Sports for Kids in Northwest Michigan
Updated: Feb 15
From martial arts to ice skating, there are a variety of sports available for kids of all ages in Northwest Michigan. We started compiling a list for you to browse, and will continue adding to it on (at least!) a monthly basis!
Browse:
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.
Click here for more information on Aerial Arts classes
Contact:
Address: 971 Lynch Drive
Phone: 231-941-7751
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:
Email: jon@twopicks.com
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
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.
Click here for more information
Contact:
Address: 3700 Silver Lake Road
Phone: 231-933-9622
Email: info@gtbayymca.org
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!
Contact:
Address: 1712 S. Garfield Ave
Email: info@tccurling.org
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.
Contact:
Address: 172 W. Burdickville Rd.
Phone: 231-631-6763
Email: curling@eatdrinkcurl.com
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.
Programs:
Contact:
Address: 611 Beardsley S
Phone: 231-582-9787
The Wexford Civic Center (Cadillac)
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
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:
Address: 1600 Chartwell Drive, Suite E
Phone: 231-342-9437
Email: tcfigureskating@gmail.com
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.
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
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.
Programs:
Ninja
Cheer
Dance
Gymnastics
Drop-In Classes for kids 0-5
Open Gym Classes
Contact:
Address: 1150 Boyne Avenue
Phone: 231-459-4388
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:
Address: 971 Lynch Drive
Phone: 231-941-7751
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.
Programs:
Ages 3-5
Ages 5-7
Ages 8-10
Contact:
Address: 407 Michigan St.
Phone: 231-881-9244
Email: willowayspa@gmail.com
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).
Programs:
Learn to Play
Youth Hockey
Contact:
Address: 199 E 13th St #101
Phone: 231-779-9520
Email: CadillacHockey@gmail.com
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.
Contact:
Address: 199 E 13th St #101
Phone: 231-779-9520
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.
Instructional Program (IP)/Early Hockey Skill Development
Mite
House
Girls
Travel Programs
Contact:
Phone: 231-933-4842
Email: gtha@tchockey.com
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.
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)
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.
Classes:
Contact:
Address: 1126 Centre Street
Phone: 231-933-4744
Email: info@atatraversecity.com
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.
Classes:
Junior Classes for ages 8-15
Contact:
Address: 15144 Bells Bay Road South
Phone: 231-237-1431
Email: chxchallengefit@gmail.com
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:
Address: 3700 Silver Lake Road
Phone: 231-346-4972
Email: camp@gtbayymca.org
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
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
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.
Programs:
Martial Arts (Ages 5+)
Contact
Phone: 231-649-0777
Family Friendly TKD (Buckley)
Family Friendly Taekwondo classes in the Buckley Michigan area.
Programs:
Kids under 8 years old
Students 8+
Contact
Email: FamilyFriendlyTKD@gmail.com
Phone: 231-884-9588
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.
Contact
Address: 1089 West Conway Road
Email: petoskeyroninbjj@gmail.com
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:
Address: 965 Industrial Circle
Email: info@seungnitc.com
Phone: 231-932-4300
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!
Classes:
Boxing
MMA
Contact:
Address: 1226 South Garfield Avenue
Email: admin@significantstrikes.com
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:
Address: 971 Lynch Drive
Phone: 231-941-7751
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 1 Boyne Mountain Road
Phone: 855-688-7024
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 1 Caberfae Lane
Phone: 231-862-3000
Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville)
Family-owned, four-season resort featuring downhill and cross-country skiing, lessons, racing, clubs and more.
Options
Contact
Address: 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Phone: 855-995-5146
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 400 Boardman Avenue
Phone: 231-922-4700
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 600 Highland Drive
Phone: 888-436-2296
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.
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 3100 Holiday Road
Phone: 231-938-2500
Email: guestservices@mtholiday.org
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 500 Nub's Nob Road
Phone: 231-526-2131
Email: info@nubsnob.com
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.
Options
Contact
Address: 5780 Shanty Creek Road
Phone: 866-486-7790
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.
Contact to register
Contact:
Address: 9845 Campus Drive, Cadillac
Email: info@cadillacareaymca.org
Phone: 231-775-3369
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.
Click here for swim lesson information and registration.
Contact:
Address: 11905 U.S. 31 North, Charlevoix
Email: info@charlevoixpool.org
Phone: 231-547-0982
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:
Address: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville
Email: info@crystalmountain.com
Phone: 855-995-5146
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.
Click here for swim lesson registration.
Contact:
Address: 3700 Silver Lake Rd Traverse City
Email: info@gtbayymca.org
Phone: 231-933-9622
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:
Email: Hope@HopeFloatsMI.com
Phone: 231-668-1346
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.
Click here for swim lesson information.
Contact:
Address: 50 Filer Street, Suite D, Manistee
Email: manisteerec@outlook.com
Phone: 231-723-9274
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:
Email: info@petoskeyswimming.com
Phone: 231-489-7255
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.
Click here for swim lesson information.
Click here to register for swim lessons.
Contact:
Email: tcmermaid231@gmail.com
Phone: 757-287-9630
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.
Contact
Address: 50 Filer Street, Suite D
Phone: 231-723-9274
Email: manisteerec@outlookc.om
Manistee Swim Team (Manistee)
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
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.
Options:
Email: travis@northshorevb.com