LG Magazine - Summer Edition 2024

SUMMER 2024

BEST BEACHES + SPLASH PADS

SUMMER FUN

After what felt like the longest Winter EVER and just a blip of Spring, we are more than ready to get out of the house and do ALL THE THINGS that Summer has to offer.

From soaking up the sun at playgrounds, splash pads, and beaches, to hopping in the car for a day trip or two - let's make the next couple of months extra fun In this LittleGuide Detroit Summer Magazine, you'll find our favorite playgrounds and splash pads, festival and fair schedules, spotlights on top activities in cities near and far, and much more!

As always, you can find more events, activities, and ideas at www.littleguidedetroit.com

Kerry Doman + Carrie Budzinski

Here's to a summer of fun!

LittleGuide Detroit's

STROLLER ROLL

LittleGuide Detroit's annual event series returns for it's 3rd yearand we can't wait to see you!

Call up your friends and get ready to walk + roll. The Stroller Roll is a FREE morning event and everyone is invited. Let your littles meet some of their favorite Princesses & Superheroes, hold a snake, touch a tarantula, climb aboard trucks + ambulances, bounce in a bounce-house, enjoy FREE ice cream, get tons of FREE swag + more!

SAVE THE DATES

Safety Day Event

June 22nd @ 9am - 11am

Children’s Hospital of MI, Troy

July 20th @ 9am - 11am Hines Drive, Westland

SAFETY

Saturday, June 22nd 9am to 11am

Watch a parade, take a ride, dance to the music, and stay up past bedtime for a fireworks show!

MAY/JUNE

Milan Community Fair

Birmingham Village Fair

Country to the Core @ Blake's

Grosse Ile Islandfest

Center Line Festival

Motor City Irish Fest

St. Frances Cabrini Festival

Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Canton Liberty Fest

Riverview Summerfest

Marysville Summer Fest

Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

Ford Fireworks

Livonia Spree

Festival of the Hills

Wixom's Lite the Nite

Taylor Summer Festival Balloonfest

Trenton Summer Festival

Red, White & Blues Fireworks

Festival in the Park

Stoney Creek Metropark

JULY

Willow Metroparks Fireworks

Oakland County Fair

African World Festival

Blake's Lavender Festival

Detroit Kite Festival

Thunder Over Michigan

Lenawee County Fair

Fowlerville Family Fair

Sterlingfest

Chelsea Sounds & Sights

Arab & Chaldean Festival

Monroe County Fair

Wayne County Fair

AUGUST

Allen Park Street Fair

Dearborn Homecoming

Belle Isle Art Fair

Milford Memories

St. Rafka Hometown Festival

Blake's Sunflower Festival

Dexter Daze Festival

Howell Melon Festival

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Michigan State Fair

City Guides

Be a tourist in your own town and enjoy a ready made itinerary for kid-friendly activit all throughout Metro Detroit.

Berkley

Take a detour along the Woodward Corridor and spend time in Berkley. The quaint downtown has cute shops, delicious food, and great playgrounds!

Destination

Toddlers will love having fun at the Backyard Playroom in Berkley There is space to climb, play dress up, and enjoy imaginary play with new friends Parents will love that it’s free!

Playground

Oxford Park is a great space for kids of all ages and features a large climbing playground and a smaller toddler section with a playhouse and hiding hole. The best part is the free splash area for summer days.

Treat

Bombshell Treat Bar is not only delicious but it’s also FUN! From selecting a bar flavor and shell cover, to topping it off with a special drizzle and toppings of your choice, it’s a can’t-miss experience.

Trenton

Head Downriver for a fun family day in Trenton. Here's where to go, what to do, and what to eat. Don’t forget to pack your swim gear and spend time at the Kennedy Aquatic Center.

Destination

Explore nature at the only international wildlife refuge in North America The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is located along the Detroit River and features new and established trails, boardwalks, and watch points.

Playground

Elizabeth Park is metro Detroit’s other island gem. Check out the brand-new playground, explore the trails, and watch boats on the water If you’re visiting on the weekend, you can also go for pony rides!

Treat

Stop by the downtown Trenton Farmers Market on Thursdays between 2pm and 7pm for sweet treats or items for a family picnic

Clinton Twp

We’ll all be heading to CJ Barrymore’s to see the new 3-story Mario Kart style attraction this summer, and while you’re in Clinton Township - here are some additional things to do.

Destination

Keep cool and keep the kids busy at Yoyo’s Fun Center. The indoor play place features ball pits, trampolines, lots of slides, swings, and more!

Playground

With its beautiful fountain plaza, George George Memorial Park offers large playscapes, pond areas, clean bathrooms, and a picnic pavilion. The picturesque grounds also have a scenic walking path alongside a portion of the Clinton River.

Treat

Enjoy a quintessential Michigan favorite and enjoy sweet treats from the Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe

Howell

If you want to feel like you've taken a trip, but without going very far - Howell is a great ‘getaway’ to enjoy the outdoors and a quaint downtown.

Destination

Howell Nature Center has it all! Animals, hiking trails, a nature based playground with a tree house, and even ziplines for kids big and small!

Playground

The Summit Gardens playground in downtown Howell is a great place to take a break Let the kids play, take a picture in front of the Howell mural, and see if you can catch a train when it passes by! If you’re driving along 96 be sure to check out Survivor’s Playground in Genoa Township too!

Treat

M Street Bakery was a leader in the over-the-top milkshake trend Stop by the cute shop and get a massive shake to sip and share.

Plymouth

A walkable downtown with cute shops, outdoor concerts in the park, a great library, and plenty of playgrounds. There’s lots to do in Plymouth - here are our top picks.

Destination

A trip to the drive-in is a childhood essential Put on your pjs, pack up the car with blankets + snacks, and cozy up for a double feature on the big screen at Summer Drive-In at USA Hockey Arena.

Playground

Plymouth Township Park has it all! A modern playground with a train, a wooden fortress playground with swings, a FREE splash pad, and paved walking trails.

Treat

The Dairy Go Round has something for everyone - literally! The menu is massive and even has vegan options Sit on patio furniture or let the kids claim a seat on the ‘merry-go-round’

SUMMER FUN LIST

When you don’t want to make a decision about how to spend the day. Pull up this page and let the kids pick - here are 9 FUN summer activities the family will love.

Bay Court Park (Clarkston)

Lily Pad Springs (West Bloomfield)

Crosswinds Marsh (New Boston)

Heritage

(Farmington Hills)

Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)

Cranbrook on the Green (Bloomfield Hills)

Lake St Clair Metropark (Harrison Township)

Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit)

Macomb Corners (Macomb)

Park

Savor every moment with free, family-friendly events all summer!

Birmingham’s picturesque downtown is a great destination for visitors of all ages, with abundant parks, restaurants, shopping and events.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS

On select Friday nights, June through September, head to Booth Park for free outdoor movies! Enjoy lots of free goodies and giveaways, pre-show entertainment and the awardwinning play structure before settling down to watch family-friendly new releases and classics

FARMERS MARKET

On Sundays through October, visit the Birmingham Farmers Market! The kids will love helping you shop for farm-fresh produce and other goods from over 50 local vendors each week. Plus, listen to live music, create and play at the Kids’ Zone, and enjoy a tasty treat from one of several food trucks

Mark your calendar for Farmers Market Special Events including the Strawberry JamBoree in June, Super Farmer Day in July, and the Corn and Harvest Festivals in August and September

DAY ON THE TOWN

If you love to shop (and a good bargain!), visit Day on the Town in July – it’s the biggest sidewalk sale around with displays from over 60 merchants! Find great deals, entertainment, kids’ activities, free parking and more all day long.

For details on these events and more, visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events.

This This That That

Choose your own adventure!

Splash Pad Splash Pad

Splash Pads offer a ton of summer funand are often times FREE! They’re also a great option for kids still learning to swim, where parents don’t have to worry as much about water safety!

A bigger commitment, but LOTS of fun! Metro Detroit has several aquatic centers with wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and more! water park/pool water park/pool

zoo +aquarium zoo +aquarium

Find animals that are larger than life at a zoo or aquarium. Go to a local favorite or drive for something new!

PETTING FARM PETTING FARM

Cluck, moo, baa, neigh - practice your animal noises with the experts on the farm.

u-pick farm u-pick farm

Get to work and have fun picking fruits and vegetables fresh from the farm.

Pro-Tip: Have a cooler in the car!

Head to a famers market to stock up on goodies for the week and enjoy family fun while there!

12 cities every family should visit in

Michigan

1-HOUR DAY TRIPS: EASY SUMMER STOPS

PACK A LUNCH, HIT THE ROAD, AND ENJOY A DAY IN A NEW TOWN!

Some cities may sound far away, but the reality is that an extra 20 minutes in the car can get you pretty far. If you’re looking to get away, but stay close to home - here are our top picks!

FLINT

We talk about Flint a lot because it’s one of our favorite places to visit. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is a summer must Explore the historic village, go on vintage carnival rides (bring cash), and take a 40 minute train trip through town. Afterwards, make a splash at Bluebell Beach on Mott Lake - there’s a large playground and splash pad.

LANSING

Littles will love exploring the 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University. The FREE public garden has beautiful flowers and hidden play spaces for kids to discover. Cool down at one of the best ice cream shops in the statethe MSU Dairy Store!

Make sure to stop by Adado Park and let the kids play at the new accessible playground and enjoy a packed lunch on the riverfront!

LUNA PIER

Michigan is the Great Lake state and if you want to find a sandy beach on Lake Erie (without crossing the border), take a trip to Luna Pier The small town has family-friendly cafes, a wooden playground, and a light house!

PORT HURON

Soak up the sun and make a splash in Port Huron. Spend the day at Lighthouse Beach and check out the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. A short walk away, is Palmer Park with its giant tube slide!

Make it an international stop and cross the Blue Water Bridge and enjoy Lake Huron from Canatara Beach in Canada.

On a rainy day, you can get a museum pass for $25 and visit 4 Port Huron Museums in one day!

2-HOUR DAY TRIPS: PUT ON YOUR PLAYLIST

SPEND THE DAY OR MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHT STAY!

GRAND RAPIDS

Grand Rapids is our go-to all year long, but summer is probably our favorite season because we get to explore the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park, and John Ball Zoo is extra special too! Put on your walking shoes and bring the stroller, there’s lots to see and hidden play spaces to explore at both destinations

Plan a beach day at Millennium Park

The Kent County park has a playground, beach, splash pad, and snack shop Go swimming, relax on the sand or rent a paddle boat and explore the lake

Cool off downtown at the popular museums: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum are all winners and walking distance to each other There are also a lot of great family-friendly restaurants to enjoy too

KALAMAZOO

Go to new heights at the Air Zoo! This hands-on museum features children’s rides and interactive exhibits showcasing aviation and space travel - you can learn about alien worlds and androids too! In addition to seeing restored airplane models, you can watch live as vintage military and stealth planes are restored for use.

MIDLAND

Dow Gadens is a sight to see! Explore the Children’s Garden, walk along the nation’s longest canopy walk, brave the cargo net bridge to the West Pod, and relax on the cargo nets at the Spruce Arm Overlook. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat and let the kids run around the ADA accessible playground before returning to the trails to see the other gardens on the grounds.

"THERE ARE NO FOREIGN LANDS. IT IS THE TRAVELER ONLY WHO IS FOREIGN."

FAMILY GETAWAYS: HEAD UP NORTH

MAKE YOUR FAMILY VACATION A MICHIGAN CLASSIC

Whether you cherry-pick in Traverse City or bike through Mackinac Island, Michigan’s most breath-taking destinations are only a drive away and you don’t want to miss out.

TRAVERSE CITY

Climb the sand dunes, take a scenic hike, enjoy cherry treats, taste test your way through the wineries...and of course, don’t forget the crystal clear waters and beaches that the whole family is sure to enjoy! Stay up late and enjoy a movie under the stars at Cherry Bowl Drive-In.

MACKINAC ISLAND

Start your trip off right by taking the “Mighty Mac” ferry for a scenic detour under the Mighty Mackinac Bridge at no extra charge!

While on the island, you’ll want to take a horse-led carriage tour where you can see all the sites, tour Fort Mackinac to learn the fascinating history of the military outpost, and taste test the famous fudge on Main Street.

Don't forget to grab a bike rental to take in the beautiful waterfront views of Lake Huron!

THE UP

Wear shorts (or swim gear) and bring towels because Lower Tahquamenon Falls isn’t just to look at. The breath-taking waterfalls are beautiful to see and more fun to play in.

We will always find a playgroundand the Chutes and Ladders Playground on the Houghton Riverfront is perfection. The board-game inspired structure has so many places to climb and slide, it kept the kids busy for hours

The perfect #PureMichigan experience, Manistique is a must. The picturesque lighthouse is perfect for a family photo-op and located along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Be sure to go to Palms Book State Park - Home to Kitch-iti-kipi or “The Big Spring”, visitors can hop on an observation raft and get a unique ride over the crystal clear water that is so clean, you can see to the bottom with your naked eye.

Travel Favorites Travel Favorites

If you’re taking to the skies this summer, here are a few must-haves for our family flights that help make traveling with kids a lot easier!

AIRPLANE BED

We bring these pillows with us to help bridge the gap between seats, so that it creates a flatter surface, in hopes of mimicking a bed and getting some sleep - perfect for long flights and nighttime journeys!

KID HEADPHONES

Headphones are also a travel must! Each kid has their own set (and their own color). Don’t forget to buy a set that includes the case, as the earphones can easily get crunched in their backpacks!

These are our travel MUSTS! I pack two of these mesh zipper pouches for each kid –one is filled with their snacks and the other is filled with their activity books, toys, crayons, etc. They are color coordinated as well, so each kid knows which is theirs.

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Bungee Cords are our MacGyver tool of traveling! Need to carry 2 boosters – just strap them to the handles of your suitcase. Something breaks – just hold it together with a bungee cord. It’s a great thing to have in the front of your suitcase for ‘just in case’ . 3

Beach

(Troy)

Mies Park (Livonia)

Macomb Corners (Macomb)

Warren Gateway (Detroit)

Northwest Park (Novi)

Father Caims Park (Monroe)

Leslie Science & Nature Center (Ann Arbor)

Civic Center Park (Garden City)

Bay Court Park (Clarkston)

Adado Park (Lansing)

Civic Center Park (Wixom)

Seymour Lake Twp. Park (Oxford)

Survivor’s Park (Genoa Township)

Green Acres Park (Hazel Park)

Heritage Park (Farmington Hills)

Riverside Park (Auburn Hills) Milan

Brooklands Plaza (Rochester Hills)

Indian Springs Metropark (White Lake)*

Jessica’s Splash Pad (Novi)

Normandy Oaks (Royal Oak)

Handy Park (Redford)

City Square Fountain (Warren)

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is so much more than a college-town, it’s incredible for families too! Find neat libraries, fun playgrounds, kid-friendly museums, and other top attractions in and around downtown. During the summer, you can also experience the Ann Arbor Summer Festival - happening June 14-30.

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C O U N T Y F A R M P A R K

Farm lovers will want to visit County Farm Park. The massive barn themed playground will keep the kids occupied for hours and you can burn off any extra energy on the 3 miles of paved + nature trails.

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U M M U S E U M O F

N A T U R A L H I S T O R Y

Plan a day of FREE family fun and learn about science & history at the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History. The museum is home to engaging, hands-on exhibits, featuring life-size dinosaur fossils, biological sciences, and a planetarium.

0 3 A N N A R B O R H A N D SO N M U S E U M

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has over 250 interactive activities for kids. Kids can experiment with machines, water, lights, and optics. Let your littles use their imagination while exploring miniaturized worlds of medicine, commerce, and community – and their water table is a ‘must’ visit!

0 4 D O M I N O ’ S F A R M S

Take a trip to the farm to visit and feed the animals. From cows and chickens to horses and pigs, find all the barnyard favorites. Train lovers will also want to get a picture with the Griffith Station caboose.

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L E S L I E S C I E N C E & N A T U R E C E N T E R

The Leslie Science & Nature Center features a nature center, a new natural playground, and the best nature trails - all for FREE.

0 6 A N N A R B O R D I S T R I C T L I B R A R Y

We love a good library and the Ann Arbor District Library has FIVE! They all have unique features and fun areas for kids (our favorites are Westgate & Pittsfield branches).

0 7 M A T T H A E I B O T A N I C A L G A R D E N S

Explore the trails (open daily and year round) or spend an afternoon in the Children’s Garden. These gardens are free to explore and lots of fun.

0 8 C L O S E A N D W O R T H T H E V I S I T

These Washtenaw County gems are all winners: Blue Heron Bay Spray Park

Michigan Firehouse Museum

Rolling Hills Water Park

Michigan Flight Museum

COOL DETROIT COOL DETROIT PLAYGROUNDS PLAYGROUNDS

TheNEWmassiveplaystructureattheWarren Gatewayisbeautifultolookat,funtoclimb,and hasasuperspeedyslidethatwilldelightkidsofall ages(andfunforadultstoo).Checkoutthe additionalslides,swings,andclimbingstructuresto entertainandengageaswell

Address:8034WWarrenAve,Detroit

LocatednexttotheAmbassadorBridge,Riverside Parkisagreatplacetoplay.Kidscanclimband slidedowntheplaystructure,swingandspinon multiplestructures(includingahammockand zipline),thencooldownatthesplashpad

Address:3085WJeffersonAve,Detroit

PalmerParknotonlyhasalargemodern playgroundwitheqiupmentforkidsofallages, there’salsoafreesplashpad,historiclogcabin, andbeautifulwalkingpathsinoneofthecity’s mostbeautifulparks.

Address:910MerrillPlaisanceSt

The NEW playground at Clark Park has it all - a fun climbing structure for kids, swings of all kinds, a natural play area, a cool sandbox with turtle statues, AND a splash pad!

Address: 400 Scotten St, Detroit

FINDDINOSAURS

ChangeupyourroutineandcheckouttheseSUPERFUNnew

DINOSAURIA @ THE DETROIT ZOO

Dinosauria returns to the Detroit Zoo this summer The immersive walk-through experience takes you along a trail teeming with lifelike, animatronic dinosaurs. From a towering Brachiosaurus to a massive T. rex, Dinosauria promises thrills at every twist and turn.

Dinosauria runs May 25th to September 8th.

DINOSAURS IN MOTION @ THE HENRY FORD

The Henry Ford’s newest exhibition is equal parts delight, development, and dinosaurs. Experience prehistoric animals like you’ve never seen before at Dinosaurs in Motion, where you can move or engage with 16 lifesize metal dinosaurs. Enjoy the exhibit with general admission (it’s FREE for members!), the exhibit will run from June 9th to September 8th.

KACKLEBERRY’S JURASSIC FARM

Immerse yourself in a pre-historic adventure as you witness over 20 life-sized dinosaurs come to life at Kackleberry Farms throughout the month of June. This new experience includes dinosaurs, photo-ops, and over 30 farm fun activities.

The weekend event runs Saturdays and Sundays in June.

THISSUMMER

playgroundsandplayspacesinmetroDetroit.

DINOLAND

(MADISON HEIGHTS)

Dinoland‘s Madison Heights location features a 5,000 sq ft playscape with multiple levels to climb through, a ninja course to explore, zip-lines, wave slides, and a dedicated toddler play area The dinosaur themed play cafe has the pre-historic figures featured in multiple ways, including some to ride on and animatronic ones to watch. While the kids play, you can sit back and relax with a coffee and a friend.

PERMANENT MUSEUM EXHIBITS

Cranbrook Institute of Science: Say “hi“ to Steggy on your way into seeing their giant T. rex up close and personal!

UM Museum of Natural History:

A fantastic FREE place to see lifesized dinosaur bones. There is also a temporary Dinosaur Discoveries exhibit to check out!

Stage Nature Center: Your littles won’t want to leave the popular Mastodon dig site!

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

Blossom Heath Park (St. Clair Shores): 24800 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores

Dooley Park (Livonia): 14198 Harrison St, Livonia, MI 48154

Woolley Park (Ann Arbor): 1220 W Textile Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Beech Wood Park (Southfield): 22400 Beech Rd, Southfield, MI 48034

Take your family adventures to NEW HEIGHTS at a treetop destination around metro Detroit!

T R E E R U N N E R

A D V E N T U R E P A R K

The canopy covered amusement center features zipline adventures for ages 4 and up 1

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3

H I D D E N L A K E G A R D E N S

This 755 acre garden offers an arboretum, trails, conservatory, and a canopy walk.

H O W E L L N A T U R E

C E N T E R

In addition to a fun treehouse playground, kids (and adults) can also soar through the trees on a community zip-line!

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5

T O L E D O B O T A N I C A L

G A R D E N S

Just across the Michigan border, find the Secret Forest treehouse playground with a 2-story playhouse and cool rope bridges.

F O R - M A R N A T U R E

P R E S E R V E

Explore For-Mar during a family nature walk and stop into the tree house for fun and games.

SAY "YES" SAY "YES" TO THE

Y'S TO THE Y'S FAMILY

CAMP FAMILY CAMP

Hey Mom & Dad – camp doesn’t just have to be for kids! Plan a family trip to northern Michigan and spend Labor Day weekend at The YMCA’s Nissokone Family Camp in Oscoda!

The YMCA’s Nissokone Family Camp offers a northern Michigan lakeside escape for families looking to relax, strengthen relationships, and create unforgettable memories.

Spend a long weekend on the perfect family vacation with modern cabins, fun and organized activities throughout the day, and campfires in the evenings. At Family Camp you can do as little or as much as you like, the choice of what to do with your time is yours. It’s all about spending quality time with your kids. Share memories with extended family, enjoying side-by-side cabins, or meet other families just like yours, with adventurous kids eager to make new friends.

Camp activities include:

Horseback riding and hay rides

Guided hiking near the AuSable River

Sailing

Swimming + Waterslides

Fishing

Kayaking

Paintball

Archery

Zipline + High-ropes courses

Sports

Campfires with sing-alongs

And more!

MUSICIN THEPARK

Outdoorconcertsareagreatfamily activityinthesummer.Callyour friendsandplanaplaydateforan easyadventure.

Packuptheblankets,plentyofsnacks,and somesunscreenforanoutdoorconcert.Many communitieshostoutdoorkid-friendly concertswithlivemusicthatinviteskidstoget upanddance!Bestofall-almostallofthem areFREEandincludeadditionalactivitieslike artsandcrafts,bouncehouses,lawngames, andmore!

Family Concert Series

SignupforLittleGuideDetroitemailsand checkoutoureventcalendarfordates+ timesforthesecommunityconcertseries:

DetroitSymphoyOrchestra’s

MusicInThePark(Detroit)

Reading&RhythmontheRiverfront (Detroit)

RhythmsinRileyPark(Farmington)

TheFordHouse(GrossePointeShores)

SummerFunSeries(Livonia)

Huron-ClintonMetroparks (multiplelocations)

TunesonTuesdays(Northville)

MusicintheAir(Plymouth)

Music&Me(Rochester)

SummerConcerts(ShelbyTownship)

KidsKomotion(WestBloomfield)

Wet & Wild

Wednesdays In Rochester

Get Wet & Wild on Wednesdays in July and add a trip to Rochester Hills to your family calendar this summer.

Every summer, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm hosts weekly water parties that are incredibly fun and well worth adding to your summer bucket-list!

Enjoy musical entertainment at noon, followed by water fun at 1pm - with two huge slip and slides, a Rochester Hills Fire Truck, foam machine for little kids, and wading in Stoney Creek

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm's drop-in hours and tours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00pm - 3:00pm with a guided tour of the Van Hoosen Farmhouse at 1:00 pm. The museum grounds are open to the public year-round.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Free For Members

Non-Member Adults $5.00

Students/Seniors $3.00

Rochester Hills Museum At Van Hoosen Farm 1005 Van Hoosen Rd Rochester Hills, MI 48306

Outdoor movie nights during summer months are extra special and we love a night at the drive-in.

Put the kids in their PJs, stock up on snacks, and pack up plenty of pillows and blankets to cozy up in the car for a single show or double feature.

How it works: If you've never been to a drive-in before, here are some things to know. You'll park your car, turn off your headlights, and turn your radio dial to the radio station provided to stream the movie audio into your car. You can roll down the windows and let your battery run your car or keep the engine going with the AC

Make sure to follow LittleGuide Detroit for up-todate news about individual movie nights (they’re almost always free) at local parks.

2024 movie releases

IF (May 17th)

The Garfield Movie (May 24th)

Inside Out 2 (June 14th)

Despicable Me 4 (July 3rd)

Harold and The Purple Crayon (August)

local Drive-In Theatres

Ford-Wyoming (Dearborn)

Memory Lane Drive-In (Monroe)

USA Hockey Arena Drive-In (Plymouth)

US 23 Drive-In (Flint)

PRO-TIP

If you can't get a sitter and your kids sleep in cars, the drive-in is a great parent date night. Cuddle up front with your favorite treats and let the kids sleep in the back.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALOF MICHIGAN SHARESTIPSFOR SUNSAFETY

Spending time outside during the summer months is a Michigan must - but we want to soak up the sun and NOT get sun burned. Here are helpful tips for sun safety:

1. Use the “shadow” test to determine if the sun’s rays are strongest. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the rays are at their peak. Take cover!

Seek shade – especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV light is the strongest

2. When outside, wear protective clothing to cover your skin. Keep in mind that if you can see light through it, it isn’t protecting against the UV rays.

4.

3. Use broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.

6.

Wear a wide-brim hat (with a 2- to 3-inch brim), preferably with a dark, non-reflective underside of the brim to help against rays reflecting from water and other surfaces.

5. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays –ideally ones that block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays.

Parents - you have enough on your plate, so let us make your summer planning a little bit easier as you follow LittleGuide to find the best summer fun, events, activities, and destinations!

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