Summer Fun 2022
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:
Music Concert Series — and MORE!
The City of Southfield is hosting a series of FREE concerts this summer. You’ll also find links to Movie Nights, fireworks and more family fun.
https://www.oaklandcountymoms.com/southfield-free-summer-concerts-25808/
PARKS
The Clinton Huron Metro Parks are ideal for families. Each park hosts a variety of activities and special events.
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. These institutions do more than house treasures of art and history: They help reveal the treasures inside each of us.
Detroit Historical Museum
https://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information
Detroit Institute of Arts
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
PS: Don’t miss the 157th anniversary of Juneteenth June 18 & 19.
https://www.thewright.org/events/juneteenth-jubilee-freedom-weekend
The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, The Rouge and Giant Screen Experiences
Arab American National Museum
https://arabamericanmuseum.org/
Michigan Science Center
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.
Camps
Many community centers and organizations and museums offer camps. These are just a few:
- CAMP AFRICA 2022: HIDDEN FIGURES OF THE DIASPORA at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Monday, July 5, 2022 – to Friday, August 5, 2022 weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for details.
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/
Music Events
Nearly every community has music, and most are free of charge.
https://www.downtowndearborn.org/event/music-in-the-park/
Drive-Ins / Movies
Drive in Movies in Ferndale: Pandemic-friendly Drive-In movie events will be held at South Parking Lot of Ferndale High School
New Center Movies Wednesday and Friday nights at New Center. Park free and enjoy outdoor screenings. Newcenterpark.com
Hit the Beach
Michiganders are never far from water and beaches are closer than you may think. Check out this list of nearby surf and sand.
Art Fairs
Practically every weekend you can find an art fair. This list is just a sample. To link to details, please click on the art fair’s name.
Grand Haven Art Festival, June 24-26
Art in the Park, July 8-10, Plymouth
Ann Arbor Art Fair, July 21-23
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, July 30-31, West Bloomfield
Belle Isle Art Fair, Aug. 6-7, Detroit
East Lansing Art Festival, May 20-21
Hazel Park Art Fair, Aug. 27-28
St. Clair Art Fair, June 25-26
