April Adventures: Family-Friendly Festivals & Fun in Northern Michigan!
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Spring is in the air, and Northern Michigan is coming alive with exciting family-friendly festivals and events! April is the perfect time to shake off the winter chill and dive into sweet traditions, outdoor fun, and community celebrations. Whether your family loves maple syrup, Easter egg hunts, or exploring lakeside adventures, there’s something for everyone this month!
Springtime Celebrations & Festivals
1. Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival
📅 April 24–27
📍 Shepherd, MI
🥞 If your family loves all things maple, this is the place to be! Enjoy a weekend full of pancake breakfasts, parades, carnival rides, and craft shows. Kids will love the petting zoo and hands-on activities, while parents can browse local vendors and enjoy the hometown charm of Shepherd.
2. Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
📅 April 25–27
📍 Vermontville, MI
🍁 Known as Michigan’s original maple syrup festival, this event is a must for families who want to experience syrup-making demonstrations, a grand parade, live entertainment, and—of course—plenty of sweet treats. A highlight for kids is the petting zoo and carnival rides!
Easter & Spring Fun
3. Easter Egg Hop in Downtown Gaylord
📅 April 11
📍 Gaylord, MI
🐰 Grab your baskets and get ready for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt! Downtown Gaylord transforms into a springtime wonderland where kids can hop from store to store, collecting eggs and treats. Plus, there will be photo ops with the Easter Bunny and festive activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Live Entertainment & Unique Experiences
4. Up North Lake & Cottage Show
📅 April 4–6
📍 Traverse City, MI
🏡 Planning summer adventures? This event is a great way to get inspired! Families can explore boats, docks, home décor, and lakeside living ideas while enjoying interactive exhibits and local vendors. Kids can get hands-on with outdoor gear and water-themed activities!
5. Tastebud Takeover
📅 April 5
📍 Kewadin, MI
🍽️ A festival for food lovers of all ages! Local chefs showcase their best dishes, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options to sample. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to new flavors while supporting local businesses!
Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, and tag us in your adventures!