So I am taking 6 of my Godchildren tomorrow and I want to take them some place fun, exciting and somewhat inexpensive. We've gone to Cranbrook, all area Macomb County parks (literally, if it's a good park, we've been there) and of course the zoo/Henry Ford/etc. I guess I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas of outings that I haven't thought of before that would be a fun outing with "Aunt J." for the kiddos. They are ages 3-12 years old. Thanks in advance...I figured this would be the best place to ask!
I took the kids to a few garage sales, then off to Walmart where we picked up their choices for a picnic lunch. I also purchased 3 frisbees, 3 bouncy balls, 2 baseballs and 6 bubble wands. All those items were just a $1 each. The bubble wands are THE BEST ever so I would strongly encourage purchasing them.
After that we went to May Stecker park (24 and Van Dyke). We had been there before but the kids loved playing w/ the balls and bubbles and frisbees so it was like a whole new experience. We played on their 3 playgrounds and then went to feed the ducks. After all that we got pictures by the huge train (on the premises).
Then I loaded them all up and got them a drink from McDonalds and water and off we went to the Stoney Creek Nature center. We got there at 4:30 and by the time I got the six kids (somehow I got the baby too so they were 6 under 12, with the youngest being 1 yr (adjusted age...really 9 months)out of the car, it was closer to 4:40. The kids LOVED the turtles and snakes and animal skins. It was a huge hit and they talked about it a lot to their mom, so thanks for that suggestion.
Thank you ladies for all those suggestions, I will look forward to doing some of the fun things you mentioned soon. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
How nice of you!
It is going to be a beautiful day. Bordine park in Rochester Hills is fun. You can pack a picnic lunch and go.
I recently took my kids to the Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor. It was great-- and something for each age group.
Two great places are the Detroit Childrens' Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum. Admission prices for these venues are inexpensive and sometimes you can get a museum pass from your local library. This allows for a few free admissions to the site. My 3 year old son LOVED going to both of these museums...lots of interactive exhibits!
Have you been to the Rochester Park. It is located off of Pine street near downtown Rochester. If you are at the intersection of University and Rochester Rd...go west. Turn right onto Pine and there is a parking lot. There is one park there, and there is a walking path around the area. There is another park (walk the path) on the other side...much bigger with two sections for different ages. There are many picnic tables around, so bring a lunch...or you can easily walk into town and grab a bite.
In town, there is The Painted Pot...each child could pick something to paint (Mother's Day is coming...). There's also a new toy store, Froggy's, where they could browse.
Have fun!
The Howell Nature Center (obviously in Howell) is not only a great park, but they also have an animal rehabilitation center.
I also read that Stoney Creek Nature Center has something going on everyday this week because the Macomb Co kids are off school.
Kensington Metropark also has two goats that had babies this week - one had twins and the other triplets - very rare since goats typically have one kid!
Enjoy!
Go to Macomb pool because you in macomb definatly cheaper for you. Take them to open bowl at the bowling alley. Ske them what they want to do or chuckie cheese dave and busters.
Madison Heights Nature center, Detroit Science museum, Creative Art Studios in Royal Oak where they can paint?
Maybe an inflatable playplace like Pump It Up (Auburn Hills) or Bounce U (Troy). Many have special bounce times this week due to school vacations. I believe Pump It UP has an open bounce from 12-1:30 for all ages everyday this week. I went on Monday...similar situation...I have 2 three year olds and my girlfriend was visiting with 3 eleven year olds. Needed an activity that they all could enjoy...they all had a great time! The cost is typically $7 for first child and $5 for each addt'l child. Since you have so many, you may want to inquire about a deal or coupons. I know some of the coupon savers you get in the mail sometimes has coupons for these places and you can get them online. Also, the 2009 entertainment book has coupons for both places. Have fun!
Maybe go to the library and check out one of those museum passes. You will still have to pay for a couple of you but many of them are for 4 people. I also agree with the jump houses. Look around. There are some that include free video games so it is like an arcade for when they get tired bouncing. It is great for that whole age group!
check out Arts and Scraps in Detroit on Harper. Website is artsandscraps.org. Tons of cool stuff to do and find to make crafts for next to nothing. I also used to take my neices to play laser tag.
I found a place online that I have been dying to take my kids to, although I haven't been there yet, I hear it's great!
It's called Marvins Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills. No admission, and the kids can see all sorts of historical mechanical things from games, video games, model airplanes and whatever! It looked like fun, and my kids are 6 & 18, so finding things to do with both of them can be difficult!
