Get ready to roar with pride with the Detroit Lions in the playoffs! We’re giving away an incredible prize package to level up your Lions fandom.
Score a $100 gift card to Kiloh + Co to gear up in style and a $100 gift card to Corktown Tap House for a perfect game day bite.
Fill out the form below by Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, for your chance to win these two $100 gift cards (total value $200).
This sweepstakes begins on Jan. 17, 2025, and ends on Jan. 18, 2025. One winner will be selected to receive the prize, valued at $200, and will be notified via the email address provided in the entry. Good luck!
Mornings can feel like a whirlwind for busy families, and finding a breakfast that’s quick, nutritious and kid-approved is no small feat. But cereal and milk — a timeless pairing — offers endless possibilities beyond the standard bowl. With a little creativity, you can transform this classic combo into fun, flavorful meals that keep your family fueled and happy.
We tapped into the culinary expertise of metro Detroit parent Heather Torrente — a certified chef and family consumer science teacher at Berkley’s Anderson Middle School — to serve up five practical and delicious ways to transform cereal and milk into breakfast magic.
5 fun twists to elevate cereal and milk
From crunchy parfaits to savory surprises, these five creative twists on cereal and milk will add a splash of fun and flavor to your family’s morning routine.
Elevated basic: warm milk changes everything
“We get so pigeonholed into what’s easy, we forget that trying simple things to jazz it up a little bit is fun,” Torrente says.
Cold mornings call for a classic: whole-grain oatmeal with a sliced banana or pear (or crunchy pomegranate seeds) topped with warm milk. For extra nutritional value, make your oatmeal with milk instead of water. Try this recipe for a slow-cooked version!
Warmed milk turns cold cereal into something to look forward to. Fill the bowl with a hearty, whole-grain cereal like shredded wheat, Wheetabix, Oatmeal Squares, Bran Chex or Special K Red Berries, then top with warmed whole or 2% milk. Add a favorite sliced fruit.
Cereal-crusted creations: sweet or savory fun
Not in the mood for the frying pan? Torrente recommends skipping the stovetop and heading straight to the air fryer. “Air fry them, 1000%,” Torrente says. “Using cereal as your crumb coating is perfect because it’s already dry. Put it in the food processor or crush by hand in a Ziploc bag.”
Cereal-coated French toast starts with whole-grain bread, dipped in a milk-and-egg mixture, then coated in crushed cereal like corn flakes, Grape Nuts, raisin bran, or Wheat Chex. Fry in a pan or air fry until golden, then top with yogurt and fruit.
For a savory twist, coat mozzarella sticks in a milk wash, roll in crushed cereal like Rice Krispies, and air fry until crisp. These protein-packed bites are great for breakfast or even on-the-go snacks. Torrente loves these — and so will you.
Parfaits and breakfast bowls are easy — and healthy
If you’re looking for something simpler but just as fun, try turning your morning cereal into an easy parfait or breakfast bowl.
For a parfait, start with a tall glass, layer yogurt or cottage cheese, nuts and sliced fruit. Whole grain granola is classic, but virtually any cereal will work here (we love this Cheerios version). Parent tip: Kids love making their own parfaits — layering yogurt, fruit and cereal is as fun as it is tasty!
For a breakfast bowl, start with a layer of yogurt (or even a milk-based fruit smoothie), add sliced fruit, whatever seeds or nuts you have on hand, plus a handful of granola or cereal. Want a probiotic version? Try using kefir instead of yogurt.
Breakfast cookies FTW
“Breakfast cookies are great because you can pack them full of protein.” With powdered milk or whey and dried fruit, these cookies make a nutritious, portable breakfast or snack. “If you like them savory, you could totally twist it up,” Torrente says. (Think sausage, eggs and cheese or zucchini and cream cheese.)
Stick to the milk and cereal theme and make a classic — but healthier — oatmeal cookie to enjoy at breakfast or after school. Try these apple cinnamon breakfast cookies loaded with flaxseed meal, nuts, and milk for extra nutrition.
Just for fun, start with ‘cereal milk’ and get creative
Yes, cereal milk is a thing, says Torrente. “Christina Tosi, the owner of Milk Bar, started the cereal milk craze and now here we are,” she says.
The basic idea: infuse milk with cereal, then use this flavored milk wherever and whenever you want. The cereal you choose “all depends on what you’re going for. Tosi started with corn flakes to get that corny bite, but she started doing other things, too. The amount of things you can do with cereal milk is huge.” Torrente encourages creativity!
Soak your preferred cereal in your milk and strain. Then use your cereal milk in:
Cereal milk pancakes
Cereal milk pudding “Layer with fresh fruit for a parfait-style dessert,” Torrente suggests.
Cereal milk baked goods, like muffins or quick breads.
Cereal milk latte. Your morning coffee, but better,
With these simple yet creative ideas, cereal and milk are no longer just a quick breakfast — they’re a versatile canvas for delicious family meals. Which will you try first?
Content sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Find more recipes and nutrition facts atmilkmeansmore.org.
If your kid is anything like mine, he wants to wear as much Detroit Lions gear as he can get his hands on to show his support while we’re at a game or watching from home. These online shops and local spots have got you covered.
This online apparel company offers toddler and youth Detroit apparel. Also, check out their Valentine’s Day collection, which offers customizable options for kids. They offer free shipping on your order of $100 or more or local pickup in Macomb.
This store has so many apparel and accessory options for children – including jerseys, socks, hoodies, bracelets, hairbows, jackets, hats, T-shirts, headbands and more.
Address: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4202 Baldwin Ave., Auburn Hills
Shop kid’s jerseys, onesies, hoodies, T-shirts, socks and more. Gameday Detroit has two seasonal locals in downtown Detroit during the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions games – one on Adams Avenue and the other on Brush Street. They also offer curbside pickup for online orders at their corporate headquarters in Hazel Park.
Shop Aidan Hutchinson’s clothing line for your kids. Shop tees, crewnecks, hoodies, onesies and even Sherpa blankets. House of Hutch supports children fighting life-threatening illnesses.
This chic local apparel company doesn’t have a storefront, but they are at different pop-ups throughout the year. They also offer order pickups in Livonia on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed on Jan. 20).
This Detroit streetwear brand focuses on telling a story through apparel, while benefiting the community along the way. Each drop, they donate to a different charity. Clothing items for kids include hoodies, crewnecks and tees. In their first two years, they’ve collaborated with David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Penei Sewell, J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, Vladimir Konstantinov, among many others on sold out, limited collections.
This article was published on Jan. 16, 2025, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes highlighting the best places to get your kids Detroit merch! For questions, contact Kari atkari@metroparent.com.
Looking for the best indoor play places in metro Detroit to keep your kids entertained when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Whether you have toddlers or tweens, these fun-filled indoor attractions offer something for everyone.
From interactive playgrounds to exciting birthday party venues and even educational classes, these indoor play areas are perfect for burning off energy while making unforgettable memories.
We’ve curated a list of the top indoor play places in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, guaranteed to bring smiles to your little ones—and make your day easier too!
Best indoor play places near me
Best indoor play places in Oakland County
Photo credit: Boogie Babies
Kids in Oakland County will definitely have a blast at these thrilling indoor play destinations.
Address: 1928 Star Batt Drive, Suite B, Rochester Hills
Boogie Babies combines learning and fun with slot racing, puppet magic,= and an exciting indoor playground. Perfect for playdates, birthdays or a day of imaginative, energy-filled fun!
Address: 2295 E. Lincoln St., Suite 150, Birmingham
This children’s education concept center features sustainable S.T.E.A.M.-focused toys and rotates stations so there are new activities for your kids to enjoy all the time, ensuring they never get bored! Recommended for ages 10 and under.
This play place features an indoor playground, pizza cafe and private party rooms. There’s also a performance stage that features live interactive entertainment. This place is ideal for kid’s birthday parties.
This all-natural play and wellness center offers drop-in play and fitness classes for ages 0-6. Plus, free support groups for parents on topics like baby-wearing, infant massage and birth recovery.
The ultimate paradise for all ages! Engage in the interactive laser tag maze, go-karts, a huge mini golf course, trampolines and a climbing wall. Enjoy indoor and outdoor amenities that are all handicap accessible.
Located inside Great Lakes Crossing. Kids get to explore the world of Peppa Pig including George’s Fort, Grandad Dog’s Garage, Miss Rabbit’s Supermarket and Peppa’s TreeHouse. Offers birthday parties, too.
This eco-friendly play center has a custom-built climbing structure with a northern Michigan theme and a smaller play structure for toddlers. Their cafe serves nutritious treats.
This sports park has it all! There are many attractions to fulfill every child’s need for speed. These include the drop tower, saddle sling, spinning coaster, golf dome, laser tag, bowling alley, arcade and many racing tracks.
Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub. They also have additional locations in Farmington Hills and Canton.
This dinosaur-themed playscape offers a jungle gym with slides and other obstacles, plus a soft-play area for babies and toddlers. Stop by during the day or plan your next party.They also have a second location in Madison Heights.
Check out Michigan’s first Fowling Warehouse at this location. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play to try your hand at the football-meets-bowling game of fowling. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.
Check out this play space with multi-level, soft-play climbing structures. There’s also an area for little ones, a Lite-Brite, light gallery, coloring corner and sensory boards.
Offers challenging obstacles out of American Ninja Warrior, including Devil Steps, Wing Nuts and Double Salmon Ladder. Take them on and see if you have what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior.
Explore loads of STEM toys and hands-on learning at this play place. Check their website for summer camps, school field trips and birthday party information. They also have a second location in Howell.
Do you know what’s better than an indoor play space? One that’s free! That’s right, 2|42 Community Church offers a free kid-friendly play area that’s open to the public. Inside, you’ll find a playground, climbing area, toddler area and more.
This children’s museum always provides an interactive space where kids can play and learn. The museum has 10 exhibits. These exhibits include the STEAM Park and All About You gallery.
Bring the kids to this spot, which features basketball, dodgeball, battle pit, trampoline courts, launch pad, cliffhanger and more. Also, play at the arcade where you can win tickets and trade them in for prizes.
This article was recently updated on Jan. 14, 2025 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris.Questions? Please reach out tokatina@metroparent.com.
School’s out the week of Feb. 17 for mid-winter break. Depending on where your child goes to school, they could be on break for a couple of days or for the entire week.
With low temps outside, it’s easy to fall into the boring trap of staying indoors at home. Keeping that in mind, we have rounded up a sampling of mid-winter break activities in metro Detroit for you to check out with your kids.
Asking yourself what to do in metro Detroit during mid-winter break with your kids? Check out these cool activities and events taking place the third week in February.
Mid-Winter Break Activities in Detroit and around metro Detroit
Explore Black History at The Henry Ford through musical, dramatic and dance performances, through to With Liberty and Justice for All exhibit and more all month long.
Cost: $7-$8/adults, $5-$6/seniors 62+ and kids 2-12, free for kids under 2. This cost is in addition to the general admission price.
Explore the life, history and science of Archimedes of Syracuse (287-212 B.C.E.). This traveling exhibit features more than 60 hands-on inventions and exhibits.
In honor of Black History Month, enjoy a screening of Black Panther (PG13). The movie begins at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last.
This ninth annual expo features book discussions, kids activities, meet-and-greets with Black authors and more. The first 100 adults receive a swag bag.
This article was updated on Jan. 14, 2025, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes adding kid-frienly events to check out over mid-winter break to the MetroParent.com calendar and highlighting the best events to check out with your family. For questions, contact Kari atkari@metroparent.com.
Do you have an aspiring hockey player or figure skater on your hands? Help your child learn the fundamentals of ice skating or increase their skating game with some ice skating lessons. These Macomb County spots offer Learn to Skate programs for kids as young as 3 — all the way up to adults — and allow skaters to learn and advance at their own pace. Some ice rinks even offer parent-tot classes and adaptive skating programs.
If you’re ready to enroll your child in ice skating lessons in Macomb County, read on for information.
Equipment needed: Helmets (bike or hockey) are required. Skaters should wear winter jackets, gloves, snow pants and skates. Skate rentals are available.
Big Boy Arena’s Learn to Skate program has a session going on right now on Mondays and Wednesdays for an hour-long practice. Skaters meet twice a week for three weeks. Snowplow Sam 1-4 for ages 5 and under, Basic levels 1-6 for ages 6-18 and Adult levels 1-6 for those older than age 18 are offered here.
Equipment needed: Those who don’t have their own skates can rent them for $3 per session. Helmets (hockey or bike) are required for kids ages 5 and under, but use your discretion for ages 6 and up. Snow pants, winter gloves and snow jackets are recommended for skaters.
Classes are offered year-round at the Mount Clemens Ice Arena. Skaters are evaluated in the first and then moved to the class that best suits their skill level. Most classes are 25 minutes long, except for hockey and freestyle, which run 50 minutes. Online registration is required for the 7- to 8-week sessions.
Equipment needed: Helmets, along with mittens or gloves are required for children under age 6. Winter gear is recommended. Skate rentals are available for an extra cost.
This Learn to Skate Program is offered in 8-week sessions for tots all the way up to adults. An adaptive skating program is offered here, as well. To sign up for lessons, call St. Clair Shores Parks & Recreation at the phone number listed above. An annual basic skills membership fee, which is $18.50 on the Learn to Skate USA website, must be paid to participate in lessons.
Equipment needed: Helmets (bike or hockey) are recommended for all ages. Skate rentals available for $4 for those who don’t own skates. Snow pants, gloves and cold-weather gear are recommended.
The Suburban Skating School is one of the largest Learn to Skate programs in the United States with more than 4,000 participants. It boasts lessons for ages 3-adult — and even offers a parent-tot class. Winter session No. 2 is approaching quickly (Feb. 23-April 3), so you’ll want to register for that one as soon as possible! There’s also plenty of time to register for Spring 1 (April 6-May 22) sessions.
Eastpointe (formerly known as East Detroit) is home to the Shamrocks and serves as the Gateway to Macomb County. Since it’s located along Eight Mile Road, it shares a border with Detroit and Harper Woods making it easy to get into Wayne County.
There are plenty of places to enjoy with your family in downtown Eastpointe. Here’s our handy guide for exploring this Macomb County downtown.
Dine
Photo credit: Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development
This family-owned restaurant offers breakfast all day, sandwiches, wraps, pitas, burgers, hot dogs, salads, starters and entrees. End the meal with a Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puff, banana split or a malt/shake.
This pizza place opened in 1949 and is considered one of the birthplaces of Detroit-style pizza using the founders’ own mother’s recipe. They also offer specialty pizzas in flavors such as BLT, Bruschetta, Reuben, Hawaiian, Mexican and more. Visit and learn about the historic connection between Cloverleaf and Buddy’s Detroit-style pizza!
Enjoy popular items like a Coney Island hot dog with some chili cheese fries or the corned beef sandwich on an onion roll or rye bread at this restaurant. They have a corned beef egg roll, wing dings and a grilled chicken pita that are must-tries, as well.
Shop the highest quality bicycles and accessories including helmets, locks, mirrors, bells, lights, bags, hydration and more. They sell snow, hiking and swim equipment, too.
The Children’s Garden is such a unique public art space. View the large mural, titled the Rainbow Maker, which was painted by Wendy Popko. You’ll also see lots of fun sculptures along the way.
Any Eastpointe resident may obtain a library card at Eastpointe Memorial Library. For ages 18 and up, bring in your Michigan drivers license or identification card or proof of residency with your name and address on it (current utility bill, current automobile registration, rent receipt or current property tax receipt). Any residents under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a library card application with the proof of residency listed above.
This 11,000 square-foot museum features actual artifacts, uniforms, weapons and equipment from the military. They have a Young Modelers Club that meets every Saturday morning at the museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 20, 2024. Ages 8-16 (and their parents) are welcome to join.
Located in Memorial Park. Bring your furry friends to get some exercise at this off-the-leash dog park. You’ll need a key fob to access the park. To get one, bring your dog license receipt and vaccination records to the Recreation Authority Center. The cost for the annual key fob is $25/resident, $35/non-resident and $10 for a replacement fob.
Also known as “RARE,” this recreation center is located in Roseville, but is accessible to Eastpointe residents. It offers family-friendly events and programs for all ages. The pool can be used on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. September-mid June. The cost for the pool is $3 for ages 17 and under, $5 for ages 18-54 and $4 for ages 55-plus.
This park offers a playground, tennis court, disc golf course, a soccer field, horseshoe courts, shuffleboard and plenty of picnic tables. There’s a walking trail and a sledding/climbing hill, too.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this — including other Macomb County downtowns — at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
