Macomb County Summer Bucket List for Kids

School is officially out and the time for family bonding is officially in – but with all the fun summertime options for families in Macomb County, it can be tough to decide what exactly to fill your precious 12-week break with.  

Sure, the annual trip to Cedar Point or a summertime trek up north might be a given but how do you narrow down the fun to be had closer to home?

Fret not local families, we’ve done all that legwork for you and came up with this list of 15 summertime must-dos for families who live in or near Macomb County.

In it you’ll find everything from daring adventures at local amusement spots to educational animal experiences and community traditions that every child should try.

Take a peak at it and start planning out your 2019 summer today!

Note: Some items on this list are free, some have admission fees and you may have to register in advance for others. Check ahead to get the details before you head out.

1. Ride the Ferris wheel at CJ Barrymore’s. It’s 110-feet tall and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The park also features a 120-foot drop tower, two roller coasters, three go-kart tracks and a more than 100-game arcade.
2. Kayak down the Clinton River. Got good weather? Rent gear from Clinton River Canoe & Kayak Rental and enjoy a peaceful day out in nature.
3. Grab a Cone from Erma’s “Original.” This local ice cream shop has been dishing out treats in Macomb since 1942. Stop in at one of three locations for a cone of classic vanilla or a scoop of a weekly flavor.  
4. Catch a ballgame at Jimmy John’s Field. The four teams that make of the United Shores Professional Baseball league go head-to-head in Utica almost every weekend. Grab a mitt and root for your favorite.
5. Meet Tommy the Turtle. He’s at the Sterling Heights Nature Center and is ready to make friends. Want even more reptilian fun? The Reptarium in Utica features more than 100 amazing snakes, alligators, tortoises and lizards – for just $5 you can feed some of them.
6. Follow the Macomb County Art Map. It will take you to more than 100 different art installations and street art displays in all 27 of the county’s communities.
7. Hit up a community festival. Sterling Heights offers Polish and Italian cultural fests in July. Fraser and Armada both host annual carnivals and so does Warren. Check with communities near you for more hometown fun.
8. Experience the Trippo Water Slide at Stony Creek Metropark. This 50-foot-high and 245-foot-long inflatable slide will get you and your family soaked for just $2 a ride. Not into that level of thrill? Kick back on one of the park’s two beaches.
9. Look for painted rocks in St. Clair Shores. Or join The Kindness Rocks Project and spread a little joy by painting and hiding your own in the community.
10. Watch a roller derby bout. Macomb County’s roller derby team, Bath City Roller Girls, play at Joe Dumar’s Fieldhouse in Shelby Township. Their hard-hitting season picks back up on Aug. 17. Kids 12 and under watch free with a paying adult.
11. Conquer the Macomb Orchard Trail. Bike, walk, jog or skate your way through this 23-mile paved train, which spans from Dequindre Road all the way out to Richmond.
12. Laugh with Rosco the Clown. Lovable, laughable Rosco hosts his annual Picnic Palooza series in Macomb Township this June and July. Stop by for games, inflatables, wiggles and giggles.
13. See a show. Warren, Richmond and Macomb Township all have community offerings, while big names in music play at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. Take a look at their line-ups to find an option you like. And don’t forget about Movie in the Park options.
14. Cruise down Gratiot. Got a classic car? Take the kids and participate in the Gratiot Cruise. No car? No problem! Set up some chairs and watches the different rides cruise by. Happens Aug. 4.
15. Try Puppy Yoga. UpDog Yoga offers fun yoga sessions with adoptable puppies at its Shelby Township location. Get a good workout in as you play with the pups.

For more summer fun ideas in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.