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Sports for Kids in Northwest Michigan

Updated: Sep 21, 2024


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From martial arts to ice skating, there are a variety of sports available for kids of all ages in Northwest Michigan.


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Coming Soon:

  • Baseball

  • Cheerleading

  • Football

  • Golf

  • Soccer

  • Tennis

  • Track & Field

  • Yoga

  • Horseback Riding

  • Equestrian

  • Rowing

  • And More!


Aerial Arts

Water's Edge Gymnastics (Traverse City)

Edge Aerial Arts currently offers instruction on aerial silks, aerial hammock, double point aerial hoop, single point aerial hoop (lyra), and static trapeze for ages 16 and up.

Baseball

Traverse City Little League (Traverse City)

Traverse City Little League baseball is for boys and girls ages 5-16. T-Ball, coach pitch and kid pitch leagues are available.

  • Registration opens in early February

  • Leagues

    • T-Ball

      • Ages: 5-6

    • Coach Pitch

      • Ages: 7-8

    • Minors

      • Ages: 9-10

    • Majors

      • Ages: 11-12

  • Contact:

American Legion Junior Baseball (Traverse City)

The goal of American Legion Jr Baseball is to teach boys and girls to play the great game of baseball. They have teams for ages 5-18 (based on age at June 1st of current year).

  • Registration opens in January

  • Leagues

    • Tango (T-Ball)

      • Ages: 5-6

      • Registration Fee: $50

    • Delta (Coach Pitch)

      • Ages: 7-8

      • Registration Fee: $75

    • Charlie (Kid Pitch/Pitching Machine)

      • Ages: 9-10

      • Registration Fee: $85

    • Bravo

      • Ages: 11-12

      • Registration Fee: $85

    • Alpha

      • Ages: 13-15

      • Registration Fee: $100

    • Alpha

      • Ages: 15-18

      • Registration Fee: $100

  • Contact:

    • Lenny Brinson: 231-357-3666

    • Website

Kingsley Rec League (Kingsley)

  • Registration opens March 1st

  • Leagues

    • Boys A League (Ages 12-14)

    • Girls A League (Ages 12-14)


Traverse Area Girls Softball (Traverse City)

  • Registration opens in early February

  • Leagues

    • A League (Ages 13-16)

    • B League (Ages 11+)

    • C League (Ages 8-10)

    • D League (Ages 5-7)

  • Contact

  • Website

Traverse City Waves (Traverse City)

Traverse City Waves Softball and Baseball Teams, part of the TC Waves Ball Club, Inc., a Michigan non-profit corporation, is a Youth Amateur athletic organization fostering and promoting health, sportsmanship, teamwork, and softball and baseball skill development for children in and around Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

Basketball

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (Traverse City)

Winter and spring leagues for youth (Grades K-5) and middle school girls' and boys' (Grades 6-8) basketball leagues.

Northern Pride Sports Academy (Northwest Michigan)

Boys and girls travel leagues, and basketball camp.

Curling

Traverse City Curling Club (Traverse City)

The Traverse City Curling Club offers youth programs, adaptive equipment, and leagues for everyone —no matter their age, ability, or expertise. Whether you become a member, sign up for competitive league play, want to volunteer, or have us host your next corporate team-building event, we invite you to…join us!

Leelanau Curling Club (Maple City)

Whether you’re still learning the sport or you’re a seasoned competitor, the Leelanau Curling Club has a league for you. Participate in Social, Novice, Junior, or Competitive leagues with options ranging in length from 3-10 weeks.

Figure and Ice Skating

Traverse City Figure Skating Club (Traverse City)

The Traverse City Figure Skating Club offers a wide range of skating options beginning with the Learn to Skate program for Basic Skills and continuing through more advanced skating such as freestyle, moves in the field, and ice dance. Skating lessons are offered for children from age 3 and up through adults.

The Wex offers FREE Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey classes from ages 3 to 17. Younger classes are designed to help the pre-school age skater develop preliminary coordination and strength to maneuver on the ice. The older class teaches the fundamentals of ice skating. Participants will learn the basic knowledge of skating, enabling them to advance to more specialized areas of skating.

  • Contact:

    • Address: 1320 N. Mitchell Dr

    • Phone: 231-779-9520

    • Website

Gymnastics

Boyne Area Gymnastics (Boyne City)

Boyne Area Gymnastics is a non-profit group that offers gymnastics, cheer-tumbling, and fitness classes for kids 18 months and up.

  • Sample of Programs:

    • Parent and Tot Class (Ages 2-3)

    • Ninja (Ages 18 months - 13 years)

    • Cheer (Ages 4-17)

  • Contact Boyne Area Gymnastics for more information:

Cadillac Area YMCA (Cadillac)

From beginning level to their most advanced, Cadillac Area YMCA offers a variety of gymnastics programs. Each session encompasses age and skill related training in the art of gymnastics for ages 3 1/2 and up.

  • Programs:

    • Preschool (Ages 3 1/2-5)

    • Rollers, Swingers and Kippers Flyers (Ages 6+)

  • Contact:

    • Address: 9845 Campus Drive

    • Phone: 231-775-3369

    • Website

Grand Traverse Bay Gymnastics (Traverse City)

Grand Traverse Bay Gymnastics offers 6-week recreational classes (ages 1 1/2 and up), and competitive gymnastics.

  • Programs:

    • Recreational Classes

      • Ages 1 1/2-3 (with parent)

        • Cost: $67 for 6 weeks

        • Classes are 45 minutes

      • Level 1-2 Girls

        • Ages 7+

        • Cost: $86 for 6 weeks

        • Classes are 55 minutes

      • Level 2-3 Girls

        • Ages 6+

        • 1 day/week

          • Cost: $128 for 6 weeks

          • Classes are 1 hour and 55 minutes

        • 2 days/week

          • Cost: $178 for 6 weeks

          • Classes are 1 hour and 55 minutes

    • Private Lessons

      • Cost: 40/half hour or $80/hour

    • Competition Teams

      • Fun Meet Teams

        • Pre-Team Level 3 – 4 (4 hrs/wk)

        • Pre-Team Level 3 – 4 (6 hrs/wk)

      • Competition Teams

        • 9 hr Team Levels ( 9 hrs/wk)

        • 12 hr Team Levels (12 hrs/wk)

        • 16 hr Team Levels (16 hrs/wk)

        • 18 hr Team Levels (18 hrs/wk)

  • Contact:

    • Address: 3200 W South Airport Rd #510

    • Phone: 231-929-2869

    • Website

Lake Side Elite (Boyne City)

Lake Side Elite is a sports training center that encourages the importance of physical activity for children of all ages. Gymnastics, ninja and dance classes are available for kids 3 and up.

Water's Edge Gymnastics (Traverse City)

Water’s Edge Gymnastics has a gymnastics class for everyone ages 2 and up.

  • Programs:

    • Roly Polys (Ages 2-3)

    • Grasshoppers (Ages 3-4)

    • Fire Flies (Ages 4-5)

    • Jitterbugs (Ages 5-6)

    • Girls Level 1-3 (Girls Ages 7+)

    • Gym Kids (Ages 7+)

    • Preschool Open Gym (Ages 5 and under)

    • Regular Open Gym (Ages 6+)

  • Contact:

Willoway Spa and Wellness (Petoskey)

Willoway Spa and Wellness offers a year-round small recreational gymnastics program for kids ages 3-10. Drop-ins are welcome, but will only be accepted if there is room in the class. The drop-in option will be open for online sign-up only on the first day the session begins.

Ice Hockey

Cadillac Area Ice Hockey (Cadillac)

Cadillac Area Ice Hockey offers a Learn to Play program and registration for competitive ice hockey teams. The objective of the Learn to Play program is to teach your child the fundamentals of hockey. It also prepares them to join a team within CAHA, from Mini Mites (ages 5-6) through Bantam (13-14).

Cadillac Women's Hockey (Cadillac)

Cadillac Women's Hockey is always welcoming women over the age of 16 (with parental consent) to join this fun, family-friendly atmosphere, semi-contact, recreational league. Any skill level is welcome, and the league provides a learn to play skills clinic before the season each year.

Grand Traverse Hockey Association (Traverse City)

The Grand Traverse Hockey Association has a recreational program for youth, and six levels of youth hockey leading up to potentially joining a high school team.

  • Teams:

    • Instructional Program (IP)/Early Hockey Skill Development

    • Mite

    • House

    • Girls

    • Travel Programs

  • Contact:

Kalkaska Area Hockey Association (Kalkaska)

The Kalkaska Area Hockey Association offers an introductory program for kids ages 4-12. There are also teams for the mite program (6U and 8U) through JV and girls teams.

  • Teams:

    • Introductory Program (Ages 4-12)

    • 6U/8U - Mite Program (Birth Years = 2014-2017)

    • 10U - Squirt Program (Birth Years = 2012-2013)

    • 12U - Pee Wee Program (Birth Years = 2010-2011)

    • 14U - Bantam Program (Birth Years = 2008-2009)

    • JV/Midget Program (2004-2007)

    • K-Stars Girls Teams (19u, 16U, 14u, 12u)

    • Northern Michigan Black Bears 12UA

  • Contact:

Martial Arts, Boxing, Ninja and Parkour

ATA Black Belt Academy (Harbor Springs/Petoskey)

The ATA Black Belt Academy offers martial arts instruction, specializing in taekwondo, for ages 5 and up.

  • Classes:

    • Ages 5-10

    • Ages 11+

  • Contact:

    • Address: 8496 M119, Harbor Springs

    • Phone: 231-203-3987

    • Website

ATA Martial Arts (Traverse City)

Students at ATA Martial Arts study 6 life skills throughout the year- discipline, belief, communication, honesty, self-esteem, and respect. These life skills are incorporated into their physical training (Songahm Taekwondo) while creating fun challenges to reinforce positive behavior outside the dojang. Students range in age from 3 years old and up.

Challenge Fitness (Charlevoix)

Challenge Fitness has Hapkido classes, a traditional Korean martial art self-defense system. They incorporate kicking and striking techniques, joint lock/pressure point techniques, and grappling for self-defense training. Classes (ages 8-15) are upbeat and fun, focusing on skill development, body coordination, and character building.

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (Traverse City)

Three levels of taekwondo classes for kids ages 3-12.

  • Classes:

    • Little Ninjas (Ages 3-5)

    • Little Dragons (Ages 5-6)

    • Beginning Taekwondo (Ages 7-12)

  • Contact:

Jim Adkins White Tiger Martial Arts (Traverse City)

In-person and online martial arts classes for people of all ages. Kids classes specialize in American Kenpo and Shaolin Kung Fu styles of martial arts.

  • Classes:

  • Contact:

    • Address: 7738 N Long Lake Road

    • Phone: 231-313-6900

    • Email: jim@jimadkinskenpo.com

    • Website

Ki Martial Arts (Central Lake)

A donation based martial arts school, specializing in Hapkido. Classes are available for kids 5 and up.

  • Classes:

    • Little Dragons (Ages 5-9)

    • Pumas (Ages 9-13)

    • Adults (Ages 13+)

  • Contact:

    • Address: 1554 NE Torch Lake Drive Building 3

    • Website

Lake Side Elite (Boyne City)

Lake Side Elite is a sports training center that encourages the importance of physical activity for children of all ages. Gymnastics, ninja and dance classes are available.

Northern Michigan Taekwondo (Elk Rapids)

Northern Michigan Taekwondo is a community-based, family-owned organization dedicated to the training of children (5 and up) and adults in the discipline of Martial Arts. NMTKD specializes in Taekwondo and Hapkido and its disciplines.

Family Friendly TKD (Buckley)

Family Friendly Taekwondo classes in the Buckley Michigan area.

Ronin Jiu Jitsu Academy (Harbor Springs)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Harbor Springs, for students of all levels. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a fighting art similar to wrestling and judo that involves both standing elements and ground work. This sport is a great way to learn discipline, gain a sense of self-worth, increase fitness, and build respect, humility, and confidence.

Seung-ni Martial Arts Traverse City Academy (Traverse City)

Learn Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing in Traverse City in a fun and safe atmosphere. Instructors offer programs for ages 3 and up for complete beginner to advanced students in a supportive learning environment.

  • Classes:

    • Little Ninjas (Ages 3-4)

    • Little Dragons (Ages 5-6)

    • Little Cobras (Ages 7-8)

    • Child Taekwondo (Ages 9-12)

    • Teen Taekwondo (Ages 13-17)

    • Homeschool Taekwondo (Ages 3-12)

  • Contact:

Significant Strikes (Traverse City)

Youth boxing and MMA classes are available at Significant Strikes. Boxing classes run kids through a fun workout, as well as teach them the basic techniques of the sport, all while learning basic disciplines. In MMA classes, kids will learn basic discipline as well as a mixture of Boxing, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu!

Ticconi's ATA Martial Arts (Manistee/Suttons Bay/Cadillac)

Ticconi’s ATA Martial Arts is a licensed school with three locations in Manistee, Suttons Bay and Cadillac. They offer taekwondo classes for kids ages 3 through 12, and adult programs for students 13 and up that focus on high-intensity fitness and self-defense.

  • Classes:

    • ATA Tiger (Ages 3-6)

    • Kids Martial Arts (Ages 7-12)

  • Contact:

    • Cadillac:

      • Address: 220 N. Mitchell Street

      • Phone: 231-218-4782

    • Manistee:

      • Address: 1638 US 31 South Suite 500

      • Phone: 231-218-4782

    • Suttons Bay:

      • Address: 393 Elm Street

      • Phone: 231-218-4782

Water's Edge Gymnastics - Ninja and Parkour (Traverse City)

  • Ninja:

    • These non-stop classes build balance and stamina as well as strength through fitness challenges and, of course, fun and ever-changing obstacles. Each class incorporates high energy warm-ups, strength, endurance, and agility training, and plenty of chances at timed obstacle course training.

    • Classes

      • Little Ninjas (Ages 5-7)

      • Ninja Kids (Ages 8-12)

      • Ninja Teens (Ages 13-17)

      • Adult Ninjas (18+)

  • Parkour:

    • Water’s Edge offers Parkour classes for all ages and abilities. The classes are ongoing, so you can register at any time.

    • Classes

      • Parkour for Young Traceurs (Ages 5-7)

      • Parkour I (Ages 7-12)

      • Parkour II (Ages 13+)

  • Contact:

Skiing and Snowboarding

Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls)

Boyne Mountain offers ski and snowboarding private and group lessons, seasonal youth programs and racing opportunities. Lift tickets and season passes are also available.

Caberfae Peaks (Cadillac)

Children's programs from ages 5-12, ski and snowboard lessons, lift tickets and season passes are available at Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac.

Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)

Family-owned, four-season resort featuring downhill and cross-country skiing, lessons, racing, clubs and more.

Hickory Hills Recreation Area (Traverse City)

A total of 15 runs can be enjoyed at Hickory Hills Recreation Area: 4 beginner, 7 intermediate, and 3 advanced runs, and a dedicated terrain park and rail park. The beginner slope "Fast Tammy" has a carpet lift for all ages to learn how to ski or snowboard at ease.

The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Harbor Springs)

The Highlands at Harbor Springs offers multiple youth lessons and programs. Whether you're looking to introduce your child to the sport or continue their development in the gates and across the mountain, The Highlands has a program to suit your needs.

The Homestead (Glen Arbor)

With spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands from the top of Bay Mountain, skiing and snowboarding at The Homestead is an experience like no other. Bay Mountain has 15 different runs for a variety of skill levels and 5 chair lifts, offering panoramic perspectives of Michigan’s winter wonderland.

  • Options

  • Contact

    • Address: 1 Wood Ridge Road

    • Phone: 231-334-5100

    • Website

Mt. Holiday (Traverse City)

Mt. Holiday is a local year-round recreation destination in Northern Michigan, offering ski and snowboard lessons, a scholarship program for families in need, lift tickets and rentals.

Mt. McSauba (Charlevoix)

Rated one of the top three small ski areas in the U.S. by Ski Magazine, Mt. McSauba offers ten runs and 80 acres of ungroomed trails. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, group and private lessons, cross country and equipment rentals are available at Mt. McSauba.

Nub's Nob (Harbor Springs)

Nub’s Nob is a family-owned ski hill that has been in operation since 1958. It features 53 ski runs, a free area for beginners, free lift tickets for kids 8 and under, and more.

Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek (Bellaire)

Combining variety, terrain, and well-maintained conditions with cross country trails, lessons and racing, you'll find something for everyone in your family at Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort.

Swimming

Cadillac Area YMCA (Cadillac)

The YMCA offers classes for all ages to learn this important skill while building knowledge, stamina, and form to become a strong and safe swimmer.

Charlevoix Area Community Pool (Charlevoix)

The Charlevoix Area Community Pool offers group and private swim lesson options for children, beginning with infants and toddlers, and adults.

Crystal Swim (Thompsonville)

Crystal Mountain offers year-round swim lessons, available at the Peak Indoor Pool. Sign up for Private/Semi-Private Lessons or join one of the Crystal Swim Sessions offered on select dates.

  • Click here for swim lesson information.

  • Book swim lessons today by calling 888-968-7686 ext. 7300.

  • Contact:

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (Traverse City)

YMCA swimming lessons are a progressive program teaching swimming skills, stroke technique and water safety skills such as floating, treading water and safety entering and exiting a pool. Swim lessons are available for all ages, from infants to adults.

HopeFloats (Traverse City)

HopeFloats offers parent + me/family, swim development and stroke development classes for kids, as well as adult classes.

  • Click here for swim lesson registration.

  • Click here to register.

  • HopeFloats is currently partnering with Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and teaching swim lessons at their two indoor pools at The Club. You do not have to be a GTRS Member to take classes with HopeFloats at these pools.

  • Contact:

Manistee Recreation Association (Manistee)

MRA Swim Lessons take place in Manistee High School at the Paine Aquatics Center. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to sign up, and they will be opening up to younger ages in the future.

Petoskey Swimming (Multiple Locations)

Petoskey Swimming provides cost-effective swim programs for all ages and skill levels, such as Water Fitness classes, Self-Rescue & Learn-to-Swim Classes, Life-guarding, CPR Courses, and more.

  • Click here for swim lesson information.

  • Contact to register for swim lessons.

  • Pool Locations

    • Petoskey: Days Inn, Holiday Inn & Express

    • Alanson: Stafford's Crooked River Lodge

    • Charlevoix: Charlevoix Inn & Suites

    • Pellston: Pellston Lodge

  • Contact:

TC Mermaid (Traverse City)

TC Mermaid is an independent, aquatic based business bringing the joy of swimming to all ages. They offer Mermaid parties, Traditional Swim Lessons, Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid Instruction, lifeguarding private parties, in-home pool safety walk-throughs, and infant swimming lessons.

Manistee Recreation Association (Manistee)

MRA Swim Lessons take place in Manistee High School at the Paine Aquatics Center. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to sign up, and they will be opening up to younger ages in the near future.

Manistee Swim Team (Manistee)

Manistee Swim Team is a local summer swim club for ages 5 and up that runs from April to July and participates in the West Michigan Swim League.

Petoskey Swimming (Petoskey)

Petoskey Swimming provides cost-effective swim programs for all ages and skill levels, such as Water Fitness classes, Self-Rescue & Learn-to-Swim Classes, Life-guarding, CPR Courses, and more.

  • Classes

    • Self-Rescue

    • Group Lessons

    • Individual Lessons

  • Contact

    • Locations:

      • Petoskey: Days Inn

      • Holiday Inn & Express

      • Alanson: Stafford's Crooked River Lodge

      • Charlevoix: Charlevoix Inn & Suites

      • Cheboygan: Best Western River Terrace

      • Indian River: Hometown Inn

      • Pellston: Pellston Lodge

    • Phone: 231-489-7255

    • Email: info@petoskeyswimming.com

    • Website

Volleyball

Avalanche Volleyball Club (Boyne City)

Avalanche Volleyball Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing volleyball skills for local elementary, middle school, and high school athletes. Tryouts take place in November, and the travel team's season operates from November - March. In June, beach volleyball is offered in Boyne City.

Northern Shockers (Fife Lake)

An AAU volleyball organization in Fife Lake. Tryouts take place in November.

Northshore Volleyball (Traverse City)

Volleyball club in Traverse City that offers a variety of travel, non-travel, practice, developmental, coaching programs and beach volleyball for students. Tryouts take place in November, and the travel team's winter season is from December - March. The spring season is from March - June.


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Northwest MI 4 Kids is a guide for those living in or visiting Northwest Michigan with littles, looking to make memories, explore the area, and fill days with a variety of fun things to do.

 

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