This is probably one of the best playgrounds up north, the only real downside is the location…read more Kalkaska is a humble and honest small town, but beyond grabbing a bite to eat there isn't much else to do in town... this is only relevant if your traveling to the area from down state. Not much touristy things to do if you plan to come to this park.... downtown is cool but there isn't really shopping... back to the park: this park is tucked behind some buildings and easy to miss if you are driving through. The structure is completely wooden and connected completely through bridges, tunnels, and monkey bars. There's a sign with rules and restrictions and beyond guardians and parents the playground is meant for 12 and under in age. I brought my sister in law and nephew after we grabbed lunch at the up north grill in town (only 5 minutes away so highly recommend for lunch) my nephew is almost 2 years old but there was still tons of interactive stuff for him to do which was unexpected based on the size of this huge castle themed park. There's about 5 different slides so age shouldn't restrict enjoying. The structure is very well built and laid out so, as adults we were for the most part able to maneuver it with our little guy. A bouncy tire contraption that reminded us of a bull was a win as well as a swing that allows an adult to swing with your baby which was SOOOO COOL. Better that just pushing because it adds safety and gives you a chance to do something enjoyable with your baby while making eye contact. Wyatt was all giggles. The park was busy when we visited but it never felt crowded because how it's designed. It's both 40 minutes from my sisters house in grayling but left enoug of an impression that she plans to take Wyatt with my brother this weekend again!

Recently visited the speech while I was in the area. After visiting all the shops in the area I…read moredecided to visit the beach that was nearby. The beach was easy access from the street. The beach was pretty busy too with plenty of people with their boats out close to shore and people just playing volleyball into sand nearby. The water was actually pretty warm too. Overall, this beach is great for strolling up and down in or just casual sitting

This is a small little park that delivers a huge amount of what you might want -- very close to…read moredowntown, but right on the water with beautiful views -- and it has a tidy little playground that is a mix of nice climbing structures and fun splash park, making it the perfect place to spend an hour or two in the summer while passing through Traverse City. (I tried to think of a good "clinch" related wordplay, but I couldn't, so I'll just say it does the trick.)

Nice little turn in park right by the bay…read more It has a little picnic area and plenty of parking Probably mostly useful just to be able to park somewhere and enjoy the scenery Very simple, but will probably meet your needs if you just need a place to rest, which is what I was looking for !

Having lived in Traverse City during my elementary school years, I remember when coal would be off…read moreloaded nearby, and all summer there'd be a mountain of coal to the south of the beach. I also remember the yummy hamburgers that came from a burger stand that used to be where the covered tables are now. Often childhood memories are selective and triumph over what is happening now; but, the current '17 version of this beach is very, very fine. It is far better than what I remember. I am impressed by the community's effort on improving and maintaining this beach. It is very special.

Any place we visit with our kids we always find or 'owe them' some park fun. There are a few…read moreparks in the area but the F and M park from what I found definitely is the best. Our kids loved it. Wide open for them to run around. A very cool playground and I appreciate the old school metal slide that our daughter got to experience that so many parks have removed. Everyone around was really friendly. Easy walk from the main strip. If youre visiting TC with kids, definitely check this Park out.

Nice park with a train themed play scape area. There was a pavilion, basketball courts, swings and…read moreslide. Only street parking though.

Great beach, and not very crowded at all! Clean with very soft sand! We came here to do some rock…read morehunting and had a great day.

This rustic state park is one of our favorites. The scenery is gorgeous, with miles of sandy and…read morerocky beachfront, walking trails, 5-mile road for biking and spacious wooded lots and a prized few water front lots. There is firewood and ice at the check-in station which is very convenient. T h e grounds are well maintained and the vault toilet stalls are mostly clean (though can become odiferous when the park is full). It is usually the case that visitors to the rustic parks are more respectful of the quiet. We are bird watchers and always love spying the eagles and variety of other birds in the area. Close to the town of Charlevoix, there are plenty of options for sight seeing, eating and finding supplies. Beautiful area of our state.

Mini golf course was really fun and was pretty hard for us (we did the harder course). We also did…read morethe go carts which was really fun, some carts do go faster than others but that's expected. Overall, it was really fun and the employees were very nice.

Fun and informative. I enjoyed the details on the different pirates. The course was interesting but…read morenot overly difficult.

We love this spot for a bit of a view and some great stairs! You can also choose to go the 'back…read moreway' and hike through the woods to get to the overview which is what we do! I prefer going down stairs than up them so that is my secret hiking too! Always a lovely time to hike here as there is quiet and lots of tree cover so it is cooler and restful. The hike is not too strenuous but also not just a walk which is perfect. We didn't get many bugs which was also nice and could go without a walking stick too. I love that they have separate trails for biking and hiking as well as a disc golf course that meanders through the woods. We are usually almost alone when hiking which is perfect if you want to just focus on nature. The overview tends to be a bit busier so we did meet up with more people toward the end, but everyone is very kind and friendly. Love this spot and we go as often as we can!

The hike starts off rough if you're unable to walk up 450+ steps. It definitely makes you wonder…read morehow good of shape you're in. There's plenty of benches along the large staircase to assist your travels. The overlook at the end of the stairs makes it worth it. Absolutely stunning. The view of all the house, trees, and lake blew me away. I could sit up there for hours. Once you reach the overlook, the hikes starts. It's a beautiful 2+ miles hike. Plenty of trees, animals, and plants to keep you company on the walk. I would live in the woods here If I was able.

This quaint and peaceful beach is fun for all ages. For the kids, there is plenty of playground…read moreequipment. There is lots of space for hanging out, and if you want to make it a full day you can grill out on the barbecue. My favorite thing to do at this beach is relax and watch the water not to mention find a rock or two. If you are in the area don't miss out on this spot and enjoy this beautiful beach!

Odd place. We first…read morewent there to do a kayak trip. They were efficient and helpful and all went well with the exception that the Crystal River is a bit low in places and the one place where you have to portage across the road. Two crazy ladies did dunk into their kayaks to go through the culvert -about 6" of head space above the kayak. Nuts, but they made it. Anyway, the price was reasonable compared to what I saw for other places. When we got back, we realized that they have all this free 'game' stuff. Chess with 2' high pieces, antler ring toss, mini-basketball hoop, ping pong table, etc. Very busy time of year in town, but we were the only ones there. Small arcade area, a Lego table, nice swings for the parents to chill on. Went back the next night to play miniature golf. Ridiculously priced ($10/adults), but they do give a free ice cream for the winner of your group and prizes for hole-in-ones on two holes. It was poorly lit in places. Very challenging course. They guy working there disappeared once he got us started. Was kind of like walking through a ghost town when we finished. Helped ourselves to the ice-cream prizes. Yes, I won, again in case anyone is keeping score. They keep a tally of low scores by age group. Some of the younger ones clearly don't count all their strokes, so I guess it's on the dis-honor system.

This place is awesome! Mini golf with a side of nature and local history. The course was…read morechallenging and fun for our crew of 14, ages 7-70. The staff were friendly and helpful (one in particular made my 7 year old feel better about her high score). They have some other fun games like life sized chess that the kids loved. Great atmosphere!

You can tell by the condition of the play structures that this park is underutilized and probably a…read morenew addition to the area. Once peak camping season kicks off at Higgins lake and summer is here, I'm sure this place will get busy. This playground is multi-dimensional because it also has a paved track to walk,jog or run with an exercise obstacle course along the route..very high quality at that. My husband and I stopped at the elliptical, the rowing machine and the chest press...the machines use your weight as resistance and honestly it was an awesome spot to be in a "gym" while completely submersed in nature. Tucked behind the park is a memorial cemetery. Markey dog park is also right here which is the reason we come. We have found this park to be a huge blessing these past 6 months with our new puppy. There's also a connecting trail to the marl lake loops right here! Super convenient honestly so even if your goal is to hike you can jump right into the 3.5mile red loop. As far as the playground itself there are a variety of structures for toddlers-full grown adults apparently because my husband and I really enjoyed the mini-zip line haha! High quality with amazing upkeep... this place is unique and perfectly located.