Oh, baby! Traveling with an infant can be challenging. Yet, with advance preparation and realistic expectations, vacationing with a little one can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
That’s especially true on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, voted the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination four years in a row and the No. 1 Best Place To Visit For Fall two years running.
Why will you and your baby love Mackinac Island? Let’s count the ways!
5 Ways Mackinac Island Is Great For Babies
- Mackinac Island is car-free. That gives the whole place a slower pace. And without autos whirring past, the streetscape feels a lot less hairy – even with horses all over the road. The lack of cars makes maneuvering a stroller or riding a bike with a trailer safer and more comfortable than in many travel destinations.
- Everything is walkable on Mackinac Island. There’s no need to get your baby into and out of the car several times a day. You can simply put your baby in a stroller or soft carrier and off you go. Even walking all the way around the entire island is doable.
- Mackinac Island has a wide variety of places to stay, each offering family-friendly hospitality. Some hotels provide a crib for your baby and suites where you can give your baby a nap in their own room – or put them to bed early while the adults stay up. Plus, many hotels are near popular visitor attractions, so you’re never far from your room.
- Naps come easy on Mackinac Island. The clip-clop of horse hooves and the rhythmic pulse of water lapping at the shore will lull your baby to sleep. Taking a rest on a blanket by the water or rocking in a chair on the hotel porch are favorite ways for parents and babies to spend Mackinac Island afternoons.
- Many Mackinac Island restaurants have high chairs for babies. There also are lots of scenic picnic spots where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy the island’s beauty in peace and quiet, without fear of your baby getting upset and disrupting other diners.
Nap-Friendly Itinerary for Enjoying Mackinac Island With a Baby
There’s a lot to see and do on Mackinac Island. But there’s no rush. The island’s laid-back vibe is perfect for babies and their parents, so embrace that and don’t feel like you have to always be on the move.
Here’s a sample itinerary for spending a relaxing day with a baby on Mackinac Island:
Morning on Mackinac Island With a Baby
Take a ferry boat from the mainland, preferably before mid-morning when things get busier. Children ages 5 and under – and baby strollers – are free on the ferry. Just know that your stroller will go with your luggage below deck while your baby will sit with you.
When you arrive at the ferry dock on Mackinac Island, you can have a dockporter bring your luggage to your hotel. (Some places to stay handle this so you don’t have to.) Keep your stroller on hand for a walk along Main Street to find a spot for breakfast or coffee. The streets through town and the road that runs all the way around Mackinac Island are paved, mostly flat and stroller-friendly.
Late Morning on Mackinac Island With a Baby
Head into a Mackinac Island fudge shop for one of the most popular visitor experiences: Watching a fudge making demonstration! Your baby will be enthralled by the fudge maker’s movements, and you’ll enjoy tasting a sample or two even if your baby can’t.
Make your way to Marquette Park, an expansive greenspace overlooking the marina at the foot of historic Fort Mackinac. This is an ideal place to spread out a blanket and let your baby watch people, horses, bicycles and boats – and maybe fall asleep for a spell. In spring and early summer, you can smell the sweet-scented lilacs, too. This is also a great spot for Mackinac Island photos, with the water on one side and the old fort on the other.
Early Afternoon on Mackinac Island With a Baby
If you’re in the mood for a picnic, pick up something to eat from nearby Doud’s Market and relax a while longer in Marquette Park. Or stroll to one of the many casual sit-down restaurants along Main Street, including some with al fresco dining and waterfront seating.
If your baby is still going strong, browse Great Turtle Toys and other shops before checking in at your hotel for a nap. Having a room where you can take a break during the day is a big perk of staying overnight on Mackinac Island.
Late Afternoon on Mackinac Island With a Baby
Once baby and parents are refreshed, make time for one of Mackinac Island’s iconic experiences: Would you rather take a horse-drawn carriage tour, rent a bicycle (bike trailers for baby are available) and ride around the island or walk through one of the island’s magical butterfly conservatories?
You can’t go wrong with any of these activities. Bike rental vendors and horse-drawn carriages are right downtown, while the butterfly houses can be reached by horse-drawn taxi (or a walk if you’re up for a trek).
Another great option is to put your baby in the stroller and go for a scenic walk along the lakeshore. It’s 8.2 miles all the way around, but you can turn around at any point.
Dinner and Bedtime on Mackinac Island With a Baby
Just like for lunch, a picnic dinner can be a memorable way to spend time with your baby. Otherwise, look at this listing of Mackinac Island restaurants and pick out of a favorite.
After dinner, savor fudge or ice cream for dessert and walk along the boardwalk on the west end of downtown or, if you’re staying on the other end of town, around the Great Lawn at Mission Point Resort. Then, it’s just a short walk to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep!
Tips For Visiting Mackinac Island With A Baby
As you prepare to visit Mackinac Island with a baby in tow, here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
- Ferry boats have indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating is beautiful but can be breezy and cold even on hot summer days.
- Bring a lightweight stroller with good wheels for getting around Mackinac Island with your baby. A soft-structured carrier or buckle carrier is a good idea, especially if you plan to do any hiking through Mackinac Island State Park.
- Be sure to ask about crib availability when booking your place to stay.
- If you forget any baby care items or run low while you’re on the island, you can restock at Doud’s Market, America’s oldest family-owned grocery store! And in case you have any trouble with your stroller, Island Hardware has what you need to fix it.
- For peace of mind, car-free Mackinac Island does have emergency vehicles, if necessary. The Mackinac Island Medical Center can handle many health issues that may arise while traveling with your baby.
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