Your Staycation Itinerary: Spring Break Fun for Families

10+ affordable events across northern Michigan

By Abby McKiernan | March 22, 2025

Spring break is here, and if you’re looking for fun, family-friendly activities that won't break the bank, we’ve got you covered! From free movies and outdoor adventures to creative crafts and hands-on experiences, here are daily events happening from March 21 through April 3 across northern Michigan.

Free Movies at the State Theatre

Friday, March 21 – Thursday, March 27 | State Theatre, Traverse City | Free

It’s safe to say that we locals look forward to the tradition of free spring break movies each year at the State Theatre! Something about the smell of popcorn, the plush red velvet seats, and the starry ceiling of the theater feels integral to a staycation. With a great lineup of classics and new favorites this year—think Shrek 2, Babe, Once, and Mad Max: Fury Road—it is a perfect way to relax and enjoy some big-screen entertainment with a side of nostalgia. stateandbijou.org

Maple Sugaring Day

Saturday, March 22 | 10:00am - 8:00pm | Port Oneida Rural Historic District in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear | Free with Park Pass ($25 per vehicle for 7 days)

This unique event—rescheduled from February—allows you to step back in time and experience the traditional art of maple sugaring. Attendees can watch sap boiling demonstrations, sample fresh maple syrup, and enjoy a lantern-lit self-guided history hike in the evening. phsb.org/event/maple-sugaring-days-2

Hop Lot Family Day Sundays

Sunday, March 23 & Sunday, March 30 | Hop Lot Brewing Co., Suttons Bay | Free S’mores & Hot Chocolate | ½ Off Kids’ Menu

Tucked away in the woods of Suttons Bay surrounded by a babbling creek, snowy trees, cozy igloos, and warm fires, Hop Lot is an outdoor experience with full perks! Families can enjoy a laid-back afternoon with complimentary s’mores, warm hot chocolate, and special half-off kids’ menu deals. hoplotbrewing.com

Cheboygan Library Spring Break Programs

Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28 | Cheboygan Area Public Library | Free

Embrace spring break with a week of kids’ activities at the Cheboygan Library. On Monday, March 24 (5:30pm), join in the Holi celebration with a color powder throw. Wear white and get ready to be covered in bright, vibrant hues! On Wednesday, March 26 (2:00pm), get creative with LEGO building time, followed by a screening of The LEGO Movie. And on Friday, March 28 (12:00pm), decorate rocks with colorful designs to celebrate the changing seasons. cheboyganlibrary.org

Open Tai Chi at Friendship Community Center

Monday, March 24 | 11:30am | Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay | Free

Start your week with a calming and rejuvenating beginner-friendly Tai Chi session. This class is perfect for those new to the practice and offers a great way to improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Best of all, this is an ongoing event not just available for spring break, so you can put it on your calendar weekly! friendshipcommunitycenter.org/events

Imagination Station at Art & Connection

Tuesday, March 25 | 9am-12pm | Art & Connection, Elk Rapids | Free (one craft per child)

If you haven’t had the chance to check out Art & Connection in Elk Rapids, this is the perfect opportunity! Let your child’s creativity shine at their Imagination Station, where kids can participate in a hands-on craft activity. artandconnection.org

Grandpa Shorter’s Art Classes

Tuesday, March 25, and Wednesday, March 26 | Grandpa Shorter’s, Petoskey | $30-$35

Check out two opportunities for kids to make their artistic mark at Grandpa Shorter’s. On Tuesday, join Ella Johnson for a Squishmallow Paint Class for your kiddo (age 7+) to paint their favorite squishy character: a cat, a cow, or an axolotl. On Wednesday, Äbby Kent hosts a Kids’ Art Class for ages 6-8 to explore printmaking, salt painting, and oil pastel bubbles. (Kids will even take home a set of pastels after the class!) grandpashorters.com

Spring Break Extravaganza at Otsego County Library

Thursday, March 27 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Otsego County Library | Free

With events planned all week, be sure to keep an eye on the Otsego County Library Facebook page. In the meantime, this one is worth putting on the calendar! Spend an afternoon exploring board games, Nintendo Switch competitions, and VR experiences at the library’s Spring Break Extravaganza. Snacks and drinks will be provided for all attendees. otsego.lib.mi.us/events/month

Free Movies at the Vogue Theatre

March 28 – April 3 | Vogue Theatre, Manistee | Free

Enjoy the magic and tradition of the big screen at the Vogue Theatre with free spring break movie screenings. Known for having a great mix of movies for every age, the Vogue’s lineup this year includes Oscar nominees Flow and The Wild Robot alongside a slate of classics and newer films. voguetheatremanistee.org/coming-soon

Open Roller Skating at the Civic Center

Saturday, March 29 | 3-5pm & 6-8pm | Traverse City Civic Center | $5 Admission / $5 Skate Rental

Do you ever miss the good ol’ days of roller rinks, holding hands, and going under the limbo stick? Well you have the Traverse City Roller Derby and Civic Center to thank for bringing back a classic on March 29! Whether you bring your own skates or rent a pair, this is a great way to get active and have fun with family and friends while reminiscing about the days of milkshakes and roller rinks. (Arrive early if you need rental skates, as popular sizes go quickly and stock is limited!) facebook.com/share/15g2bRdtx4

Family Fun Concert with Jim Gill

Saturday, March 29 | Manistee 10am - Wagoner Center; Cadillac 2pm - Elks Lodge | Free

Sing, clap, and dance along with award-winning children’s musician Jim Gill in two different locations this spring break. His interactive concert is designed for young audiences and families looking to share a joyful musical experience (and sure to tire out even the most energetic of kids). Come prepared with a blanket for you and your little ones to sit on at the event…at least for the first few minutes! facebook.com/events/2044231409392035