Summer Fun 2021

Summer is here and families can’t wait to get outside and have fun. And after the last year, we all need fresh air and family time away from screens. Here are some resources for activities in the Metro area:

PARKS

The Clinton Huron Metro Parks are ideal for families. Each park hosts a variety of activities and special events.

https://www.metroparks.com/

State Parks

Belle Isle, Detroit became Michigan’s 102nd State Park in 2014 and there is a fee to enter. There’s a sandy beach with restrooms and a concession stand. While you are there, enjoy Belle Isle’s Aquarium, Nature Center, Conservatory, and the Detroit Historical Society’s Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

Aquarium

https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information

Belle Isle Nature Center hosts the Nature Tots program, guided mindfulness, full moon hikes and an outdoor macrophotography exhibition featuring local pollinators.

Downtown Detroit Parks

Among them are:

Urban Beach at Campus Martius is in the center of Downtown Detroit with 4OO,OOO pounds of sand and colorful, comfortable lounge chairs for a relaxing atmosphere in a beach-like setting during the spring and summer.

https://downtowndetroitparks.com/parks/Campus-Martius/things_to_do_in/The-Beach

Beacon Park has expansive green space, year-round events, interactive light installations and restaurant featuring rooftop seating with panoramic views of the park and city skyline.

https://empoweringmichigan.com/beacon-park/

Detroit Riverfront

So many activities, bike rentals and carousel and Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront program offers kids the chance to hear books read by local celebs and community leaders.

https://detroitriverfront.org/

Museums and Art

Most museums have family and child-centered evets in addition to their exhibits and tours. It’s never too early to introduce your child to museums and culture.

Detroit Historical Museum

https://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information

Detroit Institute of Arts

https://www.dia.org/visit

Charles Wright Museum

https://www.thewright.org/

PS: Don’t miss the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth June 17-20.

https://www.thewright.org/events/juneteenth-jubilee-freedom-weekend

The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, The Rouge and Giant Screen Experiences

https://www.thehenryford.org/

Arab American National Museum
https://arabamericanmuseum.org/

Michigan Science Center

https://www.mi-sci.org/

Cranbrook Science Center

https://science.cranbrook.edu/

Detroit Zoo

Major exhibits include the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center and Butterfly Garden.

https://detroitzoo.org/

Camps

Many community centers and organizations and museums offer camps. These are just a few:

CAMP AFRICA 2021: HIDDEN FIGURES OF THE DIASPORA at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Monday, July 5, 2021 – to Friday, August 6, 2021 weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PBA Royal Performing Arts and Training School

The PBA Royal Brand Brings Arts and Education to Detroit Area Communities

Public Libraries

Most every public library in Michigan hosts fantastic summer programs. Check your local library.

Here is a sample from Southfield Public Library. All of them are listed at:

https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/

Program #1 Kitten Around in the Kitchen with Shari — Fridays in July 9,16, 23 and 30 2:-2:30 p.m. ZOOM

Foodie Fan and Youth Librarian Shari in the library kitchen leads families through simple recipes with an “animaltastic” twist!

Program #2 Artistic Animal Antics Basics with Brad – Tuesday, June 29 2:00-3:00pm ZOOM

Artist Brad Johnson eads you through the basics to create you very own cartoon creature.

Program #3 Outdoor Story Times with Rec on the Move! Outdoors at different parks- masked and socially distanced fun including craft kits, books and more giveaways plus Family Storytime

Program #4 Storytime Al Fresco– Wednesdays June 23 August 25 2:00-2:30pm- Outdoors in Person

Program #5- Movie Magic Under the Stars Monday, August 9 6 to 8pm- In Person
Movie on a giant LED screen. Masks will be required for those over 5.