PLANNING A FUN SUMMER AHEAD! We get 18 summers with our littles... and we're here to make them count! So whether you're looking for Camps to fill your days, or Ice Cream spots to cool down your nights, our LittleGuide Summer Magazine has it all... Including: FREE Splash Pads Coolest Playgrounds Easy Day Trips Festival + Firework Schedules And more!
Join Us...
For more summer ideas + daily inspiration, visit www.littleguidedetroit.com.
LittleGuide will be hosting TWO Stroller Roll Events this summer join us for FREE character visits, activities, and swag!
Here's to a FUN summer ahead,
Kerry Doman + Carrie Budzinski
STILL LOOKING FOR CAMPS?
LITTLEGUIDE HAS YOU COVERED! CHECK OUT OUR CAMP MAGAZINE FULL OF 100+ TOP CAMPS FOR ALL AGES, INTERESTS, AND SPECIALTIES.
CLICK TO VIEW SUMMER MAGAZINE
FREE SPLASH PADS 01 02 03 04 05 06
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Sprayscape (Plymouth) Flodin Park (Canton) Mt. Elliot Park (Detroit) Heritage Park (Farmington Hills) Riverside Park (Auburn Hills) Whitmore-Bolles (Dearborn)
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Brooklands Plaza (Rochester Hills) Indian Springs Metropark (White Lake)* Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison)* Normandy Oaks (Royal Oak) Handy Park (Redford) City Square Fountain (Warren)
Metropark Pass required, but you can get free admission through the Michigan Activity Pass Program (use your library card)!
BELLE ISLE STATE PARK IS THE JEWEL OF DETROIT If you’re in need of an island vacation, Belle Isle State Park is the perfect place to escape with the family this summer. The 982 acre island park, located on the Detroit River, offers a variety of outdoor and indoor entertainment for families and the best views of the Detroit. With a $12 annual Michigan State Park pass you'll have access to these FREE activities:
Belle Isle Aquarium Designed by famed architect, Albert Kahn, the 100+ year old aquarium is the oldest in the country. Although it is relatively small, it is fun to explore.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory The oldest conservatory in the country features a Palm House, Tropical House, Cactus House, a sunken Fernery, and Show House. It’s also a beautiful background for some family photos.
Oudolf Garden Detroit A new addition to the island, the Oudolf Garden, is both artistic and ecological. It will be cool to literally watch the garden grow with your kids.
Belle Isle Nature Center Operated by the Detroit Zoo, the Nature Center promotes environmental awareness through education and hands-on exhibits. The inside is currently closed for remodeling but you can attend outdoor events this summer and find one of the best playgrounds in Detroit!
Belle Isle Beach Soak up the sun, play in the sand, and make a splash in the Detroit River. Belle Isle also has multiple athletic fields, a golf range, beautiful hiking trails, a fishing pier and historic sites. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is also located on the island. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family and offers plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
LITTLEGUIDE FAVORITE
Detroit Kite Festival Whether you bring a kite, make one on-site, or simply sit back and watch the sky, the Detroit Kite Festival will inspire metro Detroiters of all ages to pick up this timeless pastime for a fun day out on Belle Isle!
Save the date - Sunday, July 10th This event is FREE!
LOCAL WATER PARKS 01 02 03 04 05 06
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Turtle Cove Aquatic Center (Belleville) Jump Island (Brighton) Wayne County Aquatics Center (Detroit) Whoa Zone (Holly) Water Warrior Island (Lake Orion) Torzewski County Park (Lapeer)
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Red Oaks Waterpark (Madison Heights) Southfield Sports Arena Pool (Southfield) Kennedy Recreation Center (Trenton) Troy Family Aquatics Center (Troy) Waterford Oaks (Waterford) Rolling Hills Water Park (Ypsilanti)
Let's walk and roll! Mark your calendars and join us for our LittleGuide Stroller Roll events. It's a FREE and fun way to get out of the house, enjoy some fresh air together, and meet some of your favorite Princesses & Superheroes from Laurel's Princess Parties!
July 16th @ 9am - 11am Nankin Mills, Westland August 20th @ 9am - 11am Valade Park, Detroit Presented by:
OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO STROLL If you need new wheels, here are a few of our favorites.
Ready2Grow
This stroller rides like a double stroller, but folds like a single, and includes two seats, a bench seat, and a standing platform for optimal family use. BuyBuyBaby $220
Stroller Wagon
Baby Trend Muv Expedition Double Stroller Wagon PRO transforms from a push stroller to a pull wagon and features built-in seating for two and a large canopy. BuyBuyBaby $300
Burley Bee
Bike trailers offer priceless freedom for on-the-go families. This folds flat for travel and can carry one or two kids. D&D Bicycles $300
We don't get many summers with our kids, so let's make them memorable. Whether it's a day trip or overnight getaway pack your bags and hop in the car for a Michigan adventure. You don't have to go far for family fun. Take a day trip to the beaches on Lake Huron in Lexington or explore the nation's longest canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland. Explore Hawk Island in Lansing or the rocky Ledges. Celebrate Christmas in July at Frankenmuth and enjoy the indoor/outdoor water park at Zehnder's. Take a stroll through colorful gardens and visit the Holland (Wizard of) Oz Project or the Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. And you can't take a trip to the west side of the state without visiting Lake Michigan. Experience the natural wonders of Michigan and explore Ludington State Park or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Traverse City. Stock up on fudge, visit the Dark Sky Park, and take a trip to the island in Mackinac. Cross the bridge and extend your trip with a stay in the Upper Peninsula. Take the Toonerville Trolley to Tahquamenon Falls for an unforgettable family vacation.
We love finding playgrounds that EVERYONE can enjoy - here's are our favorite local accessible playgrounds! Scarlet’s Playground (Commerce) From big slides to bouncing rides and rainbow tunnels, kids can make music, climb high, ride the zip lines, and race around the merry-go-rounds. River Bends Park (Shelby Township) This playground provides a safe area for all ages to enjoy the Sway Glider, the OmniSpin Spinner, the Roller Table, the Friendship Swing and the ZipKrooz. Gallup Park (Ann Arbor) Gallup Park is a hidden oasis in Ann Arbor with accessible features, including a water/sand play area, a sensory garden, adaptive swings, and moving play activities - like spring riders with back supports. McKinley Barrier-Free Park (Fraser) This parks features a “Walk and Roll” path, comfort station, toddler sand lot, benches, play structures, and a parking lot – all accessible by people with special challenges. Ella Mae Power Park (Novi) This universally accessible playground has exciting features for kids of all abilities. A swing for wheelchairs, hammock swings, and a few sliding options.
Friendship Park (Orion Township) Friendship Park features two ADA accessible playgrounds, the Dragon Den and Let Them Play. Let Them Play is 100% wheelchair accessible.
Wayne
Heritage Park (Canton) Crowley Park (Dearborn) Belle Isle (Detroit) Palmer Park (Detroit) Huroc Park (Flat Rock) Rotary Tot Lot (Grosse Pointe) Rotary Park (Livonia) Ford Field Park (Northville) Maybury Farm (Northville) McClumpha Park (Plymouth) Heritage Park (Taylor) Elizabeth Park (Trenton) Merriman Hallow (Westland)
Oakland
Booth Park (Birmingham) Scarlet's Playground (Commerce) Heritage Park (Farmington Hills) Kensington Metropark (Milford) Lakeshore Park (Novi) Shepherd Park (Oak Park) Innovation Hills (Rochester Hills) Normandy Oaks (Royal Oak) Bauervic Woods Park (Southfield) Hess-Hathaway Park (Waterford) Gilbert Willis Park (Wixom)
More
Gallup Park (Ann Arbor) County Farm Park (Ann Arbor) Genoa Park (Brighton) Summit Gardens (Howell) Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Township) Waldenburg Park (Macomb) Wolcott Farm Center (Ray) Mae Stecker Park (Shelby Township) Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township) Toledo Botanical Gardens (Toledo)
Fresh food, food trucks, fun classes, activities, live music, and more. Farmers Markets make shopping more fun - find one near you!
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EASTERN MARKET DETROIT Saturdays from 6am - 4pm
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OAKLAND COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays from 7am - 1:30pm
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ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET Saturdays from 7am - 3pm
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BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET Sundays from 9am - 2pm
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DEARBORN FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays from 9am - 5pm
Find more Farmers Markets
GREAT LAKES + BIG ATTRACTIONS SUMMER GOES BY QUICKLY, SO WE NEED TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND TIME OFF SCHOOL. PLAN A FULL DAY OF FAMILY FUN OR EVEN AN OVERNIGHT STAY - KIDS DON'T NEED FANCY HOTELS TO HAVE A GREAT TIME!
LAKE ERIE Take a trip to Toledo and go on a wild adventure at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Not only can you have up-close encounters with animals, you can get a sky high view from the Aerial Adventure Course and Zip-line. Afterwards, let your littles run around their playground or make a splash at the Aquarium Trail Splash Pad for a full day of fun. Cool off in Lake Erie at Maumee Bay State Park.
LAKE HURON Lakeside Beach is the perfect place to lounge along Lake Huron, while staying close to home. Kids will love the sandy beach and the splash pad. Make sure you stop by Palmer Park so your littles can ride the Super Slide.
LAKE MICHIGAN Get ready for a grand adventure - keep cool at the kid-friendly Grand Rapids Children's and Public Museums, stroll the gardens in full bloom at the Meijer Gardens, and watch the sunset on Lake Michigan from Grand Haven City Beach.
SAGINAW BAY Bay City State Park has one of the largest remaining freshwater coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. Play at the beach, go on a nature walk, let the kids run around the 3 acre playground. Then explore the largest tree canopy in America at Dow Gardens in Midland.
Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can b one way or round trip.
Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movement
Beaches
Top Pick: Lake St. Clair Metropark Van Buren Park Beach (Belleville) Island Lake Recreation Area (Brighton) Independence Oaks (Clarkston) Belle Isle State Park (Detroit) WhoaZone (Holly) Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Lake Orion) Sterling State Park (Monroe) Water Warrior Island (Orion Township) Thelma Spencer Park (Rochester Hills) Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township) Maumee Bay State Park (Toledo) Dodge #4 State Park (Waterford) Independence Lake County Park (Whitmore Lake)
Splash Pads
Top Pick: Lily Pad Springs Heritage Park (Canton) Webber Splash Park (Chesterfield) Przybylski Memorial Spray Park (Clarkston) VanHouten Spray Park (Dearborn Heights) Heritage Park Splash Pad (Farmington Hills) Splash-N-Blast (Milford) Sprayscape (Plymouth) Veteran’s Memorial Park (St. Clair Shores) Dodge Park (Sterling Heights) Lamarand Splash Pad (Taylor) H20 Zone Spray Ground Park (Westland) Indian Springs Spray ‘n’ Play (White Lake) Thorn Park Splash Pad (Woodhaven)
Pools
Top Pick: Clement Circle Pool Fuller Park Pool (Ann Arbor) Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center (Belleville) Dunworth Pool & Water Park (Dearborn) Wayne Couny Family Aquatic Center (Detroit) Clement Circle Pool (Livonia) Red Oaks Water Park (Madison Heights) Southfield Sports Arena Pool (Southfield) Northwest Park (Taylor) Kennedy Aquatic Center (Trenton) Troy Family Aquatic Center (Troy) Waterford Oaks Water Park (Waterford) Rolling Hills Water Park (Ypsilanti)
Make your trips to the beach easier with these fan favorites.
Puddle Jumper Life Vest
Stay safe and don't forget your life preservers. NOTE: Not all 'floaties' are life preservers and it's important to read the label to know the difference. Stearns sells a dozen different colors on Amazon for $25
Sand Free Beach Mat
Pack up the sand toys + floating devices for some fun in the sun at one of our favorite local beaches. Keep the sand where it belongs - on the beach! This Beach Mat can be staked into the ground to keep from blowing away, while keeping the sand away. Available on Amazon for $29
Lightweight XL Pocket Tote
Lake St. Clair Shore Metropark (Harrison)
Why We Love It: 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 use the pool or splash pad.
Lakeshore Beach (Novi)
Why We Love It: Lakeshore is the perfect family beach. There's a small beach line, 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 simply wade wearing shorts or sit back and watch.
Sterling State Park (Monroe)
Why We Love It: When you want the Great Lakes, this one is close. The sand can be a little rocky and the skyline isn't the most picturesque, but there's something about the calming waves of Lake Erie on a summer morning that's fun and beautiful for all. Somehow, you always leave with more than what you came with - and when that happens, pull out this pocket tote (folds to the size of bean bag) made from recycled polyester and load it up with all the things. $65
Dodge Park #4 (Waterford)
Why We Love It: There are a lot of inland lakes to visit, but Dodge Park #4 is our favorite - offering good sand, clean water, and a long shoreline.
Growing up, I loved our family trips to the drive-in movies. We got to stay up late, eat in the car, and enjoy a double feature. It's a tradition I now love passing down to my kids, with the Drive-In Movies as our go-to summer favorite . The drive-in has been making a comeback in recent years with permanent seasonal locations and pop-up movies for single day events. Make sure to follow LittleGuide for up-to-date news about individual movie nights and regular showings at the local drive-in theaters listed below. 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.
Metro Detroit Drive-In Theatres Ford-Wyoming (Dearborn) Memory Lane Drive-In (Monroe) USA Hockey Summer Drive-In (Plymouth) Macomb County Drive-In (Sterling Heights) US 23 Drive-In (Flint)
#MomHack
If you can't get a sitter and your kids sleep in cars, the drive-in is a great busy parent date night. Cuddle up
front with your favorite treats and let the kids sleep in the back.
find a drive-in near you
Stay up late, stock up snacks, and enjoy a double feature at the drive-in!
Lightyear - June 17
Thor: Love & Thunder - July 8
"Lightyear” is the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy. Follow along on the legendary Space Ranger's intergalactic adventure.
Join the Asgardian Avenger on his next adventure and meet the first female Thor.
Minions: The Rise of Gru - July 1 In the heart of the 1970s, Gru is growing up in the suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them. Luckily, he gets some mayhem-making backup from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, Bob, and Otto, deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.
Paws of Fury - July 22 Hank, a loveable dog with a head full of dreams about becoming a great samurai, sets off in search of his destiny.
DC League of Super-Pets - July 29 When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto the Super-Dog must convince a rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel—to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.
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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HUDDLE (DETROIT)
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DAIRY-GO-ROUND (PLYMOUTH)
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COOL JACK'S (SYLVAN LAKE)
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RAY'S (ROYAL OAK)
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HERE'S THE SCOOP (TAYLOR)
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CALDER'S DAIRY FARM (CARLTON)
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CHOCOLATE CAFE (GROSSE POINTE)
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BROWNDOG CREAMERY (NORTHVILLE)
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THE CUSTARD COMPANY (DEARBORN)
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CUSTARD SPOT (SHELBY TOWNSHIP)
FISHING SPOTS
STORYBOOK WALKS
Reel in the fun this summer and teach the kids how to catch fish! This timeless waterfront activity is great for family fun.
Storybook walks make the perfect outdoor adventure for kids to engage in literacy and for families to spend time outside together.
Maybury State Park (Northville) Independence Oaks (Clarkston) Detroit Riverfront (Detroit) Newburgh Lake (Livonia/Westland) Stony Creek Park (Shelby Township) Elizabeth Park (Trenton) Dodge Park #4 (Waterford) Independence Park (Whitmore Lake) Ford Lake Park (Ypsilanti)
Beverly Park (Beverly Hills) E.L. Johnson Center (Bloomfield Hills) Clarkston District Library Baker Woods Preserve (Chelsea) Highland Public Library Livonia Public Library Red Oaks Nature Center (Madison Heights) Beaver Creek (Sterling Heights) Raintree Park (Troy)
KAYAKING
DISC GOLF
Spend quality family time on the water in a canoe or kayak for a maritime adventure this summer.
Pick up some frisbees at the local sports store (or resale shop) and put on your walking shoes. This free activity offers an afternoon of fun.
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Clinton River Canoe & Kayak (Sterling Heights) Village Canoe Rental (Milford) Riverside Kayak Connection (Detroit & Trenton) Motor City Canoe Rental (Flat Rock & New Boston) Skip's Huron River Canoe Livery & Outfitters (Dexter)
Bandemer Park (Ann Arbor) Civic Center Park (Auburn Hills) Freedom Park (Canton) Founders Sports Park (Farmington Hills) Willow Metropark (New Boston) Cass Benton Hills (Northville) Wagner Park (Royal Oak) River Bends Park (Shelby Charter Twp) Firefighters Park (Troy) Memorial Park (Wyandotte)
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 Blake Farms (Armada) Spicer Orchard (Fenton) Erwin Orchards (South Lyon) Westview Orchards (Washington)
Best Time To Pick: July 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!
Leave the toy trucks at home and let your littles play on the real things at these local touch-a-truck events.
JUN 19
Ford House - Grosse Pointe Shores
JUL 09
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Walmart - Dearborn
JUL 15
Founder's Festival Heritage Park - Farmington Hills
JUL 16
Big Dig of Michigan Howell
AUG 05
Big Rig Gig Friendship Park - Lake Orion
AUG 13
Tons of Trucks Clintonwood Park - Clarkston
AUG 19
Emergency Vehicle Show Downtown Ferndale
AUG 27
Touch-A-Truck Greenmead Park - Livonia
EyesOn Design
STAR GAZING SITES & PLANETARIUMS FOR FAMILIES THE SKY IS THE LIMIT - SHOW YOUR LITTLES THE STARS, MOON, AND PLANETS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM TO HELP THEM DREAM BIG. See the stars any time of day as you check out a showing at a planetarium. The following locations offer specific shows for children - including one with characters from Sesame Street. Cranbrook Institute of Science Longway Planetarium Michigan Science Center Wayne State University (FREE) Stay up past bedtime and see how many constellations you can spot at a Dark Sky Park or observatory. Fox Park Public Observatory Dr. T.K. Lawless County Dark Sky Park Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Math is hard, especially when you're standing in line with your kids running around trying to figure out if you should get single day admission or a family membership. Note: Savings information is based on 2 adult + 2 child admission rates. Families with more than two children will experience an even greater savings.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Single Admission: $16 per person Membership: $80 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $16 = Membership (unlimited visits)
Cranbrook Institute of Science Single Admission: $9.50 for youth and $13 for adults Membership: $75 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $30 = Membership (unlimited visits) BONUS: You also receive 25% off visits to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Detroit Zoo Single Admission: $18 for youth and $22 for adults Membership: $127 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $47 = Membership (unlimited visits)
The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village Single Admission: $22.50 for youth and $30 for adults Membership: $185 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $80 = Membership (unlimited visits to both the museum and village)
Michigan Science Center Single Admission: $14 for youth and $18 for adults Membership: $99 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $35 = Membership (unlimited visits)
Outdoor Adventure Center Single Admission: $3 for youth and $5 for adults Membership: $50 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $34 = Membership (unlimited visits)
Sloan Museum/Longway Planetarium Single Admission: $4 for youth and $6 for adults Membership: $85 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $65 = Membership (unlimited visits to both locations) BONUS: You also receive 50% off admission to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum & Impressions 5
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Single Admission: $23 for youth and $26 for adults Membership: $131 for family Do the Math: 1 Visit + $31 = Membership (unlimited visits)
SUMMER IS WONDERFUL IN BIRMINGHAM Enjoy a summer full of family-fun in Birmingham! If you’re looking for things to do this summer, downtown Birmingham has you covered. This picturesque downtown is a premier destination for visitors of all ages. On select Friday nights this summer, grab your blankets and chairs and head to Booth Park for Movie Nights. Enjoy free goodies and entertainment, as you cuddle up for family-friendly favorites like Moana, Sing 2, Home Alone and more! Enjoy live music, food trucks and the bustle of the Birmingham Farmers Market every Sunday through October. The kids will love helping you pick out farm-to-table fare from over 35 local farmers and vendors at this lively outdoor market. The Farmers Market is hosting a variety of events to celebrate its 20th season this year, including a Super Farmer Day in June, a 20th Season Celebration in August and Harvest Festival in September. If you love to shop (and a good bargain!), head to Day on the Town in July – it’s the biggest sidewalk sale around! Find great deals, entertainment, kids’ activities and so much more all day long. For details on these events, visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events.
PETTING FARMS
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Domino Farm (Ann Arbor) Bowers School Farm (Bloomfield Hills) Howell Nature Center (Howell) Indian Creek Zoo (Lambertville) Blue Line Farm (Livonia) Kensington Farm Center (Milford)
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Maybury Farm (Northville) Wolcott Mills Farm Center (Ray) Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak) Carousel Acres (South Lyon) Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor) The Reptarium (Utica)
Start your weekend off right with a walk, run, stroll or ride through Hines Drive. Every Saturday from 9am to 3:30pm, Wayne County Parks closes down Hines Drive from Outer Drive to Ann Arbor Trail to let the public recreate safely in the streets. Park at Nankin Mills or Merriman Hollow for quick, easy access to the BEST playgrounds and bike tracks around. If you've got mini bikers Hawthorne Ridge is our family's favorite. The dirt + pump bike tracks offer hours of entertainment. In addition to fitness recreation, you can also fish at the new fishing spot by Newburgh Lake. When you want to find a unique nature path, take a family hike through Holliday Nature Preserve. NOTE: The Native American foot trail is not stroller friendly, but it's a lot of fun for a back-tonature experience. Also note that it is not a loop.
Save the Date LittleGuide Detroit's Stroller Roll at Nankin Mills is Saturday, July 16th at 9am.
BEST ZOOS FOR MICHIGAN FAMILIES Lions, tigers, bears and more! Take your littles on a wild adventure to see animals from all over the world at zoos just a car trip away.
DETROIT ZOO The Detroit Zoo is home to over 2,100 animals and its 125 acres feature award winning attractions, including the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Polk Penguin Conservatory. Tauber Family Railroad Carousel Korman Tadpole + Rissman Playventures
JOHN BALL ZOO The John Ball Zoo has over 1,300 animals and special activities, including aerial courses, gem digging, and special larger-than-life traveling exhibits. Zipline + Ropes Course Funicular Camel Rides Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium
TOLEDO ZOO With a more than 10,000 animals, a state of the art Aquarium and Natural History Museum, you don't want to pass up a visit to the Toledo Zoo. Safari Railway + African Carousel Aquarium Adventure Trail + Splash Pad Aerial Adventure Course + Zipline Nature’s Neighborhood Playground Behind the Scene Tours
Watch a parade, take a ride, dance to the music, and stay up past bedtime for a fireworks show!
JUNE 2-4 2-5 2-5 3-5 3-5 9-12 10-12 10-12 16-18 16-18 16-19 18-21 21-26 22-26 23 23-26 23-26 24-26 24-26 25 26 27 29
Milan Community Fair Birmingham Village Fair Northville Spring Carnival Grosse Ile Islandfest Center Line Festival Melvindale Days St. Frances Cabrini Festival Motor City Irish Fest Canton Liberty Fest Riverview Summerfest Marysville Summer Fest St. Mary's Michigan Fest Livonia Spree Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival Wixom's Lite the Nite Lake Orion Jubilee Taylor Summer Festival Balloonfest Trenton Summer Festival Red, White & Blues Fireworks Festival in The Park Ford Fireworks Festival of The Hills
JULY 7-10 8-17 10 13-16 15-17 21-24 23-24 24-30 25-30 28-30 29 & 30 31-6
Uncle Sam Jam Oakland County Fair Detroit Kite Festival Allen Park Street Fair African World Festival Fraser Lion's Club Arab & Chaldean Festival Lenawee County Fair Fowlerville Family Fair Sterlingfest Chelsea Sounds & Sights Monroe County Fair
AUGUST 5-13 6&7 10-14 12 & 13 12-14 31-4
Wayne County Fair Belle Isle Art Fair Howell Melon Festival Dexter Daze Milford Memories Saline County Fair
SEPTEMBER 1-5 Michigan State Fair 2-5 Arts, Beats & Eats
NATURE TRAILS
walk it out Soak up some vitamin D, log more time in the YMCA #Y170 Challenge App, and get those little legs moving (and tired) with a nature walk.
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CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY TRAILS
Keep busy on your walk with natural play areas and engaging interpretive signs at Heritage Park (Farmington), West Bloomfield Nature Preserve, Leslie Science & Nature Center (Ann Arbor) and Howell Nature Center.
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WHEN YOU WANT A ROCKIN GOOD TIME
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve (Southfield) is a favorite for families with climbers. Let your littles explore the rock quarry and then stroll through the trees to find Carpenter Lake. Enjoy a similar feeling of being out west and stroll the rocky terrain of the former gravel pit at Fox Science Preserve (Ann Arbor).
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WALK ALONG WATER IN THE WILD
See how many ducks or boats you can spot when you take one of these peaceful waterfront walks at Crosswinds Marsh (New Boston), Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (Trenton), Stepping Stones Falls (Flint), or Graham Lakes Trailhead (Oakland Township).
SUMMER BUCKETLIST There are 92 days of summer, what are you going to do?