“Got a good reason for taking the easy way out…”
John Lennon was {probably} not talking to parents of small children, but he is definitely on to something here. While family vacations are amazing, they’re an awful lot of work and planning when the kids are small: packing up all the baby gear, finding kid {and budget} friendly lodging, trying to get the kids to fall asleep in a strange bed {when they’ll barely fall asleep in their own}…
If you’d like to get the family out for a Day Trip in + around Detroit this summer, check out what these awesome Michigan cities have to offer!!
ANN ARBOR
Why We Love It
If you bleed maize and blue, then the reasons are pretty clear! If not, there’s still a ton to love! (You might just want to leave your green and white at home…) This college town has a whole different vibe in the summertime, and there’s plenty to see and do with little ones! And, hey, if the NCAA manages to get Harbaugh to quit with his satellite camps, you might even catch a football practice at the Big House!
What To Do
- Watch your children’s amazement at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Get down with nature at the Matthei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum, or The Wave Field
- Visit Michigan’s largest display of dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History
- Walk around the University of Michigan’s Campus/The Diag
- Check out a family film at The Michigan Theater
- Fish, canoe, or play at Delhi Metro Park
- Tour the Stadium (must book at least two weeks in advance)
Where To Eat
Summer Events
- Ann Arbor Summer Festival: various indoor and outdoor activities June 10 – July 3, 2016
- Top of the Park (part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival)
- Green Fair: Friday, June 10, 2016
- Huron River Day: Sunday, July 10, 2016
- Ann Arbor Art Fair: Thursday – Sunday, July 21-24, 2016
AUBURN HILLS
Why We Love It
Auburn Hills is getting a lot of play lately for the new attractions added to Great Lakes Crossing in the past few years, but the truth is it’s long been one of Metro-Detroit’s best kept secrets! There’s certainly lots to do at the mall (that secret’s long been out, so if you can hit it on a weekday that would be best to avoid the crowds!), but the downtown is also the perfect family date day! Grab breakfast at The Toasted Bun, walk down to Riverside Park, head back up for some ice cream at Sweets, and then head to the mall!
What To Do
- Do some power-shopping at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
- Become a Master Builder at Legoland (in GLC)
- Explore water-life at Sea Life Aquarium (in GLC)
- Check out Downtown Auburn Hills
- Play at one of the Parks: Riverside (right downtown!), River Woods, Auburn Hills Skate Park, the Clinton River Trail, and more!
Where To Eat
- Rainforest Cafe (Great Lakes Crossing)
- Miyako Japanese Steak House (Great Lakes Crossing)
- The Toasted Bun (downtown)
- Sweets (downtown)
Summer Events
- Friday Night Concert Series: June 3 – August 19
- Paddlepalooza: Saturday, June 4
- River Day: Saturday, June 11
- Summerfest: Friday & Saturday, June 24-25
CLARKSTON
Why We Love It
After seeing Kid Rock bring Guy Fieri here for an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, my mac-and-cheese-loving husband insisted we head to the Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen to try it out. Located inside a renovated church, this is the companion restaurant to the well-loved Union Woodshop just down the street and its other sister-store Union General. This historic city is the perfect midwest throwback to slow down your summer and enjoy a wonderful day with family.
What To Do
- Play on the playground or feed the ducks at Depot Park
- Shop for unique gifts or take a cooking class at Essence on Main
- Get a 4-pack of lawn seats for an outdoor concert at DTE Music Theater
- Take a hike or go for a swim at Independence Oaks
- Grab some coffee and homemade baked goods at The Clarkston Village Bakery
- Drive about 10 minutes north to check out the farm and get some ice cream at Cook’s Farm Dairy
Where To Eat
- Union Woodshop (*doesn’t open until 4pm on weekdays)
- Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen
- Rudy’s Market (try the baked apple bread!!)
- Brioni Cafe
- Dairy Dream
- Kruse’s Deer Lake Inn
Summer Events
- Concerts in the Park: Friday nights, June 10 – July 22, 2016 in Depot Park
- The 99.5 WYCD Hoedown (formerly Detroit’s Downtown Hoedown): Sunday, July 31st at DTE
DEARBORN
Why We Love It
Hometown of Henry Ford and some of the best Middle Eastern food you can get in the Western hemisphere! If it’s a beautiful day, take a stroll back in time at Greenfield Village. Raining? Head over to the Henry Ford Museum for plenty of incredible exhibits that will entertain you as much as your children! If you need another excuse to head over, Dearborn’s Homecoming festival in early August has some of the best fireworks you’ll ever see!
What To Do
- Learn and explore at the Henry Ford Museum
- Travel back to the 17th century at Greenfield Village
- Tour the Ford Rouge Factory
- Catch a show on the Giant Screen
- See the nearby {Grosse Point Shores} house and gardens of Edsel and Eleanor Ford
- Play, picnic, or walk along the river at Ford Field
Where To Eat
- Al Ameer
- Millers Bar
- Good Burger East Dearborn
- Brome Burgers and Shakes
- Brera Pizza and Salad Co
- Shatila Bakery
Summer Events
- Tinker. Hack. Invent: Every Saturday at the Henry Ford Museum
- Family Programs at the Ford House, such as hands-on crown and cupcake making: (June&July)
- Dearborn Farmers Market: Fridays, May 20 – October 7, 2016
- National Get Outdoors Day at Greenfield Village: Saturday, June 11, 2016
- Historic Baseball Games at Greenfield Village: Every Saturday & Sunday, June 11 – August 21, 2016
- Motor Muster at Greenfield Village: Saturday, June 18, 2016
- Salute to America at Greenfield Village: Thursday – Sunday, June 30-July 3, 2016
- Maker Faire Detroit at The Henry Ford: July 30-31, 2016
- Dearborn Homecoming: Friday – Sunday, August 5-7, 2016
DETROIT
Why We Love It
Obviously, at Detroit Moms Blog we are {super} passionate about our downtown! There are so many new– and renewed– opportunities for family fun, you could definitely make day-tripping downtown your summer-standby entertainment! Maybe you spend the morning at Eastern Market, grab lunch at a food truck, and walk over to Mootown Creamery for dessert. You also could certainly spend all day at Belle Isle, visiting the aquarium, botanical gardens, and nature zoo and packing a picnic to eat near the awesome playscapes. Or perhaps you hit one of the hot new restaurants for brunch (we’re partial to the weekend brunch at Corktown’s Bobcat Bonnie’s — not that the $3 Build-Your-Own Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar has anything to do with that) and then drive over to Campus Martius to see the fountains and play in the sand box. And, of course, what would summer be without a Tigers game at Comerica Park?
What To Do
- Support your local farmers at Eastern Market
- Check out everything there is to do at Belle Isle
- Walk around Campus Martius
- Stroll down the Riverfront
- Explore the Michigan Science Center
- Soak in some culture at The DIA
- Cheer on the Tigers at Comerica Park
- Ride around the city on the People Mover (closed June 12 – 26 for rail construction)
- Take some pictures with the Spirit of Detroit and the Joe Louis Fist by Hart Plaza
Where To Eat
- Hudson Cafe
- Parks and Rec Diner
- Bobcat Bonnie’
- Laika Dog Hotdog Joint
- Mudgie’s Deli
- Mootown Creamery
- Green Dot Stables
- American Coney Island or Lafeyette Coney Island {We’re not picking sides!!}
- Astoria Pastry Shop
- Sister Pie (West Village)
- Supino’s Pizza
Summer Events
- Bug Quest at the Michigan Science Center: May 14 – August 14, 2016
- Riverfront Run: Saturday, June 11, 2016
- Ford Fireworks: Monday, June 27, 2016
- Detroit River Days: Friday – Sunday, June 24-26, 2016
- Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront: Thursdays & Fridays, July 7 – August 12, 2016
- Ribs and R&B Music Fest: Friday – Sunday, August 12 – 14, 2016
EAST LANSING/LANSING
Why We Love It
Whether you once called Spartan Country your home or want to show your children our great state’s capitol, there’s plenty to learn, do, and see! Make it an educational day to learn about Michigan and explore museums, or enjoy the weather by paddleboarding on the Grand River!
What To Do
- Tour the State Capitol Building
- Brush up on your state history at the Michigan Historical Museum
- Visit the MSU Museum, one of the oldest museums in the mid-west
- “Play, Create, and Challenge” at Impression 5
- Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard with River Town Adventures
- Walk through the Botanical Gardens
- Catch a show on the banks of the Red Cedar with Summer Circle Theatre
- Take in some Minor League Baseball with a Lansing Lugnuts home game
- Feed the ducks on the Red Cedar
Where To Eat
Summer Events
- Summer Solstice Jazz Festival: Friday – Saturday, June 17 – 18, 2016
- Festival of the Moon and Sun (must be 21 to enter): Friday & Saturday, June 24 – 25, 2016
- Scrapfest: Friday & Saturday, July 15-16, 2016
- Great Lakes Folk Festival: Friday – Sunday, August 12 -14, 2016
FRANKENMUTH
Why We Love It
Turns out, Germany is just a tank of gas away! Stroll the streets of Little Bavaria, taste the gold medal winning IPA — or one of the other dozens of craft beers– at The Frankenmuth Brewery, indulge in an all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner, or float down Cass River on a paddleboat tour. You can even head over to Bronner’s– where it’s Christmas all year round– and get a super-jump on your holiday shopping (you can even hit the outlets at Birch Run if you’re really shopping-motivated!!).
What To Do
- Take a tour of The Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan’s oldest brewery (noon – 8, on the hour, every day)
- Rent a paddleboard or canoe at Heritage Park
- Take a Paddleboat tour down Cass River on The Bavarian Belle
- Hit the arcade, play some mini-golf, or roll pretzels at The Bavarian Inn
- Get a day pass to Zehnder’s Splash Village Indoor Waterpark
- Find Santa and other holiday cheer at Bronner’s
- Shop the outlets at Birch Run
- Play with farm animals at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
- Explore the tree tops at The Adventure Park
- Visit the only museum dedicated to the war experiences of Michigan men and women at Michigan’s Military and Space Hero Museum
- Find more information, other trip ideas, and activities for every season here!
Where To Eat
Summer Events
- Friday Fun Nights: every Friday evening from May 27 – September 7, 2016
- Bavarian Festival: Thursday – Sunday, June 9 – 12, 2016
- Antique Fire Muster: Saturday, July 30, 2016
- Summer Music Fest: Friday – Sunday, August 11-13 & 18-20, 2016
GRAND RAPIDS
Why We Love It
Once again, we’ve got a city that gives you plenty of options no matter what the unpredictable Michigan weather brings. Unplanned storm? No problem! There’s a variety of museums to check out, ranging from the hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum to the artsy or historical experiences at the Grand Rapids Art Museum or the newly renovated Gerald R. Ford Museum. Beautiful weather?? You can drive about 40 minutes west to check out the beach at Grand Haven!
What To Do
- Help celebrate their 125th birthday at the John Ball Zoo
- Get interactive at the Children’s Museum
- Find out why the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is the second most popular tourist attraction in Michigan
- Indulge your creative side at the Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Learn more about the Michigan-native President at the Gerald R. Ford Museum
- Shop indoors and out at the Downtown Market
Where To Eat
- Marie Catrib’s
- Anna’s House
- Russ’
- The Old Goat
- Pinkie’s Ice Cream and Desserts
- Founder’s (Families are welcome in the taproom, though kids should out by 9pm. Zack Morris thinks you should definitely check this brewery out!)
Summer Events
- Coast Guard Festival: July 29 – August 7, 2016
- The Color Run 5K: Saturday, August 6, 2016
- Grand Rapids Restaurant Week: August 10 – 21, 2016
- Grand Jazz Fest: Saturday & Sunday, August 20 – 21, 2016
KALAMAZOO
Why We Love It
Sure, you may tell your kids you’re going for the Air Zoo, but it certainly doesn’t hurt that K-Zoo has several breweries to choose from. After a long morning with over-stimulated children, a cold beer might be just what you need before you hit your afternoon activities!
What To Do
- Get ready for some aviation fun at the Air Zoo
- Try some go-carting or laser tag at the Airway Fun Center
- Eat while you take in a movie (or maybe even a sing-along) at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Check out the summer family fun at The Kalamazoo Instiute of Arts
- Drive to Battle Creek to visit Binder Zoo
Where To Eat
Summer Events
- Kalamazoo Island Fest: Thursday – Saturday, June 16 – 18, 2016
- Kalamazoo Backyard BBQ: Saturday, June 25, 2016
- Ribfest: Thursday – Saturday, August 4 – 6, 2016
- Kalamazoo County Fair: August 8 – 13, 2016
- Lego Travel Adventure at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum: May 21 – September 11, 2016
MILFORD
Why We Love It
With six parks within the village boundaries, Milford is a wonderful summer destination to enjoy the great Michigan outdoors. With both a great downtown and a classic Michigan small-town feel, Milford offers something for everyone! Canoeing is big here, so rent a few canoes from Heavner and take a 45-minute paddle to Central Park, where you can eat some packed lunches, let the kids play, or walk into town to explore and grab lunch. You can paddle back up, or have Heavner do a van pick-up for a little extra money!
What To Do
- Swim, hike, play, picnic, play some disc golf and more at Kensington Metropark
- Blast down the waterslides at Splash ‘n Blast (in Kensington)
- Rent a canoe or kayak at Heavner
- Play at Central Park and explore downtown
Where To Eat
Summer Events
- Milford Farmers’ Market: Thursday afternoons, 3-8pm, May 7 – October 15, 2016
- Concerts in the Park: Thursday evenings, June 9 – August 4, 2016
- Milford Sidewalk Sales: Friday & Saturday, July 8 – 9, 2016
- Milford Memories Summer Festival: Friday – Sunday, August 12 – 14 , 2016
Is your favorite Day Trip missing??? Please comment below with any awesome destinations we should add to our list!
