Kids, Pets & Apples—Oh My!
Hello!
Our August issue, Kids & Pets, holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than our future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today, filling the world with laughter, curiosity, and possibility.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us. They bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
We also cannot overlook the important role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between children and their pets can be transformative, creating connections and memories that last a lifetime.
Becoming a mom at a young age shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. Watching my daughter, Leightyn, and my son, Ryer, grow has been the most rewarding part of my life. Last summer, we decided to add to our family and welcomed Archie, our goldendoodle puppy. There has been no shortage of excitement—or chewed shoes—but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth: they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
Throughout these pages, we are also proud to highlight local businesses that support families and pet owners in our community. From children’s recreation to pet grooming, these businesses provide valuable services and trusted resources for every stage of family life. Their work helps parents find activities, care, and support close to home.
We are also pleased to recognize the 60th anniversary of Art & Apples, a longstanding Rochester tradition that continues to bring families, artists, and the community together.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life, explore the resources available in our community, and support the local businesses that serve them. They remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better.
Cheers!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Jordan Sakalian | jordan.sakalian@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Lee | jennifer.lee@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Kyrstyn Dean | KyrstynDeanMBA@KyrstynDean.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jessica Snow | hello@jessica-snow.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kali Kasprzyk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
JORDAN SAKALIAN, PUBLISHER @ROCHESTERCITYLIFESTYLE
A nod to the history of Art & Apples! RCL Models from top, Juliana Zervos, Asher Dinha, Elliana Zervos, Emmie Snow, Ryer Wilson, Olivia Catinela. Sunglasses
Eyewear
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
U-Pick Evenings in the Fields
Events I Bloom Bar I DIY Bloom Buckets
JOIN US FOR A SEASON IN BLOOM. Every stem is grown right here in Rochester, Michigan and thoughtfully curated to capture the beauty of the season.
1: Sheriff Bouchard officially swears in new mounted patrol horses at the Festival of the Hills. 2: Deputy Diane Vitale & Maggie at the Festival of the Hills. 3: IT GIRL Boutique, Beauty Boost Detroit vendor, at Endress Acres for the Hippie Dippie Social.
SHERIFF BOUCHARD
SHERIFF BOUCHARD DETROIT PROMOTIONS
Summer Citrus Scalp Spa at Ruby & Clover
We invite you to unwind with the Summer Citrus Scalp Spa, a refreshing take on our signature Japanese Head Spa experience. Blending the calming ritual of a deep-cleansing scalp treatment with bright, citrus-inspired aromatherapy, this seasonal service leaves your scalp rejuvenated and your hair healthier, softer, and glowing. Choose from Essential ($175) or the Express ($99) and let our certified stylists melt away the stress. Valid through August 27, available Mon-Thurs by appointment. Book at rubyandclover.com
Student Eyes Only! SEE Eyewear
Born in Michigan, SEE Eyewear is known for exclusive, limited-production frames that don't stick around for long. At our Rochester store, you'll find expert optical stylists, comprehensive eye exams, and fresh new eyewear arriving every month. With our Student Eyes Only! promotion, heading back to school just got better: complete prescription glasses for $199, including Blue Light lenses, plus $49 eye exams. Standout style shouldn't stop at the frame.
SEE: 417 S. Main St, Rochester
Photography by Jessica Snow
The Avon Collection, Custom Homes by Stonecrest II Building
Introducing the Avon Collection. Crafted by Stonecrest II Building, these custom homes feature sophisticated design, modern functionality, and exceptional craftsmanship throughout. Two custom homes are now complete and available to tour by private appointment, while we anticipate our grand opening, offering a firsthand look at the quality, detail, and finishes that define The Avon Collection.
Learn more at TheAvonCollection.com or contact Nicole Ulewicz at 586.630.1126 to schedule your private showing. CONTINUED >
Where precision meets artistry and every visit feels like coming home.
Available until August 27th
The Power of a Balance Bike for Kids
Start them young with a balance bike built for confidence, coordination, and fun. Balance bikes help kids learn to steer, glide, and balance naturally before adding pedals, making the transition to a big-kid bike smoother and less stressful. Stop by Clever Fox Cyclery to explore options, get expert sizing help, and schedule a fitting today!
Scan to read more
Back to School Cleanings at Paint Creek Dentistry
As the new school year approaches, it's the perfect time to check one more thing off your family's back-toschool checklist—a dental cleaning at Paint Creek Dentistry! Regular cleanings help keep smiles healthy, catch small issues before they become bigger problems, and give kids the confidence to head back to class with a bright, healthy smile. Schedule your family's appointments now and start the school year smiling!
CELEBRATING THE ART & APPLES FESTIVAL
SIXTY YEARS
TRADITION
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA SNOW, ORIGINALS BY PCCA
“THERE ARE A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES, AND WE TRULY COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS.”
— SHAUN HAYES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PCCA
Some traditions become so deeply woven into the fabric of a community that it is difficult to imagine life without them. For generations of families throughout Rochester and beyond, the Art & Apples Festival is one of those cherished traditions.
For sixty years, families have celebrated the arrival of fall with a visit to Rochester Municipal Park. Children who once explored artist booths hand-in-hand with their parents now return with children and grandchildren of their own. Friends reconnect, neighbors gather, and new memories are created alongside decades of treasured ones.
This year, the Art & Apples Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking not only the longevity of the event but also the spirit of the community that has embraced it since 1965.
What began as a local effort to celebrate creativity has grown into one of the nation’s most respected fine art festivals. Artists from 30 states submitted applications this year, and the festival continues to receive national recognition, recently earning a ranking as the #11 Fine Art and Design Festival in the country.
Despite that national acclaim, the festival has remained true to the values that made it special from the beginning: community, creativity, and connection.
Festival Guide, 1972
Festival Guide, 1972
“IT’S INCREDIBLE THAT THIS EVENT IS NOT ONLY SUCH A MAJOR PART OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, BUT BRINGS SUCH SUCCESS TO OUR ARTISTS AS WELL.”
- SHAUN HAYES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PCCA
"There are community members who have been attending since the very first festival," shares Shaun Hayes, Executive Director. "We also have artists who have participated for more than 30 years."
For many families, Art & Apples is part of their personal history. It is where they purchased their first original piece of artwork, watched a child perform with a local dance group, enjoyed a favorite apple treat, or spent an afternoon strolling beneath the trees.
The setting itself contributes to the festival’s charm. Spread across 30 scenic acres of Rochester Municipal Park, Art & Apples offers a relaxed atmosphere unlike many festivals held on crowded city streets.
Art remains the heart of the festival. Each year, hundreds of juried artists transform the park into an outdoor gallery featuring paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glasswork, clothing, and more. With 16 artistic mediums represented, visitors encounter a remarkable variety of talent and creativity.
The festival’s commitment to artistic excellence has helped it attract some of the country’s most accomplished artists while continually introducing fresh perspectives through rotating jurors and new artistic voices.
Its impact extends well beyond a single September weekend. Many people do not realize that the festival helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. The original organizers believed art should be accessible to everyone, and their vision ultimately led to the creation of institutions that continue supporting the arts today.
Festival proceeds help fund classes, exhibitions, educational programs, and creative opportunities throughout the year, strengthening Rochester’s cultural landscape for future generations.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the volunteers, sponsors, community partners, artists, and visitors who make the festival possible. Their collective efforts reflect what makes Rochester such a special place.
As Art & Apples celebrates sixty remarkable years, its greatest achievement is not simply the art on display. It is the memories created, the connections formed, and the traditions passed from one generation to the next. Art & Apples is more than a festival—it is a community masterpiece, sixty years in the making.
Learn more by visiting pccart.org
Olivia, Ryer, Juliana, Em
Elliana Zervos
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA SNOW
Wag N’ Wash Rochester’s Commitment to Pets,
Families and Community
More Than a Pet Store
Walk into Wag N' Wash Rochester on any given day and you'll likely be greeted by wagging tails, smiling faces, and maybe even a few muddy paws headed for a selfwash station. But what makes this local business so special isn't just the premium pet food, grooming services, treats, or toys. It's the feeling that you've walked into a place where pets truly are family.
From first-time puppy owners looking for guidance to longtime pet parents searching for the best nutrition, every visit is designed to be welcoming, educational, and personal. It's the kind of neighborhood business where conversations happen as often as transactions, and relationships grow alongside happy, healthy pets.
That philosophy has guided Wag N' Wash Rochester since day one.
"The inspiration behind Wag N' Wash Rochester started with a simple belief: pets are family, and the experience of caring for them should be something people enjoy—not just another chore on the calendar," says owner Mike Swader.
As a pet owner himself, Swader saw an opportunity to create something different. They envisioned more than a pet store. They wanted a destination where people and their pets could connect, learn, and feel like they belonged.
That vision has grown into a trusted neighborhood resource serving pet families throughout Rochester and beyond. While the store offers everything from full-service grooming and DIY self-wash stations to nutrition guidance and everyday essentials, its true purpose goes much deeper. The goal has always been to make pet care more accessible, less stressful, and even enjoyable, giving families the tools and support they need to help their pets live healthier, happier lives.
Wag N’ Wash Rochester has built its reputation on a genuine commitment to the local partnerships and causes that strengthen the community. The business regularly hosts pet adoption events with rescue organizations throughout Metro Detroit, helping deserving animals find loving forever homes. Partnerships with organizations such as Furever Tails Animal Rescue and No Dogs Left Behind allow the team to raise awareness for rescue pets while connecting families with new furry companions. Each event reflects the team's belief that every pet deserves a loving home and every family deserves the opportunity to experience the unconditional love a pet can bring.
Leo showing off his full-service groom!
Do-It Yourself Bath Station
The store also proudly supports the incredible work of the Rochester-area Puppy Raiser program in partnership with Oakland University and Leader Dogs for the Blind. Through access to their self-wash stations and educational support, Wag N' Wash helps future service dog raisers learn proper grooming and bathing techniques for the dogs they are preparing to serve others. By supporting future service dogs from the earliest stages of training, the team plays a meaningful role in helping dogs that will one day change someone's life.
Their commitment extends throughout the community as sponsors of the Paint Creek Trail, where they help provide pet waste bags along the trail, and through support of local schools, organizations, and events that strengthen Rochester's family-friendly spirit.
The team believes customer service begins with relationships. They take time to learn pets' names, personalities, preferences, and even their quirks. Whether it's a nervous puppy visiting the groomer for the first time or a senior dog needing specialized nutrition recommendations, every pet receives personalized attention. That personalized approach has helped build lasting relationships with local pet owners, also known as “neighbors,” who can count on the team for honest advice and compassionate care through every stage of a pet's life.
As pet wellness continues to evolve, Wag N' Wash is helping pet parents navigate a growing world of nutrition, supplements, preventative care, and grooming. Pet parents are increasingly seeking higher-quality ingredients, limited-ingredient diets, functional treats, and wellness-focused products designed to help pets live healthier lives.
Looking ahead, Wag N' Wash is excited about the future of pet care, particularly the growing focus on personalized wellness and customized solutions for individual pets. But even as technology and
innovation continue to shape the industry, one thing will never change.
Wag N' Wash Rochester has become a gathering place for pet lovers throughout the community. From celebrating new adoptions to sharing advice and supporting local causes, the team takes pride in creating connections that extend far beyond the walls of the store.
The heart of Wag N' Wash remains the human connection, and every decision comes back to a simple question: Does this make life better for pets and their families?
It's that commitment—to pets, to people, and to the community they call home—that continues to make Wag N' Wash Rochester much more than a pet store. It's a place where neighbors become friends, pets become family, and community comes first.
Learn more at wagnwash.com/rochester, and follow Wag N' Wash Rochester on Instagram and Facebook for pet care tips, adoption events, community updates, behind-the-scenes moments, grooming, and all things pets.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA SNOW
THREE Moons FARM
A place to find connection without all of life’s distractions.
Some places feel different the moment you arrive.
Maybe it’s the quiet. Maybe it’s the horses grazing in the distance, the grass swaying in the wind or the gentle reminder that life doesn’t always have to move so fast. Three Moons Farm is not your typical farm, in that it does not produce any agricultural products. But it’s unique because of what it does offer. Nestled among open spaces and natural beauty, Three Moons offers visitors the opportunity to focus on connection, healing, and the simple idea that slowing down can change everything.
For founder Maureen Moons, the journey to creating Three Moons Farm wasn't sparked by one defining moment. Instead, it was a collection of experiences that gently guided her toward a new purpose.
A native Michigander, Maureen spent two decades living and building a successful career in Dallas. Then life took an unexpected turn. A serious illness brought her back home to Michigan—a move she now describes as one of the greatest gifts of her life.
"No matter how carefully we plan our future, life is unpredictable," Maureen reflects.
As she navigated a new chapter, a vision began to take shape. She imagined a place where horses, goats, chickens, cows, flowers, gardens, and open spaces could come together to help people reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with nature.
She envisioned a farm where corporate leaders could learn about trust, communication, and authentic leadership. A place where women could gather to restore and celebrate themselves. Where children could experience the wonder of farm life in a way that feels increasingly rare today. Where mindfulness wasn't
taught from a screen but discovered through the presence of animals and the rhythms of the natural world.
Today, that dream lives and breathes as Three Moons Farm. Building it, however, required equal parts vision, patience, and faith.
Creating a farm from the ground up involves far more than beautiful pastures and barns. It demands physical labor, financial investment, constant problem-solving, and the courage to believe in something before anyone else can fully see it.
"There were many moments where the practical side of building a farm felt overwhelming," Maureen admits. "The physical work, the financial decisions, and the uncertainty of whether people would see the value in what I envisioned."
But she kept moving forward.
The turning points came when she witnessed the impact the farm was having on others. A child lighting up while meeting an animal. A visitor finding peace in the presence of a horse. Someone leaving feeling calmer, lighter, and more grounded than when they arrived.
Those moments confirmed what she had always believed: Three Moons Farm was never simply about animals or acreage. It was about creating a space where people could reconnect with what matters most.
The animals, especially the horses, play a central role in that mission.
"Horses have an incredible way of bringing us back to the moment," Maureen says. "They don't judge us by our titles, accomplishments, or what we've been through. They respond to our energy, our emotions, and how authentically we show up."
Most of all, Maureen Moons hopes people say“That place changed something in me.”
For many visitors, spending time with the horses becomes a powerful lesson in presence, trust, communication, boundaries, and self-awareness. They don't offer advice. They don't pretend. They simply meet people exactly where they are.
Maureen often tells visitors she hopes their experience at Three Moons Farm is "sticky"—something that stays with them long after they leave.
Whether someone visits for equine-guided mindfulness, a leadership retreat, a community gathering, or simply an afternoon spent with the animals, her wish is the same: that they leave feeling seen, grounded, and more connected to themselves and others.
Three Moons Farm is also a family story.
While the dream began with Maureen, she is quick to credit her children for helping bring it to life. Their love, encouragement, belief, and countless hours of hard physical work helped transform a vision into reality.
Looking ahead, Maureen hopes the farm's legacy extends far beyond its fences.
She hopes children remember it as a place of wonder and compassion. She hopes families cherish memories made together on the land. She hopes leaders become better listeners and more authentic communicators. She hopes visitors find healing, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for nature.
Most of all, she hopes people say, "That place changed something in me."
There is, she believes, something sacred about the land she stewards. She sees herself not as its owner, but as a temporary caretaker entrusted with sharing its gifts with others.
In a world increasingly filled with screens, notifications, and constant demands for our attention, places like Three Moons Farm matter more than ever.
The reason is simple.
Connection.
No phones. No electronics. No distractions.
Just connection—to animals, to nature, to family, to community, and perhaps most importantly, to ourselves.
And in today's world, that may be one of the most valuable gifts of all.
Learn more by visiting threemoonsfarm.com
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Lulu’s Flower Bar
Ever y bloom tells a stor y. From soft lavender roses to garden-fresh peonies, we design arrangements that turn ordinar y moments into ones wor th remembering.
Now booking events throughout Metro Detroit
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Rochester Chiropractic Clinic
EXCAVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
HOA & COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE CONCRETE PAVING & PATCHING CONCRETE STORM DRAIN & SEWER REPAIR
CHANGING THE STORY FOR MICHIGAN’S FOSTER CHILDREN
LOVE FOR A CHILD
Love For A Child began with a simple truth: every child deserves to be seen, celebrated, and loved—especially those who feel forgotten.
For thousands of children in Michigan's foster care system, life can feel uncertain. Many have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or trauma far too young, moving between homes, schools, and caregivers while carrying burdens no child should bear.
That is where Love For A Child steps in.
Founded in 2012 by Joe Savalle, Love For A Child was built on the belief that every child deserves to be loved, celebrated, and experience the joy of childhood. What began as a mission to serve children in foster care has grown into one of Michigan's most impactful organizations, helping foster children and families find hope, healing, and connection.
“Hurt can be healed by hope, trauma can be turned back toward trust, and loss can be replaced by actions of love,” Savalle says.
ARTICLE
BY JENNIFER LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVE FOR A CHILD
“That love, when true and pure, is truly our heart’s purpose and the passion of the mission. This is what we call Love For A Child.”
At the heart of the organization is a commitment to consistency—something many foster children rarely experience. Love For A Child understands that healing doesn't happen through a single event. It happens through relationships, when a child knows someone will show up again and again.
One of the organization's most transformative programs is its camp experience. Foster children from across Michigan attend week-long camps created specifically for them. These aren't ordinary summer camps. They are places where children are celebrated, encouraged, and reminded they belong. Campers enjoy birthday parties, bonfires, games, adventures, and activities designed to create joyful memories while building confidence and trust. More than 350 trained, trauma-informed volunteers help ensure every child feels special.
But camp is just a small part.
Beyond camp, Love For A Child's commitment lasts all year.
Following camp, many children are paired with mentors who remain present throughout the year. These trusted adults show up for birthdays, milestones, difficult days, and everything in between.
Through monthly visits, outings, and encouragement, they provide what many foster children desperately need: stability. For children experiencing multiple placements and change, these relationships become an anchor.
The organization also supports foster families by connecting them with resources tailored to their unique challenges, recognizing that stronger foster families help strengthen the children in their care.
What makes Love For A Child extraordinary is its understanding that children need more than services—they need experiences. They need opportunities to laugh, dream, explore, and be kids.
For children who have experienced trauma, those moments can be life-changing. A week at camp. A birthday remembered. A mentor who shows up. A trusted adult who listens. Small acts of love often create the greatest impact.
Over the years, the nonprofit has touched countless lives across Michigan through camps, mentorship, and support that continues long after camp ends. Its work reminds us that while foster care can be defined by uncertainty, it can also be transformed by consistency, compassion, and community.
In a world where vulnerable children can feel overlooked, Love For A Child has made them its focus.
The organization's name is more than a title—it's a promise that every child deserves to feel valued, deserves someone in their corner, and deserves to know their story is not over.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can give a child isn't a program, a gift, or even a place to stay.
It's the belief that they are loved.
And for thousands of foster children across Michigan, Love For A Child is making sure they never forget it.
Learn more at loveforachild.org
Founder Joe Savalle shares a moment.
SUMMER MEMORIES MADE
ARTICLE BY
JENNIFER LEE
| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RARA
RARA HELPS CHILDREN GROW WHILE CREATING MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME.
RARA programs help children stay active, engaged, and inspired all summer long.
Summer in the Midwest has a unique way of shaping childhood. It’s the season of new friendships, endless laughter, scraped knees from outdoor adventures, and memories that stay with us long after the school year begins again. For thousands of families across Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township, those memories are being made every day through the programs and experiences offered by RARA.
For generations, RARA has been a trusted part of the community, providing opportunities for children to learn, grow, explore, and connect. While parents appreciate having safe, engaging activities for their children during the summer months, what truly sets RARA apart is the lasting impact its programs have on young lives.
RARA’s Summer Day Camps remain one of the area's most beloved traditions. This summer alone,
nearly 2,900 campers participated across 10 locations during the eight-week season. From outdoor games and creative crafts to themed activities and team challenges, each day is designed to spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and help children build confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
The variety of specialty camps allows children to dive deeper into their interests while discovering new passions. Whether they're attending Superhero Camp, Everything Edible Camp, STEM Camp, Out of This World Camp, or one of RARA’s popular travel camps, participants are encouraged to dream big, think creatively, and embrace new experiences.
Sports also play an important role in the RARA summer experience. Through programs like MLS GO Soccer Camp, JJ Howland Wrestling Camp, and Rochester Baseball Camp, young athletes develop skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and self-confidence are lessons that stay with them long after the final whistle.
Beyond camps and clinics, RARA continues to strengthen community connections through events that bring families together. One shining example is the annual Movies in the Park series, now entering its second year. These free outdoor movie nights offer families a chance to gather under the stars, enjoy time together, and connect with neighbors in a welcoming community setting.
At its heart, RARA is about far more than summer programming. It is about creating experiences that help children grow, families connect, and communities thrive—one unforgettable summer memory at a time.
Learn more at rararecreation.org
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY FRIDAY IN AUGUST RARA Movies in the Park Series
See RARA website for up to date information | 6:00 PM
GOAT, Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026 (Rain Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2026)
Mario Galaxy, Date: Friday, August 14th, 2026 (Rain Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026)
The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, Date: Friday, August 21st, 2026; Location: Thelma G. Spencer Park, 3701 John R Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
AUGUST 6TH & 13TH Bites & Beats by the Paint Creek
400 Water Street, Rochester MI | 6:30 PM
Head to Lions Park Amphitheater for outdoor live entertainment. This is a free evening and the perfect way to spend a summer night. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating. August 6th: Weekend Come Back (Special Family Night!)
August 13th: Y'all Band
Food and drinks available for purchase courtesy of Rochester Mills Beer Co.
AUGUST 12TH
Music & Me!
Festival Park, The Village of Rochester Hills | 10:00 AM
Theme: Pajama Jams; Grab a towel or a blanket, sunscreen, and plenty of energy! This 45 minute, free class is perfect for toddlers and young children with their parents. Hosted by Ms. Calissa from Sing Play Speak. Sing Play Speak supports children’s speech and language development through music-based, play-driven experiences led by pediatric speech-language pathologists.
