Summer is making its way to the Motor City – and, for local families, the next couple of months are a chance to spend time together enjoying all the fun summer activities in Michigan.
Here are 10 sure-bets for family fun in southeast Michigan that you’ll definitely want to cross off your list before the school bell rings again.
1. Take in a game
It didn’t look like the Tigers would have a season in 2020 but it was recently announced that their opening day game would happen July 23 or 24, 2020, so you’ll be able to watch a Tigers ballgame this summer — at least from your home.
It’s unclear whether these games will be open to fans just yet. If they are, fans that choose to attend can certainly expect to see face mask and social distancing requirements on game day.
You can also check out Detroit City Football Club. Like the Tigers, it’s unknown whether fans will be allowed yet, but they’ll be streaming their matches later this summer — and you don’t want to miss their first professional season.
2. Go sightseeing at local attractions
Be a tourist in your own town. In Royal Oak, the Detroit Zoo is back open with some COVID-19 safety guidelines. Guests should book their visit in advance and schedule a time slot in which they’ll be there.
Face masks are required and may only be taken off when guests are eating or when they’re not in close proximity to others.
You can also check out The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village in Dearborn — both are opening on July 2 — you can also visit The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History or the DIA, which are reopening on July 10.
Other historical attractions are are expected to reopen in the coming weeks. Check with your favorites before heading out.
3. Get sports nutty
Hit the park – or backyard – and set up a zany obstacle course, the ladder-golf set or badminton net. Limbo only takes a broomstick, and tag is gear-free.
4. Hike or camp
The wild outdoors is a trail-stroll away in local, county and state parks. Try the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks for themed hikes (browse our list of local hiking trails to help you get more ideas!) No matter where you live, in fact, there’s a nature spot near you.
Looking to spend more time in nature? Plan a camping trip! There are Michigan State Parks camping sites all across southern Michigan.
5. Try on your sea legs
We aren’t talking about a luxurious cruise. Instead, bust out a kayak or raft and take in the scenery from a local water trail. There are plenty to choose from and our list of water trails in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor has you covered.
6. Make-and-take
Instead of schoolbooks, cram that backpack with handmade treasures. Plenty of online crafting tutorials have popped up on YouTube throughout the pandemic. Or, you can try Metro Parent’s Watch This, Do That series, which pairs tons of craft activities with some of your favorite kid flicks.
7. Gone fishin’
Catch a new skill – or at least some memories. The Michigan Kids Fishing Center suggests Ford Lake Park in Ann Arbor, Trenton’s Elizabeth Park and Hines Park. Plus, most public marinas on Lakes Erie and St. Clair and the Detroit River have a fishing pier. Check out our list of fishing spots in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor for more and don’t forget to familiarize yourself with Michigan’s fishing license laws before you cast out.
8. Beach bum
Our neck of the Great Lakes State brims with beaches, like those at Camp Dearborn in Milford, or Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township.
Swim in buoyed areas or slap on the SPF and soak up some rays. Try Independence Lake County Park, in Webster Township, for its sandcastle-prime shore, too. Don’t forget to keep your distance from others while you’re out and about.
9. A sweet summer treat – ice cream
They’re already screaming for it. And our region happens to have some of the best ice cream in Michigan, from Wayne and Washtenaw counties and up to Oakland and Macomb.
Check out our list of the Best Independent Ice Cream Shops in Southeast Michigan for more sweet stores, just be sure to check out what their coronavirus safety precautions are before heading out — and don’t forget your mask while you’re waiting in line.
10. Build your own waterpark
Waterparks might not be the best option this year because of COVID-19. In fact, many aren’t opening this year at all but you can still have some waterpark fun. Get yourself a blow-up kiddie pool, a plastic slide and a couple of Slip-n-Slides. Turn on the hose and let your kids loose.
This post is updated regularly.
