How he gained financial security and more family time
Biking with Kids in Metro Detroit
on the best gear and essentials, top trails and more
DIY Water Toy: Beat the heat with this soapy summer activity
Sterling Heights Living Guide: Top attractions and more for families
Finance for Kids: Weigh the pros and cons of debit and credit cards
Engaging Activities: New ideas to try with your kids this summer
Multigenerational Vacations: Best spots in the U.S. for all to enjoy
Events: Metro Detroit events not to miss
Top Tacos: See which spots in Metro Detroit readers love most
Best Things to Do With Kids this Summer: Restaurants, attractions and more
Go Karting: Three-Story Track opens at CJ Barrymore’s
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BY KATINA BENIARIS
July/August Must-Reads
�� Summer Fests Not to Miss: Summer festival season is in full swing. We’ve rounded up our favorite fests for families.
ꗘ Movie in the Park Events: Grab some snacks and enjoy these fun family flicks at these free outdoor movies series.
� Back-to-School Traditions: Explore beloved back-to-school traditions for unforgettable family memories.
苘 Visiting Greenfield Village with Kids: Spending the day at this family attraction is a summer staple, and we have the latest tips and events not to miss.
Most Affordable Places to Live Near You: We share the best places to buy in metro Detroit — broken down by county — according to Niche.
Family Biking Adventures
Local families shared some of their favorite kid-friendly trails! “Tree Farm in Novi. My kids started riding there at 3 years old.,” says Kerry M. from Novi, who shared this photo. “It’s a great trail for the whole family! Lots of different skill levels.”
Turn to page 27 for our Family Biking Guide!
CHANCES TO WIN
Get ready for spooky fun! Share your favorite family Halloween costume with us for a chance to be featured in our September/October magazine and win a $50 Amazon gift card
We want to hear from you! Take our quick real estate reader survey in just two minutes for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
The Ultimate Summer Guide for Families
Make the most of summer while it’s here! Dive into our guide featuring the top activities to enjoy in metro Detroit:
☀ Bring the Kids to The Best Farmers Markets ☀ Cool Splash Pads and Spraygrounds ☀ Putt Around At These Outdoor Mini Golf Courses
Best Places to See with Kids in Michigan
Want to make the most of out summer? Check out Page 36 for our list of can’t-miss things to do with your kids this summer. Our staff weighed in with their fave local beaches as well ...
Make the most of your Metro Parent experience:
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“There’s a little beach on Belle Isle facing Canada, next to the Dosson Museum. It’s cute, clean and quiet. Perfect for little kids if you dont want to fight the crowds at the main beach.”
CEO & PUBLISHER: Alexis Bourkoulas
Content
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CONTENT AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: David Arkin
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Katina Beniaris
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Nikki Roberts
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR: Kari Zaffarano
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kelly Buren
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lindsey Lawson
“I like the beaches along Lake Huron as they extend into Ontario. Any beach at Pinery Provincial Park is my favorite. I have to say, these beaches rival those I spent whole summers on when I was a kid and grew up near Lake Michigan.”
SENIOR MARKETING STRATEGISTS: Linda Holland, Dawn Ferencak
BUSINESS MANAGER: Amelia Naz
MARKETING ANALYST: Carlos Figuera
DIGITAL SPECIALIST: Esmael Taib
Why Sibling Relationships Matter to Mental Health
Strong sibling bonds can support your kids well into old age — and you have more influence over their relationships than you might think. Find out how.
By Claire Charlton | Illustrations by Jon Wilcox
How often have you heard parents talk about wanting their kids to be best friends? Not just getting along, but having genuine love and respect for each other. Maybe you’ve wanted this yourself.
Nicole Runyon shared this desire with a colleague when she was pregnant with her second child. “She said — and I’ll never forget this — whether or not siblings get along has everything to do with the parents,” Runyon says. This made sense to Runyon, who is a psychotherapist and parent coach in metro Detroit.
Positive sibling relationships are important for many reasons. Research shows that adults with strong sibling relationships tend to experience less loneliness and depression. The strength of these relationships can even predict good mental health and resilience into middle age.
Why do siblings matter so much?
Friends come and go. But for better or worse, siblings are stuck with each other. And that’s good for their emotional development. This gives kids the freedom to test out different ways of connecting with others, without worry over losing the relationship, say researchers from the Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative.
When siblings argue — and when they cooperate — they learn important cognitive and social skills like problem solving, seeing another’s point of view and the consequences of actions. These learned skills inform all of their future relationships.
What does parenting have to do with sibling relationships?
Parents may think they’re lucky if their kids get along. But the quality of sibling relationships is about parenting, Runyon says. Parents can actively foster positive relationships between their children.
Most parents recognize that each of their children have gifts and strengths. But when parents begin to define their children by these traits, they assign a role to each child that every family member recognizes.
These defined roles can cause parents to treat each child differently. Some researchers even refer to this as “parental differential treatment.” Siblings can be highly sensitive to this — and it’s linked to negative sibling relationships through adolescence.
“A lot of the work I do with parents is self-reflection,” Runyon says. “You have to really know yourself.” If a child’s personality traits trigger you, siblings interpret that and keep their distance. “Parents have to be aware of their tendency to favor their kids…and how their triggers are affecting the family dynamic.”
Even if you aren’t overtly practicing parental favoritism, your children may be comparing themselves to each other. Children who perceive themselves to be less favored show higher levels of depression, antisocial behavior and substance use, according to studies.
First tip for sibling relationships: avoid labeling your child
All families have a child who is the “smart one” and another who is the “athletic one,” and parents rarely think twice about sharing this out loud. It seems innocent, but children see their siblings through the lens of that assigned role.
“That makes the kids look at their sibling and say ‘Yep, that’s you,’ and not be able to see them in any other way,” Runyon says. “Siblings are the first peer-to-peer relationship, and they are there to teach out how to then relate to the outside world. If you’re rigid about how you see people, it makes it very hard to interrelate with other people.”
When parents can see their kids as whole people — not a stereotype — children in the family learn to do the same.
Encourage your children to do acts of service for each other
Acts of service help siblings see each other as helpful people they can rely on. Older siblings may already ask younger ones to do things for them, and they’re all too happy to oblige. But parents should encourage give and take wherever possible, Runyon says.
Siblings may even barter — “If you empty the dishwasher for me tonight, I’ll take out the garbage for you tomorrow.” This is fine, as long as the exchange is equitable.
“Teaching reciprocity comes from modeling and kids mimic what you do. So if you are doing acts of service for your spouse, then you want to make sure you say ‘I got your socks last night, but can you do this thing for me tonight,’” she says. “It’s not always tit-for-tat, but the idea is it eventually comes around.”
Establish a culture that values relationships and family
Simply put, when you show your family members how much you value them, your children will follow suit. They will recognize their siblings as “their people.” This is important because siblings will support each other long after you are gone.
“Parents can foster all kinds of family connections, especially in today’s world where we have technology,” Runyon says. Making family dinner time is a small habit that can go a long way.
Even better: shop, plan and make meals together, with each family member contributing in some way. “That’s teamwork,” she says. “To get to the end result, you have to do it together.”
Nicole Runyon is one of five siblings. She says every summer Sunday, the whole family gathers for dinner — and her siblings have become her friends. Find her at nicolerunyon.com. Content sponsored by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, flinnfoundation.org.
Parent Resources for Strong Sibling Relationships
• Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, by Dr. Becky Kennedy
• GoodInside.com, a companion website by “The Millennial Parenting Whisperer”
• NicoleRunyon.com, for free resources and downloads with tips for parents
What Does Harm Reduction Mean to Your Family?
A local expert shares harm reduction strategies to guard against the dangers of drug experimentation and the threat of fentanyl.
By Claire Charlton
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your child safe. You buckle them up in the car in case of an accident. You have a smoke detector to alert you to fire. But what if your child experiments with drugs? Harm reduction strategies can help ensure your child’s safety.
What is harm reduction?
“Harm reduction…provides education about what that experimentation would do to them if they chose to go down that path. It also provides safety around using substances,” explains Steve Norris, director of harm reduction and recovery support at the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities.
Fentanyl is a serious public health crisis. “And that’s what we see among our youth, especially with experimentation of what they think is a prescription pill that ends up being a toxic fentanyl exposure. Those consequences, unfortunately, are fatal,” Norris says.
Misconceptions about harm reduction programs
Even if your child doesn’t use substances, the availability of legalized and unregulated marijuana can still pose risks. Using substances can lower their inhibitions and affect their decision-mak-
ing abilities.
“We have to have honest, open dialogue about the dangers that today’s society is presented with in the landscape of synthetic opioids that are rampant in the drug supply,” he says.
Fentanyl can also be present in marijuana — even gummies — and testing can
reduce the likelihood of toxic poisoning, a word Norris prefers to “overdose.”
Testing is just one strategy. Parents can start by educating themselves about reducing harm. Oakland Community Health Network, public health agencies and local coalitions can help.
“It’s also important not to be afraid of
terrifying things. We can’t ignore that problems exist,” says Norris. “Having parents be more active and engaging, especially with their children, can mitigate some tragedies and reduce harm at the same time.”
Find your nearest Save A Life Station
Oakland County has 107 Save A Life Stations stocked with harm reduction supplies available to anyone.
Each station contains Narcan (naloxone), which can reverse the effects of opioids, plus a QR code for an instructional video. “We’re trying to get more and more naloxone out into the community because we believe — and we know, based on the data — that having naloxone at your disposal is as important as having a fire extinguisher in your home,” Norris says.
Stations also contain safe disposal bags for neutralizing leftover prescriptions. This is a safer alternative to leaving them in your medicine cabinet where your kid or their friends can find them. There are also testing strips for fentanyl.
Finally, resource guides provide access to treatment and mental health counseling. Find an interactive map of Save A Life stations at Alliance of Coalitions for Health Communities: achcmi. org/harm-reduction/save-a-life-stations.
SPONSORED BY:
OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 29,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.
OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.”Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.
Handpicked
Race the Soapy Seas
Summer has officially landed, which means endless outdoor adventures! If you’re looking for a clever (and easy!) way to get the kids out of the house and into the yard, set up a soap boat race!
The premise is super easy: grab some bars of soap, toothpicks and paper scraps. Encourage the kids to make their boats their own by customizing their sails with stickers, stamps, glitter or whatever else is in the bottom of your craft box. Once the sails are finished, attach them to a toothpick and stick them in a bar of soap. Plus, don’t forget, every sea-worthy vessel needs a name.
While the kids are working on their soap boats, you can get the racecourse ready. Your local hardware store should have an inexpensive piece of guttering — that’s your river. Put a hose at one end of the gutter to create your rushing river (point it to plants that need watering) and see how fast your kids can send down their soapy creations — heck, they might even come back in with their hands clean for once!
Happy sailing!
STORY BY KATINA BENIARIS
PHOTO BY LAUREN JEZIORSKI
Living in Sterling Heights
Discover fun parks, engaging community events and great schools in this metro Detroit suburb’s vibrant hub.
BY KATINA BENIARIS
Sterling Heights, the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit, is a vibrant hub of kid-friendly activities. Nestled in the heart of Macomb County, this bustling town offers an abundance of options for families.
Sterling Heights boasts a variety of toprated schools that cater to the educational needs, along with well-maintained parks and recreational areas. The metro Detroit suburb also hosts great events including summer festival Sterlingfest, and their annual Memorial Day parade.
QUICK STATS
POPULATION: 133,744
COUNTY: Macomb
MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE: $243,400
MEDIAN RENT: $1,215
SCHOOL DISTRICT: Utica Community Schools
TOP SCHOOLS: Messmore Elementary School (A), Bemis Junior High School (A-minus), Utica High School (B-plus)
TRANSPORTATION: Walk Score 33/100 (Car Dependent), Bike Score 37/100 (Somewhat Bikeable)
RANDOM FACT: In Niche’s 2024 Best Places rankings, Sterling Heights was ranked No. 2 in Best Places to Live in Macomb County.
Information provided by Redfin and Niche.
Find more to explore in Sterling Heights at MetroParent.com/ LatestIssue.
KID-FRIENDLY SPOTS
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS ART WALK
Sterling Heights loves supporting the arts so much that they even have a map featuring their public artwork across town. Some of the artwork featured can be found in the Sterling Heights Public Library.
1 PLAY-PLACE AUTISM & SPECIAL NEEDS
CENTER
39337 Mound Road
This all-inclusive play facility caters to individuals of all ages and abilities. Families can find diverse attractions such as a Lego castle, rock wall and specialized rooms for art, computers and therapy.
2 DODGE PARK
40620 Utica Road
This popular Sterling Heights park features two modern playgrounds with slides and climbing sculptures. During the summer, families can stay cool at Dodge Park Splash Pad, and enjoy their Dodge Park Thursdays with a farmer’s market, free concerts, food trucks and more.
3 HAMPTON PARK
4600 Franklin Park
This playground offers something for everyone. The park also has attractions including a pickleball court, tennis courts, a basketball court, a walking path and a pavilion.
4
BEAVER CREEK PARK
34100 King Richard Drive
The playground at Beaver Creek Park lets kids of all ages play. There’s even a smaller area dedicated for toddlers.
5 CHOCO MANIA CAFE
44621 Mound Road
Get ready for a sugar rush with this European cafe packed with popular items like crepes and rolled ice cream. Treat yourself to their Speciality Sundae cups topped with Oreo cookies, strawberries and more.
1 2 3 4 5
Credit Cards for Kids?
Weigh the pros and cons to see if your child is ready, plus if a credit or debit card is better.
As our world becomes increasingly cashless, it makes sense to teach our kids how to responsibly use debit, credit — or both. Financial literacy can help children manage these cards in a way that maximizes their benefits and minimizes their risks.
But which is best? Both credit and debit cards have their upsides and potential pitfalls that will factor into a parent’s decision. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that helps the child develop financial independence.
CREDIT CARDS FOR KIDS:
Pros
and cons
A credit card is essentially a means of taking out a loan; as such, you must be 18 to get one. If your child is under 18, the only way for them to “get” a credit card is to add them as an authorized user to an existing account.
POTENTIAL DANGERS OF CREDIT
Giving a minor unfettered access to your credit line can have serious financial consequences. If you are unable to set spending limits on the card itself, you could come up with a contract between you and your child that lays out the spending limit and consequences for exceeding it.
You can also monitor your child’s spending by regularly logging in to your account, and by setting up alerts that notify you when purchases are made or when you’re close to maxing out your credit limit.
CREDIT'S POSITIVE IMPACT
When used responsibly, kids can reap lasting benefits from a credit card. Unlike debit cards, credit card companies report to the three credit bureaus. Being an authorized user can build the child’s credit score as many issuers report the user activity of authorized users in addition to the primary account holder’s.
So if you’re sure as the parent that you will make on-time, in-full credit card payments, your child can “piggyback” off of that good credit history.
DEBIT CARDS FOR KIDS:
Pros and cons
A prepaid debit card is one alternative to sharing your own debit card with your child. You can buy them practically anywhere, and parents can control how much money is available to spend on the prepaid card.
DOWNSIDES TO DEBIT
As with credit cards, overspending is a real possibility with a debit card. Kid-specific debit cards may be a safer option than linking them directly to your checking account.
Debit cards also have inferior consumer and purchase protections compared with credit cards. If your debit card or card information is stolen and fraudulent charges are made, you may not be responsible for them — but that depends on when you report the loss.
WHERE DEBIT SHINES
Accessibility is perhaps the biggest argument in favor of debit cards over credit cards. Some debit cards don’t have a minimum age requirement at all and may be the only option if the child is very young.
The immediacy of debit card transactions may encourage kids to budget and be intentional with their spending. And because debit card purchases are made with money that already sits in a checking account, you won’t have to worry about paying interest on unpaid balances.
5 Activities to Keep Kids Entertained
Get the children involved in these activities to keep them busy this summer.
Health reports reveal physical activity inspires confidence, lessens worry, and drives away depression—all key elements as families come out of social isolation and states begin phased reopenings. Mental stimulation is just as important.
So, to help find a balance, Stacker searched kids’ creative, educational, craft, game, and workshop sources to compile a list of activities to help keep children engaged this summer.
MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
Making a time capsule to reflect on in the future is an excellent way of encouraging hope while engaging children to document history. Using a shoebox or plastic container for indoor hiding, or a stainless steel container for burying outside, fill it with newspaper reports, photos, and a time capsule cover sheet. Kids can open it as early as the fall or early in the new year, which will offer them the opportunity to see how much has changed in such a short time.
BUILD AN OBSTACLE COURSE
Low-prep and low-cost, obstacle courses are fun for children of all ages. While some hula hoops, a sandbox, crepe paper, and a bag of balloons are basics for young kids, sidewalk chalk is the only item called for to create an obstacle course for toddlers. Martha Stewart suggests throwing an obstacle course-themed party, featuring activities such as crabwalk and newspaper races followed by an end-of-course awards ceremony, complete with tasty rewards.
COZY UP WITH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Make some spicy popcorn, gather fluffy pillows and soft blankets, and pick a flick to watch outside this summer. Creating a DIY outdoor movie screen is relatively easy, calling for a white sheet, PVC pipes, and glue gun. If time and money do not permit putting together an outdoor screen, simply improvise using a laptop outside for a small, intimate gathering.
MAKE SOCK PUPPETS AND PERFORM A SHOW
A creative imagination, alongside a couple of pairs of socks, scissors, colored felt, yarn, googly eyes, and glue, can create a whole set of characters kids will spend hours enjoying. After making animal or character sock puppets, kids can create a play and perform it for friends and family. If kids are at a loss for words, some printable puppet script ideas come in handy.
SOAR WITH SMITHSONIAN’S GLOBAL GLIDER GUIDE
Fly above the ground with the Smithsonian Science Center’s virtual Glider Guide of the United States, which is available for download to electronic devices. Eleven separate tours across terrains such as mountains and lakes promise to keep kids engaged for hours on end. Each tour ends with questions, to help kids retain everything their eyes just experienced.
Find Stacker’s full list of 50 activities to keep the kids busy at MetroParent.com
Want more weekend fun without all the searching and sorting? Sign up for Metro Parent’s Let’s Go newsletter and get the weekend’s top picks, day-by-day event breakdowns and more right in your inbox, once a week.
Multigenerational travel—specified as trips with three or more generations of a family—has become an emerging trend. But, planning a family vacation for three or more generations often requires extra logistical consideration.
Families with young children may need lodging with cribs or dark, secluded rooms for naps, while older family members may need accessible entrances and bathrooms. Not to mention, each traveler will likely want to spend time doing different activities.
After analyzing lodging options, accessibility and activities, here are locations that made Stacker’s list of top spots.
4 Destinations For a Multigenerational Vacation
From the mountains to the beach, all ages will love these locations.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs in Southern California is a popular desert oasis for families. The area has outdoor activities for everyone, from kid-friendly hikes to hot springs and golf courses for older age groups. Generations of all ages may enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes riders 2.5 miles over the Chino Canyon. Families can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum for free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., then check out VillageFest, a weekly street fair on Thursday nights.
The Palm Springs metropolitan area is a certified autism center, which means several restaurants and other businesses in the area make accommo dations for people with autism.
Durango, Colorado
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Beach vacations are a favorite among multigenerational travelers. The Outer Banks are especially popular for families who want a remote beach getaway. There are many different lodging options, including bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, vacation homes, and cottage courts, which share a common courtyard. Family members have a diverse set of land and water activities to choose from. Some highlights include birdwatching, viewing lighthouses, and visiting the area where the Wright Brothers took their first flight.
This small town in southwest Colorado is all about hot springs and railroads. For hot springs, families stay at the Durango Hot Springs Resort, with 19 family-friendly and 10 accessible soaking pools compliant with guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Visitors from around the world come to Colorado to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark that takes passengers through the San Juan Mountains. For cultural and historical activities, families visit the ancestral homes of the Pueblo at Mesa Verde National Park. Families who visit during ski season can take advantage of the snow at Purgatory Resort, where kids 12 years old and under ski for free.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County was named one of the top 20 locations for a multigenerational trip in a study published by Gogo Charters using TripAdvisor and AreaVibes data, and it's easy to see why. Lake Michigan surrounds the peninsula and offers ADA-accessible playgrounds, and hikes and beaches that accommodate wheelchairs.
Families can take trolley tours to see the area's lighthouses, spring blossoms, or outdoor scenery. There are also plenty of water activities on Lake Michigan, including fishing, sailing, and scuba diving. Lucky families may even spot the northern lights on nights with a clear sky.
This story was originally published by Stacker Media.
What Do You Do When Your Child Is Struggling With Mental Health?
New Oakland County Youth and Family Care Connection and Youth Mobile Crisis Services can help when your child needs mental health care. Learn more.
By Claire Charlton
Families in Oakland County now have more choices for immediate care when their child is in a mental health crisis. Two programs from Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), in partnership with New Oakland Family Centers, provide evidence-based behavioral health support for youth and families.
What is the Youth and Family Care Connection?
For situations that require intervention but are not life-threatening, Oakland Community Health Network’s Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) is a new program designed to meet the mental health needs of youth 17 and younger. The YFCC is a much-needed resource and a way to reduce the amount of time youth spend in emergency rooms, says Kyle Glasgow, PsyD, LP, Director of
SPONSORED BY:
Crisis Services with Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN). At the YFCC, youth will see a master’s level clinician and discuss available care options, which might include the YFCC’s Crisis Care Unit, where youth can receive services on-site for up to 72 hours.
“There is a wide range of services available in Oakland County, including outpatient providers, the Crisis Care Unit, in-patient care and partial hospitalization,” Glasgow explains. “The YFCC is there to provide a recommendation that is the least restrictive but most effective.”
Why is the YFCC an alternative to the emergency room?
Hospital emergency departments are great for broken bones and heart attacks, says Glasgow, but they’re not designed to provide psychiatric care for children. “If it’s life-threatening, they should go to the emergency department, but if they need psychological intervention, they can come to the YFCC and get treatment.”
If your child is in no immediate physical danger, but you are concerned because they are struggling with mental health, take your child to the YFCC for screening and to get resources for their care.
The YFCC is located at the Resource and Crisis Center at 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 32E in Pontiac. Families can get
walk-in screenings at the first-floor entrance of the Resource and Crisis Center off Hospital Dr.
What is the Oakland County Youth Mobile Crisis Team?
When a child or teen is experiencing a crisis that needs immediate response or is a danger to themselves or others, the Youth Mobile Crisis team provides rapid response, with therapists who come to you.
The Youth Mobile Crisis team travels to homes, schools, emergency rooms, foster care homes, and other public places in Oakland County and supports young people from birth to age 21 who have Medicaid or are presumed Medicaid eligible.
Examples of when the team can be helpful include suicidal thoughts, threatening behaviors, social isolation, self-harm, loss of coping skills, aggression, property destruction or dangerous and impulsive decision-making.
The Youth Mobile Crisis Team provides on-the-spot counseling by mental health professionals to help stabilize emotions and behaviors. The counselor will provide an assessment and coordinate referrals to ongoing services and support.
The Oakland County Youth Mobile Crisis Team is available by calling 877-800-1650.
OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 29,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.
OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.” Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.
Your Insider Guide to Family Summer Fun at the YMCA
Looking for some midsummer
activities?
Your local YMCA helps you keep the fun coming with insider tips to get the most out of your summer.
BY CLAIRE CHARLTON
Nothing is better than mid-summer! The weather is great and school won’t start for weeks and weeks yet. Your kids are shouting “Keep the fun coming!” Fortunately, they haven’t yet reached the dreaded “I’m SO bored!” stage. Now is the perfect time to introduce a new kind of family summer fun. No matter where you live in metro Detroit, you are close to a YMCA — and this is where your summer fun continues. When you’re looking for some classic family fun or something new and different to keep your kids active, your local family YMCA is your solution. (Trust us, your kids will think you are a genius for thinking of this!)
What does the Y offer for family summer fun?
Summer is the perfect time to get to know your YMCA, says Maria Diaz, associate executive director at the Downriver Family YMCA
in Southgate. We caught up with Diaz to learn the very best family friendly activities at the Y.
As a bonus, we asked for insider tips so you can maximize your summer activities at the YMCA. Here are some top activities to try and what you need to know to have the most fun:
1 Family swim hours are generous and the water is welcoming
“We have an amazing pool,” says Diaz. The same goes for all seven family YMCA locations in metro Detroit.
The pool at the Downriver Family YMCA has a waterslide, a splash fountain and zero-depth entry for a beach feel. During family swim, you can enjoy all of these features at once. And, if you just want to enjoy the pool but don’t want the whole locker room experience, there are free lockers right in the lobby where you can stash your bags and keys, then head right to the pool, says Diaz.
Newly renovated locker rooms and family restrooms offer choice and make it easy for every family to access the pool. Remember, each Y’s pool is unique,
so visit all seven locations and ask your kids which is their favorite.
INSIDER TIP: The pool at the Downriver Family YMCA has an integrated warm therapy pool that offers deep relaxation. Try it yourself!
2 Some YMCAs have rock climbing walls
Do your kids love to climb? Give them the challenge of climbing at the Y. Both the Downriver Family YMCA and the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit have natural, seamless rock faces suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. Certified staff show you what to do, says Diaz, and the wall is divided into easy, middle and difficult routes to the top. “It’s super cool when you’re doing it,” she says.
INSIDER TIP: At the top of the wall is a bell you can ring when you reach it!
3 Open gym is perfect for basketball
If you have a kid or two who love basketball, the YMCA is the perfect place to
play. At the Downriver YMCA, there are curtains that create sections in the gym so even little ones can run around and have a good time while the bigger kids get serious about their game.
INSIDER TIP: Youth basketball clinics for ages preschool and up run all summer. Your YMCA family membership means you get a discount on the cost!
4 YMCA is inclusive! You belong.
The YMCA exists to provide programs and membership to all who want to participate. Family memberships are less than $3 a day, but for some families, that’s not affordable.
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. There’s also the Y For All membership available for households of two or more with a combined income of $49,000 or less.
INSIDER TIP: Regardless of your ability to pay, your YMCA membership is 100% the same as everyone else’s membership, says Diaz. “This is the mission of the Y. It’s the reason we are here.”
TASTE BUDS: BOMBSHELL TREAT BAR
Build Your Dream Ice Cream Bar
We all scream for ice cream! These scratch-made treats will transform your taste buds.
BY NIKKI ROBERTS
The eye poppin’ ice cream treats from Bombshell Treat Bar have found a permanent home at the company’s first brick-and-mortar store and production kitchen in Berkley.
Since the end of April, the dessert shop has been serving up handmade frozen creations, all dipped in scratch-made Belgian chocolate. Think: the classic magic shell you loved as a kid, but with real ingredients in all sorts of flavor varieties.
Jill Kasle is a mom of two kids, ages 12 and 14, and a chocolate fanatic. We got the scoop on her passion for unique treats, as well as her go-to ice cream order at Bombshell Treat Bar.
What is your go-to order at Bombshell Treat Bar?
Kasle usually builds her own ice cream bar and loads up on all of her favorite toppings. The Sweet n Salty cone is also one of her go-tos.
“Dark chocolate, caramel drizzle and Madagascar vanilla — you could put anything on Madagascar vanilla and it would be delicious — but I love our dark chocolate. It’s dairy free, but it’s not so dark it’s bitter,” says Kasle.
“I love that sweet and salty flavor, so potato chips and pretzels and Himalayan sea salt with dark chocolate and caramel; all that salt and crunch is delicious.”
Where did the inspiration for Bombshell Treat Bar come from?
“I was on a trip with my family to Montreal. We went into an ice cream shop for dessert one night, and this place was taking vanilla soft serve and dipping it in 30 flavors of Belgian chocolate,” says Kasle.
“I could eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This marriage of chocolate and ice cream was so mind blowing to me, because what you think of as chocolate shell or chocolate dip isn’t actually chocolate; it’s oils flavored with chocolate components. This was true Belgian chocolate. It was so decadent. They created a whole new experience by offering these really wild flavors of chocolate, and then every topping imaginable to put on top of your cone. I walked out and I said ‘oh my God, I have to do this.’”
Which frozen treats do you keep in your freezer at home?
“I love layered ice cream. Talenti has a lot of pints that are layered with cake, brownie, chocolate chip or Oreo cookies, so I don't need to add anything. All the textures and flavors are in there for me.”
“[Culinary Director Tori Parnell] taught me the pleasures of ice cream,” adds Kasle. “There are so many nuances, so much we can feel and experience with ice cream. I love having it in my freezer.”
REAL LIFE: ANDY HILL OF MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND MONEY
A Metro Detroit Dad’s Journey to Financial Security and More Family Time
BY STEFFY MCCOURT • PHOTO BY SYDNEY KISPERT-BOSTICK
Michigan resident Andy Hill, a husband and father of two, started podcasting and blogging about money in 2016. At the time, his family was in $50,000 of debt. Within four years, Hill was out of debt and had given up his full-time job to fully invest in his podcast and blog, Marriage, Kids and Money.
“l combined becoming debtfree, achieving Coast FIRE (saving enough in a retirement account so that continuing contributions became optional), and becoming mortgage-free to work part-time and live full-time,” Hill said. In 2022, Hill added financial coaching to his repertoire.
He is on a mission to teach parents how to gain financial freedom to spend less time working and more quality time with their families.
Sound too good to be true?
Read on to see how Hill provides everyday families with a tool kit to live the good life.
WHAT
INSPIRED
YOU TO CREATE MARRIAGE, KIDS AND MONEY
?
When Nicole and I got married, we combined our finances, and at that time, we had about $50,000 of student loan debt and car debt.
When we got married, we enjoyed utilizing our combined finances to “live for today,” and we didn’t care too much about financial planning. We just wanted to be a young, happy couple and enjoy our time together.
It wasn’t until we learned that we were gonna be parents with our first daughter, Zoe, that something sort of clicked in our brains. We realized that we’re not just living for ourselves now. We are bringing a human into this world, and we need to figure out how to help her have the best life possible.
So, I started looking into financial sources for inspiration because I’ve always been interested in personal finance. I just kind of lost my way in my 20s a little bit because my income wasn’t that high, but my desires were high. And I found some resources
and some support. I remember watching the Suze Orman show a lot and being inspired.
I got inspired to learn how, if we could work together to decrease our debt, increase our savings, and even plan for our daughter’s future, we could have a better future together as a family.
So, when I started working with my wife on that, I got excited. I had been looking for a hobby; I was like, man, I was inspired by a lot of these creators and people putting out their stories as well as other people.
DESCRIBE YOUR PODCAST.
My podcast is called Marriage, Kids and Money. It’s focused on helping young families build wealth and happiness. I believe that by getting our financial lives in order, we can utilize our money to spend according to our values, both in terms of money and time.
So, when we have control of those things, I believe it can offer a better opportunity for a happier and more fulfilling life.
Now, does more, more and more money make for more happiness? It gets to a point where you can’t push the boundaries further, but I believe when you
feel like you have more control of your money and build your wealth to a point, you can craft a better life for your family.
DESCRIBE WHAT FINANCIAL FREEDOM HAS BROUGHT YOU. WHAT DO PART-TIME WORK AND FULL-TIME LIVING LOOK LIKE?
I can spend more time with my aging parents and just have a little bit more space and margin in my life to do the things that better serve me and my family. Sometimes, parents can get a little overwhelmed with work, which pushes everything else aside. We realized that we need to focus on things that are better for our health and our family. So, that’s our mission right now. It’s not too much different, probably than what a majority of people do. I just think we have more time for it.
Before our call, I was able to drop my kids off at school, and then I just went for a run in the middle of the day. And I get to have a conversation with you right now, and then it’s a half day at school, so I will pick up my kids in about 30 minutes.
YOUR SECRET
OBSESSION: Board Games YOUR PERSONAL TAGLINE: Carpe Diem
How did we even figure that out before? Financial security has allowed us to maybe feel a little less stressed about it all.
So it’s not massively different. I just think that we’ve given ourselves a little more margin in our lives.
But in August, I won’t be creating content or conducting coaching calls. Instead, I’m going on a road trip with my kids!
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT MONEY?
We’re having conversations with them around financial literacy and financial topics that help them understand that money can be used as a tool to help them craft a life they love. So, if they’re not feeling happy with where they are or where their life is headed, they can use money to help them get somewhere better.
They have their own bank accounts, debit cards, investment accounts and autonomy regarding money.
Of course, we’re here to help them make smart decisions and help them along the way, but we feel like the best way to teach them is through our example and for them to make mistakes with money when they’re young.
They’re making a $10 mistake today instead of a $10,000 mistake in their 30s.
WHAT YOU HOPE YOUR KIDS SAY ABOUT YOU TO THEIR FRIENDS: My dad is someone that
I can rely on.
&WYour Guide to Family Biking in Metro Detroit
ith the warmer weather rolling in, there’s no better time than getting on two wheels! Exploring metro Detroit by bike is a blast — great for fun, fitness and family time. Whether you prefer to take a ride around your neighborhood or bike a new trail, you’ll find this hobby perfect for all ages.
Biking continues to grow in popularity, especially in urban areas like Detroit that are enhancing paths and creating family-friendly routes. Not only is biking great for fitness, but it’s also an amazing way to connect with your family and explore your community together.
You don’t even have to wait until your little one rides a bike
either. New family biking gear continues to make it easier for kids of all ages to join in. From attachable bike seats and trailers for toddlers to tandem attachments for slightly older children, there’s an option to suit every family.
Of course, safety is key. Ensuring everyone has the proper gear, from helmets to reflective clothing, and knowing the rules of the road can make your rides enjoyable and secure. Regularly checking your equipment and choosing well-maintained paths help bring a safer biking experience for the whole family.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best family-friendly biking trails in metro Detroit, get tips on safety and gear needs from Ferndale bike shop Metropolis Cycle, and share some exciting family bike events you don’t want to miss. Happy riding!
BY METRO PARENT TEAM
CUT • PHOTO BY JOE GALLL
Essential Family Biking Gear
Some bike gear, like glittery streamers or colorful spokes, might feel essential to kids, but truly essential biking gear can be the difference between a safe ride and a dangerous one.
Some bike gear, like glittery streamers or colorful spokes, might feel essential to kids, but truly essential biking gear can be the difference between a safe ride and a dangerous one.
“With the correct gear, knowledge and training, biking with little ones doesn’t have to feel scary,” says Ted Sliwinski, owner of Metropolis Cycles in Ferndale.
For families looking to get into biking, Sliwinski has some basic advice: “Just be alert and aware and don’t put yourself in a scenario where you feel scared or out of place.”
For those looking to bike with kids this summer, read on for Sliwinski’s top gear picks for family biking.
1. Lights
Adding visibility to make sure bikers are easier to spot by drivers is always a good idea. Even in the daytime, Sliwinski recommends using a running flasher and at the very least, a rear light.
2. Bike racks
While not totally necessary, holding things like sunscreen, diaper bags and water can get tricky when biking with a low profile like the baby seat. Adding bike racks or baskets to a bike makes transporting “kids stuff” easier, Sliwinski says.
3. Baby seat
The baby seat, alongside the trailer and cargo bike, is one of the three main options when it comes to riding with little ones too small to bike on their own. “We like sticking with the Burley brand ones because they make the most models,” says Sliwinski. The seats typically safely fit a child up to 40 pounds.
4. Bike trailer
“Trailers generally hold around 60-75 pounds and can fit two children, plus tons of cargo capacity, so you can throw a diaper bag right in there,” he says. Burley is another major brand for bike trailers that he recommends.
5. Cargo bikes
“Cargo bikes are quite an investment, so it’s nice, but it’s not as accessible,” he says. Sliwinski says the e-cargo bikes have more seating options for kids and the weight capacity is far larger than the other two options for kid carrying. “It’s working great for some customers, like a friend who drops his daughter off at daycare then rides it to work,” he says. 3 5 2 4
Bike Safety Tips to Keep Your Rides Smooth
Watching kids whizz by on bikes is fun until a parked car’s door swings open unexpectedly.
Navigating safe biking is something parents can learn and teach their kids. With the correct gear, knowledge and training, biking with little ones doesn’t have to feel scary, says Ted Sliwinski, owner of Metropolis Cycles in Ferndale.
Sliwinski’s shop, which opened last year, services all riders, from racers to kids with their first bikes. When starting to ride with kids, it’s best to start simple.
“I live right off the Dequindre Cut. When I was getting my little guy into biking, I started there where there’s no traffic,” he says. “Go to the place where you feel the safest and start there.”
For those looking to bike with kids this summer, here are some safety tips and resources.
Choose the right gear for safe riding
“Helmets, helmets, helmets–can I say helmets again?” says Sliwinski. “It blows my mind that parents let their kids ride without helmets.”
Lights for added visibility, even during the day, are also important.
There are many ways to safely bike with kids who can’t ride on their own yet: baby seats, trailers, or cargo bikes.
“I like the baby seat because I like having my guy close. Trailers are harder in the city but great at parks,” he says.
“E-Cargo bikes are getting more popular. A kid as young as 1 year old to a teenager can ride on the back, and it can hold multiple kids.”
Common mistakes to avoid
“Road safety is the biggest one,” Sliwinski says. “Not only making sure you’re in the right place but also being defensive.”
Defensive biking includes watching out for common driver mistakes.
“Cars don’t respect bike lanes. In intersections, cars roll through the bike lane, and you have to be alert.”
One tip from Sliwinski is to try to get eye contact from the driver. If that doesn’t work, it’s safer to stop.
Another mistake is letting kids ride in front of parents.
“The biggest thing I see is kids in front of their parents. At intersections, they might not be visible or able to brake,” he says. “Adults in front is the safest–just like a mama duck leads her ducklings.”
Roll to These Family Bike Events
Riding with Kids
July 20, 2024
Take a gentle-paced ride to the Palmer Park splash pad. Approximately three miles each way might not be ideal for young independent riders.
Homecoming Family Bike Ride
Aug. 3, 2024
Join Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and Bike Dearborn in up to seven miles of family-friendly biking. Free. Dearborn.
Saturdays in the Park on Hines Drive
Through Sept. 28, 2024
A six-mile stretch of Hines Drive in Hines Park is closed to traffic every Saturday this summer for walkers, skaters and bike riders to enjoy. Free. Westland.
Cruise These Kid-Friendly Bike Trails
Southeast Michigan offers a variety of bike trails perfect for family adventures, catering to both beginners and experienced young riders. Here’s a list of some of the best kid-friendly trails in the area.
Macomb County
Freedom Trail
This “comfortably-wide,” 11-mile paved path parallels the Metropolitan Parkway through urban Macomb County. Find more scenic trails to the north and east where the route connects to the Clinton River Park Trail and the Clinton River Spillway Bike Path, respectively.
Oakland County
Addison Oaks County Park
A compact 14-mile trail takes you through wooded areas and over streams, perfect for a bit of adventure after rain.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
A scenic three-mile paved route offers beautiful views of Lake St. Clair. The path connects to the Metro Parkway, providing easy access to nearby suburbs. An entry fee is required ($10/day or $40-45/year).
Clinton River Trail
Spanning 16 miles, this partly-paved trail runs along a former rail line and connects multiple communities, offering diverse landscapes for a family outing.
Washtenaw County
Border to Border Trail
This 35-mile trail runs beside the Huron River, offering scenic views and access to parks like Gallup Park in Ann Arbor and the Ford Lake Overlook in Ypsilanti Township.
Wayne County
Belle Isle Park
Circle this 982-acre state park on a paved trail. The $14 annual Michigan vehicle passport includes access to attractions like the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
Macomb Orchard Trail
This 24-mile linear trail combines urban and wooded landscapes, ideal for families looking for a mix of scenery and a longer ride.
Indian Springs Metropark
An eight-mile paved path meanders through wetlands and meadows. Watch out for wildlife and tackle a challenging hill. Entry requires a $10 day pass or $40 annual pass.
Hudson Mills Metropark
Featuring a three-mile loop for beginners and an 11.7-mile trail along the Huron River for more adventurous riders. Entry fee applies ($10/day or $40-45/year).
Detroit RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Detroit Riverfront, or ride along the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a 1.15-mile path for biking and walking.
The Joe Louis Greenway
The Joe Louis Greenway, with six miles currently built in 2024, will eventually span 27.5 miles, connecting neighborhoods and existing trails in Detroit.
BORDER TO BORDER TRAIL
Get expert advice, practical tips, and heartfelt support with Thriving Together, a free monthly newsletter for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Stay informed, find answers to your questions, and connect with a community that understands.
Things To Do
Big Events in July and August
FREE July 4, 11, 18, 25 • Chelsea Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights
Arts, entertainment and musical acts are performed at various and separate stages. For kids, there will be magicians, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, circus acts, ‘How to Chalk’ themed art stage and more. 6:308:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Chelsea. chelseamich.com
July 5-14 • Davisburg Oakland County Fair
This annual hometown attraction features a carnival full of games, rides and arena shows. Also, monster truck show, live animals, fireworks and more. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. weekends, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. final day. $15/one day parking pass, $30/10-day parking pass; Carnival tickets vary by day. Oakland County Fairgrounds. oakfair.org
FREE July 10 • Detroit Metro Detroit Youth Day
Kids ages 8-15 will enjoy a day full of free games, races and other contests along with live entertainment, celebrity guests and more at this 40-year-old event. Registration required. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Belle Isle Park. metrodetroityouthday.org
July 11-14 • Woodhaven Uncle Sam Jam
Enjoy a carnival, live music, cornhole tournaments, classic car show, petting zoo, monster truck rides, fireworks and more. 4-11 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and noon-11 p.m. Sunday. $25-$38/all-day ride passes, $10-$15/parking. Woodhaven Civic Center Park. unclesamjamfest.com
FREE July 12-14 • Plymouth Art In The Park
This annual Michigan favorite fills the downtown area with the work of over 400 artists from across the country. It offers food, music and family activities, too. 11 a.m.8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Downtown Plymouth. artinthepark.com
July 12-14, 19-21 • Armada Blake’s Lavender Festival
Shop from over 200 artisans, sip on lavender lemonade, enjoy lavender-themed treats, a children’s tent with lots of activities, DIY workshops, free train ride to the lavender field and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12/ Friday ticket, $14/Saturday or Sunday ticket, free/ages 2 and under; free/parking. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. blakefarms.com
July 12-13 • Ann Arbor
Saline Celtic Festival
Celtic music and dance, traditional field events like jousting and Ancient Athletic Games and a “wee folks” area in store at this annual. 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday. $8-$18/adults, $5/ ages 6-17, free/ages 5 and under. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. salineceltic.org
July 13-14 • Lake Orion Hippie Fest
This family-friendly festival features live music, tiedye chalk art, bubble fun, tarot readers, vendors, a best-dressed hippie contest and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $11.99/advanced ticket, $15/at the door ticket. Canterbury Village. canterburyvillage.com
FREE July 18-20 • Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is a juried fine art event featuring 400 exhibiting artist booths, live entertainment in partnership with The Ark, art activities and more. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday and
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Free. Downtown Ann Arbor. theguild.org
FREE July 18-20 • Farmington Farmington Founders Festival
Celebrate the city of Farmington with live entertainment, bounce houses, live sand art, gaming trailer, foam party and more at this summer festival. This weekend event is a family favorite. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free, fees for some activities. Downtown Farmington. foundersfestival.com
FREE July 18 • Roseville Pride in the Park & Movie
This festival features a Pride flag ceremony, Zumba, family craft stations, vendors, DJ and local artists, yard games, giveaways and more. 6:30-10 p.m. Free. Veterans Memorial Park. rare-mi.org
FREE July 19-21 • Sterling Heights Festa Italiana
This three-day event celebrates Italian Heritage with live music, delicious food and tons of fun all weekend long. There will be fireworks on Friday, contests and a family fun zone that features a zip line, bounce house, rock climbing wall and more. 5-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Free/admission, $10/parking. Freedom Hill County Park. iaccm.net
FREE July 21 • Novi 2024 The Festival of Chariots
A big parade kicks off this Indian cultural fest. There will be live music, free food, Yoga, kid’s activities and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Novi Civic Center. thefestivalofchariots.com
July 25-27 • Sterling Heights Sterlingfest
Families can check out art on display, get their fill of tasty fair food and spin, swing and slide on carnival rides at this annual event. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Free/admission; fees/rides. Dodge Park. sterling-heights.net
Blake’s Lavender Festival
Photo courtesy of Blake Farms
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Photo courtesy of Michigan Renaissance Festival
Get all things family fun delivered right to your inbox. We think you’ll really love Let’s Go, our weekly newsletter. MetroParent.com/Newsletters
FREE July 27-28 • Detroit Arab & Chaldean Festival
Thousands gather each year to experience Arab and Chaldean culture through art, fashion, music, dance and more. Noon-midnight. Free. Hart Plaza. arabandchaldeanfestival.com
Aug. 2-4 • Dearborn
Dearborn Homecoming Festival
Celebrate the city of Dearborn with live music, carnival rides, food and a fireworks display at this 42nd annual summer festival. Musical acts are The Verve Pipe, Kylie Morgan and The All-American Rejects. Noon-10:30 p.m. Free/general; fees for rides. Ford Field Park. cityofdearborn.org
FREE Aug. 3-4 • Detroit
Belle Isle Art Fair
Enjoy juried artists who set up their work near the beautiful Scott Fountain at the Motor City gem. Enjoy makeand-take projects, international food, music and more. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free entry, parking pass required. Belle Isle. belleisleartfair.com
Aug. 9-11, 16-18 • Armada
Blake’s Sunflower Festival
Shop from over 200 artisans, cut your own sunflowers, enjoy a children’s tent with lots of activities, DIY makeand-take workshops and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10/early bird discount ticket, $12/Friday ticket, $14/Saturday or Sunday ticket, free/ages 2 and under; free/parking. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. blakefarms.com
FREE Aug. 10-11 • Shelby Township Shelby Township Art Fair
See some of the best work by local, regional and national artists and crafters all weekend long. There will also be food, musical entertainment, a kid’s craft area and more at this summer festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. River Bends Park. shelbyartfair.org
Aug. 12-18 • Armada
Armada Fair
This old-school fair offers everything from carnival rides and games to livestock displays, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, rodeo, monster trucks and much more. $10/ages 13-plus, $5/ages 10-12, free/ages 9 and under; $5/daily parking, $25/weekly parking (cash only for parking). Armada Fairgrounds. armadafair.org
Begins Aug. 17 • Holly Michigan Renaissance Festival
Fair maids and merry men take a step back to the 16th century for jousting tournaments, comedy and theater shows, music, games and “real” mythological creatures. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $17-$25.95/adults, $10-$15.95/ages 5-12, free/4 and under. Hollygrove Grounds. michrenfest.com
Aug. 28-Sept. 1 • Ann Arbor 2024 Saline Community Fair
All ages can come out to the annual fair and enjoy live music, rides, livestock, contests, live shows and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $10/admission ages 11 and up, free/ages 10 and under. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. salinefair.org
Aug. 29-Sept. 2 • Novi Michigan State Fair
Walk the midway, see the circus, ride carnival rides, see demonstrations and more at the state fair that dates back to 1849. Other attractions include livestock shows, live entertainment and carnival eats. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday. $10/fair admission, $42/ ultimate admission. Suburban Collection Showplace. michrenfest.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 • Royal Oak Arts, Beats and Eats
Enjoy art at the juried fair, eat from food trucks and beats that include live music and more. The kid’s
zone will have arts and craft, bounce houses and interactive, educational and fun performances. 11 a.m.11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday. Free admission on Friday until 5 p.m., $12/after 5 p.m. on Friday, $10/before 3 p.m. Saturday-Monday, $12/after 3 p.m. Saturday-Monday, free/under 3. Downtown Royal Oak. artsbeatseats.com
Through Sept. 2 • Dearborn Historic Base Ball Games
Enjoy a game of baseball played with the 1867 rules on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. First pitch 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free w/museum admission. Greenfield Village. thehenryford.org
Through Sept. 8 • Royal Oak Dinosauria
The zoo brings you an immersive walk-through experience that will take you back in time to the prehistoric era where you’ll see 34 life-like animatronic dinosaurs. There will also be a new, T-Rex photo opp this year. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $6/person in addition to zoo admission. Detroit Zoo. detroitzoo.org
Through Sept. 22 • Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook on the Green: Artist Designed Miniature Golf
Visit the new miniature golf course, inspired by the art and design of Cranbrook. There are 10 holes for you to practice on. Tickets to the Green include admission to the Art Museum’s galleries. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays. $15/adult, $10/ArtMembers and Detroit Residents, $8/ages 11 and under. Cranbrook Art Museum. cranbrookartmusueum.com
Please check event details before heading out in case of last-minute cancellation.
Historic Base Ball Games
Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford
Top Tacos to Try
Our readers voted for their favorite tacos in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
BY KARI ZAFFARANO
Metro Detroit has some really authentic and unique taco spots for families to try. If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your craving, check out these taco restaurants that are sure to do the trick!
On Instagram, we’ve asked our followers to vote for their favorite taco places in their communities. Here are the four businesses that ranked in the top.
CASA AMADO TAQUERIA
Try their chicken, pork, steak, mushroom or seema tacos on the taqueria menu. Pair your tacos with chips and housemade salsa, guacamole or hot queso. They also serve quesadillas and hot dog options. Keep an eye out for their taco truck this summer, too.
2705 Coolidge Highway, Berkley; @casa_amado
TACO VIDA
EL CHARRO
Their famous “puffy taco” is a must try! Other top picks on their menu include botanas, fajitas, charro bowls, and enchiladas. Join the Puffy Taco Perks Program to earn points for every online order. If you’re getting a takeout order, the St. Clair Shores location has a drive-through. Also, kids eat free every Sunday from 11 a.m.9 p.m. (dine-in only).
This Mexican street food restaurant offers flour or corn tortilla tacos. Kids can get a taco and a side, a mini quesadilla and a side, mini burrito bowl or mini nacho for only $6.95. Their smoked meat is made fresh daily along with their homemade salsas, which comes in flavors Tropical Salsa Vida, Pico De Gallo, Salsa Verda and Traditional House Salsa. Pair your tacos with street snacks such as Loaded Vida Fries, Chili Cheese Vida Fries, Mexican Corn on the Cob, Mexican Stuffed Cheese Sticks and more.
Head to downtown Royal Oak for regular or vegan tacos at this restaurant. Try their street tacos, dynamite shrimp tacos, chipotle shrimp tacos, birria tacos and more. Make sure to pair with one of their Freakshakes.
312 S. Main St., Royal Oak; @mesaroyaloak
Mexican Village Restaurant
Try this family restaurant if you’re in the mood for some tacos, fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, nachos, Mexican pizza and more. For tacos, they serve corn shell or flour shell.
47350 Van Dyke, Shelby Township; @mexicanvillage_uticami
Chela’s Restaurant & Taqueria
This restaurant and taqueria offers its customers meat and vegetarian options. For tacos, they have carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, barbacoa, chorizo, tilapia, black beans, campechana, chipotle chicken, veggies, potatoes and rajas options. They have another location in Dexter.
693 S. Maple Road, Ann Arbor; @chelasannarbor
Condado Tacos
Try their build-your-own tacos or choose from their tacos on the menu. Some of their popular tacos include Blue Dream, Cali Green, Purple Haze, Rango Tango and much more. Add on Mexican Street Corn, Chips and Queso or Loaded Queso Tots.
634 Selden St., Suite A, Detroit; 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 724 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy; @condadotacos
Detroit Taco Company
In Greektown, the menu features corn soft tacos, flour soft tacos and crispy corn tacos. Try the Bodega’s city tacos or street tacos or soft tacos for the kids. At their Shelby Township and Troy locations, try their city street tacos, Detroit tacos or suburb street tacos. Join their email club to earn free tacos.
This newly opened Mexican restaurant offers great food including fajitas, enchiladas, carne asada, chorizo tacos, bang bang shrimp tacos and much more. 50750 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb; @donchristostequilaandtacos
El Charro
Their famous “puffy taco” is a must try! Other top picks on their menu include botanas, fajitas, charro bowls, and enchiladas. Join the Puffy Taco Perks Program to earn points for every online order. If you’re getting a takeout order, the St. Clair Shores location has a drive-through. Also,
kids eat free every Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (dine-in only).
This restaurant features authentic Mexican cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. Their tacos are made with corn or flour tortillas, choice of meat, onion and cilantro. 7400 W. Vernor, Detroit; @elnacimientorestaurant
El Rancho Mexican Restaurant
See their sidewalk mural outside of the restaurant before coming in for your tacos. The El Rancho Kids Club is for ages 6 and under. The kids can eat free on Mondays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. 5900 Vernor Highway, Detroit; @elranchomexrest
MAIZ Mexican Cantina
Try traditional flavors and Tex-Mex specialties. They have plenty of taco options including their award-winning carnitas tacos, carne asada tacos, their award-winning fried avocado tacos, American-style tacos, fish tacos and more.
36 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; @maizmexicancantina
Mr. Miguel’s Mexican Grill & Cantina
Try their birria street tacos, quesabirria tacos, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, fried tacos, nacho tacos or dos decker tacos. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, try their Mexican street tacos or American tacos for only $2.
21980 Telegraph Road, Brownstown Charter Township; 39305 Plymouth Road, Livonia; 7636 Auburn Road, Utica; 26837 Ryan Road, Warren @mr_miguels
TAQ–Taqueria Restaurant & Bar
This taqueria features multiple taco combinations using chicken, pork, seafood, beef and vegetarian options.
106 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; @taqannarbor
Tios Cafe & Tequila Bar
This restaurant uses local ingredients from vendors and farmers. Their taco flavors include steak, tinga, autentico, americano, al pastor, margarita shrimp, mahi mahi, fish, birria, carnitas, papa and chorizo. There are also gluten free taco options.
401 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor @tiosmexicancafe
TFamily Fun in Metro Detroit
BY NIKKI ROBERTS
he Motor City is home to a stunning riverfront, Motown music, a vibrant culinary scene and many historic sites to explore.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, getting to play tourist in Detroit is always exciting. On your next family day out, use this list to check off iconic bucket list items or discover a new-to-you hidden gem.
CHECK SOMETHING OFF
YOUR DETROIT BUCKET LIST
Try a coney dog. Topped with chili, onion and mustard, coney dogs are a staple in Detroit’s culinary scene. There are plenty of family-friendly hot dog spots that carry classic coney dogs, as well as plain options for picky eaters.
Explore Eastern Market. Browse local vendors while enjoying live music and other free family programming.
Visit the Fisher Building. This historical landmark is perhaps the most distinctive building in Detroit’s skyline.
Tour the Shinola factory. Families with kids 12 and up can take a 90 minute tour of the company’s production facility.
Visit the Heidelberg Project.
Instantly recognizable by its iconic polka-dotted house, the free art installation attracts artists and curiosity seekers.
FIND NEW WAYS TO PLAY INSIDE
Experience the Great Indoors. Located on Detroit’s Riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center brings all the outdoor fun inside, with activities like archery, a fishing simulator, nature exhibits and even an indoor waterfall!
Have an under the sea adventure at SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium.
Get hands-on at The Reptarium. Reptile enthusiasts will love the variety of snakes, lizards, tortoises and other scaly creatures that are on display.
Build a brick-tastic creation at Legoland Discovery Center. Plus, enjoy Lego-themed movies, rides and activities.
Photo by Lipumas Coney Island
VISIT A CULTURAL GEM
Educate your family on the city’s history at the Detroit Historical Museum. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can visit for free.
Visit The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is home to the Rosa Parks bus, the Kennedy Limousine, over a hundred antique cars and exciting rotating exhibits.
Get funky at the Motown Museum. The museum will transport your family back to a time when the city was known as Hitsville, USA.
Visit The Wright. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates the rich cultural history of African Americans, both here in Detroit and throughout the nation.
Find more things for your family to do online at MetroParent.com/ LatestIssue
SPEND TIME IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Enjoy riverfront views, public art, fun playgrounds and peaceful parks along the Detroit Riverfront.
Campus Martius Park was recently named the Top Public Square by USA Today.
Belle Isle State Park is home to a beach, a free aquarium, a nature center, a conservatory, a maritime museum, a giant slide and much more.
Celebrate the season at Blake Farms. From lavender and sunflower festivals to Cider Dayze and pumpkin patches, there’s a fun outdoor festival for every season.
Photo by Nadir-Ali
Photo by Russell Video
Clinton Township’s Newest
Thrill Ride
Fly down an epic three-story go kart vortex at speeds up to 20 miles per hour at C.J. Barrymore’s.
BY NIKKI ROBERTS
Details:
Quick
Adventure-seeking families can fly down a go kart vortex at speeds up to 20 miles per hour at C.J. Barrymore’s newest attraction, the Indy SkyTrack.
The Indy SkyTrack is the roller coaster of go karting. With a three-story, 30-foot-tall vortex and several loop-de-loops, the new track looks like it could be the newest addition to Mario Karts’ Rainbow Road!
Address: 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township
Hours: Beginning June 1, the park will be open daily through August. Check their calendar for the most up to date information.
Cost: $12 per ride; $49 for all day attraction passes
Height restriction: Drivers must be at least 16 years old and at least 60 inches tall. Riders in double karts must be at least 40 inches tall.
Find the latest new family attractions at MetroParent.com/ LatestIssue
C.J. Barrymore’s unveiled the new track on May 3, coinciding with the amusement park’s 50th anniversary year. The park offers two other go karting tracks — the Grand Prix Track and the Turbo Track — that have more relaxed height requirements than the Indy SkyTrack, with the Turbo Track being the most suitable option for younger kids 54 inches or shorter.
Tips for riding the Indy SkyTrack
Check the weather. All outdoor attractions at C.J. Barrymore’s are weather dependent. The park does not issue rain checks or refunds, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
Grab the tape measure. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and at least 60 inches tall to drive either single or double Indy SkyTrack karts. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall to ride in a double kart.
Check out the other tracks. Don’t meet the height requirement? Not to worry! The Turbo Track is the most kid-friendly of the three go kart tracks at C.J. Barrymore’s. While there isn’t an age requirement on the Turbo Track, drivers must be at least 54 inches to drive.
Soak Up Summer…
Embrace sunny skies and warmer weather with the ultimate summer family road trip. From beach towns to forest hikes, create memorable moments outdoors. Check Metro Parent and Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers’ “Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide” for summer vacation ideas and inspiration. A Ford SUV offers ample cargo room, helpful technology features, built-in Wi-Fi and seating for the whole crew to make your summer escape everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Start planning your sunny seasonal adventure today!
Ford keeps families connected on the go.
Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers are the Proud sponsor oF Metro PArent’s
