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While it may seem like a spa day is best reserved for adults, I recently took my boys (14, 13, and 10) and their cousins (ages 11 and 9) to experience their first Nordic spa, and they all loved every minute of it! And, shockingly, I did, too!
It made us wonder, why can’t parents bring their kids to spa days? We say they can! Here are the seven best Michigan spas for families that we found all around the state. You can thank us after you come out of your blissed-out state.
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Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa
Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the Keweenaw Peninsula is a spa where the smell of pine mingles with the crisp northern Michigan air. If a spa had a baby with a lumberjack—it would be this Nordic retreat, the Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa. Here, relaxation feels as rugged as it does soothing. Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa, lets guests unwind in Nordic dry saunas surrounded by towering, snow-covered pines.
There, guests will find a unique blend of wellness, nature, skiing, great beer, and wood-fired pizza. Featuring multiple dry saunas, a cold plunge, a heated pool, and a hot tub, this spa provides a rejuvenating, invigorating experience.
Kids at the Spa: It’s Not as Wild as It Sounds
I was proud of the boys for embracing the whole Nordic spa experience. They even beat me at a guided meditation in the sauna.
How does one beat another at meditation? Well, when meditation takes place in a 160-degree Himalayan Salt Sauna, it’s who can hang the longest.
Our meditation leader prefaced the event by whispering that we could hop out whenever we felt too hot, and I did not last long. I was too hot as soon as I sat down.
As soon as the meditation was over, and we were all as red as Maine lobsters, we made a mad dash to the cold plunge. (Keep in mind all water experiences are located in the outdoor pools. A warm robe and comfy slippers are recommended in the winter and fall.)
The cold plunge was a mild 60 degrees. This doesn’t sound bad at all, but when leaving 160 degrees, it feels like hell frozen over. Of course, the boys embraced it in all its glory, dipping their heads under the waterfall with glee. Whereas, I jumped in, squealed, and then made a mad rush to the hot tub, where I stayed for the majority of our visit. The boys loved the heated pool, which featured a volleyball net, but they really embraced the recommended cycle between cold-warm-to-hot activities.
Cousins just living their best life in the sauna. ©Steffy McCourt
Introducing Kids to Wellness Culture
We weren’t sure how it would go with kids, especially boy-kids, visiting a spa. But they weren’t the only kids there, so believe me when I say that this was not a really outlandish move on my part.
In the end, it was pretty awesome to introduce the boys to this culture of wellness. I can’t think of any other place where we might have been able to meditate, sauna, and cold plunge together as a family like we did that day.
Cousin time in the hot tub. ©Steffy McCourt
Summer Spa Serenity, Winter Whirlpool Thrills
That being said, we did visit the spa in the summer when the Michigan Tech students were away in their real homes, so it wasn’t as crowded as it could have been. We had heard that in the fall and winter, this place fills with college-aged skiers who flock to Mount Bohemia’s epic ski trails.
These expert trails are not for the faint of heart. Many brave souls whose ambitions outweigh their talent end up nursing a cold beer while soothing sore muscles in the hot tub.
Staying At Mount Bohemia Resort
For a family spa retreat, many Michigan spas have lodgings on property or close by. After relaxing at the spa, we settled into one of the ultra-cozy, only slightly rustic cabins at the Mount Bohemia Resort, which are perfectly situated amidst the beautiful wilderness. When your family stays there, don’t be surprised if a moose wanders by the front porch.
The resort provides direct access to the stunning outdoors, making a family hike super inviting. For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to the nearby Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, where hundreds of acres of some of the last-standing old-growth white pines tower.
Mount Bohemia is also only twenty minutes from the Upper Peninsula’s only dark sky park, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. The lodge is the park’s headquarters and hosts an annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. A one- or two-night stay is a must in this remote area!
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This snow-covered cabin is the perfect spot to rest after a day of skiing and spa-ing. ©Mount Bohemia
More Michigan Spa Family Vacations
Our beautiful home state of Michigan is the perfect place to find a family-friendly spa retreat. With its stunning backdrop of lakes, forests, and quaint Midwestern towns, there’s a spa destination for every type of traveler. Whether it’s a Nordic-style spa in the snowy north or a lakeside retreat on the west coast, Michigan’s spa experiences are all alike in that they combine relaxation with incredible activities for the whole family. Here are some of our top picks for incredibly relaxing spa destinations in Michigan.
Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain Resort is an excellent fit for families because, like Mount Bohemia, it combines outdoor adventure with a luxurious spa experience at Crystal Spa. There are seasonal packages and deals, like Crystal Spa Days where guests can indulge in a facial and full body massage. If couples are seeking a romantic getaway, the couple’s spa package is perfect. The Couples Spa Retreat gives guests private after-hours access to the amenities, a 60-minute massage together, and a bottle of wine. There is an age limit for spa services here, so be certain to ask when booking an appointment. The youngest visitors allowed are 13-year-olds.
After enjoying a day of skiing or mountain biking, Traverse City is only a short drive away. Guests seeking a peaceful adventure should check out the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park. The gardens are a lovely spot for family photos or a quiet walk.
Fall colors at Crystal Mountain Resort. ©Crystal Mountain Resort
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Spa Grand Traverse
This lovely little boutique spa sits at the edge of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Known for its elaborate parties, friendly staff, and amazing amenities, this resort boasts a water park, bowling alley, several basketball and volleyball courts, a gold course, bars, restaurants, and the list goes on and on. We discovered this spa resort during one of our boy’s hockey tournaments in Traverse City. He was happy to sit in the relaxation room, sipping citrus water and playing on his phone, while I indulged in a deep tissue massage on a heated bed. If all of the massage therapists were like mine, and I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t be, do yourself a huge favor and book a massage here, stat. This massage was the perfect remedy to a very cold weekend of watching my boy in a freezing rink.
Like a kid in a… Grand Traverse Resort and Spa really did have a candy shop on the first floor. I’m telling you, they have everything here. ©Steffy McCourt
The Spa at Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain Resort is the perfect spot for a winter getaway with the whole family amidst the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. The Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark is a must for families. It will keep the kids entertained for hours, giving the parents a chance to head to the spa to enjoy the wide array of services. My favorite is the hot stone massage, followed by a soak in the hot tub.
The nearby town of Petoskey is only 20 minutes away, and it is worth exploring! It’s known for its adorable shops and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
[ctt template=”5″ link=”1_85i” via=”no” ]Whether it’s a Nordic-style spa in the snowy north or a lakeside retreat on the west coast, these 7 Michigan spas all combine relaxation with incredible activities for the whole family. [/ctt]
The Inn at Bay Harbor
The Inn at Bay Harbor is the perfect spot for a summer or autumn spa vacation. It is a luxurious setting on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a full-service spa. Guests can choose from a menu that includes everything from nail care to deep tissue massages. Lake Michigan’s views are incredible; for families, there’s a private beach where the kids can play all day long in the gentle surf.
Amway Grand Plaza Spa
Amway Grand Plaza is the perfect spring break choice for families visiting Grand Rapids. While parents relax at Celeste Salon and Spa with facial treatments, body treatments, or salon services, the kids can enjoy the indoor pool. Be sure to take a short trip to the nearby Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which is bursting with color in late spring.
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MGM Grand Detroit
MGM Grand Detroit is home to Immerse Spa, a 20,000 square foot oasis in the middle of the city. The spa provides guests with a menu of spa treatments and services that are all designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. A relaxation lounge is available for guests to unwind before or after their services. Book a room to extend the spa escape. Do ask for one of the rooms with a double-headed rain shower for the ultimate refreshing experience after a day of treatments.
Nothing resets the mind and body like a good back massage. ©Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Finding a place where relaxation can become a shared family experience rather than a solo retreat is rare. But watching my boys embrace the spa rituals during their first spa experience at Mount Bohemia – meditation, saunas, and cold plunges – made me rethink what a spa vacation could look like. A family vacation doesn’t always have to be action-packed. Sometimes, the best memories come from slowing down, soaking in the moment, and enjoying the peacefulness of a place like Mount Bohemia.
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