just as a FYI, although it%26#39;s an island there isn%26#39;t any beach to swim.
How long are you planning on staying? If you%26#39;re looking for a week, you might want to combine it with a couple nights elsewhere. For us 3 nights on the island is perfect and 4 would be pushing it. Maybe Mackinac City or Traverse City. For Traverse City, we%26#39;ve enjoyed staying at the Cherry Tree Inn and the Bayshore.
For maybe another suggestion... Last year my sister visited a place in Ohio called Geneva on the Lake. To me it sounded very quaint like Mackinac Island. I%26#39;ve been checking it out every now and then. The Geneva on the Lake Lodge looks realy nice. Have you ever been?
Just to follow up on one suggestion LoveVacations had, below is the web site to Geneva on the Lake Lodge. It is called The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
http://www.thelodgeatgeneva.com/
There are lots of great suggestions given. We have taken our four children (now ages 15-21) for two weeks since they were born, so obviously we love it. But I strongly agree with those who say to bring your own bikes. We have always used a bike trailer behind one of our bikes for the kids. A car seat will fit in one nicely and our kids napped great in one! You would need 2 for 3 children your ages. For the price you would pay to rent them, I would check out Craig%26#39;s list or garage sales and just buy them. There are several playgrounds and fun places for the kids. Use your bikes and stay out of town during the middle of the day when it is crazy. We always take a cooler and pack picnics so you can stop whenever they are hungry or need a break.
