Unleash an Epic Summer in Metro Detroit

Go big! Make a day of it. 

Wind Along the Huron River 

Round up the family and hop in a kayak, canoe, tube or paddleboard and float along the Huron River, the 104-mile inland water trail that winds through Ann Arbor, Dexter, Ypsilanti and beyond. Several outfitters, including Argo and Gallup parks, offer equipment rentals at super reasonable prices, and some even allow pets and coolers on board certain vessels. Rather not get wet? No problem. The kids will also get a kick hiking along the bordering trails or picnicking at one of the many parks.

Time Travel at the Henry Ford 

Go back in time at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. Make a day out of it by hitting one, two, three or all four of the experiences they offer. Stroll through the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, and view the bus Rosa Parks rode and centuries-old American furniture. Or step into Greenfield Village and let the kiddos ride in a real Model T or jump aboard an authentic steam-powered locomotive. Book a tour of the Ford Rouge Factory and see how a Ford F-150 is made or catch a movie by way of the Giant Screen Experience. 

Have a Fun-tastic Time at the Legoland Discovery Center 

Take a break from the heat and let the little ones gorge themselves on fun at the Legoland Discovery Center in Auburn Hills. They’ll be able to enjoy 10 attractions and rides, including a play zone, a VR experience, a build-and-test race car track and a 4D cinema. Plus their favorite Lego characters will be hanging around ready for meet-and-greets and photo ops. Bonus for bill payers: Legoland recently introduced annual passes for year-long fun for one price! 

Convene with Nature at Sleepy Hollow State Park 

Encourage the kiddos to put the devices down and get in touch with nature at Sleepy Hollow State Park, which covers more than 2,600 acres including Lake Ovid and a winding river. Stay for the day or make use of the park’s 181 modern campsites, and then head out in search of blue jays or hit the trails on foot, bike or horseback. And there’s no need to trek to Northern Michigan; this one is less than two hours from metro Detroit in Laingsburg. 

Fly High at TreeRunner Adventure Park 

For a thrilling experience that the grown-ups will love as much as the kids, get strapped in at TreeRunner Adventure Park. At the West Bloomfield location (there are also ones in Rochester and Grand Rapids), face more than 250 suspended aerial obstacles, including 45 ziplines. With four obstacle courses of varied difficulty levels, there’s something for the whole gang. Don’t forget to check out the glow nights featuring LED lights and neon paint galore for a summer evening the family won’t soon forget. 

Go medium — an afternoon well spent. 

Splash Around at Kent Lake

What’s summer without a day at the beach? Round up the kids, the cooler and the blankets and spend some time at Kensington Metropark and Kent Lake, boasting 1,200 acres of fresh water. Swim at one of the beaches, picnic along the shore or hit the two Splash ‘n’ Blast water slides. And when it’s time to dry off, hike or bike the miles of surrounding trails and terrain. 

Catch Some Waves at Rolling Hills Water Park 

What’s summer without a trip to the water park? Take a trip to Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti and keep a watchful eye on little ones as they wade in the activity pool, float down the lazy river, hit the winding slides or surf in the wave pool. When it’s time for a break, hit the concession stands and then lounge under an umbrella in one of the surrounding grassy areas. 

Discover at the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum 

For a fun way to introduce kids to African culture and the Detroit spirit, visit the Mbad African Bead Museum. They won’t run out of things to look at the super stimulating indoor-outdoor space that’s part-gallery, part-installation, part-sculpture garden and part-retail shop. Its founder has amassed a collection of authentic African beads — including ones made of amber and jade — which are on display and available for purchase. 

Have Fun with Food at Westview Orchards 

What kid doesn’t love a day on the farm? If picking fruit and barnyard animals is your little one’s thing, then you can’t let this summer go by without a trip to Westview Orchards & Winery in Washington. The same family has been at the helm since 1813, and they welcome yours. Shop the farm market for pies and honey, visit the petting zoo, ride in a wagon, pick your own fruit or watch as they climb to the top of a straw mountain or get lost in the straw bale maze. 

Ohh and Ahh at Lincoln Street Art Park 

Foster your child’s creative spirit with a swing by the Lincoln Street Art Park in Detroit. It was once an abandoned industrial site, but now this outdoor art and graffiti park features colorful works from a host of artists from the city and beyond. Peruse murals, sculptures and interactive installations meant to spotlight the local community and its creatives. 

Go easy. Stay close to home. 

Make DIY Ice Cream in a Bag 

What’s summertime without ice cream? You could buy it, or you get your sweets lover in the kitchen to make their own for a won’t-forget good time. Feel free to have fun with flavors and toppings, but to make vanilla ice cream, all it takes is ingredients you probably already have on hand and 15 minutes with this recipe courtesy of Delish:

You’ll need:

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups ice
• ⅓ cup kosher salt
• Toppings of your choice
• 
  Small and large resealable plastic bag

Step 1

In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.

Step 2

Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.

Step 3

Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.

Organize a Summer-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Don’t want to go far, but looking for something to get the kids up and outside this summer? Help them plan and execute a real-life scavenger hunt in the backyard or around the neighborhood. You can find premade lists online and print those, or create your own with must-finds like a caterpillar, a basketball, a chomped-on leaf, a leaky water hose or a colorful flower. Don’t forget to take pictures along the way! 

Plant a Windowsill Garden 

For a cute way to get your little one connected to their food and what it takes to get it to their plates, help them start a windowsill garden. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a south-facing windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight and your container(s) should allow for drainage. Help your budding farmer decide what they’d like to grow and research whether seeds or seedlings are best. After a quick trip to your local nursery for supplies, you’re ready to get set up.

Make and Blow Colorful Bubbles

If you’re looking for another lazy summer day DIY project to keep the kids busy and having fun, whip out the dish soap, cornstarch and food coloring for jazzy bubbles. It’s easy to find homemade bubble solutions online; add a few drops of food coloring to your bowl (or to individual plastic cups if you’re going for different colors). And remember to choose clear dish liquid.

Commence the Backyard Campout 

There’s lots to love about camping: s’mores, ghost stories and the great outdoors. No need to pack up the car and head hours away to a state park to capture at least some of the magic for your kiddo. For a scaled-down version, let them camp out in the backyard for a night if you’re comfortable with your area. Pitch a tent and stuff it (or a treehouse) full of blankets and pillows. Gather snacks, games and their closest friends!

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