I travel often for destination races and bring along the entire family. I have two young children, so at times it can be a challenge to find activities and attractions that the entire family will enjoy. Imagine my excitement when I saw that Traverse City, Michigan was home to the TC Waterman Stand Up Paddle Challenge, which will be held on Saturday, August 17 AND home to Great Wolf Lodge. Do we have a winner?

 Traverse City Great Wolf Lodge and Beyond

This event is the Midwest’s largest Stand Up Paddle Board challenge. This course includes a 3.5-mile challenge course, 11-mile down-winder distance race, kid’s race and 100M “Dash for Cash” sprint. Participants can sign up for one or more of the races for a day full of sun and fun. This event is fun not only for the participants, but for the entire family. On Friday, August 16, there will be a Great Wakes & Paella in the Park Festival from 4pm to 11pm. There will be music, refreshments and more. Kids can enjoy the festivities and even join in on the activity with the free kids race.

The race will bring you to Traverse City, but you’ll find so much to do you may want consider spending an extra few days in the city to enjoy all it has to offer.

Make sure to stay a night at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City. We’re reviewed the Great Wolf Lodge before, and this particular Great Wolf location has added a whitewater rafting element to its waterpark. The entire family will enjoy River Canyon Run, tube rides, pool, splash area and more in this indoor water park. This resort is also adding a “Ten Paw Alley” bowling alley, expanding its Scooops Kid Spa and adding a Dunkin’ Donuts. This resort is the ultimate kid’s dream!

We haven’t yet been to Traverse City, but based upon what we’ve seen, kids will love visiting Cherry Republic, taking a Riverside Canoe Trip in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park, visiting the Great Lakes Childrens Museum and playing mini golf.

The entire family will love Clinch Park, which has just undergone a $3 million renovation. This park offers a splash pad for children, pavillion, playground and concessions stand. You can spend the entire day enjoying all Clinch Park has to offer.

Check out the Traverse City website for more information on upcoming events and things to do for families. Have you visited Traverse City before? What was your favorite thing to do there? Do you travel for destination races? I’d love to hear from you!