Family Museum Guide: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is packed with lots of history, artifacts, inventions and hands-on experiences. It was named after Henry Ford, the man that created the Ford Motor Company.

Quick details about The Henry Ford:

Photo credit: Kari Zaffarano

• Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
• Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Cost: $38/adults, $34.25/seniors, $28.50/ages 5-11, free/under 5; $9/parking

Things to do with kids at The Henry Ford:

Photo credit: KMS Photography

• Some must-sees at the museum are the Rosa Parks Bus, Kennedy Limousine The Lincoln Chair, model trains and Allegheny Steam Locomotive.
• Tinkering for Tots is a preschool program that runs 10 a.m.-noon on select days. This monthly preschool-aged event features a story, artifact of the day, open exploration and take-home activity.
• Stop by the Lionel Model Train exhibit to get a free copy of Story Stroll’s book (limit one per group, while supplies last). Every month features a new book.
• Walk through “Your Place in Time” to explore five generations of the 20th century. Kids will get a kick out of the MTV green screen, what a 1980s bedroom used to look like, what a Macintosh computer looked like before Macs and more. At the end, draw your own visions of the future.
• Car lovers will love “Driving in America” showcasing more than 100 vehicles from over the years. Also, stop by “Driven to Win” to immerse yourself in a 180-degree multisensory theater experience, “Fueled by Passion.”

Tips for families when visiting The Henry Ford:

Photo credit: Wes Duenkel Motorsport Photography

• Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines when you arrive.
• If you need a break to eat lunch, but don’t want to leave the museum, there are two options. Plum Market features Zingerman’s coffee and pastries for breakfast and soups, sandwiches, salads and entrees for lunch. Another option for lunch is Lamy’s Diner, which takes you back to the ‘40s with the décor and food options.
• Stop by the Giant Screen Experience to see what’s playing. Even if you don’t see a movie, you can still buy freshly popped popcorn for the car ride home.
• There are two shops to browse before leaving the museum. Henry Ford Museum Store has an array of gifts and one-of-a-kind selections. Genius at Play is more for the kids and features puzzles, games and other stimulating activities. You can also shop these stores online.

Things to do near The Henry Ford:

Photo credit: Kidcadia

• Grab a plant-based burger from Unburger. It also has chicken sandwiches, nachos, chili cheese fries, red potato hash and more.
• Take your kids to Kidcadia Play Cafe for a brain break after the museum. It has a café area for drinks and food.
• Treat yourself and your kiddos to the amazing creations by The Custard Co. Choose from a variety of desserts, including frozen custard, shakes, The Sweet Bun, The “Wowffle,” slushies, flurries and much more.
• Create some art at Speckles and Spatter. Call ahead of time to make sure they have walk-in availability for pottery

This article was recently updated on July 16, 2025 by Metro Parent’s Content Writer, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com. 

• ---

  Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/O5zp6gF

Read More

What Kindergartners Should Know About Money

When I had the opportunity to share money tips with my son’s kindergarten class, I settled on three main lessons. I figured I would pick some recurring themes from the personal finance topics I usually write about for adults — saving money, categorizing expenses and setting goals — and give them a kid-friendly spin.

What I didn’t realize is that the class also had a lesson in store for me.

Here are the tips I shared and the one I learned.

Save more than you earn

As a kid, if you get an allowance or host a lemonade stand, it might be tempting to spend everything you earn on a new toy or something else you want. But saving some money for the future can be helpful, because then you’ll have it later if you think of something you want even more.

I wanted to convey that saving money can be fun and can even become a game you play with your family. Noel Wilkinson made this point when I interviewed him about financial literacy. He’s a program coordinator for the Take Charge America Institute within the Norton School of Human Ecology at the University of Arizona.

Younger kids can learn best through playing with their parents, he says. That might mean running around and comparing prices at the store or tracking savings goals on the fridge.

Learn the difference between wants and needs

Saving money can be easier if you get familiar with the concept of wants and needs. We might want a new toy, but do we need it? We might actually need new shoes.

Your parents probably take care of the essentials right now, but you can practice learning to recognize the difference between wants and needs to make better decisions about money and how to spend it.

When I rehearsed this part with my son, he suggested I shout out different nouns and ask his classmates to declare whether they were “wants” or “needs.” Together, we came up with a list. Clothes, food, candy, toys and games were among the options.

Set money goals and talk about them

One of my favorite personal finance topics is goal setting. I enjoy the brainstorming process and then adjusting the goals to be specific and measurable.

Kid-friendly goals might include saving up for a new game or hoodie. I encouraged the kindergartners to ask their parents about their own financial goals, such as saving for a vacation or college. I figured it could lead to a fun dinnertime conversation.

Turning to stories

I recently wrote an article about how to make learning about money fun and discovered through my research that storytelling plays a key role.

“There’s a reason the lessons we’ve learned for centuries are told in stories,” says Jessie Jimenez, an accredited financial counselor in Oregon and founder of the website Cashtoons.com, where she makes engaging videos about financial topics.

“Stories are easy to remember and carry a message with them,” she adds.

Classics by Richard Scarry (“What Do People Do All Day?”) and Dr. Seuss (“The Sneetches”) can explain the basics of economics and the free market, she adds.

For a concluding story time, I read Judith Viorst’s book “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.” Almost 50 years old, the story delves into the classic struggle of saving through a child’s perspective.

While Alexander has the best intentions to save his money, unexpected challenges pop up, making it difficult to do anything but spend it.

The surprise lesson

Just like Viorst’s protagonist, my day did not go as planned.

With the kindergartners seated in front of me, I started explaining my tips. They listened attentively, sometimes nodding along.

They enthusiastically shouted out their answers as to whether items were “needs” or “wants,” stopping only briefly to debate where clothes fell along the spectrum.

Then, in the middle of my explanation of the importance of savings, one child called out, “What about giving money to other people?”

Her classmates joined in. “What about people who need the money more than us?” “What about donating?”

One child explained how her father had taught her to divide her allowance into different categories, including one for other people.

I quickly realized these students were correct. I had left out one of the most important money lessons of all — how to use your money to help others.

Grateful for the fact that these kindergartners were so kind and thoughtful, I thanked them for teaching me a lesson.

Next time I talked to a group of children, I promised them, I would emphasize the importance of generosity, too.

Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article What Kindergartners Should Know About Money originally appeared on NerdWallet.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/7KWlLoO

Read More

Federal Education Funds Withheld: What Metro Detroit Parents Need to Know

In a surprise move from the Trump administration, federal funding to the tune of nearly $7 billion was withheld from schools across the country late last month. 

Now, nearly half the states in the country have filed a lawsuit against what they call an illegal move causing “irreparable harm.” 

The funds in part support programs for K-12 students, like teaching English Language Learners and the children of migratory workers. They also support professional development for educators, critical technology in the classroom and funding community learning centers and after school programs. 

On June 30 — a day before the funds were to be released — the Department of Education alerted states that the funds were withheld in order to review the program’s alignment with the president’s priorities. 

The decision to hold the funds past the mandatory release date is “contrary to law, arbitrary and capricious, and unconstitutional,” reads the complaint.

Michigan schools waiting on necessary money

Of the nearly $7 billion withheld, roughly $157 million of the money was slated to go to Michigan’s students and schools and an additional $14 million for adult education programs. 

The money was meant to be divided among six grant programs that have been funded for decades without issue. 

Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice said that withholding these funds hurts those furthest from opportunity the most. 

 “The withholding of federal Title funding negatively and disproportionately affects students who are economically disadvantaged, are migrants or English learners, or need extra help with academics before-school, after-school, or during the summer,” Rice said in a press release.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is leading the complaint against the withheld funding for the state.  

Nessel says plans have been “thrown into chaos” with a new school year just weeks away, 

“Local education agencies have approved budgets, developed staffing plans, and signed contracts to provide vital educational services under these grants,” the office of the attorney general said in a press release. 

But now, schools can’t follow through on their commitments without the funding they were promised.

Nessel posted a video explaining the significant impact of the Trump administration’s decision. 

In it, she adds that “without these funds, summer schools and education camps are immediately at risk of closing, leaving thousands of parents scrambling to find new summer placements for their kids […].”  

Funding cuts to programs for students and teachers 

The withheld funds in Michigan impact everything from improving the technology used in classrooms to multilingual education. Here’s a breakdown from the offices of the state superintendent and attorney general of the money Michigan is losing out on: 

• More than $5.4 million in Title I-C funds for migrant education, which supports the educational needs of students whose families frequently move for seasonal agricultural or fishing work.
• More than $12.8 million in Title III funds for English learners to enhance multilingual education services.
• More than $63.7 million in Title II funds for staff professional development.
• More than $36.7 million Title IV-B funds for before- and after-school programs. These funds allow learning centers to offer out-of-school academic support, enrichment, youth development and family engagement for K-12 students.
• More than $38.3 million in Title IV-A funds for student support and academic enrichment. This funding is used to improve school conditions and technology in the classroom.

Detroit schools could lose millions

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), the largest district in the state, will lose out on more than $16 million if the federal funds are not released.

New America, a nonpartisan think tank, put together a list of the top 100 districts across the county facing the largest total funding risk. DPSCD was seventh on the list. 

The money was set to fund educator development as well as student support and enrichment in DPCSD schools. 

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/nop3wer

Read More

Play, Explore and Even Win a Bronco at This Family-Friendly Event at Holly State Recreation Area, Sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers

Start your weekend in the woods — with a little extra horsepower. Head to Holly State Recreation Area on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., where the Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers and the Ford Bronco Wild Fun are bringing exciting activities for all ages. 

The vibe? Think park day meets auto show. From lawn games and Bronco test drives to eye-catching vehicle displays and a chance to win a brand-new 2025 Ford Bronco, there’s something for everyone:

• Hands-on fun: Join in lawn games, interactive displays and activities for kids
• Try it for yourself: Hop into a Bronco for an on-site test drive
• Owners welcome: Special off-road experience for Bronco owners at the nearby Holly Oaks ORV Park

Plus, cheer on the endurance athletes running in the Ode to Laz Backyard Ultra Race, which happens at the park’s race course at the same time.

This fun-filled event also supports a great cause. Thanks to a donation from Ford, this state park will be  improving park trails and footbridges, benefiting both the community and the race course. It’s all part of the Bronco Wild Fund’s mission to protect public lands and complete 60 cleanups in celebration of Bronco’s 60th anniversary.

Whether you’re car curious or just want an excuse to spend time outside, this is a fun way to explore one of metro Detroit’s best state recreation areas.

This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. To learn more about the event, check out the Metro Parent event listing — and learn more about Ford Bronco Wild Fun here.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/HxDyrzI

Read More

Looking for Riverfront Activities the Whole Family Will Love? Try Fort Wayne’s Promenade Park

If the idea of paddling past sculptures, exploring a kids’ canal or swaying in an oversized riverside porch swing sounds like summer magic — it is. And it’s just a 2.5-hour drive from metro Detroit.

Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Promenade Park offers a creative, memory-making mix of nature, history and hands-on fun, all nestled downtown on the scenic St. Marys River.

“Promenade Park is a very unique park in Fort Wayne,” says Lydia Harris, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Visit Fort Wayne. “It was universally designed and so is truly accessible for everyone — all generations, all abilities.”

Here’s why this vibrant park and its surrounding Riverfront District are a must-add to your family’s summer bucket list.

Photo credit: Doermer Kids’ Canal / Visit Fort Wayne

A park that’s truly for everyone

Promenade Park was designed with inclusivity in mind — and that includes plenty for kids to explore.

• Doermer Kids’ Canal: “This is a shallow, flowing water area with stepping stones that kids love,” Harris says. “At the end, there are little fountains and a water splash pad. It’s very interactive.”
• PNC Playground: This fully wheelchair-accessible park is packed with structures to climb and sounds to make. “There are some cool instruments, great things to climb, and spaces to explore,” says Kristen Guthrie, Visit Fort Wayne’s VP of Marketing and Communications.
• Treetop Canopy Trail: Stroll the treetops in this shaded, elevated walkway that connects paths along the St. Marys River. “From the trail, you can hop on a slide that goes down into the playground,” Guthrie adds. “It’s built with so many special touches.”

Other accessible features include:

• Wide, wheelchair-friendly trails connecting both sides of the park
• 3D-printed tactile maps for orientation
• Paver ribbons to guide guests who are blind or have low vision
• Family restrooms and changing areas built into the layout

Photo credit: Promenade Park’s Tree Canopy Trail and kayaks / Visit Fort Wayne

River rides and places to eat

Everything in Fort Wayne centers around the St. Marys River — and it’s all walkable from Promenade Park’s hub. Make the most of it with easy on-site rentals for:

• Kayaks, including tandems for a parent and child
• Canoes
• Bikes
• Adaptive bikes for all ages

Need a break? Cool off or slow down nearby.

• Sweets and snacks: Grab a cone at PufferBelly Ice Cream, located right in the park, or stop by TEDS Snack + Bar for snacks, sandwiches, tropical snow cones and more.
• Sweet Breeze. “Sweet Breeze is a lovely replica wooden canal boat,” Guthrie says, and it does 45-90-minute tours. “It’s a really fun way to get out and enjoy the river, too.”
• Big porch-style swings: Unwind and rest on these family-size swings in the park.

Photo credit: The inclusive PNC Playground at Promenade Park / Visit Fort Wayne

Free family extras at Promenade Park

Promenade also connects directly to Riverfront Fort Wayne and downtown — and there’s plenty of spillover fun.

• A historic pedestrian bridge links both sides of the river and lights up at night
• The Public Art Trail digital pass lets families check in at downtown sculptures and murals to earn prizes
• Free games like ping pong and cornhole are available 
• The Sweetwater Band Shell hosts frequent live concerts

Photo credit: Promenade Park’s Sweetwater Band Shell and Auer Lawn / Visit Fort Wayne

Make a weekend of it in Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has more than 50 hotels, and downtown options put families close to the riverfront action. Search VisitFortWayne.com to filter hotels by pools, free breakfast and more.

“The Landing is a nearby historic district where there are many restaurant options, as well as shopping,” Harris adds. “It’s really easy to park and grab your stroller and walk around.”

Guthrie says, “The rest of our downtown is so walkable, too.”

This content is sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne. To learn more about events happening in this region of Indiana, head to the Visit Fort Wayne Promenade Park website.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/wUGgD2X

Read More

Unforgettable Fall Festivals for Families in Metro Detroit

As summer fades and sweater weather arrives, the excitement for fall festivals near me ramps up in metro Detroit.

Join my son Jordan and me in celebrating the season at some of the area’s top family-friendly fall festivals. We’ll definitely be at Blake’s Sunflower Festival and Canterbury Village’s Oktoberfest this year.

Whether you’re seeking pumpkin patches, fall treats and other family fun, check out these festivals perfect for families looking to make the most of fall.

Best fall festivals in metro Detroit

Blake’s Sunflower Festival at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Photo credit: Blake Farms

Aug. 22-24, 30-31; Sept. 1, 2025

• Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
• Cost: $10/early bird discount ticket, $12/Friday ticket, $14/Saturday or Sunday ticket, free/ages 2 and under; free/parking

Shop from over 100 artisans, u-pick sunflowers, a children’s tent with lots of activities, DIY make and take workshops and more. The children’s activity tent offers crafts, face painting, animal shows and more.

Arts & Apples Festival at Rochester Municipal Park

Sept. 5-7, 2025

• Address: 400 Sixth St., Rochester
• Cost: Free; $5/suggested donation

Experience the artwork of over 200 talented artists, a variety of food trucks, live entertainment, art demonstrations, a children’s area and more.

Plymouth Fall Festival

Sept. 5-7, 2025

• Address: Downtown Plymouth
• Cost: $30/wristband for rides on Sunday, $1.50/tickets; other ticket packages are available

Check out the games and rides at the carnival, enter the car show and enjoy food and live entertainment at this Fall celebration.

St. Joseph Oktoberfest at Joseph Shrine

Sept. 12-14, 2025

• Address: 1828 Jay St., Detroit
• Cost: Free admission

This annual event boasts everything from authentic German food and beer to live Bavarian music, family carnival rides, games and more.

Canterbury Village Oktoberfest

Sept. 13-14, 2025

• Address: 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
• Cost: $5-$6

This Oktoberfest features live music, themed food, games, beer, contests and more.

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

Sept. 19-21, 2025

• Address: 11147 Hunt St., Romulus
• Cost: Free

This annual kicks off with a parade of lights and features music, crafts, games, food, a car show, a vendor show and more.

Saline’s Oktoberfest 

Photo credit: Saline Ocktoberfest

Sept. 19-20, 2025

• Address: 109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline
• Cost: $10-plus/21 and up, free/under 21 years old

Come out to downtown Saline for German food and drinks, live music and more at this annual Oktoberfest.

Fire & Flannel Festival

Sept. 26-27, 2025

• Address: Downtown Wyandotte
• Cost: Free/admission, fees/rides and axe throwing

Wear your flannel and enjoy seeing live lumberjack shows, chainsaw carving and fire entertainment. There will also be a carnival, axe throwing, live entertainment and more.

South Lyon Area Pumpkinfest

Sept. 27-28, 2025

• Address: Downtown South Lyon
• Cost: Free

This festival will include a craft show, scarecrow contest, parade and tons of pumpkin-themed fun.

Webster Fall Festival

Sept. 27, 2025

• Address: 5583 Webster Church Road, Dexter
• Cost: Free admission

Come out to the Historic Webster Village for fun, food and festivities. It features music performances, apple cider and donuts, hayrides, demos and more.

Harvest Festival at Upland Hills Farm

Oct. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2025

• Address: 481 Lake George Road, Oxford
• Cost: $12/person, free/2 and under, group rate: $10/person if there are 10 or more people

This annual fest features farm show demos, magic shows, hayrides, animal visits, a walk through the storybook trail and more.

HarvestFest at Freedom Hill County Park

Photo credit: Macomb County Harvest Fest

Oct 18-19, 2025

• Address: 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights
• Cost: $9/person, $6/parking

There will be a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, games, music, inflatables, movies, music, food trucks and more. Make sure to wear your costume. 

This article was recently updated on July 10, 2025 by Metro Parent content writer Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding all festivals in metro Detroit to Metro Parent’s events calendar. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/ByXK4ia

Read More

Cool Off at the Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Metro Detroit

Summer is heating up across southeast Michigan, and there’s no better way to keep cool than by visiting a local public swimming pool in metro Detroit or Ann Arbor. From spray fountains and water slides to lap lanes and tippy buckets, you’ll find plenty of ways to make a splash at these top-rated community pools in 2025.

Heads up: Pool hours and pricing may change without notice — and some locations have reduced schedules due to the ongoing nationwide lifeguard shortage. Many pools offer discounts for residents, so be sure to check the latest info before you go.

Looking for something gentler for younger swimmers? Consider trying a splash pad or spray ground for extra excitement.

Best public swimming pools in metro Detroit

Blue Heron Bay Spray Park at Independence Lake County Park

• Address: 3200 Jennings Road, Webster Township, Whitmore Lake
• Cost: $6 per vehicle/Washtenaw County residents, $10 per vehicle/non-County residents

Have a blast at the spray park soaking in the water and fun. Get your family together to slide down one of the two 24-foot water slides. When you want a break from swimming, grab a bite to eat and sit back and relax.

Botsford Park Pool

• Address: 19444 Lathers St., Livonia
• Hours: $5-$10, free for kids ages 3 and under

Swim around and cool off in the summer heat in this outdoor pool. No one swims alone, so swimmers must bring a swim buddy. Swim season passes available, too.

Buhr Park Outdoor Swimming Pool

• Address: 2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor
• Cost: $5-$6, free for kids ages 3 and under

The outdoor pool offers a separate zero-depth entry children’s wading pool for the little ones.

Clements Circle Pool in Livonia

• Address: 9999 Harrison St., Livonia
• Cost: $5-$10, free for kids ages 3 and under

There’s ample space to dive and splash in this outdoor pool. Swim around the pool and splash the day away with your family. Swim season passes available, too.

Kennedy Outdoor Aquatic Center

• Address: 3101 West Road, Trenton
• Cost: $6-$12, free for kids age 4 and under

Come take a swim class or enjoy open swim. Check out their website for upcoming dates on summer pool parties!

Lake St. Clair Metropark Squirt Zone and Pool

• Address: 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
• Cost: $5

Take a swim in the Olympic–sized pool at this Metropark. There are also waterslides, inflatable obstacle courses and a climbing wall to keep your family entertained. Check out the Squirt Zone Spray Ground filled with water cannons and ground sprays.

Red Oaks Waterpark

• Address: 1455 E. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights
• Cost: $18-$28

The park features bubble jets, curtains, slides and a six–foot tipping bucket to excite the whole family. The kids can enjoy the “Spray Camp Play” zone, wave pool and more while you take photos to capture unforgettable memories.

Richmond Community Swimming Pool

• Address: 69310 Beebe St., Richmond
• Cost: $5, ages 2 and under are free

Splash around in the swimming pool to beat the summer heat. Make sure you pack a lunch so you can take advantage of one of the plenty of picnic tables in the area and share a meal with your loved ones.

Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti

• Address: 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti
• Cost: $12-$16

From lazy rivers to wave pools, waterslides and more, there is something for everyone. There is also a zero–depth entry activity pool for the little ones in your family.

Splash ‘n’ Blast at Kensington Metropark in Milford

• Address: 2240 W. Buno Road, Milford
• Cost: $5-$7

Have a blast in this water park, which is known for its 250–foot twisted water slides. There are also spray grounds with palm trees, cannons and more to entertain the family. The last wristband sale of the day is 30 minutes before closing.

Troy Family Aquatic Center

• Address: 3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy
• Cost: $15-$25

With tube and body slides as well as a kiddie slide and splash pad, this location should guarantee a fun time. When you’re not in the water, get up and play sand volleyball.

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center at Lower Huron Metropark

• Address: 17845 Savage Road, Belleville
• Cost: $9-$12

Enjoy a drift down the lazy river or a thrill when sliding down the water slide. Children must be at least 48” or taller to ride the large water slides. Before you leave, challenge yourself to get soaked by the 300-gallon dumping bucket. Don’t forget there’s a zero-depth entry pool for the little ones.

Wayne County Family Aquatic Center

• Address: 12600 Chandler Park Drive, Detroit
• Cost: $2-$8

Your kids can enjoy the summer time in the city with the “Way Cool, Wave Pool” and “Splish-Splash Land.” If they’re up for the challenge, they can conquer the two 23-foot-long water slides.

Willow Metropark Swimming Pool

• Address: 23200 S. Huron Road, New Boston
• Cost: $3-$4

You can soak in the sun and fun at this park by going down the family slide or playing a game of water basketball. Get your toes wet and make this a trip to remember.

---

Follow Metro Parent on Instagram. 

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/KpBRrXN

Read More