Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood

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2019 Summer Concert Series in Southeast Michigan

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One of my favorite posts to write the past few years has been a BIG list of FREE summer concerts. First, because I love lists. Second, because nothing beats live music.

Community concerts are the perfect way to introduce your child to the performing arts and let them burn energy by dancing and enjoying the music. Some of my favorite summer memories have been dancing with my kids to live music. It’s admirable how much they don’t care what others think. We could all take a page from their book 😉

This year, I’m collaborating with several local bloggers to bring you lists of FREE Southeast Michigan summer concert series. Make sure to check back often because we will add to our lists as concert information becomes available!

I’m covering Livingston County. See my fellow bloggers for what’s happening near you:

BRIGHTON

Millpond Concert Series

Visit the Millpond in downtown Brighton for live music. All concerts run from 7-9 p.m. with a pre band show starting at 6:30 p.m.

  • July 7: Moose & Da Sharks {rock n’ roll}
  • July 14: Toppermost {Beatles Tribute Band}
  • July 21: 50AmpFuse {hits from the ’60s -’90s, 2000s and today!}
  • July 28: Power Play Detroit {classic rock}
  • August 4: Magic Bus {psychedelic rock}
  • August 11: Fast Eddie {’50s, ’60s and classic rock}
  • August 18: The Persuasion Band {8-piece, high energy show band}
  • August 25: Steve King and the Dittlies {rock ‘n’ roll show band}

HARTLAND

Cromaine Library Summer Concert Series

Visit Hartland Music Hall for live music on Tuesday nights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic or there will be food available for purchase.

  • June 18: Guy Louis {family-friendly}
  • June 25: Steve King & the Dittlies 
  • July 9: Madcat Midnight Blues
  • July 16: Alan Turner {country}
  • July 23: Street Corner {Motown}
  • July 30: Byron Legacy Show {classics}

HOWELL

Rock The Block

June 5, July 10, August 7

Visit downtown Howell for a rockin’ summer series featuring live bands, food from local restaurants, beer brewed by local breweries, Aberrant Ales and Eternity Brewing, and more! The music is free to the public, and food will be available for purchase. 

  • June 5: Sinjon Smith {country}, The Relative Minors {classic rock}
  • July 10: Taylor Tucky {country} and Five Becomes West {alternative rock}
  • August 7: The Kari Holmes Band {pop country} and Blackjack Band {classic rock}

Concerts at the Courthouse

A variety of local area musicians take center stage every Friday night throughout the summer on the Courthouse lawn. Concerts are from 7-9 p.m.

  • June 28: The Magic Bus
  • July 5: Rusty Wright Blues Band
  • July 12: Alan Turner & the Steel Horse Band
  • July 19: 50AmpFuse
  • July 26: Air Margaritaville
  • August 2: Lookin’ Back
  • August 9: Paradise Band
  • August 16: Steve King & The Dittilies
  • August 23: Toppermost

Which concert are you most looking forward to?

Find more FREE fun here!

100 Screen-Free Ideas For Kids To Fight Boredom {No Parents Required!}

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There is nothing that irks a parent’s ears quiet like hearing the “I’M BORED” whine. While some kids are quick to amuse themselves, others struggle to find things to do unless it involves a screen.

Of course boredom is SO good for kids. It allows time for their imaginations to run wild, and it fosters creative and strategic thinking. But some kids just need a jumpstart on ideas before running off to do something solo.

For those times, I’ve come up with a quick list of ideas for things my kids can do and figured I may as well share it here in case it can be of any use to you as well! So now when I hear “I’m bored,” they can know I’m going to say “Stop complaining and go look at the list for ideas!” 😉

Since I work from home, it’s crucial I have some go-to ideas for summer. For that reason, none of these require parental supervision…and most are somewhat mess-free. Enjoy and let me know what other ideas you have!

100 Screen-Free Ideas For Kids To Fight Boredom

100 Screen-Free Ideas For Kids To Fight Boredom

  1. READ
  2. Play games with a bed sheet
  3. Create with Kinectic sand
  4. Go on a bug hunt
  5. Blow bubbles
  6. Fill up the entire driveway with chalk drawings
  7. Swing
  8. Build with LEGO
  9. Bring toys outside to play with
  10. Do puzzles
  11. Set up a lemonade stand
  12. Count/sort the money in your piggy bank
  13. Practice jump rope
  14. Play hopscotch
  15. Set-up dominos
  16. Pull weeds from the garden
  17. Water plants
  18. Go on a bike ride
  19. Ride scooters
  20. Practice tying shoes
  21. Practice drawing
  22. Write a book
  23. Take a nap outside
  24. Find shapes in the clouds
  25. Create a scavenger hunt for a neighbor friend
  26. Make-up a play
  27. Play restaurant {with pretend food}
  28. Make a card to mail to a friend or grandparent
  29. Make a cootie catcher
  30. Play in the bath tub
  31. Clean your room
  32. Play with pet
  33. Have a dance party
  34. Create with toothpicks and marshmallows
  35. Draw a self-portrait or a family portrait
  36. Play a board game
  37. Fill bird feeders and record what the birds you see look like in a journal
  38. Make a collage from old magazines
  39. Play “don’t touch the ground” with a balloon
  40. Create an obstacle course — inside or outside
  41. Play hang-man or tic tac toe with a friend
  42. Practice hula hooping
  43. Have a jumping jack contest
  44. Create with Play-Doh
  45. Play with stamps on paper
  46. Walk around the neighborhood and collect litter
  47. Make a blanket fort
  48. Plan a picnic in the yard
  49. Dust, sweep or mop!
  50. Play frisbee
  51. Create an fly paper airplanes
  52. Play freeze tag with friends
  53. Draw a picture of your pet
  54. Make friendship bracelets
  55. Play school
  56. Trade toys with neighbor friends
  57. Run through the sprinkler
  58. Play duck-duck goose
  59. Create a tower with paper and solo cups
  60. Play a sport in the yard
  61. Bowl with water bottles and a baseball
  62. Have a tea party
  63. Play with rice bin
  64. Play hide-and-seek
  65. Decorate a cardboard box from the recycling
  66. Make cereal necklaces
  67. Practice letters in salt inside a tray
  68. Paint rocks
  69. Create with craft sticks, pom poms and pipe cleaners
  70. Play Eye Spy
  71. Make hand puppets out of paper lunch bags and put on a show
  72. Clean your room, or have a competition with siblings to see who can do it the fastest
  73. Create a fairy garden with supplies from home
  74. Build a ramp and have Hot Wheels cars go down it
  75. Play water balloon baseball with a pool noodle
  76. ‘Paint’ with water on the sidewalk
  77. Make a carwash for toy cars
  78. Create boats from recycled items and see if they float in a bucket of water
  79. Look for four-leaf clovers
  80. Do a random act of kindness
  81. Make a bird feeder with recycled supplies
  82. ‘Paint’ with shaving cream on the driveway
  83. Build an outdoor fort with sticks and branches
  84. Have a crazy hair-do contest
  85. Make a magic wand using items found in nature
  86. Try to find items around the house for every letter in the alphabet
  87. Trace each other’s body outline with chalk
  88. Play car wash with bikes
  89. Make a craft using paper plates
  90. Build a catapult and launch marshmallows from it
  91. Have a The Greatest Showman sing-a-long
  92. Play Simon Says
  93. Create a daisy or dandelion chain necklace
  94. Catch butterflies or fireflies
  95. Hide treasure, make a map, and make someone go find it
  96. Thumb wrestle
  97. Practice juggling
  98. Search for animal footprints
  99. Play rock, paper, scissors
  100. Have a book exchange with neighbors

Go ahead and follow this link to a printable version of this: 100 Screen-Free Ideas For Kids To Fight Boredom

Additionally, make sure to check out this list of FREE things to do to encourage outside play!

What is your go-to “I’m bored” advice?

Our 2018 Summer Bucket List

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We LOVE making a big summer bucket list each year to gear up for the seasonal fun ahead. Although our lists are usually a bit ambitious to get through, we love having a guideline for things to do when we have an open day or boredom strikes.

I’m super excited to re-visit some of our old favorites, and throw in some new things to do too. I had a hard time stopping, so I’m sure there will be plenty of random adventures too!

Make sure to share with us with what is on your summertime fun list 🙂

Our 2018 Summer Bucket List

What’s on your summer bucket list?

Southeast Michigan Summer Concert Series

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One of my favorite posts to write the past three years has been a BIG list of FREE summer concerts. First, because I love lists. Second, because nothing beats live music.

Community concerts are the perfect way to introduce your child to the performing arts and let them burn energy by dancing and enjoying the music. Some of my favorite summer memories have been dancing with my kids to live music. It’s admirable how much they don’t care what others think. We could all take a page from their book 😉

This year, I’m collaborating with several local bloggers to bring you lists of FREE Southeast Michigan summer concert series. Make sure to check back often because we will add to our lists as concert information becomes available!

I’m covering Livingston County. See my fellow bloggers for what’s happening near you:

Southeast Michigan Summer Concert Series

BRIGHTON

Millpond Concert Series

Visit the Millpond in downtown Brighton for live music. All concerts run from 7-9 p.m. with a pre band show starting at 6:30 p.m.

  • July 9: Moose and da Sharks
  • July 16: Magic Bus
  • July 23: Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Jonnies
  • July 30: Paradise Band with the Blues Brothers
  • August 6: Toppermost
  • August 13: 50 Amp Fuse
  • August 20: The Persuasion Band
  • August 27: Steve King and the Dittlies

HARTLAND

Cromaine Library Summer Concert Series

Visit Hartland Music Hall for live music on Wednesday nights. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic or pick up some brats & dogs from the Ranger’s 4-H.

  • June 28: Steve King & The Dittilies
  • July 5: Just Around The Corner
  • July 12: Legacy Tribute Show
  • July 19: Jill Jack
  • July 26: Remix
  • August 2: Toppermost

HOWELL

Rock The Block

Visit downtown Howell for food and FREE music. Live Music takes place outdoors at 2FOGS Pub back Courtyard, Cobb Hall Insurance’s patio, in front of Cleary’s Pub and the alley behind Dairy Queen. Festivities continue rain or shine as multiple music venues have indoor options.

June 7: 

  • Cobb Hall Insurance: The Flutter & Wow | 6-8 p.m.
  • Peanut Row (Behind Carriage House): Karley Davidson | 6-8 p.m.
  • Cleary’s Pub: Jody Raffoul Band | 7-9 p.m.
  • 2FOGS Pub: Shawn Riley Band | 7-9 p.m.
Other dates: July 7, August 2 — Musical acts TBA

Concerts at the Courthouse

A variety of local area musicians take center stage every Friday night throughout the summer on the Courthouse lawn. Concerts are from 7-9 p.m.

  • June 30: The Magic Bus
  • July 7: Rhythm Society Orchestra
  • July 14: Rusty Wright Blues Band
  • July 21: Sonic Freeway
  • July 28: Steve King & The Dittilies
  • August 4: Alan Turner & the Steel Horse Band
  • August 11: The Accidentals
  • August 18: Air Margaritaville
  • August 25: Toppermost

PINCKNEY

*Waiting on details for the Hootin’ In The Park summer concert series*

Which concert are you most looking forward to?

Our Family’s 2017 Summer Bucket List

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It’s easy to not let summer boredom creep in…Just make a bucket list! I love these lists for reminding me of things I can do with the kids throughout the course of our special time together.

Our weekends are filling up quickly with weddings and road trips, but we hope to take in some lazy days just playing with friends in addition to starting swim classes at Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor.

Here’s what my kids and I came up with for our list. I’ve posted the words below as well in case you are curious where some of the ideas are from {thanks, Pinterest!}.

With a little planning ahead, I think it’s feasible to accomplish it all, and then some. Cheers to summer adventures!

2017 Summer Bucket List

  • Camping {mom edit: for one night}
  • Paint rocks
  • Mud in our kiddie pool
  • Zoo
  • Baseball game {likely the Lugnuts}
  • Pick strawberries
  • Pick blueberries
  • Feed birds at Kensington {details in a post here}
  • Attend a carnival
  • Have a movie marathon on a rainy day
  • Bowling {with Kids Bowl Free}
  • Make homemade ice cream
  • Practice drawing with YouTube {check out the Art for Kids Hub}
  • Froot Loop necklaces
  • Farmers market
  • Check out a new park
  • Make sand volcanoes at the beach {example}
  • Play Pokemon Go
  • Slumber party
  • Make Kool-Aid rock candy {example}
  • Take a road trip
  • Outdoor concert
  • Take photos in Detroit
  • Zukey Lake Tavern for pizza with a view
  • Family bike ride
  • Michael’s Kid Craft
  • Alphabet scavenger hunt
  • Visit Lake Michigan for a day
  • MSU Children’s Gardens
  • Make rainbow soap bubbles {example}
  • Have a picnic at the lake
  • Chalk the entire driveway
  • Grow caterpillars and hatch butterflies {affiliate link for the kit}
  • Bonfire dinner
  • Skittles experiment {example}

What’s on your list this summer?

Breakfast On The Farm 2017: FREE Family Events in Michigan

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Breakfast on the Farm - Michigan

It’s getting to be that season…Baby animals are being born and it has me thinking about all the amazing farm events on the horizon. Three things I love: Michigan, agriculture and FREE family fun.

Every child deserves the opportunity to visit a farm and see where their food comes from. That’s why I love the Breakfast on the Farm events {a Michigan State University Extension Program}. These FREE events take place every year across the state.

There are only two events this year, but for a farm-loving kiddo, it would be worth a little road trip! These events are very well executed.

Breakfast on the Farm 2017 events include:

Cow Milking at Breakfast on the Farm

Milking a pretend cow at BOTF in Machester in 2015

All of the events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with breakfast ending at noon. Tickets are FREE and required for the breakfast. Locations where you can pick up your tickets will be posted on the website approximately one month before the event. Mark your calendar now because these events do sell out.

Learn more about what you can expect to see {and taste!} at these events at this post from my archives.

Sheep Shearing at Breakfast on the Farm

Seeing a sheep get sheared at BOTF. My kids loved watching!

Learn more at www.breakfastonthefarm.com or follow them on Facebook.

Put the opportunity for your family to visit a working farm on your family’s bucket list this summer!

Kids Bowl FREE Program {Summer 2017 Registration Now Open!}

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We are always looking for fun physical activities to do as a family, and bowling is a sport we love to do together, especially on a cold or rainy night. My daughters {4 and 6} enjoying going on special daddy-daughter date nights to bowl, and I love getting use out of my super sweet purple bowling shoes {worth the investment, people}!

The only bummer is that as a family of five, bowling can get really pricey for us, which is why I am a huge fan of the Kids Bowl Free program. If you aren’t familiar, it’s a program where kids under the age of 12 can get two free games of bowling per day all summer long {shoe rental is not included}.

Bowling helps kids with visual motor planning and it involves heavy work, which provides great input. It’s great for ALL kids, but especially those with sensory issues like my preschooler. She loves it! It also provides plenty of great opportunities to learn patience, another thing we are always working on here.

Even my toddler loves bowling! Just grab a ramp and set-up bumpers.

The 2017 summer registration is now open. The program runs from May 1 – September 4, 2017.

How To Register for Kids Bowl Free

  • Go to Kids Bowl Free and pick your state.
  • Select your nearest bowling alley from a list of participants (they are listed by city). Local readers: There are more than 75+ Michigan alleys listed.
  • Fill out the registration form.
  • You’re all set! You will receive a weekly email with your coupons at the start of each week.
  • Present your phone or printed version of the coupon at the alley where you are registered. (FYI – You may start getting emails from the bowling alley about upcoming programs, otherwise, the organization promises to not sell emails.)

Another thing to consider is adding a family pass, which is $26.95 for two people and allows for parents to get the same deal — two games per time. You can also just buy a 1-person add-on, or even up to 3 or four so grandparents can get in on the fun as well. {Tip: Save 20% off the Family Pass with code Refer20}

These savings can add up really quickly for a larger family, especially if you go a few times each month. For our family, I love having a little more budget for bowling alley pizza 😉

Sign up early and take advantage of the great savings. Have fun!

This is not sponsored content, however, affiliate links are included. When you click on the links, you help support this blog.

Family Fun In The Sun {+ Giveaway to The Henry Ford // Greenfield Village ENDS 7/27}

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The post below is sponsored by Meijer and Coppertone. All opinions expressed are my own.

Summer Fun

We are inching closer to the halfway point in the summer…Crazy right?! Can’t believe I’ll have a kindergartener in the fall!

Every summer, I make a bucket list. I love doing this because it helps give me ideas on what to do with the kids, and provides a big picture of what we need to plan and what adventures we can do when the kids are in the mood to get out.

This year’s list is quite ambitious, but I’m happy to report we’re down to half the list. Turns out my kids love adventures just as much as their mama, and we’re having a blast checking things off.

Making this list was a great reminder of how the little things make kids happiest during summer…The girls loved making slime and are looking forward to a picnic with McDonald’s. They came up with some fun ideas! Summer Bucket List

Since so many places are outside, we are always sure to load up on sunscreen for our adventures. My mom has had skin cancer removed, so it’s not something I take lightly, and my kids ALWAYS remind me by saying “don’t forget sumscreen, mom!” – LOL. I love that they are growing up with skin care on the brain because I suffered way too many burns as a kid and am sure I will pay in the years ahead.

Kinley and Sunscreen My trick to remembering is to load up on sunscreen before we go somewhere. I load the kids up in the van and apply it there. I love this trick because the kids are contained and won’t run off as I apply it 😉 It also gives the sunscreen time to dry before we’re exposed to the sun.

Since my dad lives on a lake, we are at the beach several times each week. I always make sure to re-apply when we stop to have lunch to allow some dry time before hitting the water again. We go through a TON of it each summer, so it’s important to me it’s affordable. The Clearly Sheer line from Coppertone is my personal favorite! I like the spray for my back when there aren’t other adults nearby to help me apply.

Sunscreen Regardless of all the scary articles you read online about sunscreen, fact is: Not wearing ANY at all is the worse choice you can make. As science has shown, nobody has ever died from wearing sunscreen, but someone dies each hour from melanoma. Make the smart choice and wear it!

Coppertone products are available at Meijer. Make sure to check your mPerks before shopping!

GIVEAWAY

I’ve partnered with Meijer and Coppertone to send one lucky person on a family fun summer adventure! One winner will receive tickets to be used either at The Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village.
Fun in the Sun + Giveaway to The Henry Ford

Enter using the form below. Giveaway ends on July 27, 2016 at midnight. Best of luck!

4 Tickets to Greenfield Village

Crazy 8 Summer Styles For Kids + $50 Gift Card Giveaway {ENDS 7/14}

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The post below is part of a sponsored campaign and clothing was provided, however, the views expressed are my own.

I have a few rules I follow for purchasing kid clothing if it costs more than $10:

  • Is it for a special occasion or photos? {If so, more than $10 may be OK}
  • Can they actually play in it and I don’t have to stress if it gets a stain?
  • Is it comfortable and functional? {Nobody likes whiny, uncomfortable kids}

With those questions answered, I’m not one to buy many clothes if they cost more than $10. Because kids grow an insane amount each year and I want kids that have fun and not stress when stains happen.

Enter Crazy 8 clothing. I love this brand for many reasons, but mostly? It’s affordable and fashionable!

If you aren’t familiar, Crazy 8 is a children’s clothing brand that makes fashion-forward, age-appropriate clothing for children age 6 months – 14 years of age. The concept is “life is crazy 8 days a week,” so they seek to give parents a break by making shopping fun, easy and affordable.

I recently got to try my hand at styling my kids based on their individual tastes. I do my best to embrace their unique styles and not force them into things they don’t love, so it made me so happy to see how excited they were to try on their new outfits and accessories.

Here are the items I picked:

Crazy 8 Summer Clothes

For my oldest, Kinley {5.5}, I decided to go for a sundress. As many of my readers knows, she’s not always a fan of dresses, so I made sure it met two pieces of her criteria: 1. It was cotton. 2. It was a shade of blue {her favorite color}. She was thrilled when she saw it.

I totally would wear this in my size, and now I have a mission to find a jean vest for myself – I love this look!

Crazy 8 - Kinley

Pairing it with some sassy accessories definitely helps up the cuteness factor, too! I find she is more open to wearing just about anything if I get her matching accessories {girl after my accessory-loving heart}.

Crazy 8 - Kinley

I have to say I have been loving her age so much! She’s so inquisitive and thoughtful.

Pictured: Faux Embroidered Dress | Jean Vest | Gem flower barrette  | Flower Bracelet | Glitter Sandals

My middle baby, Karina {almost 4}, is a bit trickier to buy clothing for. She has sensory issues, so above everything else, it MUST be comfortable. The moment she feels a tug or scratch, it’s off. I love that Crazy 8 has tons of awesome graphic tees because those are definitely her jam.

Crazy 8 - Karina

Once I read the phrase on the shirt to her, she was even more smitten since I always joke that she’s my beach baby. She was also beyond ecstatic for the sun hat because she loves hats and hoods.

Crazy 8 - Kar

I think she looked adorable in this outfit, and it’s so her with the soft, funky bubble shorts and fun accessories. It was fun watching her model and goof around with me!

Pictured: Beach T-Shirt | Ikate Bubble Shorts | Distressed Metallic Sandals | Stripe Small Hat | Bracelets

My baby boy, Miles {almost 2} is a breeze to buy for…So far, *I* get to pick the clothes, and I have too much fun dressing him. I’m cherishing these days before he has an opinion! So for now, it’s fedoras and aviators, bowties and silly tees.

Crazy 8 - Miles

And chambray. I’m obsessed! I love this “jean” fabric because it’s so easy to dress up or down. Doesn’t he look so dapper? Also, it’s soft…Because comfort is key!

DSC_0369

I couldn’t resist a few shots with the aviators too! This age is hard to capture on camera but it’s so important because they are so stinking cute. He is ready to hit up the yacht club or the lake in this get-up!

Pictured: Color Block Stripe Tee | Chambray Shorts | Aviator Sunglasses | Straw Fedora | Slip-On Sneakers

#Crazy8Kids Value Sweeps

Each month Crazy 8 customers can enter the #Crazy8ValueSweeps for a chance to win an $88 gift card by showing what items they purchased for under $88. To enter, upload a photo to Instagram and use the hashtag #Crazy8ValueSweeps. Rules are here.

Make sure to check out Crazy 8 for all their cute style and comment with your favorites below!

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a $50 gift card to Crazy 8. Exciting right?! Just follow the prompts below. Giveaway ends July 14, 2016 at midnight.

$50 Gift Card to Crazy 8

40+ Can’t Miss Summer Events in Southeast Michigan in 2016

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School is just about out for most schools in Michigan, which means one thing: Trying to keep kids occupied. There’s nothing that screams “summer” as much as a local fair or festival, complete with delicious tastes, smells and sounds.

To plan ahead, I’ve put together a list of 40+ of the can’t-miss summer events in Southeast Michigan this year. Take a peek and mark your favorites in your calendar for an action-packed summer of fun!

Summer Events in Southeast Michigan in 2016

JUNE

June 9 – 12 — Northville Summer Carnival {Northville}

June 10 – July 3 — Ann Arbor Summer Festival {Ann Arbor}

June 15 – 18 — Hamburg Family Fun Fest {Hamburg}

June 17 – 19 — The Belleville National Strawberry Festival {Belleville}

June 18 – 19 — Flint Art Fair {Flint}

June 21 – 25 — Manchester Community Fair {Manchester}

June 21 – 26 — Livonia Spree {Livonia}

June 24 – 26 — Detroit River Days {Detroit}

Detroit Riverfront - Summer Events in Southeast Michigan in 2016

June 24 – 26 — Trenton Summer Festival {Trenton}

June 24 – 26 — Michigan Challenge Balloonfest {Howell}

Balloonfest - Summer Events in Southeast Michigan in 2016

June 25 — Livingston County Airshow {Howell}

June 25 — Crusin’ Downriver {Downriver Cities}

June 25 – 26 — Sloan Museum Auto Fair {Flint}

June 27 — Ford Fireworks {Detroit}

Pick strawberries! A few spots: Rowe’s Produce Farm {Ypsilanti}, Spicer Orchards {Fenton}, Diederich’s Strawberry Farm {Webberville}, DeGroots Strawberry Farm {Gregory}, Blake Farms {Armada}, Westview Orchards {Washington Township}

JULY

July 5 – 10 — Common Ground Music Festival {Lansing}

July 7 – 10 — Uncle Sam Jam {Woodhaven}

July 8 – 17 — Oakland County Fair {Davisburg}

Oakland County Fair Rides - Summer Events in Southeast Michigan

July 8 – 10 — Blue Water SandFest {Port Huron}

July 8 – 9 — Elvisfest {Ypsilanti}

July 14 – 17 — Farmington Founders Festival {Farmington}

July 18 – 23 — St. Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair {Marysville}

July 21 – 24 — Ann Arbor Art Fair {Ann Arbor}

July 22 – 24 — Quake on the Lake {Waterford}

July 25 – 30 — Fowlerville Family Fair {Fowlerville}

July 28 – 30 — Sounds & Sights Festival {Chelsea}

July 28 – 31 — St. Clair Riverfest {St. Clair}

July 30 – 31 — Maker Faire Detroit {Dearborn at The Henry Ford}

July 31 – August 6 — Monroe County Fair {Monroe}

Pick blueberries at Hazens Blueberry Farm {Howell}

AUGUST

August 1 – 6 — Ingham County Fair {Mason}

August 5 – 6 — Lansing JazzFest {Lansing}

August 5 – 7 — Buy Michigan Now Festival {Northville}

August 8 – 13 — Wayne County Fair {Belleville}

August 12 – 14 — Milford Memories Summer Festival {Milford}

August 12 – 14 — Great Lakes Folk Festival {East Lansing}

August 12 – 14 — St. Johns Mint Festival {St. Johns}

August 15 – 21 — Armada Fair {Armada}

August 19 – 21 — Howell Melon Festival {Howell}

August 19 – 21, 26 – 28 — Day Out With Thomas at Huckleberry Railroad {Flint}

Day Out With Thomas Flint - Summer Events in Southeast Michigan

August 20 — Woodward Dream Cruise {Cities from Ferndale to Pontiac}

August 20 – October 2 — Renaissance Festival {Holly}

August 23-27 — Chelsea Community Fair {Chelsea}

August 20-21 — Thunder Over Michigan Air Show {Ypsilanti}

SEE ALSO: 90+ Places For Outdoor Activities in Southeast Michigan

Make sure to also stay tuned for my monthly calendar of fun, which includes lots of free fun!

What can’t miss events would you add to this list?

10 Tips for Visiting the Toledo Zoo

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10 Tips for Visiting The Toledo Zoo

My mom and I packed up the kids and my nephew and headed to the Toledo Zoo last week. It was wonderful! I hadn’t been there in years, and never with kids, so it was great to see what the updates were like…It was a whole different zoo than I remember. The grounds were immaculate and there were plenty of restrooms and spots to grab food.

However, with little kids, I always feel like I’m on a timer. They can only last so long in the heat and needing to rest, so a trip to a zoo that is more than an hour away from us, requires some planning. Thankfully, my kids were troopers and we spent around 5 hours there exploring.

After my visit, I was inspired to post so I remember what to do next time we visit. So here we go!

10 tips for visiting the Toledo Zoo

Pack a lunch {and don’t forget to bring it}.

I was so proud of my superwoman lunch packing skills…and then I left it at home. I spent $22 on three kids meals that were sub-par. There were plenty of stops for treats if you need it, but bring food if you want healthy options.

Bring strollers, even if your kids are older.

I took around 7,000 steps while there, so that’s a lot of walking for little legs. Make sure to bring strollers and wagons to accommodate little feet. The bridge to get to the ‘old’ side of the zoo is a huge ramp, so a bit of a workout 😉 {Strollers, double strollers and wagons are available for rent too for $7, $11 and $11 respectively.} My 6-year-old nephew even took his turn riding when he was tired.
 Playing at the Toledo Zoo

Map out your must-stop spots.

I wish we would’ve sat down and looked at the map in detail before starting to walk. Pick the must stop spots and make those your priority. There’s so much to see and you may miss out without proper planning. In our case, we missed the hippos, so heard some crying on the way out! Here’s the map. Note: The splash area is next to the aquarium. My kid’s loved the orangutans and gorillas most.

Start at the aquarium.

We did the ‘new’ side first, so by the time we got to the back where the aquarium is, my toddler was exhausted despite riding mostly in a wagon.

Also, for the record, the aquarium ROCKS. The touch pools were crowded, but so cool! This spot alone is worth the price of admission.

Aquarium at the Toledo Zoo

Bring money for the train/rides.

If your kids love carousels, there are two on the property and cost $1.50 and $2 to ride. There’s also a train to take you around to see the African Savannah wildlife for $2.50. Do it if your children love zebras, giraffes, etc. we missed out and I am bummed!

Bring a change of clothes for the Aquarium Adventure Trail.

There is a new splash area for little ones that is super cute. Please note there are no changing rooms nearby, so you will need to get into a suit in the bathroom. If the temperatures are high, my suggestion would just be to let kids get a bit wet in their clothesand change when you get to the car so you don’t have to carry extra stuff. Bring water-friendly shoes to avoid any slip and fall accidents. Great for cooling off on a hot summer day!

Aquarium Trail Splash Pad at the Toledo Zoo

Prepare for crowds, or go during an off time.

It was slammed when we went on a Wednesday morning. We had to park at the very back of the lot and had to wait to see many exhibits. That of course is a given during summer, so consider a visit when the temps are cooler if you hate crowds.

Break up the day with a FREE show.

We checked out one of the Soar N’ Explore shows, and it was super cute. My kids learned a ton and I liked breaking up the day sitting down in air conditioning.

Check out the unique play areas.

I loved that there were some really cool play areas for kids. Such a fun way to take a break from the animals or hang out while waiting for a show.

Play Areas at the Toledo Zoo

The area on the left is called Nature’s Neighborhood, and the areas on the right are new and located near the splash pad.

Prices.

It’s not cheap to visit, but when you consider the amount of animals you can see, plus the playgrounds, free shows, splash area and aquarium, the prices don’t seem quite as steep. You’ll definitely want to spend the entire day here to get your money’s worth if you aren’t a member. Children age 2 and under are free; kids ages 2-11 are $18, seniors {60+} are $18 and adults are $21. Parking is an additional $8.

Toledo Zoo Sign

Overall, this zoo is top-notch, especially for little ones. My oldest is already asking when we can go back, and I look forward to planning out our visit a bit better for next time. Enjoy if you go!

Do you have tips to add? Please chime in and help my readers!

Summer Must: Visiting The Howell Nature Center

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Howell Nature Center

We nixed cable for one solid reason: To have the perfect excuse to get outside more. I can’t even tell you how much I have loved not having it to distract us!

I’m a huge proponent of getting lots of outdoor time with kids. While I’m no scientist, I will tell you that my mom experience has taught me that kids just sleep better, behave better and eat better after getting in outdoor time.

One of our favorite places near us is the Howell Nature Center. You guys – this place is pure magic and definitely Livingston County’s best secret for kids. How about some visuals to get you excited?!

To give you the full mental picture, let’s start at the beginning. The Howell Nature Center is off a dirt road – Triangle Lake road for those of you in the area. When traveling into Howell from I-96, you’ll want to take the D-19 exit and head south.

Plug this into your GPS: 1005 Triangle Lake Road, Howell, MI 48843.

Howell Nature Center - Welcome Center

When you arrive, you’ll want to check-in. It’s $6/adult, $4/child, 2 and under are free. Alternatively, you can buy an annual family pass for $50 and get a tax deduction. The nature center is a non-profit, but not funded by any government agency, so collecting payment is crucial to keep it going.

Tip: If you have a library card, rent a Michigan Activity Pass and go for free!

After we check-in, we always have to pause for a photo-op with the tree man statue {what my kids call him}.Howell Nature Center Tree
From there, head into the Wildlife Wonders Park to see the animals. But not before taking a pause to admire the beauty that makes up the entrance. How serene is this?! I could admire the flowers and the ducks usually playing in the water for hours.

Howell Nature Center - Wild Wonders

Follow the path to peer in at some adorable animals, all native to Michigan. Honestly, I almost prefer this to the zoo for little ones. The entire trail is a 1/2 mile, so just enough for kids to walk without complaining. With that said, it’s VERY hilly. My trusty Graco stroller makes it through the wood chips, but I’m guessing an umbrella stroller may not. Babywearing is a great option for infants. Little ones will want to explore!

Woody at the Howell Nature Center

I adore reading the animal stories of how they came there. Some were former pets and some were injured in the wild and would have never survived without a little extra help. The nature center has staff and a vet there to help make sure they are well taken care of. The bobcats, turkey, snowy owl, red foxes and opossum are a few of my favorites. They all have such personalities!

The area is heavily wooded, so be sure to apply bug spray if needed and don’t get off the trail because you will find poison ivy.

Howell Nature Center Alexandria's Naturescape

After checking out the animals, we usually head up the road to my kid’s favorite spot: Alexandria’s Naturescape, which is an interactive nature-filled oasis meant for kids to explore. Make sure to read the rules encouraging play.

The naturescape has TONS to explore – a HUGE treehouse, two giant sandboxes, musical instruments, a fairy area, a spider web climber and more.

Howell Nature Center Tree House

For this area, I would pack a few extras. If your child loves to get wet, pack a swim suit, a towel, change of clothes, an extra pair of shoes and some water toys. My girls like to bring buckets to collect random objects.

In the river inside Alexandria’s Naturescape, kids are encouraged to climb the rocks and get inside the water. Forget Disney folks, this is where it’s at if you’re under the age of 10.

Howell Nature Center Fountain

In the naturescape area, there is a port potty, however, if you’re kids prefer the real deal, there also is a full restroom just a short hike up the hill.

After we play, we typically find a picnic table and sit down to eat. We love to eat near the butterfly garden at the end of the Wild Wonders trail.

{Note: There are not many restaurants near by, so plan to pack a picnic. If you do need food, check out B-Line Bar up the road. It’s a dive bar, but has amazing pizza! Visit on a Tuesday and get the family meal deal, which includes a large pizza, breadsticks and a beverage for $12.}

Butterfly Garden at the Howell Nature Center

Not only does the nature center have this amazingly beautiful property to explore, but they also offer summer camps, retreat facilities, high adventures, including eco zip tours, plenty of special events and programming. So much potential for nature lovers!

After a day of exploring, it’s usually a miracle if my kids can stay awake on the ride home. The nature center is definitely our happy place, and a spot where we spend a ton of time during summer.

The Howell Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Follow on Facebook and Twitter for more great information.

Where is your favorite nature-filled place to squeeze in some outdoor time?

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