Home Blog Page 249

The 2015 Ultimate Summer Camp Guide In + Around Detroit

Disclosure :: This is a compilation of our featured Detroit summer camp sponsors. For an even longer list of camps in + around the Detroit area, please see The 2015 Summer Camps In + Around Detroit.

 2015 summer camps

Can you believe this school year is closing in on us?! And soon kids will be home for the SUMMER. Have you started to think about what you are going to do to keep the kids busy this summer?!  With summer quickly approaching we couldn’t be more excited to launch our local Summer Camp Guide! We realize how important summer camp is to many families in + around Detroit.  Our goal here at DMB is to make your life a little easier and make a list of possible camps you may want to learn a little more about. Detroit has some wonderful programs just waiting for your child! 

  


Abrakadoodle Art Studio for Kids

Dates: June 15th – August 28thArt Studio for kids(jpeg)

Ages: 20 months to 14 years

Website: www.abrakadoodle.com/mi-wayne-county-register/

Abrakadoodle Art Studio for Kids® is all about CREATIVITY! We provide the highest quality, educationally rich Art Programs, Summer Camps and Birthday Parties for children ages 20 months to 14 years old. Our 2015 Summer Camp Schedule will feature weekly Themed Art Camps such as Beach Party Art, Yummy Art, Fashion Art and more! In all of our camps and classes, children create art while learning about famous artists, art techniques and cultures…all while having a blast! Abrakadoodle Art programs are provided at our Art Studio for Kids located at 8016 Sheldon Center Road, Canton, MI. Abrakadoodle offers an outstanding learning program that parents, teachers and children love! Please contact us at 734-738-6287 or visit our website at www.abrakadoodle.com for more information about our amazing program!

Location: 8016 Sheldon Center Rd, Canton, MI 48187


American Youth Foundation ayf logo 300

Miniwanca

Dates: June 28 – August 7

Ages: 3rd grade – 12th grade

Website: www.ayf.com/miniwanca

Miniwanca has been leading youth development programs since 1925. Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Miniwanca is a breathtaking and inspiring setting for growth. Towering sand dunes and pines line our beach and a second, inland lake provides the perfect setting for swimming, sailing, and canoeing. Miniwanca inspires participants to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social, and spiritual living and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world. Miniwanca offers traditional summer programs for grades 3-12, with older campers having the option to take on wilderness adventure trips.

Location: 8845 W. Garfield Rd. Shelby, MI 49455


Bricks 4 Kidz {Ann Arbor – Ypsilanti}

Dates: June 14th – August 21st

Ages: Kids whom have completed kindergarten – 6th grade

Websites:
www.bricks4kidz.com/390
www.bricks4kidz.com/michigan-ann arbor-ypsilanti/

Bricks 4 Kidz camps are more than just building with LEGO Bricks. Your campers will enjoy popular themes and activities while making new friends. The educational principles we use during the school year are reinforced in our camps.It is so much fun hey will never know it is educational too! There will be games, activities, and free time to use their creativity to build there own creations with LEGOS.

Our camps are for kids who have completed kindergarten. They begin June 14th and run to August 21st at various locations in Ypsilanti-Saline-Ann Arbor. Check our web site for registration, fees, and locations.

Location: Locations vary – check website 


Camp LookoutDetroit Mom's Blog - Lookout Web Banner (1)

Dates: June 21st – August 14th

Ages: 7 – 15

Website: www.lookoutsummer.com

60 Campers

Camp Lookout, an overnight co-ed summer camp, established in 1917 and is still providing campers with fantastic experiences and a world of adventure. We are not just about fun activities (although we have those too), we are about building meaningful relationships.  We use a combination of free time, intentional and non-competitive programming and activities to foster positive connections. Instead of movie nights, electronic games or motorized sports, campers and staff work together to create imaginative games, sports and special events. We focus on activities that are active and promote individual participation and group involvement.

Location: 4410 Peninsula Dr., Frankfort


Cranbrook Art MuseumPrint

Dates: July 13th – August 14th

Ages: Grades 1 – 9

Ages: 14 – 18 {intensive art program for teens}

Website: www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/CAMpe9.html

For teens: www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/csai.html

Cranbrook Art Museum offers art-intensive summer camps and workshops to students entering grades one through nine. Teaching artists guide students as they create and explore art, architecture, and design using Cranbrook’s amazing collections!

Teens can spend their summer as part of a community of talented students and teachers from around the world. Our summer programs are taught by graduates of the Cranbrook Academy of Artand are designed to both bolster creativity and develop fundamental skills. Our teaching artists excel in providing individual attention and innovative instruction – accommodating students of all levels.

Location: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills


Crystalaire AdventuresDetroit Mom's Blog - Crystalaire Web Banner (1)

Dates: June 21st – August 14th

Ages: 9 -17

Website: www.crystalaireadventures.com

Small group size: 6 – 8

Trips range from 2 days to 3 weeks. Custom trips available.

 Crystalaire Adventures is an adventure-based education program that has been sending kids outside for almost a century. Our highly trained and experienced staff gives older kids an opportunity to travel, play, and make decisions for themselves while exploring Michigan’s most beautiful places. We specialize in designing positive environments that bring out the best in kids as they reach an age of heightened responsibility and self-awareness. Kids at Crystalaire learn to lead, collaborate, play, and explore while gaining a host of skills in camping, cooking, and overcoming challenges. We have a rich history of providing inclusive, top-notch, socially minded outdoor adventures for teenagers. Come canoe, sail, backpack, and learn with us this summer!

Location: Choose your adventure – check the website for details. 


Franklin Athletic Clubfac logo big

Dates: June 8th – September 4th

Ages: 2 – 15

Website: www.franklinclub.com

 

Franklin Athletic Club is first in Kids summer camps and offers a variety of quality day camps for ages 2-15.  Tennis, swimming, basketball, lacrosse, flag football, broadcasting, theater, dance, toddler, nerf, nike, minecraft and yoga are just some of the many choices. Full day and half day options as well as weekly and daily camp options. 

Location: Franklin Athletic Club, 29350 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield


Kidpreneurkidpreneur_logo3

Dates: June 15th – August 24th 

Ages: K – 8th grade

Website: www.kidpreneur.co

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidpreneurco

Kidpreneur Camps are offered during winter, spring,and summer breaks. It is a fun and educational way for your child to be introduced to different technology and computer programming. All camps are 5 days/week and 3-6 hours/day. Kids learn technology, entrepreneurship and presentation skills. In the summer of 2015 we will offer camps in 3D Printing, Coding Jr., Coding Scratch, Coding Python, Coding, App Design, Coding HTML, Entrepreneurship/Web Design, Minecraft Jr., Minecraft Server, Minecraft Python, Minecraft Java, Robotics Toddler, Robotics Jr., Robotics Challenge, Technology 1 Camp, Technology 2 Camp. Kidpreneur teaches kids grades K-8 about entrepreneurship and the latest technology including computer programming, game design, web development, robotics, 3D printing, video production and more. Our mission is to create future creators. Kids + Entrepreneurship + Technology.

Location: Wixom Center, 28265 Beck Road, Suite #C17, Wixom


Leslie Science & Nature Center

Dates: June 15th – August 28thLSNClogo with address

Ages: PreK – 7th grade

Website: www.lesliesnc.org/camps/summer-camps

 

We feature a new theme every week, and unique to the grades attending. Each camp includes games, crafts, experiments, visits with live animals and as much time exploring the outdoors as possible! From Owl Camp to Astronomy, Eco Superheroes to Nature’s Rock Stars, there is a topic and week for everyone. All camps take place at the Leslie Science & Nature Center. Full theme descriptions and registration is available on our website: www.lesliesnc.org/camps/summer-camps. You may email [email protected] or call 734-997-1553 with any questions, we look forward to seeing you here this summer!

Location: Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor 


Planet Rock PRock_DetroitMom 2

Dates: June 15th – August 21st

Ages: 4 – 7 year olds and 8 – 14 year olds

Website: www.planet-rock.com/?page_id=45

 

Our goal is to provide kids with a safe environment in which to experiment with movement, practice teamwork, and have fun. Knowledgeable and experienced staff will instruct campers in proper safety precautions as well as skills and techniques for climbing. Let your kids climb our walls, not yours!

Location: 82 Aprill Dr., Ann Arbor & 1103 W. 13 Mile, Madison Heights


Roeper CampRSP.300X250.0215.paths

Dates: June 8th – August 21st
{Dates vary based on camp}

Ages: 3 years old through 12th grade

Website: www.roeper.org/Roeper

 

Roeper Summer Programs provide a variety of activities for campers 3-years-old through 12th grade who love to have fun.  Children can choose from the traditional Day Camp, Summer Theatre or various Specialty camps.  Specialty camps include Art, Chess, Clay, Dance, Forensics, Photography and Science.  The Day Camp is held at The Roeper School’s Bloomfield Hills campus and all other camps are held at the school’s Birmingham campus.  Complete program information and registration for all Roeper summer programs can be found online at www.roeper.org/Roeper.

Location: 41990 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills

 


 

 Looking for a more comprehensive list of summer camps in + around Detroit?!

Click HERE to view the complete list!!!

 

 

 

The 2015 Summer Camps In + Around Detroit

 

2015 summer camps

Although we still have a few months before school ends and summer begins, now is the time to start thinking about your summer camp options. While we hope you enjoyed our featured summer camp sponsors (check those out HERE), we have also put together a more comprehensive list of camps available in + around the Detroit from our sponsors. While not complete, it gives you an idea of what’s available in the area with a variety of options. We hope you enjoy what the Detroit area has to offer.

If you are a camp director and would like your camp listed in this listing email Elizabeth at [email protected].

 

Ann Arbor

Argo River Camps

Camp Explorations at University of Michigan

Fuller Park Pool Summer Camp

Huron Hills Junior Golf Camp

Rock 101 Boot Camp at {School of Rock}

Summer Camp at Rudolf Steiner School

Yoga and Creativity Camp

Auburn Hills

Pump It Up 

Birmingham

LEGO & Robotics Camps

LEGO Movie City

LEGO Dinosaur World 

Kids Empowered Summer Camps

Bloomfield Hills

Summer at Sacred Heart

TGA Premier Junior Golf Camps

Canton

Schoolhouse Montessori Academy

Croswell

Black River Farm and Ranch 

Detroit

Summer Science Camps

Mosaic Youth Theatre Camps

Boll Family YMCA Day Camps

Farmington Hills

Nature’s Way Day Camp

Stepping Stone Summer Camps

Farmington Family YMCA Day Camps

Livonia

Kids on Campus {Schoolcraft College}

Milford

Four Points Farms

Northville

Marquis Theatre Ducky Camp

Marquis Theatre Day Camp

Maybury Farms Summer Day Camp

Novi

Foreign Language Camps for Kids

Pittsfield Township

Montibeller Park Day Camp

Rochester

LEGO & Robotics Camps

LEGO Movie City

LEGO Dinosaur World

Southfield

Camp Early Impressions 

South Lyon

Horseback Riding at {Great Escape Stables}

Sterling Heights

Suntastic Swim School

Troy

Troy Gymnastics Summer Camp

Foreign Language Camps

West Bloomfield

 The Little Gym Summer Camps

Summer Impressions Day Camp

Warren

De La Salle 

Wixom

Summer Jump N Art Camp at {Pump It Up}

 

Amen for Grandmas!

You know, what? 

Amen for grandmas.

Round of applause, pat on the back, they deserve a shopping spree.

I am TOTALLY “that” first-time mommy.  What I mean by that: I only feed my little Lucy organic baby food.  (I know all of you moms who have 2 and 3 and 4 kids are chuckling right now; I get it.  Ha.)

My mom watches Lucy for me every Wednesday while my husband and I work, and frequently takes her overnight on a Saturday so that we can go out and be normal human beings and enjoy a date night.

Last weekend, she texted me a photo of my sweet little organic-fed girl eating OREOS.  Spring Oreos (you know, the ones with the yellow filling).  And my mom was so proud that she had also introduced her to Kraft Mac & Cheese for dinner.  And THEN, she scolded me the next day because she couldn’t find any cans of SpaghettiOs in my pantry.

LucyOreo
 
I think steam came out of my ears. 

AHHHHHH!  Does she not understand that it’s 2015 and my daughter can only ingest ORGANIC? 

Ok.  Cue the laughter. 

THANK GOD my mom brought me back to reality. 

It is the job of grandmas to spoil their grandkids.  And I now believe it’s our job as moms to just chill for a minute and let that happen.  An Oreo or two is not going to kill my daughter.  In fact, I think it made Lucy’s day.  She made a mess, and loved all the sugar.  My next baby will probably be eating Chicken McNuggets off the floor of McDonalds for goodness sake.  I’m just so super-protective of my baby, but this was a great little lesson … and I got to laugh at myself in the process. 

LucyFood

Weekend Happenings {April 3rd – 5th}

WH april 3rd - 5th

Easter Egg Hunt – Fun on the Farm

{Date + Time}
April 2, 10am

{Cost}
$5 per child, free for infants under 12 months

{Location}
Kensington Metropark Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Parkway

Milford

*

Easter Egg Hunt – The Great Hunt at the Beach

{Date + Time}
April 4, 11am
Animal show, 10:30am and 11:30am

{Cost}
$5 per child, free for infants under 24 months

{Location}
Maple Beach area of Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway

Milford

*

Plymouth Community Easter Egg Hunt

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 3, 10am

{Cost}
Free but donations are welcome.

{Location}
Plymouth Township Park, 46640 W. Ann Arbor Trail

Plymouth

*

Marshmallow Drop

Bring a basket and enjoy the fun!

{Date + Time}
Friday April 3, 11am

{Cost}

{Location}
Nankin Mills Park, Hines Drive and Ann Arbor Trail

Westland

 *

Marshmallow Drop

Bring a basket and enjoy the fun!

{Date + Time}
Friday April 3, 9am

{Cost}

{Location}
Elizabeth Park

Trenton

 *

Make a Joyful Noise at the DIA

Renaissance era Art and Music

{Date + Time}
April 3rd & 4th, 10am – 5pm

{Cost}
Free to tri-county residents

{Location}
Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit 

 *

Build A Chalkboard Planter Stand

Free hands on workshop for kids ages 5-12, all kids receive a Workshop apron and certificate of achievement and take home their craft. Register at www.workshops.homedepot.com

{Date + Time}
April 4, 9am-12 noon

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Home Depot, 7 Mile/Myers

Detroit

 *

Easter Fun Fest at Historic Fort Wayne

All ages welcome. Face painting, bouncy house, candy, games & prizes and more.

{Date + Time}
April 4 at 11am-3pm

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Historic Fort Wayne

Detroit

*

Saturday Market at Eastern Market

Fresh fruits and veggies grown right here in Michigan. Local vendors feature flowers, plants, seasonal veggies and some of Michigan’s best products. Sample the many flavors at the food trucks or enjoy Karaoke at one of the sidewalk venue.

{Date + Time}
Saturdays, 6am-4pm

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Eastern Market

Detroit

 *

Great Marshmallow Drop

Kids will participate by age group and turn in marshmallows for a treat bag. DestinationOakland.com

{Date + Time}
Friday April 3rd, 10am

{Cost}
$8 residents, $10 nonresidents

{Location}
Catalpa Oaks County Park, 27725 Greenfield Road

Southfield

 *

Toddler Storytime at Southfield Public Library

{Date + Time}
Thursday April 2, 11am

{Cost}
Free program for kids 1 1⁄2 – 3 years old with a caregiver, no registration required.

{Location}
Southfield Public Library in the Space Station Program room

Southfield

*

Free Egg Hunt

Sponsored by St. Mary Catholic Church.

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4 10m- noon

{Cost}
Free, Bring your own basket, all ages invited.
Picture with the Easter Bunny $5.

{Location}
Starr-Jaycee Park 

Royal Oak

 *

Bunny Hop Hustle at Grant Park

5k Run, walk and dash events scheduled, participants will receive a medal, bunny ears and a t-shirt. Easter Bunny photo booth, costume contest and face painting.

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4, races begin at 7:30am

{Location}
Grant Park

Royal Oak

 *

Easter Egg Hunt at Grant Park

Easter Bunny, puppet shows, arts & crafts and more.

{Date + Time}
Immediately following the Bunny Hop, 10am- noon

{Location}
Grant Park

Royal Oak

 *

Breakfast with The Bunny

Light breakfast, puppet show, Easter Bunny, bouncy house and more.

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4, 10:30am- noon

{Cost}
Free event, all ages welcome.

{Location}
Warren Woods Baptist Church

Warren

 *

Easter Egg Hunt

Hunts for all ages, prizes awarded to each age group.

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4 10:30am- noon

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Sterling Heights United Methodist Church

Sterling Heights

 *

22nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Chelsea Kiwanis

Easter Bunny photos and more.  Prizes will be awarded by age group.  

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4, 9:45am

{Cost}
Free, all ages welcome.

{Location}
Chelsea Retirement Community

Ann Arbor

 *

Spring Eggstravaganza 

All ages invited to bring a basket for the hunt, campfire stories and crafts available.  To register call 734-997-1553

{Date + Time}
Saturday April 4 10am- noon

{Cost}
$8 per person, $30 per family

{Location}
Leslie Science and Nature Center

Ann Arbor

*

Preschool Story Time 

Story for preschoolers followed by a science activity.

{Date + Time}
Saturday, April 4 10:30am

{Cost}
$12 regular admission, members and kids 2 and under free.

{Location}
Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum

Ann Arbor

 *

Sunday Brunch

Enjoy brunch, take photos with the Easter Bunny and win raffle prizes. [email protected]
Advanced registration recommended.

{Date + Time}
April 5 10am-2pm

{Location}
Mystic Creek Golf Course and Banquet Center

Dearborn

*

Open Skating

{Date + Time}
Friday April 3, 11am-12:50pm

{Cost}
For more info call 313-943-4098

{Location}
The Dearborn Ice Skating Center Rink

Dearborn

 *

Tye Dye Easter Eggs

Come learn how to tye dye eggs for Easter. 

{Date + Time}
Thursday, April 2, 3pm-4pm

{Cost}
Free, all ages welcome.

{Location}
Troy Public Library (Story Room)

Troy

*

Family Storytime

Ages 3-6, parents and siblings welcome for storytime and activities. 

{Date + Time}

Thursday April 2, 6:30-7pm

{Cost}
No registration required, free to residents. 

{Location}
Civic Center

Livonia

*

I used to have hobbies…and now I have Kids.

DISCLAIMER: I love my husband and my kids more than anyone knows ☺

Some people would still consider me a newlywed.  My husband and I will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary this summer – a month before our daughter turns 3, and 2 months after our son turns 1. Yup – I got married and pregnant almost overnight. I entered into a marriage learning to be wife and also learning to be a mom all at the same time. Practically overnight, my old “life” disappeared before my eyes.

THE SINGLE LIFE

The life before boyfriends/fiancé’s/husbands. The life before not just one baby but TWO babies in 2 years. The more I think about it, I was pregnant off and on for the past 4 years. Gone are the days when I was able to not explain my whereabouts to ANYONE. I was able to go to work and decide at 4:45pm if I was going to attend the last minute happy hour soiree with some coworkers. And of course that Happy Hour would turn into a 6 hour bar hop spree through town and I would stumble home way past my bedtime on a “school night”. Gone are the hangover headaches at work, the weekend trips, and pure harmless fun.

I USED TO HAVE HOBBIES

I used to have hobbies! I could spend all weekend in my pajamas scrapbooking if I wanted to. I could read a whole book – UNITERRUPTED! If I wanted to lay on the couch and watch sappy Lifetime Movies – well so be it. I had total freedom. I also thought I had no time to do anything. If I could only turn back the clock now – I had more time than I knew what to do with. In the summer, I would spend the WHOLE DAY laying by the pool in the sun (I also used to have a decent midsection and was able to wear a bikini proudly). Add a husband and two kids – goodbye time.

I WANT TIME

I was asked over the Holiday’s what I wanted for Christmas. I said TIME. Time to do things for ME. Time to get pampered, get a pedicure, go get a coffee and read a magazine, time to just window shop. Just wanted TIME. Even if it was one hour at a café or library with my laptop organizing the hundreds of pictures (that will eventually be turned into scrapbooks – again no time to do that). The best gift someone could ever give me is a set of “I OWE YOU TIME”. One hour of FREE TIME to do whatever you want. I can buy myself clothes and shoes and “stuff”. A Starbucks gift card plus one free hour of babysitting = BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO ANY YOUNG MOM/WIFE. (FYI: Mother’s Day Gifts….)

MY NEW LIFE

Some people are going to read this and say “stop whining!” Lots of people have kids and they still travel and have hobbies and go out after work. That’s great for them.  I’m happy some people still get to do that. I’m sure if it really meant that much to me – I would be able to do some of the things I did in my past “single” life. But my priorities are different. And it is for the best. I am married to the best guy who is also the best dad to our kids. Instead of bar hopping, I’m home in my pajamas snuggling on the couch with him and the kids (when they are awake). Instead of scrapbooking all weekend and looking at pics from my past – I’m at the Zoo or the park or some event MAKING memories with my FAMILY. Instead of me saying “I” want to do this, “I” want to do that – it’s “WE”. My life, as a wife and a mother, is no longer about me. It’s about US – my family, my husband and my kids. I don’t go to work so I can earn a paycheck to go blow it at Somerset on $250 boots. I earn a paycheck to provide for my family: food, clothes, school, toys, and to be able to provide them with guidance and experiences as they grow older.

 

Sure, I still want to be able to go to Happy Hour after work and party my night away. But I also don’t want to spend 10 hours at work – away from kids – then go out again and not see them until after they are sleeping. I miss my kids when I’m at work – it’s hard enough being a full time working mom.


One day, I will look back at this post and think to myself “the greatest gift in life are my babies”.  And I can just smile knowing that it was all worth it in the end.

 

I used to have hobbies before I was a mom

wine glass 2

WHY do you have a baby?

Here’s something to think about: WHY do you have a baby? 

Don’t look for the obvious answer of “Because I wanted to start a family.”

Dig deeper. 

Why were YOU granted the most insanely-gratifying, draining, scary, fun job in the whole entire world?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately.  I’ve been very honest about how much my life has changed since having Lucy almost a year ago. And I’m realizing that she was “given” to me for so many reasons.

 
IMG_3162
 
1) I’ve always been a control freak.  I’m a little OCD at times … Ok, that’s a lie.  I’m completely OCD.  I was the girl in school who did all of the group projects 100% myself because I wanted to make sure they were done a certain way so that I received the best grade possible.  Being a mom has taught me that I CAN’T be in control.  Lucy is her own little person, and most of the time, she’s doing it her way.  She’s feisty, independent and so curious, and so even if I want her do one thing, inevitably, it’s not happening unless she’s on board.  Furthermore, I’m realizing that God is in control.  I’m definitely not shy to admit that I’m a Christian, and I firmly believe that He has a plan for her life that’s bigger than anything I could ever dream up for her.  
 
Lucy1
 
2) I’m a perfectionist.  It’s ridiculous.  My husband has to tell me to “chill” all the time.  Lucy has taught me that I pretty much have to sit back and laugh at those moments when my perfectionism gets the best of me.  Trying to keep an outfit clean so she looks halfway-presentable at the mall?  HA!  Yeah, right.  Not happening.  Making sure her nursery or our living room is tidy and her toys aren’t strewn everywhere when my mother-in-law stops by?  I gave up on that months ago. 

The perfectionism example also branches out to other areas of my life, those areas where I’m just “Shannon”, not “Lucy’s Mom,” if that makes sense. Sometimes, I’m so exhausted from chasing her around that I don’t have time to workout.  Or make a Barefoot Contessa-worthy dinner.  Or make sure that I picked up the dry cleaning.  My little Lucy is teaching me IT’S OK. Stop stressing, mama.
 
Lucy3
3) Something else?  I was always “ahead of the curve”.  My mom and dad are constantly telling stories of how I walked when I was 10 months old.  I was talking in perfect sentences when I was 18 months.  I was reading full books upon entering Kindergarten.  To be completely honest and vulnerable with you, I freaked out a little bit when my nephews and friends’ babies started rolling, crawling, etc. WAY earlier than Lucy did. I kept thinking, “Wait.  This is MY baby.  She should be doing all of these things FIRST.”  Ummm … Earth to Shannon.  She’s not you.  And don’t you dare ever put that pressure on her.  THAT is what I am teaching myself. 

Here’s what I’m getting at: I believe we ALL “wanted to start a family.”  (Or maybe you just received a very cute, cuddly surprise!)  But I can bet that none of us mommies anticipated learning so much about OURSELVES from these adorable little bundles. I know I didn’t.

I’m hoping that we can all realize WHY we were given the privilege to be parents to the child(ren) we have, and appreciate all of the moments we get to share with them … and learn from them!
 
Lucy4
 

Spring Break Staycation :: 80 Things To Do In + Around Detroit

Ah, vacation!  For many of us a traditional vacation doesn’t always pan out EVERY Spring, Summer and Winter Break. Once the costs of restaurants, hotels, transportation, and all other travel expenses are evaluated it just may not be in the budget right now.  Maybe cost isn’t your concern but things like health and work obligations could also prevent the family from taking the traditional vacation route of packing up and leaving town.

Well hello spring and hurray to “Spring Break” being around the corner!    

A staycation in your own backyard is a great way to enjoy and have fun with the kids.  Be sure to make it intentional, plan ahead and include fun activities and time to relax!  Explore, take a day-trip, and enjoy family time!

The idea of a staycation is to make it feel like a family getaway as much as possible without leaving home.  Prep before the big staycation, do things like clean your house, clear the calendar, make your plans ahead of time.  If you are well prepared you will be able to enjoy this as much as the kids.  Try and go unplugged, avoid video games and television, no fighting, no cooking, no cleaning and no working at home, do things together as a family, just like you would if you were taking that dream family vacation!  

Spring Break Staycation Ideas
{I enjoyed this image of a photo perfect family enjoying a morning at home on their dream family staycation! It’s just like the one I’m dreaming of, sleeping in and breakfast in bed for a week!}

 

Here is our list of 80 things to do
In + Around Detroit with kids

1. Get outdoors everyday the sun shines! {Hula hoop, hopscotch, jump rope, set up a maze, use sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles outside, enjoy walks to the park, playing catch, riding bikes, climbing trees, and well, mud}

2. Start a garden {Its a great time to start, big or small, if you don’t have a yard try container gardening!}

3. Help your child learn to ride that bike before summer

4. Wash the car in the driveway

5. Fly a kite {maybe even make our own handmade kite!}

6. Build a backyard bonfire and roast marshmallows {bonus:: make s’mores!}

7. Visit relatives you don’t see often

8. Play in the rain and jump in puddles

9. Movie marathon on a rainy day, pick a theme or series

10. Make an indoor fort and sleep under it with your kids 

11. Sleep in and have breakfast in bed

12. Attend a local happening, fair or carnival, be sure to stay up to date with Detroit Moms Blog Weekend Happenings!

13. Visit the DIA {did you know that residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties can visit the museum and enjoy FREE admission?!}

14. Visit the Michigan Science Center – Detroit

15. Visit the Detroit Eastern Market – Detroit

16. Go to a Detroit Tigers Game – Detroit {bonus::Complete with the whole family in Tigers gear.}

17. Visit the new aquarium Sea Life Michigan {new} – Auburn Hills

18. Visit one of Detroit’s Favorite neighborhoods {Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, Mexican Town, Greek Town,  New Center, Eastern Market}

19. Bike the RiverWalk – Detroit

20. Visit Belle Isle and explore, they have a free aquarium!

21. Visit the Ren Cen and check out some amazing views of the city

22. Go on a family date night, dinner and a movie?!

23. Take the kids camping overnight at a local campground {explore the great outdoors, spend time in nature, build a campfire}

24. Visit a local zoo {the Detroit Zoo – Royal Oak or the Potter Park Zoo – Lansing}

25. Take advantage of the MAP {Michigan Activity Pass at our local library.  This is a cool program where library users with a valid library card from any one of Michigan’s nearly 400 public libraries can print a pass, either from home or at the library, to one of the 70+ participating cultural institutions that offer complimentary or reduced rate tickets!}

26. Visit a local farm {Dominos Petting Farm – Ann Arbor, Kensington Farm Center – Milford, Maybury Farm – Northville}

27. Ice skate, roller skate or roller-blade {Compuware Ice Arena – Plymouth}

28. Go on a play-date with friends and family

29. Check out the Henry Ford Imax Theatre

30. Take a long nature hike {create a scavenger hunt to use!}  {Huron-Clinton Metroparks}

31. Go to a drive-in movie theater {Ford Drive-In – Dearborn}

32. Play putt-putt, go-carting, laser tag, hitting cages {Kart2Kart – Sterling Heights, Paradise Park – Novi, Race Rochester – Rochester Hills, Extreme Indoor Kart Racing – Clio, Great Escape Family Fun Center – Howell}

33. Visit your local library for reading time and other kids activities

34. Check out your local Home Depot or Lowes for free kids classes

35. Try a new restaurant you have been wanting to check out

36. Visit The Henry Ford {Greenfield Village opens April 15th} – Dearborn

37. Visit Crossroads Village + Huckleberry Railroad – Flint

38. Visit the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum – Ann Arbor

39. Get creative paint pottery or paint a masterpiece {Bee’s Knee’s – Northville, Creative Arts Studio – Royal Oak, The Painted Pot – Rochester, Pottery Creations – Wyandotte, Creatopia – Plymouth} or {Painting with a Twist – Farmington, Ferndale, Rochester Hills, Ann Arbor, Shelby Township}

40. Stop at a local ice cream shop {my local favorite is Guernsey Farms Dairy – Northville!}

41. Visit Calder Dairy + Farm – Carleton

42. Go to a local movie theater or see a live performance in one of the many theatres around town

43. Go bowling {here  and here are a Kids Bowl Free lists!}

44. Find a new playground you have never been to, try one of these indoor playgrounds {Boogie Babies – Rochester Hills, Bouncing Off the Walls – Wyandotte, Java Jungle – Ann Arbor, Canton, Clinton Township, Farmington Hills, My Urban Toddler – Saline, The Tree House – Chelsea, Kids Gotta Play – New Hudson, Detroit Kid City – Southfield}

45. Day-trip Northern Michigan {camp, hike, explore}

46. Visit Mackinaw Island and cross the Mackinaw Bridge

47. Visit a Michigan Lighthouse

48. Visit a city in Michigan you have never been, take a road trip!

49. Check out a local nature center {Heritage Park – Farmington Hills}

50. Go on a fishing adventure

51. Visit an indoor water park {Kalahari – Ohio, Great Wolf Lodge – Michigan + Ohio, Bavarian Inn -Frankenmuth}

52. Shopping Trip to one of our local shopping districts! {Great Lakes Crossing – Auburn Hills, Partridge Creek – Clinton Township, Somerset – Troy, Twelve Oaks – Novi, Westland Center – Westland, Laurel Park Place – Livonia}

53. Explore the city of Detroit with Feet on the Street Tours

54. Visit and shop the local downtown’s, support local businesses! Detroit, Royal Oak, Plymouth, Northville, Birmingham, Farmington, Milford, Rochester, Ferndale, Berkley, South Lyon, Lake Orion

55. Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit

 56. Release some energy at Pump It Up – Wixom

57. Visit Michigan’s little Bavaria, Frankenmuth

58. Spring Break Art Days at Cranbrook Art Museum – Bloomfield Hills

59. Kids and Family Art Classes Pinot’s Palette – Rochester Hills

60. The Friendship Factory at Partridge Creek in Rochester

61. Look for open gym times at Local YMCA’s, Franklin Athletic Club, Troy Community Center

62. Swim and play at the Livonia Rec Center

63. Host a family board game night

64. Attend a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game – Lansing

65. Tour the Morley Candy Makers, they are the home of Sandars Chocolate factory, free tours and chocolate!

66. Take a cooking class with the family

67. Have a family Karaoke Night

68. Tumble at local gymnastics centers, look for open gym time

69. Pamper yourselves! 

70. Start and finish a house project, redecorate a room

71. Construct some science experiments at home

72. Jump on trampolines at Sky Zone – Canton, Shelby Township, Taylor

 73. Visit the Air Zoo museum – Portage

74. Take an Amtrak Train ride and make it a day trip! {Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo} 

75. Visit the Arab American National Museum – Dearborn

76. Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center – Farmington Hills

77. Visit and walk the University of Michigan Campus

78. Blast off with Astronomy at the Cranbrook Institute of Science – Bloomfield Hills

79. Set up an arts and crafts day with friends

 80. Don’t forget to take time to relax!!!! {bonus::have a media-free day!}

 

 

Weekend Happenings :: March 26th -29th

Weekend Happenings{In+Around Detroit} march 26-29

 

All Things Detroit at the Eastern Market

$5 per person, less with Groupon discount. Jewelry, artwork, Detroit apparel, painting classes and more

{Date + Time}
Sunday, March 29, 2015 from noon – 6 p.m.

{Location}
Eastern Market, Shed 3 2934 Russell St.

Detroit

Nano Days at the Michigan Science Center

Learn about nanotechnology with hands on activities featuring kinetic sand and much more.

{Date + Time}
Sat. March 28, 2015 – April 5, 2015

{Cost}
Museum admission – $10/kids (2-12), $13/adults

{Location}
Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St. 

Detroit

Family Yoga at the Michigan Science Center

Visit the new “Eat Well, Play Well” exhibit to explore the science of healthy food habits, then get moving with Family Yoga on the Chrysler Science Stage.  

{Date + Time}
Sat. March 28, 2015 from 11 a.m-12 p.m

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St. 

Detroit

 *

Drawing in the Galleries for Youth and Adults at the DIA

Artists/instructors help participants create pencil drawings to take home.  

{Date + Time}
Friday March 27, 2015 6 p.m to 9 p.m

{Cost}
$8/adults, $4/youth

{Location}
Detroit Institue of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave.

Detroit

 *

Marvelous March Bugged Out Storytime with Cowboy Alex

Good for kids ages 3-8, 45 minutes of stories, puppets and crafts.
 For registration info contact 248-246-3180 or www.royaloakrec.com

{Date + Time}
March 28, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

{Cost}
$5/per child

{Location}
 The Royal Oak Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave.

Royal Oak 

 * 

Once Upon A Time Children’s Story Concert

Fun, story filled day, refreshments will be served afterwards and each child in
attendance will receive a Detroit Story League gift. 

{Date + Time}
Saturday, March 28, 2015  at 2 p.m.

{Cost}
$3 per person

{Location}
Livonia Civic Center Library

Livonia

*

 Pictures with the Easter Bunny

Photo packages start at $22

{Date + Time}
Today until April 4, 2015
10am – 9pm Monday – Saturdays, Sundays 10am – 6pm

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Laurel Park Place Food Court, 37700 Six Mile Rd

Livonia

 Easter Bunny Fun

Photo packages start at $22

{Date + Time}
Today until April 4, 2015
Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm

{Cost}
Activities are Free
photo packages start at $22

{Location}
Westland Shopping Center 35000 Warren Rd.

Westland

*

Glow Skate 

{Date + Time}
Every Friday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

{Cost}
Residents: Kids $4, Adults $5, Skate rental $3
Non residents: Kids $4.50, Adults $5.50

{Location}
Mike Modano Ice Arena, 6210 Wildwood

Westland

  *

Sign Language for Infants and Toddlers

Learn family friendly sign language through music and play with a certified instructor of Signing Smart.

{Date + Time}
Saturday, March 28th from 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

{Cost}
Free/babies 6 months – 2 years (no older siblings)

{Location}
Pittsfield Branch Ann Arbor Library (program room), 2395 Oak Valley Dr., 

Ann Arbor

 *

Dancing Babies with Monica Higman

This program is intended for babies and preschoolers, up to 5 yrs. a fun music and motion event for babies.

{Date + Time}
Sunday, March 29th from 1 p.m. to 1:40 p.m.

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Pittsfield Branch Ann Arbor Library (Program Room), 2395 Oak Valley Dr.

Ann Arbor

 * 

Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo

Jelly Bean Jamboree, Golden Egg Hunt,games, crafts, food and live entertainment.

{Date + Time}
Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

{Cost}
$8/per person if you bring a canned food item otherwise general admission applies.

{Location}
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd.

Royal Oak 

*

Easter Eggstravaganza at {Heritage Park}

Registration on site! 

{Date + Time}
Saturday, March 28th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

{Cost}
$5/per family

{Location}
Heritage Park, 1150 S. Canton Center Rd.

Canton 

  *

Easter Eggstravaganza at {Maplewood Community Center}

Egg hunt, crafts, movies + treats!

{Date + Time}
 Saturday, March 28th, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

{Cost}
$3/per child, $6/family of four
Tickets available at Garden City Public Library

{Location}
Maplewood Community Center, 31735 Maplewood Rd.

Garden City

 *

The Village Bunny Bash

Photos with the Easter Bunny are FREE, petting zoo, interactive egg hunt, and much more!

{Date + Time}
Saturday, March 28th, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

{Cost}
Donation of $5/per child or $10/per family

{Location}
The Village of Rochester Hills, 104 N. Adams Rd.

Rochester Hills

 * 

Bunnyville Photos with the Easter Bunny

{Date + Time}
March 13-April 4th, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday, 11 a .m. – 5 p.m.

{Location}
Fairlane Town Center, 18900 Michigan Ave.

Dearborn

 * 

Egg-citing Easter Event

Bring six hardboiled eggs to decorate, meet the Easter Bunny and more. To register call 586-323-2478

{Date + Time}
Sunday, March 29th, 1-4 p.m.

{Cost}
$4/per child – ages 3+
To register call 586-323-2478 or www.shelbytwp.org

{Location}
Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive.

Shelby Township

 *

jBaby Bash

You’ll enjoy bounce houses, sing-alongs, story time + a vista from Frozen’s Olaf! 
Salad and Piza Served!

{Date + Time}
Sunday, March 29th, 4 – 6 p.m.

{Cost}
$8/family, $10/at the door

{Location}
Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road

West Bloomfield

*

Bird Walk at {Edsel & Eleanor Ford House}

Attention Bird Watchers!!! Walk of the grounds where 190+ species of birds have been spotted. Once done – come inside and enjoy a hot drink. 

{Date}
Saturday, March 28th, 8 a.m.

{Cost}
$7

{Location}
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road

Grosse Pointe Shores

Spring Fling Egg Hunt

Kids ages 1-7, bring a basket for the hunt. Petting farm and cookie decorating.

{Date + Time}
Friday March 27, 6:30pm

{Cost}
$5/per child

{Location}
Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd.

West Bloomfield

 * 

The Frog Prince

A costumed cast performs a family friendly tale of a prince who turns into a frog.

{Date + Time}
March 28-29 through May 9-10, 2:30 pm

{Cost}
Donation of $5/per child or $10/per family

{Location}
Northville Marquis Theatre, 135 E. Main St.

Northville

 *  

Free Baby Bears

Tots ages 9-23 months and caregivers can come in for a fun time featuring stories, songs and toys.

{Date + Time}
Friday March 27, 10-10:30am

{Cost}
Free

{Location}
Shelby Township Library, 51680 Van Dyke Ave.

Shelby Township

 * 

Pericles: Prince of Tyre

See a family-friendly version of this Shakespeare play by Ypsilanti Youth Theatre. 

{Date + Time}
Friday March 27, 7pm
Additional shows Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 1pm.

{Cost}
$10 adults, $6 kids

{Location}
Riverside Arts Center Theatre, 76 N. Huron St.

 Ypsilanti

 *

Free Easter Egg Scramble

Bring a basket and a camera,

{Date + Time}
Saturday March 28
Kids ages 3-5 scramble at 1pm. Ages 6-10 scramble at 2pm.

{Location}
River Bends Park, (rain or shine) 5700 22 Mile Rd.

Shelby Township

 *

Eggstravaganza

Pictures with the bunny, craft corral, egg hunts, petting farm, hayrides and more.

{Date + Time}
March 28, 10am-noon

{Cost}
$8 per person

{Location}
MSU Tollgate Farm, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd.

Novi

 * 

Open Barn with Egg Hunt

Egg hunts every half hour, pony rides, games and crafts, wagon rides and more.

{Date + Time}
March 28, noon-4pm

{Cost}

Free entry, $4 with egg hunt participant, small fees for some activities.

{Location}
Charles L. Bowers School Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Rd.

Bloomfield Hills

 * 

 

Easter Egg Hunt Guide :: In + Around Detroit

1

Woooo-hoooo!  It’s finally starting to feel like spring in Detroit.  The birds are singing and the sun is shining, just waiting for the warm spring breeze to arrive and the pops of green to appear.  Are you still looking to make Easter plans with your family?!  We here at Detroit Moms Blog are EGG-cited to share this extensive list of Egg Hunts happening all throughout Metro-Detroit!  We hope you discover something new and exciting to share with your family + friends this Easter!  

Hoppy Spring to you all!!!

Ann Arbor

Spring Eggstravaganza at {Leslie Science & Nature Center}

Saturday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. – noon

1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor

$8/per person, $30/per family

* Space is limited, pre-registration is recommended

 

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at {Jungle Java}

Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., all ages

3900 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

$14/2 and up, $10/12 – 23 months, free/infants and adults (admission only), FREE/12 month and under

 

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at {Vineyard Church}

Saturday, April 4, 9:45 a.m., all ages

2275 Platt Road, Ann Arbor

FREE

* Breakfast at 9:45 a.m. + hunt will begin at 10 a.m.

 

Ann Arbor’s Annual Spring Eggstravaganza and Easter Egg Scramble at {Lillian Park South}

Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 15 months – 8 years

4365 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor

FREE 

* Pre-registration is HIGHLY recommended! There Egg Scrambles divided into age groups. 

 

Auburn Hills

Bunnyville at {Great Lakes Crossing}

Friday, March 14  through April 5,  Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills Mi

* Photo packages start at $22, free gift for everyone.

 

Auburn Hills Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Contest

Saturday, April 4th, noon to 1 p.m., adult egg toss at 1 p.m.

Civic Center Park, 1827 N. Squirrel Rd. Auburn Hills, Mi

$2/per child (payable at event)

* Egg hunt starts promptly at noon

 

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Easter Egg Hunt at {Beverly Park}

Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m – 3 p.m.

18801 Beverly Road, Beverly Hills

FREE

 

Bloomfield Hills

Open Barn and Egg Hunt at {Charles L. Bowers School Farm}

Saturday, March 28th at 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (every half an hour)

$4/egg hunt participants

* Nominal fee for other activities + barn entry FREE

 

Brownstown

Easter Egg Scramble at {Lake Erie Metropark}

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown

$5/per person, $7/vehicle entry

* Tickets go FAST, register ASAP (100 spots for each time slot)

 

Canton

Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza at {Heritage Park}

Saturday, March 28th 10:30 a.m. – noon, ages 11 and under

1050 S. Canton Center Road, Canton

$5/per family

* Dress accordingly, grounds may be wet

 

Clawson

Clawson Easter Egg Hunt at {Clawson City Park}

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. 

Essex and Woodland, Clawson

* Bring a camera and basket

 

Clawson Easter Bunny Brunch at {Hunter Community Center}

Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. (following the egg hunt)

 509 Fisher Court, Clawson

$6/per person

* Tickets may be purchased at Hunter Community Center. Space is limited. Call 248-589-0334, ext. 7  to register.

 

Davisburg

Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt at {Mill Pond Park}

Thursday, April 2, 8 – 9:30 p.m., ages 10 – 17

495 Broadway, Davisburg

$10/residents, $12/non-residents

* Bring a flashlight + container – pre-registration recommended

 

Easter Egg Hunt at {Mill Pond Park}

Friday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (ages 4 and under), 2 – 4 p.m. (ages 5-12)

495 Broadway, Davisburg

$5/residents, $7/non-residents

* Bring a basket + be sure to register by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 2; tickets will not be available at the door 

 

Detroit

Rent-a-Chick by J&M Farms

Saturdays until March 28th

Shed #3 at the Eastern Market,  2934 Russel St. Detroit

Call the farm, or stop by Shed 3 at ‪(Saturday Market)‬,

* See Joey (and Johnny) so you or your kids can experience how to care for baby chickens, and learn more about how food gets to your plate! Order by March 28th.

 

Dexter

Easter Egg Scramble at {Hudson Mills Metropark}

Sunday, noon – 2 p.m., 12 and under

8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter

$4/advance tickets, $6/at door, $7/vehicle entry

 

Farmington Hills 

Pizza & Eggs at the {Costick Center}

Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 11a-12:30p

 28600 Eleven Mile Rd. Farmington Hills

$7/residents, $12/nonresidents

* A bag will be provided

 

Bunny Hop 5K Run at {Heritage Park}

Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m. 

24725 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills

$25/race fee

* Call Farmington Hills Parks and Recreation to register at 248-473-1800

 

Easter Egg Hunt at {Goldfish Swim} in the pool!

Friday, April 3, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 4 – 6 p.m.

22710 Haggerty Rd., #200, Farmington Hills

$15/per child (pre-registration is required)

* Call 248.596.1914 to reserve your spot today!

 

Ferndale

Breakfast with the Bunny at {Kulick Community Center}

Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 8 a.m. 

1201 Livernois, Ferndale 

$8/ages 1 – 17, $4/ages 18+

* Egg hunt {FREE} to follow Breakfast with Bunny 

 

Egg-Stravaganza at {Kulick Community Center}

Saturday, March 28, 10:15 a.m. (4 and under), 10:30 a.m. (5 – 7), 10:45 a.m. (8 – 10)

1201 Livernois, Ferndale

FREE

* No registration necessary for the Easter egg hunt. All hunters will meet in the gym

 

Grosse Pointe Farms

Brunch with the Easter Bunny at the {Grosse Pointe War Memorial}

Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms

$19/per person, FREE/under 1

* Pre-register ASAP!

 

Holly

Amazing Helicopter Egg Drop at {The River Church}

Saturday April 4, 10 a.m., doors open at 9:30 am.

8393 E. Holly Road, Holly

FREE

* Separate egg hunt for each age group

 

Lake Orion

Easter Egg Hunt at {King’s Court Castle at Old World Canterbury Village}

Saturday, April 4, 3 p.m.

2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion

FREE

 

Livonia

Egg Hunt at {Rotary Park}

Saturday, April 4, noon, ages 10 and under (accompanied by parent)

Six Mile and Hubbard roads, Livonia

FREE

* Registration is 10:30 – 11:30 on the day of the event

 

Manchester

Manchester Men’s Club Easter Egg Hunt at {Carr Park}

Saturday April 4, at 1 pm, ages 3 – 12

West Mainstreet, Manchester 

 

Milford

Fun on the Farm: Egg Scramble at {Kensington Metropark Farm Center}

Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m.

2240 W. Buno Road, Milford

$5/per person, free/under 1

 

The Great Egg Hunt at {Kensington Metropark Maple Beach}

Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. (animal show starts at 10:30 a.m.)

2240 W. Buno Road, Milford

$5/per person, free/ under 1

* Early arrival is HIGHLY recommended

 

New Boston

Easter Egg Scramble at {Willow Park}

Saturday, March 28th at 10:00 a.m. & 2 p.m.

23200 S. Huron Road, New Boston

$5/per child 

* Must buy tickets in advance

 

Northville

Annual Egg-Stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt at {Maybury State Park}

Saturday, April 4,  at 11 a.m. 

20145 Beck Rd, Northville

FREE (requires a recreation park passport to enter park)

* Event held rain or shine, no rain date

 

Novi

Novi Eggstravaganza at {MSU Tollgate Farm}

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – noon

12 Mile & Meadowbrook Road, Novi

$8/per person

* Call 248-347-0400 or cityofnovi.org to register.

 

Paradise Park Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4, 10:30 am

45799 Grand River, Novi

$7/per person

* Pre-registration required – call 248-735-1050 today!

 

Skate with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, April 4, 3 – 4:50 p.m.

Novi Ice Arena (42400 Nick Lidstrom Drive, Novi, MI 48375)

$5/per person

 

Easter Egg Hunt with {Aqua Tots} 

Friday, March 27, 7 – 8 p.m, all ages

44225 12 Mile Road, Suite C103, Novi

$10/per child

* Call 248.845.4544 to register – space is limited!

 

Rochester + Rochester Hills

Village of Rochester Hills Easter Bunny Bash

March 28, March 29, April 3, and April 4, (various hours – see below)

The Village of Rochester Hills (104 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309)

Petting Zoo time is 10:30a-1:30p. $1/per person

Photo with Easter Bunny is 10:30a-1:30p. $5/per child or $10/family

* Easter Egg Hunt a donation.

 

Epic Egg-Stravaganza

Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 10a or noon (2 sessions)

Hampton Elementary School (530 Hampton Cir, Rochester Hills, MI 48307)

FREE

 

Bunnies and Awesome Egg Decorating

Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 10:15a (kids ages 4 & under) and 11:30a (kids ages 5-11)

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve (333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, Michigan 48307)

* Call 248-656-0999 for cost info and toregister.

 

RARA Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4th, 10:15 am (kids 4 & under) and 11:30 am (kids 5-11)

Rochester Municipal Park Kiwanas Shelter 

608 Seventh St., Rochester

$5/per person 

 * Call 248-656-8308 to register (event sells out) + don’t forget camera

 

Royal Oak

Bunnyville at {Detroit Zoo}

Friday, April 3 + Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

$8/admission with non-perishable food item for Gleaners Community Food Bank

 

 

Shelby Township

Easter Egg Scramble at {River Bends Park}

Saturday, March 28th 1 p.m. –  ages 3-5, 2 p.m. – ages 6 – 10

5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township

FREE – must bring own basket

 

EGG-citing Easter Event at {Burgess Shadbush Nature Center}

Sunday, March 29, 1 – 4 p.m.

4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township

$4/per child

* Pre-register, bring 6 hardboilded eggs, a bag + don’t forget your camera

 

Southfield

Eggstravaganza at {Franklin Athletic Club}

Friday, April 3, two egg hunts: 10 – 10:30 a.m. (ages 1 – 4), 10:30 – 11 a.m. (ages 5 – 12)

29350 Northwestern Highway, Southfield

free/members, $5/nonmembers (children), $12/family (nonmembers)

* Pre-register 72 hours in advance, $5 walk-in fee per child if not registered

 

Marshmallow Drop at {Catalpa Oaks County Park}

Friday, April 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., three age groups – 4 & younger, 5-7 and 8 -12

27725 Greenfield Rd., Southfield

* Call 248.424.7081 with any questions

 

Sterling Heights

EGGCELLENT Egg Hunt at {Rockpointe Community Church} for Special Needs

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., ages 10 and under (siblings welcome to join)

Rockpointe Community Church, 38100 Utica Road, Sterling Heights

FREE

* Everything is wheelchair accessible. 

 

Troy

 Family Night Out Egg Hunt at {Troy Community Center}

Saturday, April 4, 5 – 8:30 p.m., ages 2 and up

3179 Livernois, Troy

* Call 248.524.3484 for more information

 

Van Buren Township

Hoppin’ Hullabaloo and Magic Show at {Van Buren Township Hall}

Saturday, March 28th 1 – 3:45 p.m.

46425 Tyler Road, Van Buren Township

FREE/all ages

 

Warren

Spring Carnival at {Warren Community Center}

Saturday, March 28th, 10 a.m and 2 p.m., all ages

5460 Arden Ave., Warren

FREE

 

Waterford 

Marshmallow Drop at {Civic Center Soccer Fields}

Saturday, March 28, 11:00 a.m., ages 11 and younger

Civic Center Soccer Fields, 2500 Civic Center Dr, Waterford

$5/ per car

* Call 248.674.5441 with any questions

 

West Bloomfield

Spring Fling Egg Hunt at {Drake Sports Park}

West Bloomfield

Friday, March 27th at 7:30, ages 1-7

$5/residents, $7/non-residents

* Pre-registration is recommended

 

Spring Fling FlashLight Egg Hunt at {Drake Sports Park}

West Bloomfield

Friday, March 27th at 8:30 p.m., ages 5 – 12

$5/residents, $7/non-residents

* Pre-registration is recommended

 

 

 

crossing the state line(s): Traveling with Kids

If you are traveling cross country with kids – you’d fly right?! Nope, not me! Flying sends me to a crazy place (only since I had kids, go figure!) and I over analyze the need to pay for every sock I pack into our bags…so we drive. We make an adventure of the journey, or at least try to!

 Honest confession: sometimes the travel goes like this: 

yes, this happens too!
yes, this happens too!
 
 

For our family, it’s more like this: 

 
happy kid
happy kid
happy kid
happy kid
 
I have been traveling from Michigan to Colorado and New Mexico for years, and have only flown a few times (when the littlest was only 4 months old). Sometimes, I have been 100% solo (no other adults), and others I have been with others (husband, mom who overcame her fear of flying to join me on a return from Colorado). No matter the make up of the car riders, traveling across country with kids under the age of 8 is not an easy job.  I give HUGE credit to my sons (4 and 7 at the time of writing this) for being rock star travelers. Probably due to the fact that they started making these car travel adventures at such an early age.  
 
you can rock the miles with some fun.,
you can rock the miles with some fun.,
 
The travel was the hardest when they were rear facing, and for that time period, I suggest books, board books – and toys. I kept a big pile of them on the passenger seat (I was solo traveling) and kept  handing them one – you know, with that super mom hand that reaches to far places from the driver seat…no wonder my back is trashed. At rest stops, I would gather what was tossed aside and start again. 
 
As the kids get older, the travel, naturally, gets easier and more fun! Personally, I love these trips. The travel TO the destination is always a little more fun; coming home, we seem to blast through the miles and make it bearable too. 
 
 
 
 
 

Ten tips for making LONG car travel doable. 

 
1. plan ahead
2. pack FOOD, not just snacks. 
3. books – new to their eyes
4. maps
5. atlas
6. activities
(notice we are tech free at this point?) 
7. points of interest – and potty breaks
8. hotel stay
9. plan b: dvd
10. new apps on the ipad
 
1. PLAN AHEAD: I don’t know how our parents did long trips without the use of GPS and estimated time of arrival. Even on trips where I know exactly where I am going, I use the GPS so I know how many more moments we are in the car! 
 
2. Doritos are NOT food. Would you fuel your car with the wrong kind of gas? No, it wouldn’t work! Aim for carrots, whole grain crackers, cheese sticks, real deal food. Yes, you will have to vacuum your car later, but you probably would anyway. By not stopping for McD’s and choosing to eat real food, you’ll be better off too. (savings on the budget too!) 
 
3. A quick trip to the library, without the kids if possible, before leaving yields a free collection of books and media to help keep busy bodies and eyes occupied. Try a book on CD too. Most libraries offer an opportunity for digital loans (check out overdrive on your phone) 
 
4. Maps – hand your kids maps. Paper maps! A road atlas. They feel empowered when they can follow along or even help plan the route. 
 
5. Atlas – my son LOVES his US atlas. It offers facts about the states, its fun to read, and a decent size for car travel. We take a few moments in each state we drive in to look up their facts. Sure, I can’t remember any of the details, but he sure does. 
 
6. A small clip board (or a regular size for that matter) and a pad of paper with some colored pencils (not crayons) is what my youngest LOVES. My oldest made lists of all the things he saw out his window. (hello red tailed hawk). 
 
7. Stopping at the TT’s (tourist traps) is awesome. Catered for quick visits and pee breaks. Corn Palace and Wall Drug come to mind. Watch for the signs, challenge the kids to find them. You don’t have to buy anything either. Snap a quick photo, pee and be on your way. 
 
8. A hotel stay is fun for kids and necessary to keep you safe and able to drive with a good rest (not great, but good enough). We pack a separate ‘hotel only’ bag so we don’t have to unload the whole car for a quick night stop. I try to find one that offers breakfast. On our last trip cross country, I tried room service for dinner and it was awesome. 
 

yes, it's ok to use some technology.
yes, it’s ok to use some technology.
9. Plan B: the DVD – this is sometimes just needed. It’s HARD work keeping kids occupied for hours on end, and a DVD is perfectly fine. I like to have picked a few up from the library that celebrate where we are going or what we are doing. As well as the favorites. 
 
10. iPad – plan B, part 2. See number 9, and consider adding a few new apps to inspire some solid brain power. It’s ok. At least, that is what I tell myself. 
 
 
Our goal is to only stop when the car needs a fill up and our bladders need an emptying. When the car stops, everyone pees – no questions asked. We have had to make a few emergency stops on the side of the road for the littlest to relieve themselves, (thankfully I have boys – not sure what to do with a little girl, other than introduce the art of a successful squat pee!) 
 
So, I challenge you – close the DVD player, put away the technology, at least for a few 100 miles….the conversations, the observations and the memories that come from this time will last a life time. Perhaps even inspire a new adventure that was unplanned, and off the beaten trail. 
 
 

Here is what my passenger seat looks like: 

the pile of treasures and tricks to help tick the miles off
the pile of treasures and tricks to help tick the miles off

Happy Trails and Safe Travels. 

 

32,662FansLike
19,100FollowersFollow
988FollowersFollow
1,310FollowersFollow

In + Around Detroit

The Best Holiday Lights In + Around Detroit: Free + Ticketed...

0
*updated 11/14/2024 It's time to bundle up the kids and set out in search of the Detroit area's best holiday lights! There's something magical about...