Spring Break with Sleeping Bear

Rangers are ready to welcome you with fun activities during Spring Break at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Spring break is here! If you & your kids are too, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a fun lineup of activities you can check out:

Junior Angler: Intro to Ice Fishing
Saturday, March 23: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 28: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This pop-in style program at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center allows participants to arrive anytime between the hours listed above. To ensure everyone has ample time to complete the Junior Angler booklet and activities, we ask that you arrive at the visitor center no later than 3:00 p.m. This event is ideal for children in grades 2-5 who have an interest in fishing.

Storytime with a Park Ranger
Wednesday, March 27: 11:00 a.m. Traverse City District Library

Join Ranger Casey for Storytime with a Park Ranger! This activity is open to children of all ages and is ideal for families looking to spend quality time together. Through a story, children will learn about the environment in a fun and engaging way. They will gain an understanding of the importance of preserving our natural resources.

Ranger-led hikes
Monday, March 25: 10:00 a.m. Beaver hike (1.5-2 miles)
Tuesday, March 26: 10:00 a.m. Senses hike in Glen Haven (.5-1 mile)

Discover new areas of the National Lakeshore by joining park rangers on a guided hike. Meet rangers at the visitor center in Empire (M-72, 9922 West Front Street) for an introduction, and then car caravan a short distance to begin the hike. Dress for the weather. Warm layers, boots, and shoe traction or trekking poles are recommended if there is snow on the ground. The beaver hike will start on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, but it will also cross an uneven field.

Public Planetarium Programs
Wednesday, March 27: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 29: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 30: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In February, the National Lakeshore announced the purchase of an inflatable star dome intended to enhance educational school visits. Excitement surrounding the dome has spread beyond schools, prompting the National Lakeshore to open the dome for public exploration during Spring Break. Join rangers for a unique and immersive experience at the National Lakeshore where visitors of all ages can engage with an un-obstructive view of the night sky in the comfort of this new inflatable dome.

Visitors can arrive any time between the hours listed. Each group will spend 15-20 minutes inside the dome. Activities will be available to visitors while they wait for their turn. Upon arrival, visitors will be organized into groups. Please arrive at the visitor center at least 30 minutes before the end time to make sure everyone has a chance to go into the dome.

Participants only need a park entrance pass or an annual pass to join in the fun. Reservations are not required but are suggested if you wish to bring a group. Call 231-326-4700, ext. 5010.