Low Budget Fun in Northwestern Michigan

Whether you are traveling through, visiting the area, or you are lucky enough to live year round in the northwest Michigan area, there are a great many things for the budget minded. Winter spring summer or fall, this resort area has things to keep you busy.

Boyne Mountain, located in Boyne Falls has a many ski runs. Most require ski passes, but there are several very nice hills that are free to the public. Boyne Mountain offers day and night skiing as well so this will keep the family busy all day in the winter. The same hills are filled with bike paths and hiking trails in the spring and summer with great picnic spots along the way. Many of the bike paths are paved so the riding is not too difficult for the youngest in your family. There is ample free parking at Boyne Mountain all year round. Boyne Mountain is also home to one of northwestern Michigan's favorite indoor water parks, Avalanche Bay. At 88,000 square feet, this is Michigan's largest indoor water park. This would be a perfect addition to a day spent on the mountain, whether you are skiing, biking or hiking. Warm up in the winter in the 84 degree water park or cool off in Avalanche Bay's Lazy River in the summer.

The Jungle Family Fun Center in Petoskey is a great arcade and an indoor 18 hole putt-putt golf course through tropical plants around volcanoes and waterfalls. The Jungle is open every day from 10:00 am until 11:00 pm in the summer, with the following winter hours: Monday - Thursday 3:00 until 9:30, Friday 3:00pm until 11:00pm, Saturday 10:00 am until 11:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm until 9:30 pm. On snow days, when the schools are closed, the Jungle is open all day! Take the kiddies on Thursday from 3:30 until 7:00pm. All kids less than 12 years old get in free. Golf and pizza by the slice are $1 each. The Jungle offers some great party packages and group rates. Call ahead at 231-348-8787 for party or group rates.

Boyne Rapids Adventure Golf is a great outdoor golf course located in Boyne City. A very pretty golf course just on the edge of this charming little vacation spot, Boyne Rapids Adventure Golf is a small 701 yard course, with holes from 12 feet to 95 yards long. This is a great place to teach your beginning golfer or just to spend and afternoon. There are also softball-batting cages for an afternoon of softball fun! For hours and pricing you may call at 231-582-3505 or email them at: boynerapids@boyne.net.

For a wonderful family outing that will bring you back to nature, consider a great afternoon of rafting on the Sturgeon River, the fastest river in this part of Michigan. This is a pleasant trip through undeveloped areas around Indian River. Watch for wildlife and stop along the way for a family picnic. This will be a day your whole family will remember. The water is fast moving, but it is not a difficult trip, easily done by the novice.

Regardless how you decide to spend your day, stop in at one of Petoskey's best burger joints to satisfy your craving for one of America's favorite meals. Burgers and fries are a great addition to almost any family outing.