My Neighborhood Archives - Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood

90+ Places for Outdoor Activities in Southeast Michigan

15 May posted by Mrs. Weber

Is there anything better than summer in Michigan? I certainly don’t think so! I have a lot of love for all the seasons my home state offers, but nothing gets me more excited than spending the summer by water and relaxing around a bonfire at the end of the night.

I decided to come up with another BIG list of places for outdoor activities in Southeast Michigan. This is not sponsored by anyone, and none of the links you will click pay me. This is truly just meant to be a resource for you all, and of course myself, too!

Since I live smack dab in the middle of the southeast section of the mitten, this list has places to go in the Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing areas.

Plan an adventure today and enjoy the beautiful summer ahead!

*Please note: Many of the public pools and splash pads do not open until Memorial Day.*

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum {Burton}

Auto City Speedway {Clio}

Heavenly Scent Herb Farm {Fenton}

Heavenly Scent Herb Farm store on the garden grounds

Spicer Orchards with Playground {Fenton}

Flint Farmer’s Market

Bluebell Beach and Splash Pad Spray Ground {Genesee Township//Flint}

Creasey Bicentennial Park & Splash Pad {Grand Blanc}

US-23 Drive-In Theater {Flint}

Crosssroads Village, Huckleberry Railroad and the Genesee Belle {Flint}

Linden County Park on Clover Beach with Playscape and Trail {Linden}

Lake Lansing Park {Haslett}

Burchfield Park – Beach and canoe rentals {Holt}

Family Aquatic Center with Splash Park {East Lansing}

W.J. Beal Botanical Garden {East Lansing, MSU’s campus} Make sure to visit the MSU Dairy Store too!

4-H Children’s Gardens {East Lansing}

Cooley Gardens {East Lansing}

Lansing City Market

Lansing River Trail

Baldwin Park {Lansing}

Cheer on the Lansing Lugnuts

Potter Park Zoo {Lansing}

Kinley having fun at Potter Park Zoo

Fenner Nature Center {Lansing}

Hawk Island County Park with a Splash Pad {Lansing}

Woldumar Nature Center {Lansing}

Brighton Recreation Area and Bishop Lake

Brighton Mill Pond and Imagination Station Playground

Island Lake Recreation Area {Brighton}

Hell Canoe & Kayak Rental & Screams Ice Cream {Hell}

Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stables {actually in Howell}

Howell City Park at Thompson Lake with Beach

Genoa Township Park, Fields and Trail {Howell}

Howell Nature Center

Howell Nature Center entrance

Lakeland Trails State Park {Pinckney}

Pinckney Recreation Area

DeGroot’s Strawberry U-Pick {Gregory}

Hazen’s Farm for U-Pick {Howell}

Partridge Creek with Fountain and Play Structure {Clinton Township}

George George Memorial Park {Clinton Township}

St. Clair Shores Metro Beach Squirt Zone {Harrison Township}

Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm {Romeo}

CJ Barrymore’s {Clinton Township}

Stony Creek Metropark {Shelby}

Metro Beach {Mt. Clemens}

Freedom Hill County Park {Sterling Heights}

Macomb Orchard Trail {Sterling Heights}

Cranbrook Gardens {Bloomfield Hills}

Spraypark at Clintonwood {Clarkston}

Hazel Park Raceway

Holly State Recreation Area

Friendship Woods & Nature Center {Madison Heights}

Red Oaks Water Park {Madison Heights}

Kensington Metropark with Splash & Blast {Milford}

Heavner’s Canoe/Kayak Rental {Milford}

Biking on the Milford Trail

Bald Mountain Recreation Area {Lake Orion}

Clinton River Trail {Through Oakland County}

Seymour Lake Park and Splash Pad {Oxford}

Upland Hills Farm {Oxford}

Paint Creek Trail {Rochester}

Yates Cider Mill – Ice Cream, Trail & Petting Farm {Rochester}

Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens {Rochester}

Meadow Brook Hall

Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak}

Troy Family Aquatics Center

Waterford Oaks Waterpark {Waterford}

Indian Springs Metropark with Spray N’ Play Area {White Lake}

West Bloomfield Trail

Domino’s Petting Farm {Ann Arbor}

Nichols Arboretum // Matthaei Botanical Gardens {Ann Arbor}

Delhi Metropark {Ann Arbor}

Leslie Science and Nature Center {Ann Arbor}

Gallup Park and Canoe Livery {Ann Arbor}

Buhr Pakr and Outdoor Pool {Ann Arbor}

Fuller Park Pool {Ann Arbor}

Veteran’s Memorial Park Pool {Ann Arbor}

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center and Water Park {Belleville}

Hudson Mills Metropark {Dexter}

Dexter-Huron Metropark

Putterz Golf & Games {Ypsilanti}

Rolling Hills Water Park {Ypsilanti}

Rowe’s Produce Farm for U-Pick {Ypsilanti}

Heritage Park Splash Pad {Canton}

Flodin Splash Park {Canton}

Greenfield Village {Dearborn}

Ford Drive-In Theater {Dearborn}

Belle Isle Park {Detroit}

Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park {Detroit}

Comerica Park to cheer on the Tigers {Detroit}

Detroit Princess Riverboat

Diamond Jacks River Tours {Detroit}

Eastern Market {Detroit}

Riverwalk//Dequindre Cut {Detroit}

Wheelhouse Detroit

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House – Gardens {Grosse Pointe}

Some of the gardens at Ford House

Maybury State Park - Hiking/Biking Trails, Riding Stable and Farm {Northville}

Heritage Park Petting Farm {Taylor}

Northwest Park Pool {Taylor}

Midway Sports & Entertainment {Taylor}

H20 Zone Spray Ground {Westland}

RE-PIN HERE!

Where are your favorite spots around SE Michigan for enjoying the great outdoors?

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Filed Under: Lists for Michigan Places, My Neighborhood

Detroit: Win Justin Timberlake + Jay-Z Tix From Ellen on Local 4 #Ellen4Justin

29 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

Disclosure: I was selected for this sponsored post by the company I work for, Hay There Social Media. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve talked about Ellen before here…and as I’ve said, I LOVE her. She does such great things for this world and is so kind-hearted — qualities that seem to be missing from a lot of celebs.

Plus, she invented koala-ing. Not sure what that means? See here. I seriously may need to try this tactic on someone very soon…

…someone like…Justin Timberlake! I’ll be the first to admit, I was never a fan of N*Sync, or any boy bands for that matter. Heck, I wasn’t even a JT fan until he went solo. It took me a long time to admit it, but ladies? He’s hot and the boy can sing to boot. Plus, after seeing him in The Social Network, I have to say his acting skills {and social media skills!} are decent, too.

Anyways, the reason I am posting today is because I am excited to say The Ellen Show is working with Local 4 News to give away a pair of tickets to the SOLD OUT Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z show, coming to Ford Field on Aug. 6. How fun would that be? If you won, you could even say “I got 99 problems, but tickets ain’t one” – Jay-Z style.

All you have to do is visit HERE for the full details. To find out who won the tickets, you will want to tune into The Ellen Show the week of May 6th because that’s when the winner will be announced. In fact, you’ll want to continue to watch her for the entire month of May because some great guests are lined up. I know in our house, we’re always ready to laugh and dance with her, too. Don’t forget — she comes on Local 4 at 3 p.m. Monday – Friday in the Detroit market, so be sure to tune in.

TWITTER PARTY THIS WEDNESDAY!

In addition to trying to win tickets to the show, join me {@laurenweber84} and @emilyahay this Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 8-9 p.m. for a Twitter party using the hashtag #Ellen4Justin. No need to RSVP; all are welcome. We’ll be giving away LOTS of swag and prizes from The Ellen Show and hope you’ll join us!

Tweet ya later

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Filed Under: My Neighborhood

Guest Postin’ at Visit Detroit

24 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

Come on over and check out my guest post all about the Detroit Zoo in springtime over at the Visit Detroit blog today! After, be sure to poke around to learn about all kinds of other fun ideas on things to do and see in the Detroit region

Here’s the link to the post: http://blog.visitdetroit.com/blog/entry/wild-is-normal-at-the-detroit-zoo.html

Where are your favorite springtime destinations?

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Fun In My Hood: Meijer Cereal Party This Saturday, April 20

16 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

I was provided with Meijer cereal for the purpose of writing this post.

Photo provided by Meijer

I don’t know about you all, but I love cereal. I lost interest in it for a while, but now that I have kids and it’s always in my house, it is well-loved again {though I eat a bit with unsweetened almond milk these days to save on calories}!

I was excited to be contacted by Meijer to try some of their new cereals. Anyone who tweets with me knows I tweet about Meijer at least once a week because — you guys? It’s my second home. I live less than a mile from one, so it’s my go-to store. The whole family loves shopping there. {TIP! Did you know kids under 12 can get a FREE cookie in the bakery? I know, crazy, right?! Dangerous, but so great when you need some shopping bribery.}

Anyways, if you shop the Meijer cereal aisle, you may have noticed some changes recently. First, Meijer brand cereal has a fresh new look. Second, the Meijer brand cereal line has grown, the number of varieties will nearly double in the coming months including several new non-GMO options.

Through this Saturday, Meijer will be running a 50 percent off sale on Meijer brand cereal. Additionally, Meijer stores will also be hosting in-store cereal parties this Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Shoppers will be able to sample the new flavors, make cereal crafts and pose for fun photos. Sounds like a fun perk to shopping on a Saturday, right?

Sample flavors:

Fiber Complete with Probiotics – A fiber-rich wheat and bran cereal with nine grams of dietary fiber. It includes probiotics to help maintain overall digestive health and pieces of real strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Multigrain Toasted Oats – This nutritious O-shaped cereal is made with five whole grains and lightly sweetened. It’s perfect for the entire family. {The toddler’s favorite!}
Blueberry Muffin Squares – Enjoy the delicious flavor of blueberry muffins that’s sure to please the whole family along with whole grains and 12 vitamins and minerals. {OMG – totally my favorite!}

Thanks to Meijer for sending your delicious cereal my way

Hope you all check out the cereal party Saturday if you happen to be out running errands! Are you a Meijer shopper?

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Filed Under: My Neighborhood

Fun At The Michigan Science Center in Detroit {+ Discount Valid Through 4/5/13}

25 Mar posted by Mrs. Weber

This past weekend, we packed up and drove to Detroit for a visit to the Michigan Science Center.

After being closed for a year, I was thrilled when I heard they were re-opening last December. This place is SUCH an asset to the region for families looking for fun things to do! I had been once before with Jason to see the Bodies Human exhibit {so cool}, but hadn’t visited yet with the kids.

As a fan of all things science, I knew I would totally be in heaven, but I wasn’t too sure about my kids — after all, Kinley is just 2 years old and Karina 8 months. Boy, I was wrong to assume they wouldn’t be into it. They both LOVED it. We literally walked in, Kinley saw a truck exhibit, and went nuts. What’s so great about a science center is that it’s encouraged for kids to touch everything. So nice to not have to say “Don’t touch that” for once!

The gal who checked us in at the front desk told us all about the best spots to take kids that are 2 and under, starting with Kids Town, an area designated for the 5 and under crowd. It was set-up like a little town and was so cute {mini mailboxes, anyone? Adorbs.}. Kinley had a ball trying on all the dress-up clothes, playing on a kid-sized computer, and playing in the pint-sized diner.

Even Karina was able to get in on the fun and enjoyed an area specifically designated for her age.

After scoping out Kids Town, we walked around to all the neat exhibits, taking everything in. Kinley loved seeing the space shuttles, plasma globe, hot air balloon and more. She ran around until she was exhausted, which always leads to a great nap — and happy parents!

Of course, with me trying to get healthy, I was partial to checking out the health and nutrition area, which focused on foods and even had some couch potatoes — perfect for photo ops! {Why I look like I am trying to be nice to these guys is beyond me…I should’ve been giving them an angry fist shake instead }

After we got done walking around to the exhibits, we ended our adventure in the awesome IMAX to see Animalopolis, a cool Dr. Suess-esque movie about animals, geared toward younger children. Kinley was in awe of how big the screen was and both girls behaved like angels the entire time. After, it was fun chatting with Kinley on all the cool animals we saw in the flick. {Let’s just say I had no idea crabs produced so much offspring! That part was creeeeeepy.}

A few alternative things I loved//tips about The Michigan Science Center:

Parking. We got there right when they opened, so were able to find a spot right in front of the building. For no cost. So nice!
Family bathrooms. These are SO nice when you have multiple diapers to change.
Prices at the Cosmic Cafe. Normally when you go to any cool tourist destination, you pay out the eyeballs for food. Everything on the menu was under $4, making it totally affordable for families.
Bonus for nursing mamas: Plenty of spots to sit down and feed baby! I had no issue finding seats to feed my littlest gal. I even found an amazingly comfortable chair in Kids Town, and Karina enjoyed her lunch as we watched our IMAX movie.
Get there early. We got there right when they opened and loved roaming around without fighting the crowds. By the time we left at 1 p.m., it was starting to fill up.

See my entire album of photos on my Facebook page here or check out #VisitMiScience on Twitter to see what others saw.

DISCOUNT VALID THROUGH APRIL 5, 2013

Visit the Michigan Science Center now through April 5 to receive $3 off adult admission {normally $12.95} and $2 off children’s admission {normally $9.95} when you mention TWEETTEAM. Limit 6. Cannot be combined with other offers.

More information about pricing, special exhibits, and hours here.

I was part of a paid TweetTeam™ that tweeted about our adventure and was given complimentary entry passes, however, this post was written just because we had such a great time and was not part of my compensation. All opinions expressed belong to me.

Have you been to the Michigan Science Center since it reopened? What are you waiting for? Plan a trip today and let’s keep this amazing spot in business!

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Filed Under: My Neighborhood, Photo Fun

“Make the Play” for a Healthier Michigan Video Contest

12 Feb posted by Mrs. Weber

How fitting that I was just announced as a Shaklee 180™ blogger yesterday on my Facebook page {more to come about this in the weeks ahead!} when I was planning to post this information.

Obviously, health is something that matters to me. But ya’ll? This is a recent realization for me. I am trying to change the way I perceive food and fitness — not for me, but for the sake of my kids. They deserve me healthy.

I’m excited this contest from Blue Cross Blue Shield has come back around for the second year because it’s so fab! I love that it empowers kids to talk about health, and in return, rewards them for their efforts.

Check out the information that follows, and I hope if you have a child in grades 4-8, you encourage them to enter!

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From the press release:

Michigan has an estimated 400,000 obese or overweight children, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is kicking off the second year of “Make the Play for Healthy Habits,” a video contest that challenges kids in grades 4-8 to answer the following question “What would you do to make Michigan healthier for yourself, your family or your classmates?”

Video submissions are being accepted Jan. 30 – March 29. In April, 10 semi-finalists will be selected and notified and their video submissions will be posted on aHealthierMichigan.org for a two-week public voting period. The winner will be announced in early May.

The winner of the contest gets a special school assembly with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford this spring and will get to star as a host of his/her own healthy lifestyle video blog series on aHealthierMichigan.org.

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford with last year’s winner, Hailey Samples

Video submissions should be no more than two minutes long. They should creatively answer the question “What would you do to make Michigan healthier?” and include the student’s perspective on how themselves, their family, teachers and classmates can live a healthier life. Students should explain how they would communicate healthy lifestyle choices with their families and fellow students.

Students can submit a video using any digital recording device using an MP3 format, such as a smartphone, iPad, Flip video or webcam or they can upload a video via YouTube. For more information, please visit aHealthierMichigan.org/kidcontest.

Students, grades four through eight, must be enrolled in an accredited public or private learning institution within Michigan to participate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being. The CDC also reports that 14.2 percent of Michigan adolescents in grades nine through 12 are overweight, while 11.9 percent are obese. In children ages two to five years, 16.3 percent are overweight and 13.3 percent are obese.

How do you encourage your kids to be healthy?

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Filed Under: My Neighborhood

Food from the Heart in Milford, Michigan {Valentine’s Date Idea!}

10 Feb posted by Mrs. Weber

Image from stock.xchg

I don’t know about you all, but I actually love Valentine’s Day. It’s so cheesy, but the older I get, the more I enjoy seeing all the pinks, reds and hearts everywhere. I think it’s sweet to have a special day to celebrate love between us — whether it’s with friends, family, or significant others.

When it comes to an official Valentine’s Day date, the hubby and I don’t do them typically for the simple fact it’s chaotic everywhere you go. We had a bad experience once when we went to a romantic restaurant…We were packed in like sardines next to other couples and paid top dollar for our meal. Since then, we try to do something for V-Day, even if it’s just cooking a meal together or just celebrating out a few days after the holiday.

When I received the info below, a bell went off. This is exactly the type of fun I would be down for!

So if you’re looking for something unique to do on Valentine’s Day, look no further than the streets of downtown Milford.

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{Information from press release}

Expect crowds of visitors and residents alike to fill downtown Milford on Valentine’s Day for a night of music to benefit neighbors in need. The village streets will echo with music and goodwill from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for Milford’s first-ever Food From The Heart.

In exchange for non-perishable food or monetary donations, participants will stroll the streets of downtown Milford, and visit participating locations while enjoying the sounds of the Michigan Musicians Collective. Collection boxes will be placed at each venue. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Milford will pick up donations throughout the evening.

Musical acts include Mike Ewing at Your Nesting Place, banjo player Doug Sciberras at Nana’s Niche and Corner and many more.

All proceeds benefit Community Sharing Outreach Center, which provides food, clothing, emergency shut-off services, referrals and advocacy for residents of the Milford, Highland and Wixom.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS –> The Carls Family YMCA in Milford is providing a “Parent Night Out” service for children to make it easier for parents to attend. The child care service costs $13 per hour for “Y” members and $17 per hour for non-members and requires pre-registration. Parents can register by calling (248) 253-0311.

Participating locations include:

Baker’s of Milford 2025 S. Milford Rd.
The Blue Grill 426 N. Main St.
The Burger Joint 312 N. Main St.
The Comeback Inn 1451 S. Milford Rd.
Coratti’s on Main 335 N. Main St.
Le Rendez Vous 245 N. Main St.
Main Street Bar and Grill 508 N. Main St.
Milford House Bar and Grill 113 E. Commerce
Palate 449 N. Main St.
Tavern 131 131 S. Milford Rd.
Tequilarita’s 525 Main St.
Acorn Farm 367 N. Main St.
Bling Boutique 361 N. Main St.
The Clothing Cove 414 N. Main St.
Nana’s Niche and Corner 436 N. Main St.
Your Nesting Place 332 N. Main St.

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Doesn’t that sound like fun?! I love walking around and visiting the little shops in Milford, and this would be the perfect excuse to do so while enjoying some eats and live music.

For other Valentine’s Day inspiration, be sure to check out my list of 50+ date ideas around southeastern Michigan.

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? Do you go out?

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Filed Under: My Neighborhood

Hey Detroit! #EllenMovesto3PM

27 Jan posted by Mrs. Weber

I am so not hip when it comes to TV. To be honest, I find most TV to be completely boring or just unrealistic. If I can’t relate to it, it can’t hold my attention.

One show I find SUPER entertaining and fun is Ellen. Seriously…Ellen Degeneres is one of the funniest people ever! I’ve been a big fan of hers since her sitcom in the 90′s. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that her show is the #1 talk show in Detroit.

I have to admit, I don’t catch Ellen as often as I would like, but that’s because of its timing — it’s in the morning, which is our no TV time generally.

I was super excited to hear her show on Local 4 is moving to 3 p.m. in the Detroit market because that means I now can catch her during Kinley’s nap time! Plus, it’s perfect timing for teens coming home from school. She’s such a positive role model

I personally love watching her because she is just one of those people I can connect with. Her goofy sense of humor always reminds me that life is about having FUN…and we could all use a good pick me up at 3 p.m., right? I’m glad I can turn her on to get in the loop with what’s going on in pop culture in a fun way, that sometimes even includes dancing!

Be sure to tune in next Monday, Feb. 4th when The Ellen Show makes its 3 p.m. debut and tweet with us with #EllenMovesTo3pm!

Additional links: