Looking for an easy family getaway packed with activities? This Midland, Michigan experience brings together outdoor adventures, local eats and family-friendly fun all in one trip.
One lucky winner will receive a curated family getaway package valued at $1,500, designed for a family of six. From an overnight stay to local attractions and treats, this package makes planning a family trip simple.
This sweepstakes begins on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, and ends on Monday, June 15, 2026. One winner will receive one family getaway package for six. Winners will be notified via the email provided at entry.
Prize package includes:
Overnight stay for a family of six in a three-queen room at Holiday Inn in Midland, Michigan (based on availability, reservation required)
Pizza for a family of six from Pizza Sam’s
Family passes to Dow Gardens and the Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit (May 19-September 8), plus a gift card to the gift shop
Six tickets to a Great Lakes Loons baseball game (April-early September), plus a gift card for concessions or the gift shop
Speedway gas card
Lunch for a family of six at Comet Diner in Birch Run, Michigan (expires December)
Gift card and ornament from Bronner’s Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, Michigan (valid for two years)
Sweet treats from Heather ‘n Holly in Midland, Michigan
Sweet surprise from Zak & Mac’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan
Candle and wax melts from Coyer Candle in Midland, Michigan
Six Michigan-themed beach towels
One Michigan-themed picnic blanket
One all-weather tote bag
Six “Reel in Pure Greatness” brushed cotton T-shirts
Enter the form below for a chance to win
Thank you for entering the Midland family getaway sweepstakes. If you’re selected as a winner, we’ll contact you by email after the entry period closes.
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Summer is the perfect time for kids to try new activities, make friends, and learn new skills. Rochester Hills provides a range of camps and programs for every kid to enjoy.
From sports to STEM, your child will be engaged and entertained all summer long. Here are the top camps in the area that provide a blend of fun and learning.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for metro Detroit kids.
Deborah’s Stage Door Performing Arts Camps engage kids of all ages with singing, acting and dancing, featuring musical scenes, costumes and a final performance for families.
Address:2600 South Livernois Road, Rochester Hills
Cost:$225–$500
Best for ages:12 months–12 years
Kiddie Academy offers a fun summer camp experience designed for younger children. Their camps emphasize creativity, physical activity, and social development, providing a well-rounded summer experience. It’s the perfect program for young learners to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Meadow Brook’s summer writing camps immerse kids in nature as they write, polish and publish their own original works. Activities include hiking, arts and team-building. Adventure, creativity and learning come together on a beautiful, wooded campus.
The Paint Creek Center for the Arts summer camp focuses on visual arts, ceramics, photography, and even digital arts. With guidance from professional artists, kids can explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
RaRa Recreation’s summer camps keep kids active with sports, game and outdoor adventures. Half-day and full-day options ensure fun, fitness and new friendships all summer.
An Early Middle College school allows students to complete their high school diploma while taking real college classes through a partner community college, often earning transferable college credits before graduation.
Families exploring high school options today have more pathways than ever to prepare students for college. Traditional high schools, dual enrollment programs and career academies all offer different approaches to helping students build skills for life after graduation.
Among these options is the Early Middle College (EMC) model, which blends high school and college coursework into a single program so students can gradually transition into college-level learning during their high school years.
The Quick Answer
Early Middle College schools allow students to complete high school while taking real college classes through a partner community college. Many students graduate with both a diploma and transferable college credits.
Early Middle College programs let students earn college credits while completing their high school diploma.
Students complete Michigan’s required high school courses before gradually shifting into more college classes.
Flexible schedules give students dedicated time during the school day to manage college coursework.
The model helps students transition into college expectations while still receiving high school support.
How Early Middle Colleges blend high school and college classes
In Michigan, students in an Early Middle College program still complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum, the state’s required set of high school courses that includes subjects like math, science, social studies, English, world language and health or arts requirements.
However, what makes the Early Middle College model different is how a student’s schedule evolves over time.
As students finish those requirements, their high school course load gradually decreases while their college enrollment increases.
“Over time, as they complete those classes, their high school classes become fewer and fewer,” explains Morrison Borders, head of school atOakland Early College. “As their high school classes begin to drop out, what happens is their college enrollment increases.”
The structure of an Early Middle College school
Another key difference from a traditional high school is the structure of the school day. Instead of a full schedule of high school classes, students often have built-in time to manage college coursework and assignments.
At Oakland Early College, that structure is part of the design.
“The big difference between OEC and a traditional high school outside of the college piece is that roughly 80% of our students do not have a full high school schedule,” Borders says. “So that builds in daily time where they can work on their college classes and stay on top of both their high school and college coursework.”
The goal of the Early Middle College model is to help students transition gradually into the expectations of college while still receiving the guidance of a high school environment. By the time they complete the program, many students have already earned significant college credit — and gained the time-management skills needed to succeed in higher education.
Early Middle College FAQ for Parents
What is an Early Middle College program? An Early Middle College blends high school and college coursework, allowing students to earn college credits while completing their diploma and gradually transitioning into college-level classes.
How is Early Middle College different from dual enrollment? Early Middle College programs integrate college courses into a structured multi-year pathway, while dual enrollment typically allows students to take individual college classes alongside a traditional high school schedule.
What types of college classes can students take? Students can often take many of the same courses offered to community college students, including general education classes that transfer to four-year universities.
Can Early Middle College credits transfer to other universities? Yes. Because students earn credits through accredited community colleges, many courses transfer to four-year universities, helping students reduce the time and cost needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What are the benefits of a small Early Middle College school? Smaller Early Middle College schools often provide more personalized support, smaller class sizes and a collaborative environment where students focus on both high school and college success.
Who should consider applying to an Early Middle College program? Students who are motivated, curious about college coursework and interested in getting a head start on their college education often thrive in Early Middle College programs.
A summer camp lineup this broad gives families room to be specific. One child may want musical theatre or filmmaking. Another may be counting down the days to robotics, cooking, sports training or makerspace projects.
AtDetroit Country Day School, camps are built around real interests, with programs for ages 3-18 across three campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills. Day camps run June 15-Aug. 21, giving families access to trusted teachers, strong facilities and plenty of choice.
“Families are thrilled to discover that our very own teachers are running each camp,” says Kerry Birmingham, Director of Communications. “This gives parents peace of mind to know that the quality of instruction is the very best, and that their children are nurtured and cared for from the minute they walk on campus.”
Built for every age, from preschool to teens
Photo credit: Detroit Country Day School
Younger campers and teens don’t need the same kind of summer, andDetroit Country Day Schoolbuilds its lineup that way.
For younger campers in preschool and elementary:
Theme camps with hands-on projects and outdoor play
Art, cooking and creative exploration
Water games, playground time and daily activity rotations
For middle school campers:
Robotics, coding and makerspace programs
Acting, filmmaking and musical theatre
Sports camps and skill-building sessions
Flexible schedules that let campers mix interests in one day
For high school students:
Advanced arts, media and performance programs
Academic and career-focused classes
Sports Academy training with experienced coaches
Parents often say the middle school lineup is one of the hardest to find elsewhere.
“This is an age when many families don’t want to leave their children alone all day while they are at work, but it can be a struggle to find quality camps that cater to tweens and teens,” Birmingham says. “Campers love that they can mix and match their day based on their interests.”
A day that balances structure and momentum
Photo credit: Detroit Country Day School
At the Lower School, mornings are built around each camp’s theme, with teachers leading hands-on projects tied to a specific skill or interest. A cooking camper might make a new sweet treat, while an art camper experiments with different materials and techniques. After lunch, the day shifts outside for playground time, water activities and games.
Older campers follow a more immersive rhythm, spending longer stretches rehearsing, creating, building or training in the area they signed up to explore.
Studios, labs and athletic spaces built for doing
Photo credit: Detroit Country Day School
Campers atDetroit Country Day Schooluse the same spaces students rely on during the school year, including the school’s XR studio, virtual reality lab, podcast studio and athletic facilities.
That access means kids can record, build, rehearse, experiment and train in spaces designed for serious use.
Birmingham says the real through line is the faculty leading each camp.
“Every camp is developed and designed by a dedicated teacher who wants to share their love for their craft or sport with campers,” she says. “Their goal is to inspire young talent while making sure campers have fun along the way.”
Why one camp week often turns into more
Photo credit: Detroit Country Day School
Families often begin with a single week atDetroit Country Day School, then add more once they see how much range the program offers. Kids can try a new subject, new sport or new creative outlet while staying with a routine and setting they already know.
The combination of choice and familiarity is part of what keeps families coming back.
“Parents appreciate the personalized attention and the pressure-free atmosphere that fosters a lifetime love of learning,” Birmingham says. “Many campers attend a different camp every week, knowing they will discover a new adventure each time.”
Camp at a glance
Camp name:Detroit Country Day Camps Locations: 3003 W. Maple Rd., Bloomfield Hills 22400 Hillview Lane, Beverly Hills 22305 W. 13 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills Ages:3-18 Dates:June 15-Aug. 21 Camp type:Day camp Cost:Varies by program Before/after care:Yes
This content is sponsored byDetroit Country Day School. To learn more, visit the Detroit Country Day Schoolwebsiteand discover more camps in and around metro Detroit in the Best Camps Guide.
The Detroit Tigers are the oldest team in the American League to have one home city. The big cats of the MLB have called The Motor City their home for nearly 130 years, making a visit to Comerica Park a crucial part of teaching your kids the rich history of Detroit.
Once you’ve decked the entire family out in orange and navy, read our tips for making your game day a success — no matter which team wins. These suggestions on what to do at the ballpark and how to score the best deals for families will make you feel like an All Star. Play ball!
What should families know before visiting Comerica Park?
Photo credit: Detroit Tigers
Address:2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit
How to get there: Take the QLine and get off at Grand Circus. The 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and 16 buses all have drop-off locations near the field.
Parking: Pre-book your parking spot throughParkWhizfor the best rates.
How do you buy tickets for a Detroit Tigers game with kids?
Photo credit: Detroit Tigers
Tickets are required for all adults, and for kids ages 4 and older. Young children who can enter for free are expected to sit on their parents’ laps and not take up an additional seat. But anyone with a toddler knows they can’t sit still for nine innings, so read on to find fun activities to keep them entertained!
The Tigers have different deals for families each year. During the 2026 season, they offered a Sunday Family Funday Deal that included 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 drinks for $79.Check the websiteto see which family deals are currently available!
What are the best tips for taking kids to a Detroit Tigers game?
Get the app. Download the MLB app before you go for easy access to your tickets and a stadium map. Plus, there’s plenty of exclusive in-app activities and prizes!
Comerica Park is a cashless venue. Leave the big bucks at home and make sure you have an alternate payment method. You can convert cash to a Visa card for free at any of the three Cash2Card kiosks located in the stadium.
Bags, purses and clutches are prohibited. Diaper and medical bags are allowed, but they must be smaller than 16 x 16 x 8 inches. Only plastic baby bottles are allowed.
Bring a collapsible stroller. Collapsible strollers are permitted and will be subject to a security search. All other strollers can be claim checked with Guest Services.
Leave the snacks at home. Outside food is prohibited, but you can bring in one sealed water bottle or a refillable plastic bottle. There are filling stations throughout the park.
Grab an ID bracelet at Guest Services. Stop by the Guest Services Office to get your child an ID bracelet with their guardian’s contact information and seat location on it.
Know where to nurse. A nursing lounge is located in section 210. A second nursing pod is available in section 130.
Changing tables are easy to find. Changing tables are located in every restroom in the stadium.
Look for family assist restrooms. Family assist restrooms are located in sections 119, 139, 210, 320 and 342.
What can kids do at Comerica Park besides watching the game?
Photo credit: Detroit Tigers
Celebrate special moments with a keepsake. Celebrating your child’s first game (or an anniversary, birthday or even catching a foul ball)? Pick up a certificate to commemorate your special occasion at the Guest Services Offices near section 131, the Rocket Mortgage Entry and behind sections 210 and 330.
Show up early for autographs. Comerica Park opens its gates 90 minutes before the first pitch. Fans can watch the end of batting practice and try to score an autograph from the stands in the rows closest to the Tigers dugout.
Say hi to PAWS. Play withPAWS, the official mascot of the Detroit Tigers. You can evenarrange an in-seat visitwith Detroit’s favorite striped cat.
Ride the tiger at the Hi-Chew Carousel. Kids of all ages can take a spin on one of the 30 hand-painted tigers. On Sundays, kids 14 and under ride for free!
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel. Located behind Section 131, guests ride the ferris wheel. On Sundays, kids 14 and under ride for free!
Join the Detroit Tigers Kids Club. Sign your kids up for theDetroit Tigers Kids Clubto get them exclusive perks and awesome Tigers gear. Visit the Kids Club Kiosk in Section 120 to get started, or join the 2025 waitlist online.
Spot your message on the scoreboard. Arrangea special video messagefor your kiddo to spot on the scoreboard. This is a great way to celebrate a birthday, special occasion or even a first game! Custom messages start at $75 and include a digital photo of this special moment.
Fuel up at Big Cat Court. Make getting your game day grub a breeze by stopping at the Big Cat Court, a food court that offers Little Caesars pizza, old-fashioned burgers and fries, Mexican and Mediterranean menus, elephant ears and ice cream and adult beverages.
Stick around for Friday night fireworks. If attending a Friday night game, stay in your seat once the game is over for a fabulous fireworks display!
Run the bases like a Tiger. Run the bases and score a home run! After every Sunday game, kids 14 and younger can line up to race around the baseball diamond.
Apply for your kid to be a bat boy or girl.Write to the Tigersfor a chance to play an important role on the field!
This article was recently updated on March 25, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included research to feature the latest information.
Winter in Southeast Michigan can be tough on drivers and even tougher on their vehicles. The region’s near-constant freeze-thaw cycles cause pavement and asphalt to easily expand, crack and break apart, creating potholes that appear seemingly overnight.
But hitting a pothole can cause more than just a jolt to your daily commute. The impact can damage your suspension, wreak havoc on your wheel alignment and shorten the overall lifespan of your tires. It can also take a toll on your wallet, as astudy by AAAfound that the average cost of pothole-related repairs is $406.
As spring approaches, now is a great opportunity for drivers to check for hidden damage and ensure their vehicle is ready for smoother roads ahead.
Why potholes are so rough on vehicles
Potholes form when temperatures rise, and water seeps through cracks in the road surface. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, pushing the pavement apart. The repeated freeze-thaw cycle weakens the road until traffic eventually breaks down the asphalt.
For drivers, the impact can be more than an uncomfortable moment. A hard hit can:
Puncture, damage, or wear tires
Misalign the steering system
Bend wheels or rims
Damage shocks or suspension components
Over time, even a minor hit can gradually affect a vehicle’s performance, potentially leading to issues like reduced fuel efficiency or uneven tire wear.
What drivers can check now
After a long season of rough winter roads, a quick assessment of your vehicle can help prevent bigger repair bills in the future. Consider looking at:
Tire condition and pressure: Cracks, bulges or uneven wear patterns can be a sign your tires are deteriorating. It’s also important to remember that cold weather can impact your tire pressure, causing it to drop.
Suspension components: If you notice clunking sounds or rougher-than-usual driving, you may need to check your suspension.
Visible wheel damage: Bent rims can cause intense vibrations or rough handling.
Wheel alignment: If you notice the steering wheel feels off-centered or if the vehicle is pulling to one side, an alignment check may be needed.
If you notice any of these warning signs, you may want to consider scheduling a professional inspection or service.
Smart habits for peak pothole season
While potholes can’t always be avoided, there are a few simple steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of damage:
Avoid braking directly over a pothole when possible
Keep tires properly inflated to help absorb rough impacts
Allow extra following distance so potholes can be spotted more easily
Slow your speed on rough or unfamiliar roads
Spring road repairs and improvements may eventually smooth the ride, but until then, a little extra attention to your vehicle can go a long way toward avoiding unexpected repairs and keeping Southeast Michigan drivers safe on the road.
With spring on the horizon, Louisville, Kentucky, offers an adventure-packed spring break for families looking for a quick getaway from Metro Detroit.
Ziplining through a massive underground cavern, spotting gorillas, snow leopards and sea lions and hiking fossil beds older than the dinosaurs are just a few of the adventures kids can find in Louisville. It might not be the first destination you think of for a family spring break — but it delivers.
Just a 4.5-hour road trip from metro Detroit, this city is full of hands-on, high-energy ways to explore the outdoors and connect with wildlife as the weather gets warmer. Skip the airport and check out these attractions, eats and seasonal spring events to visit during the break.
Home to over 1,700 animals, the Louisville Zoo features exhibits such as the African Safari and Gorilla Forest. Kids will love watching sea lions at Glacier Run or participating in rotating scavenger hunts, such as the annualSafari Eggventure, running until April 12. The zoo also offers interactive experiences, including animal feedings and behind-the-scenes tours, which are great for learning about wildlife conservation.
Why families love it: “By far one of the best zoos I’ve been to,” momRileesays. “There were plenty of things for kids to do and lots of places to sit and take a break. The animals were out and about and seemed very well taken care of.”
For a truly unique experience, head to Louisville Mega Cavern, an underground adventure park. The highlight is the Mega Zipline, which touts being the world’s “only fully underground zipline course.” It spans 17 miles and features glow-in-the-dark LED displays and high-energy music.
You can also explore its aerial ropes course, which has 76 challenges. Or keep it ground level with a walking tour or tram tour. Kids ages 7+ are welcome.
Why families love it: Reviewers generally rave about the attentive guides and safety prep. There’s even a photo package to capture your experience.
Photo credit: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Just across the river from Louisville, this park lets families walk across a 390-million-year-old sea floor — older than the dinosaurs! — and one of the largest fossil beds in the world. When river levels are low, you’ll spot ancient corals, sponges and trilobites embedded in the rock.
Kids can try the Park’s two “Seek and Find” challenges, offering bothbasicandobservationchallenges, in which seekers are given a list of flora, fauna and fossils to hunt with their eyes (since collecting from the beds isn’t allowed). The interpretive center brings it all to life with hands-on exhibits and life-sized displays of long-extinct sea creatures.
Why families love it: It’s part hike, part treasure hunt — and a wild way to connect with the planet’s deep past.
Photo credit: Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park
More Seasonal Spring Events
Kids (and parents) who love gaming will be excited to attendLouisville’s Arcade Expofrom March 27–29, with everything from pinball and arcade video games to classic computers available to play for free with each ticket. The Kentucky Science Center is also always open for visits to its creativity-focused exhibits. The specialThounderBlastevent, featuring science activities, food vendors and a fireworks show, is hosted on April 18.
Spring in Louisville also happens to beKentucky Derbyseason. The actual derby takes place on May 2, but until then, there will be a series of events to join in on the festivities with the family.Thunder Over Louisville, America’s largest pyrotechnic fireworks show, rings in the two-week-long extravaganza, followed by waterfront carnival fun atKroger’s Fest-a-Villeand theGreat Steamboat Racebetween two steamboats, the Belle of Cincinnati and the Belle of Louisville.
After a day of exploring, your crew’s going to be hungry — and Louisville delivers big on bold, Southern-inspired eats. The city’s food scene balances creative flair with comfort food.
Spots likeHammerheadsserve up smoked chicken wings and BBQ sandwiches, tacos and plates, whileCASK Southern Kitchen & Baroffers family-pleasers like hot chicken, mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes — all with a modern twist.
With adventure and a filling meal under your belt, it’s time to settle in for the night at a comfortable hotel. These stays offer unique yet cozy experiences for traveling families.
The Brown Hotelis a generations-old hotel known for its elegant design and southern charm. It’s located right inside chedowntown Louisville for easy access to the day’s itinerary. Closer to the waterfront of downtown is21c Louisville, the world’s first museum hotel, combining historic architecture, modern art and a relaxing stay.
Other easy options include the centrally locatedGalt House, which has a rooftop pool, and theHome2 Suites by Hiltonin Louisville’s NuLu district, known for its trendy galleries, shopping and popular dining spots.
Louisville packs a punch in adventure, but also brings the southern hospitality with its hearty restaurants and restful stays. For a stress-free spring destination, a quick road trip to the Derby City is a great option for Metro Detroit families this break.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
