Day Trips

My nephew wanted to know what there is to do as far as day trips from around this part of Michigan. I decided instead of just emailing him back, to blog it; because it can be used as a reference later when Grand kids are visiting and I can use the practice making links. So here goes. From 1-12 in no particular order.

1. Crossroads Village in Flint. Take a 35 minute scenic ride the Huckleberry Railroad. Or a 45 minute ride on the Genesee Belle Steamboat. It is a replica of a paddle-wheel river boat from the era of Mark Twain. You can also spend a day in the Crossroads Village and experience pioneer life. Kids can see, touch and taste history.

2. Detroit Zoo. Fun for all ages. Adult tickets are $11.00, Kids $7.00 and under 2 are Free. Parking is $5.00. Check out their calendar of events!

3. Castaway Cafe, Michigan's largest indoor play structure. Four giant slide, a suspension bridge, room with jumbo sized balls to play with and so much more. There is a special room for toddlers with pint sized equipment. Food and drinks available and a cafeteria style dining area.

4. Kensington Metro's Splash N Blast water play center. This link takes you to a Detroit News article talking about the opening of the Splash N Blast water park.

5. Exhibit Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor. This seems more appropriate for older children, but check out the web site for yourself. They also have a planetarium.

6. East Lansing Family Aquatic Center. Open May 29th to September 7th. Great family oriented fun. Water slide, diving board, water play area, large pool.

7. Bounce University. Located in Brighton, Michigan. Check out this web site for Open Bounce times. They have preschool play dates, family bounce nights, and Open Bounce for all ages.

8. Impression 5 science center in Lansing. A great hands on learning environment for kids. Children 5 & up $5.00. Adults $5.00 and children under 5 pay their age. If you want a preview before you go, their website has a video of things you can see and do.

9. Howell Nature Center No admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $4.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Take a walk along a woodchipped path and see all the beautiful animal exibits, many have ponds, murals, waterfalls etc. See an eagle, hawks, owls, cranes and other interesting birds like the turkey vulture. Mammals abound as well, see fox, deer, bobcats and beaver. Don't forget to look for Woody, Michigan's famous goundhog and the if you howl at the coyotes, they'll howl back at you.

10. Bronners in Frankenmuth - The World's largest Christmas store. This is a year around attraction. Eat a traditional chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn or Zehenders. Take a walk downtown and don't miss the candy store, the kids will love it.

11. Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. This place has tons of things to offer young families. Thomas the tank engine is making an appearance, check out the website for dates.

12. Henry Ford Museum So much to see and do, I'm not even going to try to list them.

If you know of other places of interest in this area, please leave me a comment and I'll add it to the blog.