Family-Friendly Summer Activities at The Highlands
At The Highlands, summer isn’t about rushing from one activity to the next. It’s about unplugging, slowing down, and enjoying the moment. Here's a look at some of our favorite family-friendly summer activities happening all season long.
1. Unwind Wednesday: Burgers, Brews & Backyard Games
Every Wednesday evening through August 27, we are turning the Slopeside Patio into your new favorite midweek hangout. It is a no reservations needed kind of evening that is all about relaxing together. With chef-crafted burgers, $5 draft beers, and the kids running around on the lawn, Wednesday is about to become your favorite day of the week. Add in the Back Yaird putting green and your favorite lawn games, and it’s a night meant for family time.
2. Crush it Thursday: Free Bike Park Access for Kids 12 & Under
If you have kids who love to ride, Thursdays are for you. Every Thursday through August 28, youth 12 and under can ride the bike park for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Never tried out Mountain Biking? At The Highlands Bike Park, we are making it easier than ever to hop on a bike, catch a scenic chairlift ride to the top, and roll into something new. You do not need your own bike; we rent on-site, and you do not even need to pedal uphill- our lift does the hard part.
After a few laps, head to Slopeside for drink specials – adults get $5 draft beers and kids score a free Orange Crush with their bike RFID card.
3. Discs & Sips: Friday Fun on the Hill
Fridays are for disc golf and summer views on top of the hill. Hop on the Heather Express and head to our 9-hole disc golf course that is fun for beginners and seasoned players alike. This is a great family-friendly activity to get outdoors, take a chairlift to the top, and slowly play down the slopes to end up at Slopeside Patio for drinks and food. With $5 Petoskey Brewing beers, you can toast to a day well spent while the kids play lawn games.
4. Splash Time
Poolside Fun
Sometimes poolside fun makes for the best family moments. Our outdoor pools and hot tubs are open from morning until night and ready for float sessions and soaking in the views. It is the perfect way to cool down after a morning of exploring, winding down before sunset, or really, any time. All Highlands lodging guests have access to the Main Lodge outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as the Bartley outdoor hot tub.
Kayaks & Canoes on the Pond
Take it slow and paddle the pond together. Kayaking or canoeing is a gentle, easy way to enjoy the water, especially for kids trying it out for the first time.
5. The Back Yaird Putting Green
Open all day and located right behind our Main Lodge, our 27-hole Back Yaird putting course is built for fun. Spanning 1.5 acres, it offers a fun and casual challenge where your best line to the hole isn’t always straight. It is less about perfect technique and more about laughing, cheering, and maybe even a little sibling rivalry. Great for all ages and a favorite among parents who want to relax nearby or challenge the kids to a game.
The Back Yaird is free for all Highlands lodging guests.
6. The Young Americans Dinner Theatre
This one’s a summer tradition. The Young Americans are back with “American Jukebox”, a feel-good, high-energy tribute to American music through the decades. Kids love the energy, grown-ups love the nostalgia, and everyone leaves tapping their feet. Pair the performance with a chef-prepared dinner, and you have a fun family night out.
- Held right here at The Highlands
- Dinner included
- Lodging guests can enjoy $20 off adult tickets
- Youth pricing is $39, and kids 5 and under are free!
7. Lawn Games, S’mores & Slow Evenings Together
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that stick. Evenings at The Highlands often mean a game of ring toss, giant scrabble on the lawn, or s’mores by the fire. Parents can grab a drink on the patio while the kids burn off the last of their energy, and everyone heads to bed with tired smiles.