A Perfect Day Of Wintery Family Fun In Grayling – If you’re one of the 72% of Americans with unused vacation leave, there’s still time to book in a trip to Grayling. With endless opportunities for outdoor activities, cozy indoor fun, and great family food options that will appeal to everyone, there’s something to help every family get reconnected this winter. This welcoming city is even dog-friendly, so no family member needs to be left behind. A world of festive fun and memory making opportunities awaits. Here’s what you could squeeze into your days.
Grayling’s great outdoors
If your family enjoys getting active, Grayling can certainly rise to the challenge. From snowmobiling to skijoring, and winter hiking to skiing, the city’s numerous trails offer breathtaking scenery, exhilarating adventure and plenty of fresh air. When you consider that the average child spends an alarming 5-8 hours in front of a screen, Grayling offers the perfect excuse to ditch the devices and head outdoors together for some much needed quality time. If you’re visiting in mid November, make sure you join in the holiday spirit with Mainstreet’s Christmas Walk on the 16th, and get to know the local businesses as you explore the area on foot.
Time to refuel
With any family trip, one of the key considerations is when and where to feed everyone, particularly when it’s cold outside and you’ve been working up an appetite. Grayling is well equipped for places to feed and warm up the whole family. One thing you may be pleasantly surprised by is the area’s provision for various dietary requirements; this is becoming increasingly important given that food allergies affect 1 in 13 children and at least 1 in 10 adults at present, and those figures are rising. While most local restaurants are friendly and attentive enough to accommodate the most common food allergies such as nuts and shellfish, special mention should go to the city’s new candy shop, The Sweet Life, Goodale’s Bakery and Ray’s BBQ, all of which offer gluten free options.
Chilling out
After a busy morning snowshoeing and a hearty lunch at one of Grayling’s welcoming eateries, you may feel in need of a more relaxing activity. Enjoy some peace at Lake Margrethe, Kneff Lake or Wakeley Lake while you try your hand at Ice-Fishing. Take a gentle stroll through the Festival of Trees from mid-late November, or enjoy a Hot Fudge Coca Cola Dreamcake at Dawson & Stevens after browsing their Coca-Cola Museum.
After dark
Grayling is home to a number of cozy and friendly places to stay, many of which have children’s playgrounds and family rooms available. For families with slightly older kids, you could catch a festive film at the Rialto Theater, or try the Gray Rock Pub & Grub or Tinkers Barn for a range of weather-proof entertainment options that might appeal to both the young and the young at heart. And if you’re lucky enough to have a willing sitter, the Paddle Hard Micro Brewery can make for a fun date night.
For a winter vacation that gets the whole family feeling warm and fuzzy, Grayling is packed with opportunities. From outdoor adventures that will blow the cobwebs away, to cozy retreats where you can talk and reconnect as a family over great food, the city is a real winter wonderland. Put that vacation leave to good use and get planning today.
Author Sally Perkins
