Kids look forward to summer vacation all year long, but you better believe that by the time the “dog days” hit, they’ll inevitably get bored and look to you to find them something to do.
Luckily, families in Macomb County live in a community that’s always packed to the brim with fun events and activities that’ll stave off boredom and help families get in some much-needed one-on-one time.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best such happenings throughout the county so that the next time your kids are glued to their screen or looking for some entertainment, you’ve got it covered.
Grab a scoop
There’s nothing better than grabbing some ice cream with your family on a hot summer day. If you’re looking for something unique such as ice cream nachos, check out Modern Cone. If you’re vegan, but still craving this sweet treat, check out Cold Cow Ice Cream and Freskia Ice Cream for vegan ice cream flavors. For frozen custard, Erma’s Orignial Frozen Cutsard is another local fav!
See a baseball game
Head to Jimmy John’s Field to see their semiprofessional baseball league play. Grab tickets to a Sunday game to enjoy a theme night, such as Encanto, Superhero Day, 100 Years of Disney Celebration, Ice Princess Day, Ninja Turtle Day and more. They also have a Kids Club table, where kids can sign up and also enjoy crafts and activities every game day.
Take a trip to the library
One of the best things you can do with your kids this summer is focus on reading and libraries are a fun way to do this. Let you kids choose their own books at the library. You can even let them get their own library card. Some libraries, such as Clinton-Macomb Public Library – Main Branch even have scavenger hunts that they update every week or so. Mount Clemens Public Library just reopened and the kid’s section is awesome! We especially love that the easy readers are organized in bins by category, so kids (and parents) can find what they’re looking for easier.
Try watersports
Go kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding on the designated routes along the rivers, lakes, canals and bays in Macomb County. Check out this Macomb County map before heading out.
Go camping close to home
Take your family camping at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks this summer. Stoney Creek Metroparkhas a permanent campground. Look at the Stoney Creek Metropark map to find out what’s available still and also what type of camping is available on the spots.
Take a trip to the cider mill
Cider mills aren’t only for Fall, but they’re great in summer too! Blake Farms and Westview Orchards both have areas for the kids to play. Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill has a Funland, which has over 25 family-fun activities including an animal petting farm, jumping pillows, sand diggers, inflatable axe throwing, storybook barn and more. Westview Orchards has a three-acre wood playground, petting farm, wagon rides and more.
Check out a summer festival
Head to Blake Farms for their annual Sunflower Festival or hit the rides and see the livestock displays at the Armada Fair. Sterlingfest is another popular festival happening every summer. If you love art, check out the Shelby Township Art Fair and the New Baltimore Art on the Bay.
Go hiking or biking
Choose from the three big trails – Freedom Trail, Iron Bell Trail and Macomb Orchard Trail. All of these trails are open at sunrise and close at sunset. If you want to bring your pet, they must be on a leash. For more information, check out Macomb County Trail Network.
Rent a fishing charter
Grab your fishing gear and explore over 430 square miles of Lake St. Clair in a fishing charter. Check out Lake St. Clair Fishing Charter, Spencer’s Angling Adventures and Fish Headz Sport Fishing Charters.
Eat by the water
Either take a boat or drive to a waterfront restaurant with your family. Bumper’s Landing and Watermark Bar & Grille are located right on the water. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly spot near the water, try Terry’s Terrace or Knapp’s City Garage.
Visit a farmers market
Macomb County is filled with markets that support community agriculture. In the late summer and fall, you can expect to find corn, tomatoes, beans, squash, apples, pears and more. At Sterling Heights Dodge Park Farmers Market, there are vendors and food trucks there every Thursday during the summer. Kids can also play at the nearby playgrounds at Dodge Park. Find a full list of Macomb County markets here.
Go on a picnic
There are many great picnic locations in Macomb County. Some are at parks where you can go on a walk afterwards and some even have playgrounds. Check out Lake St. Clair Metropark, River Bends Park, Mae Stecker Park and Macomb Corners Park.
Cool off at the splash pads
We love a good sprayground and splash pad! We especially love when they’re fenced in, which Brandenburg Park Splash Park, Clinton Township Splash Pad and Dodge Park Splash Pad all have that in common. Stop by the Spray Fountain at Warren City Square on Sundays during the summer for vendors and food trucks.
Try geocaching
Geocaching, or letterboxing, is like a giant scavenger hunt and it’s the perfect activity for those beautiful late-summer days. There are more than 10,000 geocaches all around the county. Check out this website for information on where to find them and how to geocache.
Beat the heat indoors
If you’re looking to get out of the sun for a little while, we’ve got you covered. From amusement spots to bowling alleys and nature centers to roller rinks, Macomb County has it all. If you’re looking for a play center for younger kids, check out Jungle Java, Detroit Kid City, Pump It Up and Play-Place for Autistic Children. If you’re looking for something for older kids, check out Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Top Flight Trampoline & Game Park, Dave and Buster’s and CJ Barrymore’s Entertainment. You can find a full list of places to play with kids on the Macomb County website, Make Macomb Your Home.
Looking for even more fun things to do with kids around Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home.
