Taking the kids to a Detroit Tigers game? Read this first

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 through ParkWhiz for 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 website to 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 with PAWS, the official mascot of the Detroit Tigers. You can even arrange an in-seat visit with 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 the Detroit Tigers Kids Club to 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. Arrange a special video message for 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 Tigers for 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. 

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The Southeast Michigan pothole survival guide

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 a study by AAA found 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.

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Spring Family Road Trip Guide: Louisville, Kentucky

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.

Photo credit: Louisville Zoo

Things to do in Louisville, Kentucky

1. 
   

   Louisville Zoo

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 annual Safari 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,” mom Rilee says. “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.”

Photo credit: The Louisville Mega Cavern

2. 
   

   Louisville Mega Cavern zip lining

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

3. Falls of the Ohio State Park

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 both basic and observation challenges, 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

4. More Seasonal Spring Events

Kids (and parents) who love gaming will be excited to attend Louisville’s Arcade Expo from 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 special ThounderBlast event, featuring science activities, food vendors and a fireworks show, is hosted on April 18.

Spring in Louisville also happens to be Kentucky Derby season. 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 at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville and the Great Steamboat Race between two steamboats, the Belle of Cincinnati and the Belle of Louisville.

Where to eat in Louisville, Kentucky

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 like Hammerheads serve up smoked chicken wings and BBQ sandwiches, tacos and plates, while CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar offers family-pleasers like hot chicken, mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes — all with a modern twist.

For dessert, there’s Louisville Cream for a toasted marshmallow sundae, or Please and Thank You for a midday coffee and pastry pick-me-up.

Why families love it: These spots are casual, lively and full of flavor — the perfect reward for a full day of adventure.

Where to stay in Louisville, Kentucky

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 Hotel is 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 is 21c Louisville, the world’s first museum hotel, combining historic architecture, modern art and a relaxing stay.

Other easy options include the centrally located Galt House, which has a rooftop pool, and the Home2 Suites by Hilton in 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.

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Lawrence Tech opens the lab doors to high school innovators

High school students interested in engineering, design, business and technology can explore week-long summer programs at the Marburger STEM Center at Lawrence Technological University.

Held on LTU’s Southfield campus, the week-long programs for ages 14-18 combine hands-on projects with a structured college-style environment. Students can explore careers in engineering, technology, business and design while working alongside instructors and peers who share the same curiosity.

“The first thing families tend to notice and value most about summer programs at Lawrence Technological University is the strong balance between hands-on learning and a supportive, college-like environment,” says JaJuan Jones Jr., Summer Programs Manager.

Students can attend as commuters or stay on campus in residence halls, giving them a preview of college life while working in university labs, studios and innovation spaces.

Work in real university labs

Each program focuses on active, project-based learning rather than lectures. Students might develop a startup idea, explore automotive or biomedical engineering, design architecture or product concepts, or work on robotics and programming projects using real university equipment.

“Students are not just sitting in lectures, they are actively creating, collaborating and solving real-world problems,” Jones says.

A typical day starts with breakfast and a morning check-in, followed by interactive sessions where campers work on projects individually and in teams. Instructors stay involved throughout the day, helping students develop ideas and stay on track.

“There’s a mix of guided instruction, group work, and independent creativity,” Jones says. “By the end of the day, campers often have evening activities, allowing them to engage with the staff and other campers to learn more about the college experience.”

Teens can explore what comes next

Photo credit: Lawrence Technological University

Students who thrive in LTU’s summer program tend to enjoy building, problem-solving and working through challenges with others.

“These are typically students who enjoy hands-on learning, whether that’s building a project, developing a business idea, exploring design concepts, or working through real-world challenges in a team setting,” Jones says.

On a working university campus, teens get exposure to college-level tools, instructors and expectations in a supportive environment. Many head home with something they created and a stronger sense of where their interests may lead.

“Parents most often appreciate the growth they see in their child’s confidence, independence, and communication skills,” Jones says. “Many students come home excited about what they created or learned.”

Camp at a glance

Photo credit: Lawrence Technological University

Camp name: Marburger STEM Center Summer Programs – Lawrence Technological University
Location: Southfield, Michigan
Address: 21000 W. Ten Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075
Ages: 14-18
Camp type: Day and overnight STEM programs

Dates:

• Week 1: July 13-17
• Week 2: July 20-24
• Week 3: July 27-31

Cost:

• Commuter: $1,250
• Residential: $1,400
• Discounts available for multiple weeks

Phone: 248-204-4000
Website: https://ltu.edu/marburger-stem-center/summer-programs/

This content is sponsored by Lawrence Technological University. To learn more, visit the Marburger STEM Center website and discover more camps in and around metro Detroit in the Best Camps Guide.

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Epic summer camps in Saline that kids will love

Saline offers a unique selection of summer camps for children of all interests, from outdoor adventures and sports to creative arts and educational experiences.

Each camp provides an opportunity for children to learn, grow and make lasting memories. Here are some of the best summer camps in the Saline area that are sure to keep your kids entertained all summer long.

Bemis Farms Summer Camp

June-August 2026

• Address: 77 W. Bemis Road, Saline
  
• Cost: Varies, see website for details
• Best for ages: 5–12

Bemis Farms Summer Camp offers hands-on farm fun with animal care, gardening and outdoor adventures, teaching kids responsibility while connecting them to nature.

City of Saline Summer Camp

2026 dates TBA

• Address: 100 N. Harris St., Saline
• Cost: Varies, see website for details
• Best for ages: 5–12

The City of Saline Summer Camp offers outdoor games, arts and crafts, and team-building activities, keeping kids active, creative and engaged while making new friends.

Happy Campers Camp

2026 dates TBA

• Address: 1200 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
• Cost: $325–$1100
• Best for ages: 6–12

Happy Campers Camp at Saline Waterworks Park offers outdoor adventures, swimming and sports, ensuring a fun, safe and engaging summer for nature-loving kids.

Mad Science Metro Detroit Summer Camps

June 22-Aug. 21, 2026

• Address: Various locations in metro Detroit
• Phone: 248-773-8570
• Cost: Cost varies, see website for details
• Best for ages: 4-12

Get ready for a summer of discovery and hands-on fun! Mad Science offers exciting STEM-themed day camps for kids of all ages. Each week features a brand-new science adventure — from Secret Agent Lab and Digging Dinos to NASA Camp, Robot Academy and more!

McCracken Basketball Camp at Saline High School

June 29–July 2; Aug. 10–13, 2026

• Address: 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline
• Cost: $349 per session
• Best for ages: 7–14 years

This camp focuses on developing basketball skills through drills, games and competitions. Led by experienced coaches, it emphasizes both individual improvement and team play.

Whitepine Studios Summer Camp

June 15-Aug. 18, 2026

Address: 105 W. Michigan Ave., Saline
Cost: Varies, see website for details
Best for ages: 5-13

Whitepine Studios Summer Camp nurtures young artists with painting, pottery, photography and more, providing a creative space to explore different artistic techniques and mediums.

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Lakeside bonds for life: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha for Girls

The daily morning plunge into Arbutus Lake is a dare-turned-tradition at YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha for Girls. Many campers insist it’s the best way to start the day.

It’s one of many small rituals that help a new camper feel part of something bigger. Camp Arbutus has welcomed girls for more than a century, and the camp’s motto, “Each for all, all for each,” is practiced in real time. 

“Campers leave here with the knowledge and feeling that they have become a part of something that spans through the decades and across the globe, bringing them into a camp community that is here for them through thick and thin,” says Camp Director Mackenzie Morison. 

A typical day at Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Located in Traverse City, Michigan, YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha serves girls ages 8-17 with overnight two- and four-week sessions running June 14-August 8.

After a cold lake plunge and breakfast, each cabin chooses activities as a team. Afternoons open up free-choice time for campers, including specialty clubs, swimming and freeplay areas to socialize with friends beyond their cabin.

After the sun starts to drop, campers gather together for a different evening program every night. “The day many look forward to is Super Saturday, an all-day theme party where campers and staff can dress up and get silly,” Morison says.

Wilderness adventure trips that broaden horizons

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Every camper takes a wilderness trip while at YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha, a defining part of the experience that builds grit and leaves them “grinning from ear to ear and brimming with stories.”

“There’s nothing like the accomplishment and pride campers come off the bus with after three days on the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, or two weeks on Isle Royale National Park,” Morison says.

Pathways to growth through new challenges

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha is tech-free, which can feel like a relief once campers settle into real friendships and full days outdoors.

“By unplugging from technology, we offer kids the opportunity to plug into the world around them and the people, too,” Morison says.

“Campers are learning important interpersonal skills when it comes to things like relationship building and conflict resolution, skills that they take home with them at the end of the session.”

Each camper’s resilience grows the same way. “By showing campers new places and introducing them to new activities, we broaden their horizons and teach them how to work through new and unfamiliar situations,” she says. “This allows them to identify their strengths and teaches them that you don’t have to be good at something right away. That it’s okay to try again, and with people that you trust to help you through it.”

Camp at a glance

• Camp name: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
• Location: Traverse City, Michigan
• Address: 1380 E Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
• Ages: 8-17
• Camp type: Overnight camp
• Session length: Two- and four-week sessions
• Dates: June 14-August 8

Families interested in the broader YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps can also find tradition and wilderness adventure at [YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha for Boys] on Torch Lake.

This content is sponsored by YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps. To learn more, visit the YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha website and discover more camps in and around metro Detroit in the Best Camps Guide.

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Gifted learners grow in good company at The Roeper School

The right school fit can change the way a gifted child sees themself. For more than 80 years, The Roeper School has been a place where curiosity is encouraged and students can find depth, challenge and intellectual connection.

The Roeper School is a private school for gifted learners in preschool through grade 12, with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Students learn in discussion-based classes, alongside peers, with room for independent exploration across subjects.

“Gifted children often see the world a little differently. They ask big questions, make unexpected connections and are eager to explore ideas in depth,” says Anne Glass, Head of School. “At The Roeper School, those qualities are not only understood — they are the foundation of the learning experience.”

The school’s mission focuses on developing both intellect and character, preparing gifted learners to become active and compassionate citizens of the world.

Academics centered on discussion and inquiry

Photo credit: The Roeper School

At The Roeper School, classes are designed to keep students engaged both in the material and in each other’s thinking.

“Classes emphasize discussion, inquiry and exploration rather than memorization or rigid pacing,” Glass says. “Seminar-style courses invite students to analyze complex ideas, examine different perspectives and develop their own informed viewpoints.”

Roeper’s approach to gifted education focuses on curiosity, creativity and the individual ways students learn.

That classroom dynamic is shaped in part by the students around them. Shared curiosity can push a conversation further, whether students are discussing ethical questions in humanities, conducting science research or presenting projects sparked by their own interests.

“When classmates share a love of learning and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions, classrooms become lively places where ideas are explored collaboratively,” she says.

School culture values student voice

Photo credit: The Roeper School

Roeper students are given space to follow their interests, launch ideas and contribute to the community around them.

“Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their education and their community — whether that means developing independent projects, starting clubs or organizing initiatives around issues they care about,” Glass says.

Questions of fairness, ethics and social responsibility are part of school life, asking students to consider how their knowledge and abilities can contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Opportunities in arts, athletics and leadership

Photo credit: The Roeper School

Outside the classroom, The Roeper School offers programs in visual arts, music, theater, creative writing, robotics, debate and outdoor education.

The school’s no-cut policy in athletics and theater allows students to participate without competing for limited spots. “Students who want to participate are welcomed onto teams or into productions, creating an environment where trying something new is encouraged,” Glass explains. 

For families looking for a private school for gifted learners, The Roeper School offers a community where curiosity is encouraged, student voice matters and children can grow with intellectual peers who take learning seriously.

School snapshot

The Roeper School
41190 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
1051 Oakland Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Grades served: Preschool-12
Enrollment: About 500 students
School type: Private
Specialty: Gifted education
Website: roeper.org
Phone: 248-203-7300

This content is sponsored by The Roeper School. To learn more, visit The Roeper School website and discover more schools in the Best Schools Guide.

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