SUMMER 2025
BEST BEACHES + SPLASH PADS FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES FESTIVALS, FAIRS + FIREWORKS
COFFEE TALK
We can’t be the only parents who greet summer break with a mix of excitement and mild panic. We love the long days with the kids… but wow, they really are long.
So while we’re looking forward to making sweet summer memories, we’re also being intentional about making time for ourselves:
Early morning coffee runs to Biggby for a quiet moment to read or journal
Taking the group chat offline—Coriander Kitchen if we can snag a sitter, Host in Utica if the kids are tagging along Fresh flowers on repeat inside or in our new outdoor zen zone thanks to English Gardens
Getting in the photo and showing up with some #proofofmom because we deserve it
And as always, you’ll find even more family fun, events, and ideas at www.littleguidedetroit.com
Kerry Doman + Carrie Budzinski
2025
summer events
Join Us for FREE Family Events this summer!
Get ready for a FREE morning of FUN for the whole family! Kids can meet their favorite Princesses & Superheroes, hold a snake, touch a tarantula, climb aboard real trucks, jump in a bounce house, enjoy free ice cream, collect tons of swag, and so much more!
SAFETY DAY EVENT
June 7th @ 9am - 11am
Children’s Hospital of MI, Troy
STROLLER ROLL EVENT
July 19th @ 9am - 11am Hines Drive, Westland
Innovation Hills, Rochester Hills
Blue Heron Bay Splash Park, Whitmore Lake
Civic Center Park, Clinton Township
Cranbook On The Green, Bloomfield Hills
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Southfield
Dragon Forest @ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Stage Nature Center, Troy
CJ Barrymore's, Clinton Township
SEA LIFE Michigan, Auburn Hills
Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Twp
Blake Farms, Armada
Bounce It Up, Livonia
Hess-Hathaway Park, Waterford
Perfect Game, Farmington Hills
GEMU Clawcade and Playground, Troy
Howell Nature Center, Howell
Bombshell Treat Bar, Berkley
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint
Crosswinds Marsh, New Boston
Belle Isle State Park, Detroit
Greenfield Village's Salute To America, Dearborn
Outdoor Movie Night, Birmingham
Sloan Museum of Discovery, Flint
Galllup Park, Ann Arbor
Saturday In The Park, Westland
Jurassic Farms @ Kackleberry Farm, Monroe
Farmington Nature Center, Farmington Hills
Kensington Metropark, Milford
Michigan Balloonfest, Howell
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Auburn Hills
Livonia Spree
Jessica’s Splash Pad, Novi
Michigan Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti
Plymouth Township Park
Southfield Public Library
Normandy Oaks, Royal Oak
Turtle Cove Aquatic Center, Belleville
Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
Calder Dairy and Farm, Carleton
Fun City Adventure Park, Lansing
Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake
Lower Huron Metropark, Belleville
Maybury Farm, Northville
Dodge Park, Sterling Heights
Detroit Kite Festival
ACTIVATE, Utica
Troy Family Aquatic Center
Dow Gardens, Midland
Leslie Science and Nature Center, Ann Arbor
Children's Pony Ranch @ Elizabeth Park, Trenton
Touch-A-Truck @ Greenmead, Livonia
Redford Township Library
Michigan Science Center, Detroit
Sterlingfest, Sterling Heights
Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores
Wet & Wild Wednesday, Rochester
Tattan Park, Westland
Lily Pad Springs Splash Pad, West Bloomfield
Great Lake Steamers Mini-Train Rides, Southgate
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit
Peppa Pig World of Play, Auburn Hills
Troy Gym, Troy
John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids
Kidcadia, Dearborn
Thorn Park, Brownstown
Farmington Founders Festival
Geary Skatepark, Ferndale
Wolcott Mills Farm Center, Ray
Sterling State Park, Monroe
Country Farm Park, Ann Arbor
Castaway Play, Howell
Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront, Detroit
Scarlett's Park, Commerce
Stemville, Northville
Big Rig Gig, Lake Orion
We Rock The Spectrum, Novi
Correander's Children's Bookshoppe, Grosse Pointe
Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township
USA Hockey Summer Drive-In, Plymouth
Treat Dreams, Ferndale
Riverside Park, Detroit
Jummps Adventure Park, Lincoln Park
Gainsboro Park, Pleasant Ridge
West Bloomfield Public Library
Read Oaks Waterpark, Madison Heights
Diamond Jack's River Tours, Detroit
Innovation Station, Toledo
Normany Oaks, Royal Oak
LeagaSEA Aquarium, Utica
Oxford Park, Berkley
Heritage Park, Taylor
Clintonwood Park, Clarkston
Domino Farms, Ann Arbor
Waterford Oaks, Waterford
McHattie Park, South Lyon
Wabash Park, Rochester Hills
DeBuck’s Family Farm, Belleville
TreeRunner Adventure Park, West Bloomfield
Wayne County Aquatic Center, Detroit
LittleGuide Detroit's Stroller Roll, Westland
Ford Woods Park (Dearborn)
Parkland Park (Dearborn Heights)
Burdi Park (Warren)
Sumac Park (Livonia)
Northwest Park (Novi)
Hudson Park (Royal Oak)
(White Lake)
Veterans Memorial Park (Warren)
Drake Sports Park (West Bloomfield)
Marion Township Park (Howell)
Chandler Park (Detroit)
Pebble Creek Park (Southfield)
Lyons Oak (Wixom)
Wabash Park (Rochester)
Watch a parade, take a ride, dance to the music, and stay up past bedtime for a spectacular Fireworks show!
MAY/JUNE
Milan Community Fair
Birmingham Village Fair
Grosse Ile Islandfest
Center Line Festival
Mevindale Days
Motor City Irish Fest
St. Frances Cabrini Festival
Lyon Township Kite Festival
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Canton Liberty Fest
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
Willow Metropark
JULY
Uncle Sam Jam
Oakland County Fair
Blake's Lavender Festival
Culture Festival with DSO
Detroit Kite Festival
African World Festival
Lenawee County Fair
Fowlerville Family Fair
Sterlingfest
Chelsea Sounds & Sights
Arab & Chaldean Festival
Monroe County Fair
AUGUST
Allen Park Street Fair
Dearborn Homecoming
Belle Isle Art Fair
Cheers To Chesterfield
Dexter Daze Festival
Milford Memories
St. Rafka Hometown Festival
Howell Melon Festival
Michigan Renaissance Festiva
Michigan State Fair
City Guides
Be a tourist in your own town and enjoy a ready made itinerary for kid-friendly activities in cities all throughout Metro Detroit.
Brighton
Downtown Brighton is a family-friendly, walkable space with local bookstores, coffee shops, a kid’s play cafe, playgrounds and ice cream shops all within a 5-minute walk.
Destination
Step into this adorable indoor play area and children’s boutique Salt & Light is located downtown and focuses on Montessori inspired play Perfect for littles, you can enjoy drop-in play or stop by during a special event.
Playgrounds
Wooden playgrounds hold a special place in our heart and when they’re fenced in and have public restrooms, you know we’re calling it a WIN. Put Mill Pond Park on your summer bucket-list.
Treats
Celebrate a successful trip to Brighton with a 5 minute walk from the playground to Blank Slate Creamery for some delicious ice cream
Troy
There’s SO much to do in Troy - including LittleGuide’s Safety Day Event on June 7 and our go-to favorites the Troy Aquatic Center, it’s easy to spend a day (or a few) in this Oakland County city this summer. th
Destination
Troy Gym has it all: Drop-in play, classes, summer camps, and birthday party rentals Whatever your summer needs are you can find it at one of their 4 locations
Playgrounds
Troy has a few NEW playgrounds - and Beach Road Park is one of our favorites, with a baseball diamond, soccer fields, and plenty of open green space! Beach Road Park // 4701 Beach Rd, Troy, MI 48098
Treats
Wild Flour is a super cute bakery in Troy Stop in for donuts, cookies, ice cream (sandwiches and waffle sundaes are on the menu), coffee, and more It’s the perfect spot for Instagram worthy memories with the kiddos this summer.
Ypsilanti
Don’t sleep on Ypsi - Ann Arbor’s neighboring city has lots of fun activities for families. From the Firetruck museum to the weekly farmers market, get ready for a good time.
Destination
Float down the lazy river, catch a wave in the wave pool, or take a trip down one of the awesome water slides inbetween relaxing in the zero-depth entry pool Rolling Hills Water Park is the best place to beat the heat this summer.
Playgrounds
When you want a NEW, massive, accessible playgroundhead to Ford Heritage Park. Kids of all ages and abilities can swing, slide, and climb There are also paved and natural walking trails throughout
Treats
For generations, Ice Cream Time has been the go-to spot for soft serve in Ypsilanti. Cool down with a sweet treat at one of their two locations
Monroe
Head downriver for some good old fashion fun on the farm, splashing in the lake, and treats in the streets of Monroe.
Destination
Kackleberry’s Jurassic Farm is a fun activity for dinosaur lovers, but even on the ‘no-dino’ days, Kackleberry Farms offers fun with over a dozen attractions (including a giant slide)!
Playgrounds
Munson Park‘s star attraction is the enclosed wooden play structure that has entry way seating for parents to sit back and relax while their kids race and play throughout the structure. In addition to climbing areas and slides, there are multiple swings and model figures - including a school bus.
Treats
Calder Dairy & Farm offers two things kids love most: Ice Cream and Farm Animals! Grab a scoop (or two) of ice cream and wander the farm to see how cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and other animals live on a real-life farm.
Dearborn
Dearborn is the place to PLAY! Find FREE splash pads at 4 playgrounds and NEW playground equipment at multiple parks. From downtown to the neighborhoods, it’s easy to keep busy in Dearborn.
Destination
Model T drives, horse and carriage rides, railroad adventures, and the antique carousel - there are lots of ways to move through Greenfield Village - and we love them all From special events to every day fun, find us here all summer long
Playgrounds
Dearborn has several great playgrounds - but Crowley Park is one of our favorites! There are two playgrounds to choose from, with monster trucks to climb on, a free splash pad for those hot summer days, and ball fields open for play.
Treats
It’s hard to pick just one spot for treats in Dearborn - you can find a variety or sweet spots all over, but when you want the “tried-and-true” go-to, Shaila Bakery is perfect for pastries, ice cream, and the best baklava around.
P L A N A F A M I L Y D A Y I N
Clinton Township
Clinton Township, MI has everything families need for a season full of fun amusement rides, beautiful parks, free splash pads, great libraries, and more. This Macomb County gem offers endless ways to play, explore, and cool off with the kids all summer long.
0 1
C J B A R R Y M O R E ’ S
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Experience thrilling rides, like the loop roller coaster, race on one of the 4 go-kart tracks, shoot off into the sky on the Soaring Eagle Zipline, strap in and jump on the Euro Bungy, play a round of mini golf and much more at CJ Barrymore’s.
0 2
C I V I C C E N T E R
P A R K
Clinton Township Civic Center Park has something for all ages and abilities. With a large play structure for big kids, small structures for littles, barrier free play space for all interests, and LOTS of places to swing, bounce, spin and zip line. From Memorial to Labor Day weekends you can also enjoy the splash pad daily from 11am to 7pm. Admission is FREE for Clinton Township residents and $30 per household annually for guests.
0 3
C L I N T O N - M A C O M B
L I B R A R Y
The Clinton-Macomb Library is AMAZING! The Children’s section is designed as a play land and you can ride a firetruck, bus, airplane, train, boat, and horse drawn wagon! There’s a theatre for puppet shows and blocks, LEGOs and other STEAM toys available for imaginative play as well.
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Y O Y O ’ S F U N
C E N T E R
Find massive ball pits, multiple slides of all kinds –including drop slides, a ninja course, trampolines, LED hallways, cool tube features and many unique play features for kids of all ages at Yoyo’s Fun Center. Big kids can run around freely in the main play area, while young kids can play in the dedicated section that has nearly identical play features.
0 5
G E O R G E G E O R G E M E M O R I A L P A R K
George George Memorial Park is a 30-acre oasis with a signature fountain, large playscape, pond area, and picnic pavilion. You’ll find biking and walking paths, and restrooms opened seasonally.
0 6 S A N D E R S S H O P P E
Sanders is a Michigan staple and you can find all the sweet treats in one place at the Sanders Shoppe on Hall Road. Ice cream, candies, and more – it’s the perfect way to top off a trip to Clinton Township.
0 7 N I C H O L S O N N A T U R E C E N T E R
Take a family nature walk at Nicholson Nature Center (located 2 miles north of the library, park, and splash pad). The 1.7 mile there and back trail is easy for kids with a variety of nature features. There are also special events hosted at the site throughout the year.
0 8 K I D E M P I R E @ P A R T R I D G E C R E E K
Kid Empire is like stepping into a kid’s wonderland. The HUGE play structure is vibrant, safe, and begging to be explored.
KID-FRIENDLY KID-FRIENDLY ITINERARIES IN ITINERARIES IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT DOWNTOWN DETROIT
EMBRACE
CITY LIFE
AND ENJOY A RELAXING DAY IN DETROIT WITH THE KIDS. HERE ARE FOUR SUNDAY MORNING DESTINATIONS YOU’LL WANT TO TRY.
ARTSY ACTIVITIES
Enjoy art and culture in Detroit and spend time at a top cultural institution. Residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties enjoy free admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts. You can explore the exhibits, stop in the hands-on workshops, and get a coffee/treats at Kresge Hall. Just across Woodward, come explore the gorgeous Detroit Public Library All within walking distance, you can also visit the Michigan Science Center, Charles H. Wright Museum or Detroit Historical Museum.
DONUTS & PLAY
Nothing beats Dutch Girl Donuts with a visit to Palmer Park after, where your kids can run around the playground, get pictures at the Log Cabin, and say hi to the City of Detroit’s mounted police horses if they are out at the stables
DETROIT GEMS
Fans of Gilmore Girls will want to start the day at Norm’s diner for brunch in West Village. Then you can drive to Belle Isle and spend the day exploring the urban island. Get great views of the downtown skyline, explore the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and enjoy FREE fun at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory , Belle Isle Aquarium and Belle Isle Nature Center
RIVERFRONT
Walk, ride, or stroll along the Detroit Riverfront. Cullen Plaza is a great place to start and park During the spring/summer months there is a free carousel, and you can always play on the playground Walk thru Milliken State Park and spot Detroit’s light house, before heading over to the sandy beach playground at Valade Park. When you’ve had your fill outside, head to the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center for indoor fun.
This This That That
what are you looking for?
fenced in fenced in playgrounds playgrounds
Make the playground trip a little easier. Visit a park with a fence that will keep the kids contained and away from the parking lot.
shaded shaded playgrounds playgrounds
Summer is here and so is the sun. Here are some local area parks that will help to keep you cool, while your kids burn off that everlasting energy!
adventures for adventures for ‘big’ kids ‘big’ kids
Create summer thrills that are sure to entertain your bigs this summer.
spots for spots for littles littles
Find the best play places for your little ones all around town!
kayaks, tubing kayaks, tubing & boat rides & boat rides
When you want a water outing without getting too wet - these are fun alternatives.
pools & pools & waterparks waterparks
Make a splash and dive into the deep end at a local pool or waterpark.
THIS THAT
let s splurge let s splurge a little a little
When you want to do something a little extra, here are some higher price tag activities that make it worth it.
you can’t you can’t beat free beat free
Kids are expensive, outings don’t have to be. Here are options for FREE family fun this summer
LAKE HURON
Take a quick day trip to Port Huron—just an hour away—for an unforgettable time by the lake!
Start at Lakeside Beach, where you’ll find soft sand, a splash pad, playground, and concessions ($30/day parking)
Just a few minutes away, Lighthouse Beach offers boat channel views, tours of the historic Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, and a lighthouse-themed playground ($20/day parking)
Make time for Palmer Park, home to multiple creative playgrounds including a ninja dome for big kids, a hot air balloon play zone for littles, and a kid-sized safety town
The highlight? The FREE Super Slide, open Tuesday–Sunday in June, July, and August.
LAKE MICHIGAN
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a quick day trip, Saugatuck offers some of the best Michigan has to offer.
For lakeside fun, our top picks are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Oval Beach and no visit is complete without a bite at The Southerner
At Saugatuck Dunes State Park, you'll find a mix of forested trails and stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach is about a ¾-mile walk from the parking lot perfect for a wagon ride through the woods Once you reach the beach, enjoy the soft sand and take on the dunes for some adventurous fun.
Bonus: there's a great disc golf course, too (Heads up no indoor restrooms, but port-a-potties are available )
For easier beach access, head to Oval Beach. Pay $15 for parking, set up on the sand, and stay for the breathtaking sunset it's one of our favorite spots to end the day
LAKE SUPERIOR
The Greatest of the Great Lakes—and the most remote—Lake Superior is a must-visit before the kids turn 18.
Plan an unforgettable road trip to Copper Country and spend a day at Great Sand Bay Trailhead and Beach
With rugged shoreline, soft sand, and icy-cold waves, it’s a true adventure your kids won’t forget.
On your way to or from Michigan’s highest point, make a stop at the Chutes and Ladders Playground along the Houghton Riverfront.
Inspired by the classic board game, this epic play structure is packed with climbs, slides, and hours of fun for the whole family.
Indoor Play Places
LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Auburn Hills)
Yoyo’s Fun Center (Clinton Township & Westland)
Kidcadia (Dearborn)
Stemville (Howell/Northville)
Jummps Adventure Park (Lincoln Park)
Bounce It Up (Livonia)
Dinoland (Madison Heights)
ACTIVATE (Utica)
Nature Centers
Farmington Hills
Nature Center
Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center (White Lake)
Sterling Heights Nature Center
Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit)
Stage Nature Center (Troy)
Oakwoods Nature Center (New Boston)
Museums
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Michigan Science Center (Detroit)
Detroit Historical Museum
Sloan Museum of Discovery (Flint)
Cranbrook Institute of Science (Bloomfield Hills)
Michigan History Museum (Lansing)
Discovery City Children’s Museum (Port Huron)
BEST SPLASH PADS BEST SPLASH PADS IN METRO DETROIT IN METRO DETROIT
FUNFORFAMILIES FUNFORFAMILIES
thesespecialsummerattractions
LANTERN FESTIVAL (GRAND RAPIDS)
An annual must for us! Don’t miss out on the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo. The evening attraction is mesmerizing and takes over the entire zoo! The final date is June 15 and you will want to take the road trip - we make the two hour drive and come back the same night because it’s that much fun! th
THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN (YPSILANTI)
Look up to the sky and don’t miss the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport, June 20-22. This year’s theme is ‘Avenger Awesomeness’ and features the US Navy Blue Angels.
MICHIGAN BALLOON FESTIVAL (HOWELL)
The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest returns with over 40 pilots competing for the state championship. Head to Howell June 27-29 for a Hot Air Balloon display and race, festival with fireworks, car show and more.
in (and near) Metro Detroit
T H E F O R D H O U S E
( G R O S S E P O I N T E )
Unwind by Lake St. Clair, surrounded by the natural beauty and breathtaking gardens of the historic Ford House.
C R A N B O O K G A R D E N S
( B L O O M F I E L D H I L L S )
Explore the 40 beautiful acres of the Cranbrook Gardens for free. The diverse gardens will allow you to enjoy nature in its various forms.
F A I R L A N E E S T A T E
( D E A R B O R N )
The gardens and grounds of Henry Ford’s home are open to the public and a picture-perfect place for a picnic (and it’s also FREE)!
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 a beautiful art park.
H I D D E N L A K E G A R D E N S
( T I P T O N )
This 755-acre garden offers an arboretum, trails, conservatory, and a canopy walk.
“Picnic Perfect” “Picnic Perfect”
This compact cornhole set makes it easy to pack and play. Toss it in the trunk and have it ready to go when your family is up for some friendly competition.
PIGGY, PIGGY
Whether you're at the park, spending the day at the beach, or gearing up for a full schedule of youth sports, these must-have items make family fun a whole lot easier! 4
There’s always something new to discover when you have gofindit cards on hand. Keep the kids busy and help them explore the world around you with combo discovery cards.
Kite flying is a timeless tradition that never gets old. Let the kids burn off some energy as they run, laugh, and race to get their kite soaring through the sky 3 1 2
This small game packs BIG fun! It’s our go-to for quick rounds that take just minutes to play but the kids will beg to play again and again. It comes in a durable hard case for on the go ease.
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!
Jurassic Farm @ Kackleberry Farms
JENNA
This was our absolute favorite day trip last summer Between riding the GIANT slide, shooting paint ball, and checking out the realistic, larger than life dinosaur displays There's also giant jump pillows, a tractor pull ride AND farm animals! It was a completely fun filled day - my little didn't want to leave! We definitely can't wait to go back.
Red Oaks Waterpark
KERRY
I took my older two to Red Oaks Waterpark for the first time last year, and they loved it so much that they’ve been asking to go back ever since! This summer, I’m excited to bring my youngest (age 3) along to splash around in the spray park and float the lazy river, while the big kids tackle the waterslides and wave pool It’s the perfect spot for fun at every age!
EMILY
Tiger Games @ Comerica Park
We love watching the Tigers play at Comerica every summer and this year my youngest will be old enough to enjoy the game with us! Between the carousel, ferris wheel, and running the bases there is plenty for both kids to love Nothing beats a day out in Detroit, watching the game and enjoying a ballpark hot dog with the family!
CARRIE
Salute To America @ Greenfield Village
Every year I look forward to a relaxing evening at Salute to America Walking through the village listening to music and stories before settling in on the greenway with snacks to listen to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and watch the fireworks display is the perfect way to pause and enjoy the best of summer.
U-Pick @ Rowe’s Produce Farm
have 2 berry-loving kids and I think they're inally old enough to enjoy picking strawberries at Rowe's Produce Farm. I'm sure more time will be spent "sampling" instead of picking, but I can't wait to start a new summertime tradition with them
Fowlerville Fair
The Fowlerville Fair is great for some downto-earth fun. Enjoy the midway, see animals, enjoy a tractor pull. Plus, lots of fun for kids in the little red barn. I especially love the animal auctions on Friday and Saturday!
Whatareyourplans?
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RACHEL