Planning a Harbor Springs itinerary for the family? Here’s a real day-by-day plan — short drives, seasonal picks, and The Bird House as your home base (sleeps 11).
Premium Stay Rentals
Harbor Springs
Family Vacation Planner
Everything your family needs for the perfect Northern Michigan getaway — from ski slopes to Lake Michigan beaches.
Plan Your Stay
“Very spacious home with modern amenities. The location made it easy to visit several towns in Northern Michigan.”
— Matthew O. · Oregon, OH · Jun 2025 · VRBO
“Spotless, spacious, and perfect for a ski weekend with our three young kids. Plenty of room to play and sleep comfortably. Will definitely be back.”
— Alexandria F. · Ada, MI · Feb 2025 · Airbnb
“This is an all 5’s property. It truly was an incredible family weekend with comfort for all.”
— Verified Guest · Grand Rapids, MI · Mar 2026 · VRBO
Welcome to Harbor Springs
A charming Northern Michigan town on Little Traverse Bay — ski town in winter, beach paradise in summer, and a stunning fall color retreat in autumn. Premium Stay Rentals makes it easy for your family to enjoy all of it from one perfect home base. This planner is built around The Bird House, our family vacation home in Harbor Springs that sleeps 11.
Looking for a large vacation rental in Harbor Springs, Michigan?
The Bird House by Premium Stay Rentals is a large vacation rental in Harbor Springs, Michigan designed for families and groups who want more room to spread out. With 5 bedrooms, space for up to 11 guests, and a peaceful location between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, it works well for ski weekends, summer lake trips, and multi-generation Northern Michigan vacations.
If you have been searching for a vacation rental that sleeps 10+ in Harbor Springs, a 5 bedroom Harbor Springs rental home, or a Northern Michigan house rental that sleeps 11, this is the kind of home base that gives you quick access to the best of the area without sacrificing comfort.
You are also close to some of the region’s biggest trip drivers. That makes The Bird House a smart option for travelers comparing a Petoskey vacation rental, a Highlands-area vacation rental, or a Harbor Springs ski rental house near Nub’s Nob and The Highlands.
📍 Everything Is Close
⭐ Top 15 Things to Do in Harbor Springs
💎 Don’t Miss These Local Gems
Kilwin’s Ice Cream
A Northern Michigan institution since its Petoskey founding. Must-try flavors: Traverse City Cherry, Toasted Coconut, and Salted Caramel. The perfect downtown treat after a beach day.
Year-Round TraditionTom’s Mom’s Cookies
Fresh-baked chocolate-chunk cookies just steps off Main Street. A legendary Harbor Springs sweet treat that locals and visitors return to year after year.
Local LegendNatural Spring Fountains
Harbor Springs is famous for its natural spring-fed drinking fountains around town — a unique and refreshing experience unlike anywhere else in Michigan.
Hidden GemNeed more ideas? Jump back into the full guide anytime.
“Beautiful, comfortable house minutes from skiing at The Highlands. Plenty of space for a group of 10, a well-stocked kitchen, and a hot tub with sunset views.”
— Ann K. · February 2026 · Verified VRBO Guest
Seasonal Guide
Harbor Springs transforms completely by season. Choose yours to see what’s waiting.
Activities & Adventures
Filter by category to find the perfect activity for your family.
Where to Eat
Family-friendly picks from casual pizza nights to memorable waterfront dinners.
Itinerary Builder
Choose your season and trip length to get a ready-made family itinerary.
💡 Planning Tips from Premium Stay Rentals
🧳 Packing Checklist
Pick your season, then check items off as you pack. Your progress saves as you go (until you reload).
📅 Harbor Springs Highlights & Events
A few of the seasonal events families plan around.
The Bird House
Your perfect Northern Michigan home base — a woodland retreat designed for families.
The Bird House
A peaceful woodland retreat nestled between Harbor Springs and Petoskey — the ideal base for families of all ages and seasons.
Pricing
Managed by Vacation Properties of Northern Michigan · (231) 347-7300
🏡 Full Amenity List
🛏 Sleeping Arrangements
King Master Suite
Private ensuite bathroom — perfect for parents or grandparents
Queen Bedroom
Comfortable room for adults or older children
Kids’ Bunk Room
Built for kids — they’ll love calling it their own
👶 Designed for Families with Young Kids
in every bedroom
cool-touch safety
no open flames
available on request
❓ Common Questions
Planning a Harbor Springs trip?
We’ll send a family plan you can actually use — a printable packing list and the drive times to everything, Nub’s Nob, the beach, downtown. Handy when you’re planning months out and don’t want to start from scratch.
Check your inbox
It’s on its way. While you’re here — if your dates are firming up, it’s worth seeing what’s still open.
Check Availability →Planning with kids? The house runs its own kids’ program — a printed adventure book with missions all over Harbor Springs, free for every young guest. Meet Toskey & Tern →