25+ Things to do with Teens on Mackinac Island They’ll Actually Enjoy

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Traveling with teens can be a bit of a balancing act—they’re too old for the playground but not always thrilled about the adult activities. Thankfully, Mackinac Island is packed with things to do with teens that strike just the right balance of fun, adventure, and freedom. Whether your teen is into outdoor thrills, creative experiences, spooky stories, or just chilling with a fudge sample in hand, this island has something for everyone (yes, even the hard-to-impress ones!).

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Contents hide

1 Things to do on Mackinac Island for Teens

1.1 Outdoor Adventures for Teens

1.1.1 Bike Around the Island

1.1.2 Go Hiking

1.1.3 Take a Guided Tour

1.1.4 Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Mission Point Resort

1.1.5 Woodlands Activity Center at the Grand Hotel

1.1.6 Take a Carriage Tour

1.1.7 Go Geocaching

1.1.8 Go for a Kayak Tour

1.1.9 Go Snorkeling

1.1.10 Paddleboard at British Landing

1.1.11 Go Horseback Riding

1.1.12 Play a Game of Pickleball at Great Turtle Park

1.1.13 Go Parasailing

1.1.14 Charter a Boat for a Fishing Trip

1.2 Fun & Unique Activities for Teens

1.2.1 Make a Knife at Forge a Memory

1.2.2 Try Your Luck at the Maze of Mirrors

1.2.3 Enter if you dare at the Haunted Theater

1.2.4 Venture Out at Night for a Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour

1.3 History With a Twist

1.3.1 Step back in time at Fort Mackinac

1.3.2 Fire the Cannon at Fort Mackinac

1.3.3 Benjamin Blacksmith Shop

1.4 Rainy Day or Chill Options

1.4.1 Visit the Arcades

1.4.2 Visit the Original Butterfly House

1.4.3 Try a Game of Duckpin Bowling at The Woods

1.4.4 Visit the Library

1.4.5 Take an Art Class at Watercolor Cafe

1.4.6 Visit the Spa

1.5 Shopping & Food

1.5.1 Stop for Ice Cream

1.5.2 Sample All the Fudge

1.5.3 Grab Snacks and People-Watch

2 Memories They’ll Actually Talk About

3 Make sure to check out some of these other Mackinac Island posts to help you plan your ideal vacation:

Things to do on Mackinac Island for Teens

There’s something extra special about Mackinac Island when you’re a teen. With no cars on the island, teens get a sense of freedom they don’t often have on vacation—they can safely bike around, wander downtown, or grab a snack with friends or siblings without a car ride or constant supervision. The island’s mix of adventure, history, and just the right amount of independence makes it an ideal spot for teens to explore, unplug, and have a blast doing it.

Outdoor Adventures for Teens

Bike Around the Island

One of the most iconic Mackinac activities! The 8.2-mile loop along M-185 (the only highway in the U.S. where cars are banned) offers stunning shoreline views, photo-worthy stops like Arch Rock and British Landing, and plenty of spots to take a break and explore. Teens love the freedom and adventure of seeing the island on two wheels.

Go Hiking

Teens who love nature will enjoy exploring island trails that lead to unique landmarks like Sugar Loaf and the hidden Crack-in-the-Island. For those craving scenic views, the Tranquil Bluff Trail offers peaceful paths with beautiful overlooks of Lake Huron. It’s a great way to unplug and experience the quieter, wild side of Mackinac Island.

Take a Guided Tour

Whether it’s a horseback ride through the island or a themed walking tour (like a haunted or historical tour), guided experiences are a great way for teens to learn fun facts, see hidden spots, and ask all their burning questions—without having to read every sign themselves.

Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at Mission Point Resort

This fun twist on mini golf lights up the night with glowing balls and flags and a laid-back vibe teens love. It’s a great way to wind down after a day of exploring—or challenge siblings and friends to a little friendly competition under the stars.

Woodlands Activity Center at the Grand Hotel

This outdoor play zone is packed with fun for active teens! They can challenge friends on the 18-hole miniature golf course, play a round of pickleball, bocce ball, or shuffleboard, and even take a spin on a 400-foot family-friendly bike track that weaves through the trees. It’s a great spot to burn off energy and enjoy some friendly competition.

Take a Carriage Tour

Sit back, relax, and clip-clop your way through the island on a classic horse-drawn carriage tour. (Both public and private tours are available.) It’s a great way to take in the scenery, learn about Mackinac’s history, and spot cool landmarks—no walking (or pedaling) required.

Go Geocaching

Turn the island into a real-life treasure hunt! Teens can use an app on their smartphone to search for hidden caches tucked around Mackinac’s trails, parks, and landmarks. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the island’s lesser-known spots.

Go for a Kayak Tour

Paddle along the beautiful shoreline with a Great Turtle guided kayak tour! Whether it’s a sunset paddle or a trip across the Straits to the Round Island Lighthouse, it’s a peaceful way to explore the island from the water and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way.

Go Snorkeling

Ready for an underwater adventure? Head out on a Great Turtle Kayak tour to the Arch Rock side of the island, then dive in to explore the Rock Maze—a stunning area filled with underwater caves and unique rock formations. Teens will love swimming through crystal-clear waters and experiencing Mackinac’s hidden world beneath the surface.

Paddleboard at British Landing

Calm waters and epic views make British Landing a perfect spot for paddleboarding. Great Turtle Kayak is opening a new outpost at British Landing where teens can test their balance, chill on the water, or just enjoy a totally different perspective of the island.

Go Horseback Riding

Explore the island like they did in the 1800s—on horseback! Both Cindy’s Riding Stable and Jack’s Livery Stables offer guided trail rides for all levels, giving teens a unique and memorable way to see Mackinac’s forested paths and scenic views.

Play a Game of Pickleball at Great Turtle Park

Bring a paddle and hit the pickleball courts at Great Turtle Park! This fast-paced, easy-to-learn game is perfect for teens looking to get active and have fun—whether they’re new to the sport or already hooked.

Go Parasailing

For the thrill-seeking teen, nothing beats the view from 600 feet in the air! Mackinaw Parasailing offers an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of Mackinac Island and Lake Huron—and a serious adrenaline rush.

Charter a Boat for a Fishing Trip

If your teen loves the thrill of the catch, consider booking a fishing charter for a memorable experience out on Lake Huron. Several local companies offer half-day or full-day trips, complete with all the gear you’ll need and expert guidance. It’s a great way for teens to try something new—or level up their fishing game—with breathtaking island views all around. Be sure to check with the charter service in advance about age requirements and availability.

Fun & Unique Activities for Teens

Make a Knife at Forge a Memory

Step into the role of blacksmith at Forge a Memory and create something unforgettable! Teens can forge their very own knife (or necklace) with the help of a pro—an awesome hands-on experience they’ll brag about for years.

Try Your Luck at the Maze of Mirrors

Get ready for laughs and a little confusion! This fun and tricky mirror maze is a great quick-stop activity for teens to twist, turn, and find their way out—with plenty of selfie-worthy moments along the way.

Enter if you dare at the Haunted Theater

This spooky walk-through theater brings Mackinac’s ghost stories to life with eerie scenes and creepy effects. It’s a fun fright and just the right amount of spooky for thrill-seeking teens.

Venture Out at Night for a Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour

Discover the haunted history of Mackinac Island on a Haunts of Mackinac ghost tour through its shadowy streets and historic buildings. Teens will love hearing spine-tingling stories and legends that bring a whole new side of the island to life—especially after dark.

History With a Twist

Step back in time at Fort Mackinac

History comes to life at Fort Mackinac through immersive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and live rifle firing demonstrations. Teens can explore original buildings, take in epic views, and learn how this fort once protected the island during the War of 1812.

Fire the Cannon at Fort Mackinac

Talk about a blast from the past! Teens (ages 13 and up) can actually fire the fort’s historic cannon under staff supervision—a thrilling, hands-on way to experience life as a 19th-century soldier.

Benjamin Blacksmith Shop

Watch sparks fly as real blacksmiths demonstrate traditional metalworking techniques in this historic working forge. It’s a cool (and loud!) glimpse into the skills that helped build the island—and teens will be amazed at how much muscle and technique it takes to bend iron.

Rainy Day or Chill Options

Visit the Arcades

When the weather’s a bust or you just want to chill, head to one of the island’s two arcades—Carousel Arcade on Market Street and the other at Mission Point Resort. These are great spots for teens to hang out and have some laid-back fun.

Visit the Original Butterfly House

Step into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies! Both the Original Butterfly House & Insect World and Wings of Mackinac are warm, colorful, and peaceful—perfect for a relaxing break (and some dreamy Instagram shots).

Try a Game of Duckpin Bowling at The Woods

Tucked away in the forest, The Woods restaurant is home to a vintage duckpin bowling alley that’s as fun as it is unique. With smaller pins and balls, it’s a quirky twist on regular bowling that teens will love trying out.

Visit the Library

Need a quiet spot to relax? The island’s library has cozy seating, a wood-burning fireplace, and a great used book section. It’s a perfect place to chill out with a good read while the rain passes.

Take an Art Class at Watercolor Cafe

Get creative with an art class at Watercolor Café, where teens can try their hand at painting in a laid-back, inspiring setting. Check their schedule ahead of time for available classes and age requirements—no experience needed!

Visit the Spa

Treat yourself! Several island spas offer manicures and pedicures that are perfect for a little rainy day pampering. Whether it’s a bold polish or a relaxing massage moment, it’s a great way for teens to unwind and feel refreshed.

Shopping & Food

Stop for Ice Cream

Cool off with a sweet treat from one of the island’s many ice cream spots! Whether it’s Sadie’s at the Grand, Boxwood Café at Mission Point Resort, Kilwins, or Good Day Café, there’s no shortage of scoops to satisfy your cravings.

Sample All the Fudge

It’s practically a rite of passage on Mackinac—sampling fudge from every shop in town! From classic chocolate to wild seasonal flavors, teens can taste-test their way through island favorites like Ryba’s, Joann’s, and Murdick’s to find their winner.

Grab Snacks and People-Watch

Sometimes you just need a break from the crowds. The library, Marquette Park, or a shady bench along the shore all offer peaceful spots to relax, read, or scroll in peace for a bit.

Memories They’ll Actually Talk About

From biking the island loop to making your own knife or chilling at the arcade, Mackinac Island offers more than just fudge and pretty views—it gives teens the space to explore, try something new, and make memories they’ll actually talk about afterward. Whether it’s a first visit or a return trip, these teen-approved activities will help make your Mackinac getaway unforgettable for the whole crew. Let us know in the comments if your teen has a favorite activity on Mackinac Island.

Make sure to check out some of these other Mackinac Island posts to help you plan your ideal vacation: