How to show grandparents a good time on Mackinac Island
Life has changed a lot since the old days. Many routine aspects of today’s world, like getting information from all across the globe instantly delivered to a phone in the palm of your hand, were only figments of the imagination a couple generations ago. In fact, life is so much different for kids these days that it can be hard for parents, let alone grandparents, to stay up to speed with what’s going on!
Even though many changes have been for the better, it’s easy to yearn for the way things used to be. Because in a lot of ways, the way things used to be was pretty good, too.
Remember taking trips to the toy store?
Mackinac Island is one of the rare places today where there’s still an authentic toy store. It's also one of the few places in the modern world where it’s okay to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life: a bike ride by the water, a casual stroll along the boardwalk, free samples of fudge!
Mackinac Island is an extraordinary place where family members of different generations can find things to do that everybody enjoys. Where grandparents can introduce their grandkids to something special from the past, and where the grandkids can teach a thing or two to grandma and grandpa, too.
10 Ways for Grandparents and Grandkids to Have Fun on Mackinac Island
The funny thing about Mackinac Island is that much of the historic charm pre-dates even the grandparents! Nobody was around when Fort Mackinac was an active military base. Or when Mackinac Island decided not to allow “horseless carriages” on the streets. Or, certainly, when Arch Rock and the other incredible natural wonders of Mackinac Island were carved out of the limestone by the surrounding waters.
There’s a lot on Mackinac Island from the really old days, and it’s the perfect place for grandparents and grandkids to learn about those things together.
Here are 10 activities to build a Mackinac Island vacation around when you’re looking to show the grandparents and the grandkids a good time:
Take a Horse-drawn Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island
Although Fort Mackinac was built on the bluffs of Mackinac Island in 1780 by the British, the historic buildings have been restored to how they looked during the second half of the 19th century when American troops manned the post and doubled as rangers in Mackinac National Park. In addition to history exhibits, Fort Mackinac hosts daily re-enactments featuring costumed interpreters to give visitors a taste of life as a soldier back in the 1800s.
Q&A with a Fort Mackinac interpretive soldier
In addition to stunning natural beauty, Mackinac Island is home to lots of good, ole man-made family fun, too. The whole family can head downtown and have a blast navigating through the iconic 3D Maze of Mirrors or enjoy the zany experience of meeting 3D monsters from Mackinac Island's legendary past at the Haunted Theatre. You can also let your imaginations run wild at Great Turtle Toys or browse shelves full of unique books for all ages at The Island Bookstore.
Downtown Mackinac Island: Something for Every Visitor
There’s no Major League baseball team on Mackinac Island. Not even the high school has a team. But Mackinac Island is home to the oldest ballfield in all of Michigan! Soldiers first started playing “base ball” on the parade grounds outside Fort Mackinac 150 years ago. Be sure to pack a glove and ball in your luggage and you can carry on the tradition with a game of catch.
Baseball on Mackinac Island