LG Magazine - Summer Edition 2023

SUMMER 2023

BEST BEACHES + SPLASH PADS FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES

FESTIVALS, FAIRS + FIREWORKS

SUMMER FUN

After what felt like the longest winter EVER and 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 issue of LittleGuide Detroit's 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

Here's to a summer of fun!

Kerry Doman + Carrie Budzinski

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. Enjoy fresh air, meet some of your favorite Princesses & Superheroes from Laurel's Princess Parties, let your littles enjoy a mini-touch a truck experience with Children's Hospital of Michigan's PANDA One and more!

SAVE THE DATES

July 22nd @ 9am - 11am

Hines Drive, Westland

September 16th @ 9am - 11am

Valade Park, Detroit

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

JUNE

Milan Community Fair

Birmingham Village Fair

Country to the Core @ Blake's

Grosse Ile Islandfest

Center Line Festival

Melvindale Days

St. Frances Cabrini Festival

Motor City Irish Fest

Canton Liberty Fest

Riverview Summerfest

Marysville Summer Fest

Livonia Spree

Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

Wixom's Lite the Nite

Taylor Summer Festival

Balloonfest

Trenton Summer Festival

Red, White & Blues Fireworks

Festival in The Park

Ford Fireworks

Festival of The Hills

Stoney Creek Metropark

6-9

7-16 9 14-16

JULY AUGUST

Uncle Sam Jam

Oakland County Fair

Detroit Kite Festival

Blake's Lavender Festival

African World Festival

Lenawee County Fair

Fowlerville Family Fair

Sterlingfest

Arab & Chaldean Festival

Chelsea Sounds & Sights

Monroe County Fair

Wayne County Fair

&

Allen Park Street Fair

Dearborn Homecoming

Belle Isle Art Fair

Blake's Sunflower Festival

Dexter Daze Festival

Milford Memories

St. Rafka Hometown Festival

Howell Melon Festival

& 20

Michigan Renaissance Festival

There's so much to do at the Detroit Zoo!

Get a family membership and get ready for go-to adventures all summer (and year!) long. Visit your favorite animals, go for a ride on the Tauber Family Railroad and carousel, let the kids play on the playground, and picnic near your favorite places. The every day exploring is fun and these special events make your visits even more exciting:

Something BIG is coming to the Detroit Zoo!

BRICKLIVE brings more than 70 unique toy brick animal models to the Detroit Zoo. The 3-acre special experience runs May 27th thru September 4th

This summer the Detroit Zoo will hosts Sensory Friendly Evenings from 3pm to 7pm on June 28th, July 24th, and August 30th.

Each month, the Detoit Zoo will host an Animal Celebration Day - where you can learn about your favorite animals directly from animal care specialists, partake in hands-on activities and leave with an exclusive animal day passport card.

World Oceans Day - June 10th

International Tiger Day - July 29th

World Lion Day - August 10th

Here's something for Mom and Dad!

Summer Sips (July 28th) is an adult-only specialty cocktails, beer, and wine tasting event that gives grown-ups a chance to enjoy the zoo after hours

Bowers School Farm (Bloomfield

Indian

Maybury Farm (Northville)

Wolcott Mills Farm Center (Ray)

Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)

Carousel Acres (South Lyon)

Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor)

The Reptarium (Utica)

F R E E S P L A S H P A D S

Brooklands Plaza (Rochester Hills)

Indian Springs Metropark (White Lake)*

Mt.

Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison)*

Normandy Oaks (Royal Oak)

Handy Park (Redford)

City Square Fountain (Warren)

Southfield

Kennedy

Troy

Waterford

Rolling

Detroit

Soak up some vitamin D(etroit)! There's so much to do in the city, it's impossible to do it all - but here's a list to get you started. Have fun in Detroit and tag @littleguidedetroit on social media to share your adventures.

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E T R O I T

Root for the Tigers at Comerica Park, enjoy soft serve from Huddle, check out Bedrock's latest activation at the Monroe Street Midway, take a photo op at the Spirit of Detroit, and let the kids play on the climbing structures before enjoying a stroll on the Detroit Riverfront.

Spend time on the Detroit River. Bike, walk, or stroll miles of the Riverfront and Dequindre Cut. Cool down at Mt. Elliott Splash Pad, make sand castles at Valade Park, or take a ride on the Diamond Jack Riverboat.

3 E A S T E R N M A R K E T

Stock up on fresh produce, garden goods, and sweet treats at Eastern Market on Saturdays. The music, entertainment, and food trucks bring a big city energy that everyone should experience. While you're there, be sure to try some beignets, stop by the Art Park, and let the kids grab some candy at Rocky's.

Pack a picnic and your swim gear for an island escape in the city. Belle Isle State Park offers fun inside and out. From the Aquarium and Nature Center (both offer FREE admission), to kid-favorite playgrounds, hiking trails, and beach, you'll find fun and enjoy the best skyline views from Belle Isle.

When you need to get out of the house, but stay insidehead to Midtown for a museum hop - Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, Michigan Science Center and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History are all next to each other. The Detroit Public Library is also across the street.

Spend time outside and let the kids play on the KaBoom playscape at Palmer Park and later cool off at the nearby splash pad. Try a game of hide and seek at the stick fort at Eliza Howell Park. Soak up the sun and make a splash at the Wayne County Aquatic Center at Chandler Park. Get inspired at Detroit ABloom, a beautiful public garden.

Save the date for these special events:

Detroit Grand Prix: June 2-4

Ford Fireworks: June 26

Detroit Kite Festival: July 9

Belle Isle Art Fair: August 5 & 6

EXPLORE WITH FORD

MIDLAND 2 HR FROM DETROIT

Take a trip to Mid-Michigan for a variety of activities and adventures.

Dow Gardens in Midland a beautiful and fun for all ages. Home to the nation's longest canopy walk, it's perfect for adventures and photo-ops. Crossing the ropes to the 'birds nest' 40ft above the ground will be an experience your kids won't soon forget.

They'll also love running through the gardens and playing on the playground.

On your way up I-75 you'll also pass a few other Mid-Michigan favorites - including Frankenmuth.

Stop for a family dinner in little Bavaria, enjoy Christmas in July at Bronners, or experience the Guinness-Certified ‘World’s Largest Bounce House’ at Frankenmuth River Place Shops August 10th – 12th.

And if you have animal lovers, the Saginaw Children's Zoo is the perfect stop.

FLINT 1 HR FROM DETROIT

Flint is not far, but it is a must-visit for metro Detroit families - especially during the summer.

First up, take your train lovers to Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad The village has historic homes and buildings to exploreincluding a vintage carnival with rides. But the star attraction is the 40 minute train ride through Genesee County. Mark your calendar, because A Day Out With Thomas arrives in August.

Keep cool inside at the recently renovated Sloan Museum of Discovery. The hands-on museum has interactive science displays, indoor tree houses, car displays, and the coolest water table around. The cultural center also includes Longway Planetarium and the new Flint Public Library.

End your day at Bluebell Beach. There's a beautiful sand beach along Mott Lake, a massive playground, and free splash pad with dump buckets, water blasters, and a boat.

LANSING 1 HR FROM DETROIT

Take a trip to Michigan's Capitol city for a day of family fun that's not too far away.

Start your trip at Michigan State University.

Soak up the sun and explore the storybook themed 4-H Children's Garden. Kids will have fun exploring the colorful gardens and finding hidden play spaces along the way. Afterwards, enjoy the best ice cream around from the MSU Dairy Store.

From East Lansing, head downtown to get

your picture at the Capitol Building and take a tour of the building - maybe you'll see your local legislator!

Afterwards, spend time at Impression 5 Science Center or the Michigan History Museum for hands-on family fun.

End your day on Hawk Island with a picnic and a nature walk, or cool down at the splash pad and run around the playground.

GRAND RAPIDS

2 HR FROM DETROIT

Grand Rapids is one of our favorite trips as a family. Find stunning outdoor spaces, sandy beaches, indoor amusement to cool you down, and gardens galore!

The Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is beautiful and expansive – you'll want to wear walking shoes because there’s plenty to see. From a Great Lakes water table, to 'hidden' tree house playgrounds and famously large horse statue, this is more than just a garden trip.

The same can be said for zoo John Ball Zoo is an oasis for animals and their visitors. Get up close to animals, ride the Funicular, and play at parks inside and out of the zoo.

Have fun at the beach, playgrounds, and splash pad at Millennium Park.

Cool down at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Children's Museum - both have hands-on activities and exhibits good for all ages.

OHIO

Hocking Hills State Park is a geological gem with waterfalls, caves, and natural and American made features that will take your breath away Put on your walking shoes and get ready to hike. Book a stay at a cabin or the cute, tropical themed hotel - Worthington of Logan - that has an indoor salt water pool.

On your way home check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquartium. It has 10,000 animals, a dinosaur area, and an amusement park!

INDIANA

Take a trip to Conner Prairie. The historic village has more than just houses It's home to a massive, modern natural play area and a HOT AIR BALLOON! Take a teathered ride high in the sky that will fill you and your littles with wonder.

Take a detour on the way home and hit the beaches at Indiana Dunes National Park. Al & Sally's Motel is a great place to stay.

ILLINOIS

Millennium Park is the ultimate Chicago destination where you can get an Insta-worthy picture in front of “The Bean”, catch a free movie or concert at Pritzker Pavilion, and play at Maggie Daley Park.

Navy Pier juts out into Lake Michigan offering amazing views of the city skyline and family fun. Then head to Lincoln Park, which has a FREE zoo and one of the most popular beaches, North Avenue Beach.

FAMILY CAMPOUT

Summertimeisforbeingoutsideand makingmemories–andthere’snobetter waytodothatthancamping.Nearand far,herearesomeideasforyourfamilyto enjoythissummer.

Ifyou'rereadytotryyourfirstfamilycamptrip, hereareafewthingstoconsider Talkto friendswhogocampingfortheirlessons learned.Don'tbuyeverythingfromtheREI display,keepitsimpletostartandpractice usingwhatyoubuyathomebeforeyougo. Makeapackinglistandincludeflashlights, extrabatteries,sunscreen,papertowel,and handsanitizer.Beflexibleandhavefun-you cansleepinthecarifyouneedto.

Local Family Campouts

Joinyourneighborsforafunnight campingatalocalpark.Setupyourcamp site,watchanoutdoormovie,andmake s 'moresunderthestarrysky!

FarmingtonHills:June3rd

MayburyStatePark:July15th&Aug.5th

SterlingHeightsNatureCenter:July15th

WayneCountyParks:TBD

Don'tworryifyoudon'thaveatent.Some locationsofferrentals.Youcanevencheck outyourlocallibrarytoseeiftheyhavea tenttoborrowfromtheir'LibraryofThings'!

CoolCabins&Campsites

Ifroughingitinatentfeelsabitmuch, herearesomecoolstructurestorentthat aren'ttoofarortooexpensive.

A-FrameMiniCabin(PontiacLake RecreationArea)

CannaleyTreehouseVillage(Toledo Metroparks,OH)

FamilyCottages(SterlingStatePark)

GeodesicDomes(PortCrescentStatePark)

SafariTents(HighlandRecreationArea)

MiniCabin(HollyRecreationArea)

RusticCabin(OrtonvilleRecreationArea)

Yurt(PinckneyRecreationArea)

*Mostoftheselocationsarereservedearly eachyear,savethearticleandmakeplansfor 2024ifthereisnoavailibilitythissummer.

FamilyCampwithTheY

TheYMCA’sNissokoneFamilyCampoffers anorthernMichiganlakesideescapefor familieslookingtorelax,strengthen relationships,andcreateunforgettable memories.

AtFamilyCampyoucandoaslittleoras muchasyoulike,thechoiceofwhattodo withyourtimeisyours-andyouroptions arelimitless,including:horsebackriding, sailing,swimming,fishing,archery, paintball,high-ropescourse,andMORE!

Familycampisalsoaffordable!

The4dayexperienceisonly$144forkids and$269foradults!

Fresh food, food trucks, fun classes, activities, live music, and more. Farmers Markets make shopping more fun - find one near you!

E A S T E R N M A R K E T

D E T R O I T

Saturdays from 6am - 4pm

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O A K L A N D C O U N T Y

F A R M E R S M A R K E T

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 7am - 1:30pm

A N N A R B O R

F A R M E R S M A R K E T

Saturdays from 7am - 3pm

4

B I R M I N G H A M

F A R M E R S M A R K E T

Sundays from 9am - 2pm

5

T R E N T O N

F A R M E R S M A R K E T

Thursdays 2pm - 7pm

Find more Farmers Markets

TRAINS

All aboard! If your littles love trains, here are the best places to find trains to ride and climb across Metro Detroit.

Chi-Town Union Station (Commerce)

The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn)

Train Depot and Museum (Flat Rock)

Crossroads Village (Flint)

Shepherd Park (Oak Park)

McClumpha Park (Plymouth)

Great Lake Steamers FREE Mini-Train

Rides (Royal Oak + Southgate)

Kiwanis Park (Southgate)

FARMS

If you have a future farmer at home, here are barnyard themed playgrounds and petting farms to visit around town.

County Farm Park (Ann Arbor)

Blake Farms (Armada)

Kensington Farm Center (Milford)

Maybury Farm (Northville)

Wolcott Mill Farm Center (Ray)

Ingelnook Park (Southfield)

Heritage Petting Farm (Taylor)

Hess-Hathaway Park (Waterford)

Halmich Park (Warren)

TREE HOUSES

If you’re looking for tree top fun, here is where you can find nature inspired playsets for an afternoon of fun.

Thorn Park (Brownstown)

Clintonwood Park (Clarkston)

Howell Nature Center (Howell)

Toledo Botanical Gardens (Toledo)

Tree Runner Adventure Park (West Bloomfield)

Merriman Hallow at Hines Drive (Westland)

DINOSAURS

Dinosaurs are timeless favorites. If your kids can’t get enough of the prehistoric creatures, here are the best places to find them.

Woolley Park (Ann Arbor)

Cranbrook Institute of Science (Bloomfield Hills)

Dinoland (Dearborn Heights)

Dinosaur Park (Kalamazoo)

Dooley Park (Livonia)

Fun ZoneZ (Redford)

Stage Nature Center (Troy)

Beat the Heat

Indoor Play Ideas

When you need to beat the heat, escape the rain or simply get out...but stay in, there are no shortage of great options for where to go in metro Detroit.

Unique Play Spaces: Go inside the world of Peppa Pig at Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills), test out backyard play structures inside Kids Gotta Play (New Hudson), and try one of 4 play venues at Troy Gym.

Free Fun: Save some money, have some fun. These local churches have play cafes that are open to the public 242 Community Church (Ann Arbor) and Baxter's Cafe (Riverview).

Hands-On Activities: Spend time in a children's museum and learn while you play at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Sloan Museum of Discovery (Flint), or DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)

Every Day Favorites: Call up a friend and plan a play date where your kids can race through the tubes and down the slides at Bounce It Up (Livonia), Kidcadia (Dearborn), Fairytale Fun Place (Clarkston), Rochester Play (Rochester), Castaway Play (Howell), or Safari Playground (Walled Lake).

Long, hot summer days require ice cream. Take the kids out for a treat and try some of our favorite ice cream shops around town.

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H U D D L E ( D E T R O I T )

E A T S A N D S W E E T S

( P L Y M O U T H )

C O O L J A C K ' S

( S Y L V A N L A K E )

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3 R A Y ' S ( R O Y A L O A K )

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H E R E ' S T H E S C O O P

( T A Y L O R )

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B L A N K S L A T E C R E A M E R Y

( A N N A R B O R )

C H O C O L A T E C A F E

7

( G R O S S E P O I N T E )

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B R O W N D O G C R E A M E R Y

( N O R T H V I L L E )

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T H E C U S T A R D C O M P A N Y

( D E A R B O R N )

E R M A ' S

( S H E L B Y T O W N S H I P ) 10

Best Time To Pick: June + Early July

Blake Farms (Armada)

Spicer Orchard (Fenton)

Rowe's Produce Farm (Ypsilanti)

Westview Orchards (Washington)

Whittaker's Berry Farm (Ida)

Best Time To Pick: Early July Best Time To Pick: July

Blake Farms (Armada)

Spicer Orchard (Fenton)

Erwin Orchards (South

Lyon)

Westview Orchards (Washington)

Hazen Farms (Howell)

Dexter Blueberry Farm (Dexter)

Spicer Orchard (Fenton)

Erie Orchard (Erie)

Kapernick Orchards (Britton)

Blueville Acres Blueberry

Farm (Huron Township)

#MomHack

Bring a cooler to store your fruit during the trip. The car can get HOT in the summer and that's not good for produce. Keep your fresh picks cool so you can have more time to enjoy your outing!

Local Beaches

Pack up the sand toys and floatation devices and get ready for some fun in the sun at one of our favorite local beaches in metro Detroit.

Lake St. Clair Shore Metropark (Harrison)

A true sandy beach with clear water and skyline. You don't have to go far to feel like you're on vacation. You can also change it up and enjoy the pool or splash pad.

Lakeshore Beach (Novi)

Lakeshore has a small shoreline, so you don't have to walk far, but the kids can still play. The water is shallow for several feet, providing a safer space for kids to play while parents can simply wade in their shorts or sit back and watch.

Sterling State Park (Monroe)

Experience the Great Lakes up close. The sand can be a little rocky, but there's something about the calming waves of Lake Erie on a summer morning that's fun and beautiful for all.

Dodge Park #4 (Waterford)

Why We Love It: There are a lot of inland lakes to visit, but Dodge Park #4 is our favoriteoffering good sand, clean water, and a long shoreline.

For the Beach Bag For the Beach Bag

1 2

TINY TWINKLE MESSPROOF WET BAGS

Toss swim suits, towels and other wet or damp items in the Tiny Tinkle bag to keep the water from ruining other items or car.

REUSABLE WATER BOMB BALLOONS

Have a water balloon battle with resuable water balloons that are easy for kids to open and close and can be easily packed in a bag.

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COLLAPSIBLE BEACH TOYS

Game changers - these collapsible beach toys not only help limit the sand you bring home but they are also easy to pack for your trips and store at home.

CATCH & RELEASE BEACH KIT

Simple pleasures! Let your littles create their own aquarium with a durable catch and release container that will keep them entertained for hours.

Water Safety Tips

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 years old and the secondleading cause of injury death for children ages 5 to 9 years. Put your kids in neon yellow or green swimwear, it's the most visible in water. Check your lifejacket warnings to make sure they say floatation device, some are designed for fashion only. Finally sign up for swim lessons. Aqua-Tots Swim School gives kids the skills they need to be safe in and around water.

Stay up late and watch a movie under the stars. From timeless favorites to new releases, here's the summer movie line up.

Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, Elemental, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more hit the big screen this summer and you can catch them and others at your local drive-in theatre.

Put the kids in their pjs, pile up the car with pillows, blankets, and snacks - and get ready to cuddle up during movie night. Drive-in theaters are making a comeback and here's where you can find weekend shows all summer long:

Ford-Wyoming (Dearborn)

Memory Lane Drive-In (Monroe)

USA Hockey Summer Drive-In (Plymouth)

US 23 Drive-In (Flint)

Special Events

Movies in the Park events are popular, check out LittleGuide for up to date listings of the outdoor movie schedule!

Head Downriver for a fun family day in Taylor. Here's where to go, what to do and what to eat. Make sure you put Lamarand Splash Pad on your to-do list too!

Destination

Heritage Park Petting Farm is a year round favorite. Visit with animals, check out the conservatory and stroll through the historic village.

Playground

Northwest Park's play structure is perfect for climbers with two fast slides as the main feature. Then hit the paved trail to discover a second play structure. There's an outdoor pool too - so bring your swimsuits!

Cool down with a sweet treat from Here's The Scoop Custard The family owned shop is open seasonally and has a daily custard special

Southfield

Feel like you've taken a trip out west when barely leaving your backyard. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is a unique gem in metro Detroit that you'll definitely want to check it out.

Destination

Add some new titles to your summer reading list and check out the books, sleeping dragon, space room + more at the Southfield Public Library The Children's Department is incredible and there is a cool new playground nearby too!

Playground

Southfield has a lot of great parks, but Bauervic Woods Park is perfect for summer because it's shaded! Sit back and let the kids play without worrying about the sun

Treat

Start your day with a sweet treat from Donut Bar + Coffee The elaborate donuts are irresistable and they have great coffee to keep you going throughout the day.

Rochester Hills

Innovation Hills Playground is the BEST playground in metro Detroit. If you haven't been (or need to go back), put it at the top of your activities list. Here are some other things to do on your visit.

Destination

Shop and play at the Village of Rochester Hills During the summer they host free family-friendly events including a new Donut Be Afraid of Bugs series at Festival Park

Playground

Pack up your beach gear and head to Thelma Spencer Park for the playground, pedal boats, and sandy beach. Daily admission is $15 on the weekends for non-residents.

Blossom Cafe and Bakery offers a delicious selection of house made treats and drinks - their specialties include French macarons and bubble tea

Livonia

Plan a park hop and make a splash at Clement Circle Pool. From Story Walks and outdoor concerts to Nerf Nights and Saturday Cinema, there are exciting things to do inside and out in Livonia.

Destination

Keep cool and keep the kids busy at Bounce It Up

The indoor play space is one of the best with a massive climber, several inflatable bounce houses, and an arcade!

Playground

Livonia has A LOT of great playgrounds and Bicentennial Park is the newest one to add to your visit list. For kids of all abilities who like to spin, swing, and zip-line - this is for you!

Grab a sweet treat from the family owned Custard Parlor

They have ice cream, smoothies, and creative desserts

MINI GOLF + MORE

Hit the putting green and enjoy some friendly competition with a round of minigolf course this summer. Make it more fun at these multi-activity destinations in metro Detroit.

CRANBROOK (BLOOMFIELD HILLS)

Sink a putt at eleven custom-designed, art-inspired holes located outside on the beautiful grounds of Cranbrook Art Museum. Afterwards, explore the grounds of the Cranbrook Gardens and visit the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

CJ BARRYMORE'S (CLINTON TWP)

CJ Barrymore's 18 hole mini-golf course is perfect way to end an exciting afternoon on roller coasters, race cars, zip lines, bumper cars and more! With outdoor and indoor adventures, it's the perfect way to spend a day.

PARADISE PARK (NOVI)

Carnival rides, climbing walls, outdoor trampolines, indoor arcade and more. Paradise Park is so much more than just a mini-golf course.

MIDWAY SPORTS (TAYLOR)

Practice your swing at the golf range and your putt on the course. The Midway isn't just for golfers, there is also a batting case, race track, climbing wall, euro bungy and spin zone.

ANN ARBOR AREA ANN ARBOR AREA ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS

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

Find the best nature trails, a nature center with animals, a fun new natural playscape - all for FREE at the Leslie Science & Nature Center.

B L U E H E R O N B A Y

S P R A Y P A R K

Located at Washtenaw County Park’s Independence Lake Park, this is an oasis for families looking to make a splash. There is a large splash pad area with a dump bucket, water features, and slides of all sizes.

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 exhibits featuring life-size dinosaur fossils, biological sciences, and a planetarium

M I C H I G A N F I R E H O U S E

M U S E U M

The 3-level museum offers hands-on fun for kids of all ages. Sit inside the vintage firetrucks, run sirens and lights, explore the living space of the former firehouse, and check out the little kid play area with dress up toys, games, and an old-school Bert & Erie ride.

When you need to beat the heat but stay outside, here are the best shaded playgrounds in metro Detroit.

Bauervic Woods Park (Southfield)

Built in the middle of the woods. This park features two play structures for both big and little kids The big one is excellent for the child who loves to climb. And don't forget to pack your walking shoes and explore the trail!

Mies Park (Livonia)

Great for those kids who love to run. It is nestled in a local neighborhood and has tons of trees to explore. The park has one main structure, two sets of swing sets, a smaller structure, as well as a pavilion Bring your bikes and scooters to use on the paved walking path

Thorn Park (Brownstown)

This massive park has something for everyone. An old school, minature town for littles to play pretend. Dedicated forest themed playgrounds for toddlers and big kids (fully shaded), a massive sand pit, swings and during the summer months - a splash pad that opens annually during Memorial Weekend!

Imagination Station (Brighton)

While this park isn’t super shaded, it makes the list because it’s right on the water and you can almost always feel a nice cool breeze here. Nestled right in downtown Brighton, it makes for a perfect day trip.

Washington Square Park (Sterling Heights)

Looking for a quaint neighborhood park? Here is a great hidden gem Lots of shade in a small picnic area where you can see the entire park from! This park has a nice play structure, play courts, and a small walking trail. Find

Yes Yes Day Day

Smoothies OR Ice Cream

If your kids loved the movie Yes Day, surprise them with a slightly modified version. Give them these options and let them pick between activities for a fun family day!

Indoor Fort OR Backyard Tent

Pool OR Beach

Water Battle OR Water Balloons

SUMMER FUN - ALL IN ONE PLACE!

You have enough on your plate, let LittleGuide make your summer planning a bit easier. Use this go-to list of 100 activities to keep you busy this summer and follow along for the latest events and activities happening in metro Detroit!

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS

Find inspirations, destination spotlights and upcoming events delivered right to your inbox. Sign up LittleGuide Detroit's weekly emails to have easy access ideas.

EVENT CLANEDAR

When you find yourself with extra time, hop on the LittleGuide Detroit website and check out the event calendar for what's happening when you need it.

FIND US ON SOCIAL

See where we're spending the summer and get sneak peaks into the coolest places when you follow LittleGuide Detroit on Facebook and Instagram.

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