Why the Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a must for families

The annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade returns to Corktown on Sunday, March 15, 2026, bringing thousands of families together to celebrate Irish culture with music, dancing, colorful floats and community pride. This year marks the 68th Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade, hosted by the United Irish Societies.

Expect lively marching bands, pipers, drummers, cultural performers, and plenty of green as the parade makes its way down historic Michigan Avenue. Everyone, from families to local businesses, and Detroiters of all backgrounds, is invited to join the celebration.

Quick details about the Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
• Start Time: 1 p.m. 
• Parade Route: Michigan Avenue, from 6th Street to 14th Street

Parade Day kicks off with the 43rd annual Corktown Races. Littles can run a quarter-mile race before older runners participate in the Emerald Run and/or the Corktown 5K. Once all the runners have crossed the finish line, the parade festivities begin!

The parade starts at 1 p.m., but there will be plenty of family activities and cultural celebrations all day long. The Family Fun Zone is your fam’s go-to destination for comfortable parade viewing, kid-friendly activities, refreshments, and more.

Family Fun Zone at St. Patrick’s Parade

Photo credit: United Irish Societies

• Location: Michigan Avenue and Sixth Street

• Time: 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: $12 per person or $60 for six family members. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online by Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Watch the parade from comfortable, family-friendly grandstand seating in the Family Fun Zone. 

The zone opens at 11:30 a.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the pre-parade festivities. Kids can meet Roary, Paws, and the Ghostbusters, watch Irish dance performances, or even try a step dancing lesson themselves while 104.3 WOMC provides live commentary.

Your ticket includes access to private restrooms (a huge perk for families!) as well as hot coffee, cocoa, water, and donuts to keep everyone fueled. Note that coolers, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted in the zone.

Other things to do in Corktown with kids

Michigan & Trumbull Pizza

Keep the celebration going with a stop at Michigan & Trumbull Pizza, a family‑friendly Detroit‑style pizzeria serving crowd‑pleasing slices, cheesy bread and plenty of kid‑approved bites.

• Address: 1331 Holden St., No. 100, Detroit
• Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Momento Gelato and Coffee

 

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Warm up with a sweet treat from Momento Gelato & Coffee, a newer Corktown favorite offering small‑batch gelato, pastries and cozy drinks perfect for little hands.

• Address: 2120 Trumbull, Detroit
• Hours: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday

Mercury Burger Bar

Grab a milkshake at Mercury Burger Bar, a lively neighborhood staple perfect for families, featuring hand-dipped shakes, burgers, and tater tots.

• Address: 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit
• Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday

• Let the kids burn off some energy at Roosevelt Park, the newly revitalized green space in front of Michigan Central, now featuring wide walkways, open lawns and room to explore.
• Find more of the best places to shop, play, eat and explore with kids in our Corktown family neighborhood guide.

This article was recently updated on Feb. 16, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included research to feature the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.

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Road tripping to family winter adventures at Boyne Mountain

Winter is still going strong, but the window for snow-filled getaways won’t stay open forever. As the snow layers over Michigan’s north end, head up to Boyne Mountain for a weekend road trip full of outdoor winter sports and some much needed family time.

Located in the small town of Boyne Falls and only 20 minutes from the larger Boyne City, the resort at Boyne Mountain lets families optimize playtime on the slopes while balancing relaxing time for exploring the region outside of the grounds.

How do I get to Boyne Mountain?

Boyne Mountain is right by Lake Charlevoix in northern Michigan. It is a relatively straight shot from Detroit, driving around 4 hours along the I-75 North highway.

Outdoor winter sports for all skill levels

Photo credit: Photos provided by Boyne Mountain

Boyne Mountain is a hub for outdoor winter sports, offering skiing and snowboarding runs for the more experienced, and lessons and alternate activities for families still getting comfortable on the snow.

There are 65 trails and 10 different lifts that stretch across the resort’s 415 skiable acres. For active families who are willing to tackle even more ground, Boyne Mountain offers a dual-access pass in partnership with a nearby resort, Highlands, for an extra cost. Check out the different season passes at Boyne Mountain to learn more.

The Boyne Mountain snowsports school offers lessons for both adults and children, leading beginners through snowboarding as well as downhill or cross country skiing. Group youth lessons separate the youngest kids into the Small Fry program for more focused learning. 

When the family is all skied-out, try some other outdoor sports around the resort. Winter tubing is a great way to sit back and relax while still experiencing a thrill, while SNO-GO biking hits the slopes in a unique way that combines skiing and biking in one.

Here is the full list of outdoor winter sports at Boyne Mountain Resort:

• Skiing & Snowboarding
• MoonBike tours
• Winter Tubing
• Ziplining
• Snowshoeing
• SNO-GO biking
• Fat tire biking
• Cross country skiing
• Horseback riding
• Ice skating

Night passes are also available to extend family skiing and snowboarding time onto the lighted trails.

Resort activities and day-use options

Photo credit: Photos provided by Boyne Mountain

The winter fun goes beyond the outdoors at Boyne Mountain, with activities that appeal to both parents and their little ones.

Avalanche Bay, the resort’s indoor waterpark, has pools, hot tubs, rides and slides for a dip into summer during the winter season. Anyone can visit, but families lodging at the resort get a special deal on admission. While the kids are playing, parents can take a break with a massage or body treatment at the spa.

In the evening, take the chair lift to the top of Boyne Mountain for a family stroll across the illuminated SkyBridge. Afterwards, head to the new Iglu bar, an all-ages bar constructed from ice and snow.

The above activities and more are open to all paying visitors, though families staying have access to deals and price reductions for select amenities. Check out the resort’s lodging deals page to see more.

Things to do beyond the resort

Photo credit: Photos provided by Boyne Mountain

While there are plenty of activities within Boyne Mountain, the nearby attractions in Boyne Falls and Boyne City are just a short drive away.

The natural environment just outside of the resort will keep your family busy for hours. The nearby Deer Lake offers snowshoeing along the lakeside or the occasional ice fishing, and Boyne Valley Trailway is an easy hike that takes families into Downtown Boyne City.

Boyne City is home to an award-winning Main Street, with delicious restaurants and cozy shops lining the downtown road. Some restaurants to look out for are Cafe Sante for a European-inspired brunch, or Lake Street Pub for dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere – don’t miss out on their chocolate chip cookie sundae for dessert.

Apart from great eats, there are also local events and attractions to check out. Every Saturday morning Boyne City hosts a market at Veterans Park Pavillion, right on the Charlevoix lakeside. On the edge of Boyne City is BC Lanes, a bowling alley with laser tag and arcade games.

Where to stay on- and off-site

Photo credit: Photos provided by Boyne Mountain

Boyne Mountain has many lodging options for families looking to stay close to the resort’s amenities, with added perks like pool and hot tub access, family entertainment and bonfires to end the night. Ranging from hotel rooms, condos, villas and cabins, there will be something for families big and small.

For families preferring to stay off-site and drive into the resort, there are plenty of other options within the Boyne Mountain region. Airbnbs and hotels in Boyne Falls, Boyne City and other nearby small towns can offer more space or lower nightly rates, while keeping families close to both the resort and the area’s attractions during a winter stay at Boyne Mountain.

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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Road tripping to family winter adventures at Crystal Mountain

Winter is in full swing in Michigan, and it’s time for families to make the most of the powdery conditions while they can. While Metro Detroit might not have the snow needed for skiing, the slopes of Crystal Mountain are only a short drive away to meet each family’s outdoor winter sports needs.

Located at Crystal Mountain, Crystal Mountain Resort balances adrenaline-inducing skiing and snowboarding with serene ice skating and relaxing visits to the spa. The fun for all ages continues beyond the resort, with outdoor exploration and locally loved restaurants a few miles away.

How do I get to Crystal Mountain?

Crystal Mountain is situated in northwestern Michigan, about 15 miles from the coast of Lake Michigan. It’s roughly a four-hour drive from Metro Detroit via I-75 North, with the resort located just off M-115 West.

Outdoor winter sports for all skill levels

Photo credit: Photos provided by Crystal Mountain

Upon arrival to Crystal Mountain Resort, families have access to plenty of outdoor winter sporting options.

The resort has 59 downhill runs, three terrain parks, six chairlifts and two carpet lifts; check out the resort’s trail maps to plan out your day on the slopes. And, don’t worry if those numbers are intimidating — the resort offers hands-on lessons for those looking for guidance through each run.

Ski and snowboard lessons are led by experienced instructors, offering private and group lessons for both children and adults. Kids lessons utilize GPS technology to keep track of each student as they begin to explore the slopes.

After some time gliding down the mountain, opt in for something on the calmer side. The resort has fat tire biking, snowshoeing and ice skating for those looking to mellow out. 

Here is the full list of outdoor winter sports at Crystal Mountain Resort:

• Skiing & snowboarding
• Fat tire biking
• Snowshoeing 
• Cross-country skiing
• Ice skating
• Outdoor laser tag

Once the family is done exploring the more low-energy outdoor sports, return to the slopes for some nighttime skiing under lighted trails to make the most of a day pass. 

Resort activities and day-use options

Photo credit: Photos provided by Crystal Mountain

Visit Crystal Mountain Resort first for the outdoor winter sports, and second for the restaurants, areas to unwind and other family-friendly opportunities on-site. 

The Michigan Legacy Art Park is in the wooded area of the mountain, featuring over 50 sculptures, poetry stones and an outdoor amphitheater inspired by the history and culture of Michigan. Families can reach it on foot or by way of cross country skiing.

There is also the Crystal Spa available for all visitors, with many options available on the spa menu. After a relaxing visit to the spa, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes on the resort grounds. 

Activities like the ones above, along with special events like live apres-ski music, are available to all visitors, not just those who are staying overnight. Make sure to review the activity page to see price options for visitors. If interested in other pass options and group deals, visit the pass section of the resort website.

Things to do beyond the resort

Photo credit: Photos provided by Crystal Mountain

Local hiking trails, quirky sites and delicious restaurants can be found all around the resort for families looking to cover more ground during their stay.

There are several hiking trails open during the winter for families of all ages. Nearest is the Misty Acres Borwell Preserve trail for a quick stroll through the snow. A bit farther are the trails at Arcadia Dunes, with a scenic lookout over the lakeside.

The surrounding area also has a few quirky places to visit for curious families. About 20 minutes away from Crystal Mountain is the Kaleva Bottle House Museum, which has been standing on a foundation of 60,000 glass bottles since it was built in 1941. The showroom contains historical artifacts from the Kaleva area. For more unique stops, drive by the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan or make a visit to the Cognition Science and Discovery Center.

While out with the family, try some of Crystal Mountain’s nearby restaurants. Locals love the Iron Fish Distillery, great for drinks and appetizers before dinner. There are also outdoor games for the kids to play while the adults sample the drink menu. Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill is great for an easy, inexpensive dinner, and Rosie’s Country Cafe is a homey option for breakfast before the trip back home.

Where to stay on- and off-site

Photo credit: Photos provided by Crystal Mountain

Families looking to stay close to the action can book accommodations directly through Crystal Mountain Resort, with added perks for select activities onsite. The resort offers hotel-style rooms, suites and condos, along with ski-in-ski-out accommodations for instant access to the slopes.

For more space, flexibility or lower nightly rates, off-site lodging options are within a short drive. Airbnbs and small hotels in Thompsonville, Frankfort and Benzonia provide easy access to Crystal Mountain while keeping families close to local restaurants and winter trails. These options are especially suitable for large or multi-family groups looking to explore the snowy season around Crystal Mountain.

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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Take your family on an outdoor winter sports road trip through Michigan this season

In Michigan, February means prime-time winter sporting. The snowfall is fresh and frequent, making for fun-packed family days on the slopes that you’ll never want to end. 

Luckily, our home state has some of the best outdoor winter sport resorts as you travel up the peninsula, perfect for a family road trip. From adrenaline-pumping slopes to tranquil snowshoeing hikes, these winter sport spots have options for the whole family — and are only hours away from Metro Detroit.

Three Northern Michigan mountains form an easy triangle of stops, allowing families to choose one as a home base, or turn the drive into a multi-stop winter adventure.

With snow conditions in full swing, pack up the SUV, load the skis onto the rack and whisk the family away for a winter sports road trip through Crystal Mountain, Boyne Mountain and Gaylord. 

Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville, MI

Photo credit: Photos provided by Crystal Mountain

The slopes of Crystal Mountain lie just west of Thompsonville, a four-and-a-half hour drive from Detroit. Crystal Mountain Resort is the main attraction here, with classics like skiing and snowboarding, along with family-friendly activities like snowshoeing, ice skating and fat tire biking. For downtime between outdoor activities, there is a spa, a walkable Art Park and shopping and dining options onsite.

While the resort is the largest attraction in the area, families can seek out Thompsonville’s rivers and streams and community-loved restaurants for a change of scenery. Consider lodging just 30 minutes away on the lakeside for beautiful winter views of Lake Michigan.

Boyne Mountain – Boyne Falls, MI

Photo credit: Photos provided by Boyne Mountain

Boyne Falls is home to Boyne Mountain Resort, about two hours from Crystal Mountain and four hours from Detroit. The resort’s slopes stretch across 415 acres, including other winter activities like snow tubing, SNO-GO biking and horseback riding across snowy trails.

Boyne Mountain Resort recently opened its Iglu bar, a gathering space designed as a family-friendly apres-ski experience. For families looking to explore outside the resort after a long day on the slopes, Downtown Boyne City is a 15-minute drive away. Stroll through the restaurants and shops on Main Street before ending at the Lake Charlevoix lakefront.

Gaylord, MI

Photo credit: Photos provided by Otsego Resort

Directly southeast of Boyne Mountain is Gaylord, a wonderland of winter sports and small town charm. This town is four hours from Detroit and has two great options for skiing and snowboarding: Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort. Additional winter sports in Gaylord are snow tubing, snowmobiling and winter rafting through the icy waters of the Sturgeon River.

Apart from traversing the slopes, there are many other family activities in Gaylord to try. Downtown Gaylord has shops and restaurants dressed up in Swiss-style architecture, and there are plenty of nearby lodging options to choose from. To bring things back to the great outdoors, visit Elk View Park to see the town’s resident herd of Elk.

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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How to keep your kids entertained for hours at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is your child’s gateway to hands-on discovery! Enjoy a day of play and exploring the natural world at this exciting children’s museum in downtown Ann Arbor. 

The museum has 10 engaging exhibit areas for kids of all ages. There’s even a Preschool Gallery where littles can enjoy water tables, dress up and imaginative play.

In addition to its permanent exhibit halls, the Hands-On Museum is always looking to bring interesting new exhibits to families, making it easy to discover something new each time you visit. 

Check out these exhibit highlights and get a few tips for planning your trip to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. 

Read more: Best Things to Do with Kids in Ann Arbor

Best things to do with kids at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

• Make waves at H20h!, an interactive water exhibit where kids can crank, spin, pump push and pour water. It’s tons of wet fun for all ages! 
• Aim lasers, examine a wall of rainbows and more light-bending fun in “Light and Optics.” 
• Inspire your little scientists at the STEAM PARK. This exhibit has plenty of gadgets, gizmos and interactive mechanical activities that are sure to inspire and baffle your kids.  
• An exhibit All About You? That’s right! Explore the science of your body and learn a bit about medical science, too. 
• Take a trip back in time and explore a 1930s store. Kids will love playing shopkeeper at the old-timey Lyons’ Country Store. 
• Tired of nagging your kids to brush their teeth? The “Keep Smiling” exhibit makes brushing fun and teaches your kids about the importance of healthy teeth. 
• Attend a special event! The museum hosts wildlife encounters, birthday parties and seasonal holiday events for families. 

Tips for visiting Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum with kids

• Skip the line by purchasing tickets in advance online. 
• Private lockers are available for 50 cents. 
• Your tickets are good all day! If you need to leave for a lunch break or any other reason, simply show your receipt at the admissions desk. 
• The H20h! water exhibit can get wet. Consider packing a towel and a change of clothes in the car. 
• Don’t forget to play! You’ll be surprised by what you and your child can learn when you play together. 
• Trying to plan your family museum outing on a budget? Find out if you qualify for reduced admission. 

Quick details about Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

• Address: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor

• Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays. 

• Cost: $16/adults and kids, free for children under 2. Financial assistance is available. 
• Parking: Limited street parking is available. Paid parking structures are located throughout downtown Ann Arbor.  

This article was recently updated on Feb. 12, 2026, by Chicago Parent staff writers The update included research to feature the latest information, exhibits and events. Questions? Please reach out to editor@chicagoparent.com.

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Whitmer aims to boost literacy as Michigan students struggle with reading

Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in her final budget proposal this week, is set to unveil a budget proposal for funding schools that invests $625 million in programs aimed at addressing the state’s K-12 literacy crisis.

The literacy investment would come at a time of increased focus on the troubling performance of Michigan students in literacy in the early grades. Just 38.9% of third graders were proficient on the English language arts portion of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress last year. It was the lowest performance of third graders in the exam’s 11-year history, Chalkbeat and Bridge Michigan reported last year.

On the national front, just 24% of Michigan fourth graders were proficient in 2024 on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, an exam known as the “nation’s report card.” That compares to 30% being proficient nationally. More concerning is that Michigan student performance has been stagnant and declining as other states that have invested heavily in early literacy have improved.

Whitmer, during her State of the State address last year, called for urgency in addressing the low performance, noting that Michigan spends more than most states.

“It’s not acceptable,” Whitmer said. “For our kids, let’s do better. Let’s face our literacy crisis with fierce urgency.”

“When every child reads, Michigan wins,” Whitmer said in a statement provided by the governor’s office. “As we face a nationwide literacy crisis, my education budget proposal includes big investments to build on the work we’ve done to help kids read.”

For the budget proposal she will deliver to the Michigan Legislature Wednesday, Whitmer’s Every Child Reads plan notes that investing in preschool and wraparound programs is just as important as improving curriculum and ensuring teachers are trained.

Here are some specifics of the plan the governor’s office shared with Chalkbeat this week:

• Part of the $625 million investment includes expansion of the state’s PreK for All initiative, which aims to provide free preschool to children regardless of income. “It starts with high-quality early learning, because the sooner kids start learning to read, the better they become,” the governor’s office said in a media advisory.
• The budget would also invest more in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (or LETRS) training. LETRS is a professional development program based on the science of reading. The science of reading refers to a body of knowledge that emphasizes phonics along with building vocabulary and background knowledge.
• The budget will include funding that helps districts implement new science of reading-aligned curriculum. The Michigan Department of Education recently published a list of curriculums aligned with the science of reading. School districts aren’t required to adopt from the list. However, the current state budget has language requiring schools to send letters home to parents if they are using a curriculum that is not on the list or risk losing a small percentage of their state funding.
• The budget proposes additional funding to expand summer, before-school, and after-school programming.

Additional details, such as information on how the additional funding would help districts implement curriculum aligned to the science of reading, weren’t available.

State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko, in a statement included in the governor’s advisory, said Whitmer’s focus on literacy is one shared by the Michigan Department of Education, which he oversees, and the State Board of Education, the elected board that hired him last year.

“Nothing is more important to our students and our state than improving literacy,” Maleyko said. “Reading and writing are the foundation for long-term success, and I look forward to working with the Legislature through strong teamwork and shared responsibility to advance these priorities and continue improving student outcomes statewide.”

Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.

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Paint the town green with these St. Patrick’s Day events for metro Detroit families

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. If the luck of the Irish is on your side, your family will get the chance to experience at least one of these St. Patrick’s Day events this month in metro Detroit.

These kid-friendly events give families a fun way to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, along with shamrocks and all things green.

Kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events in metro Detroit 

Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K & Kids K at Conor O’Neills

March 8, 2026

• Address: 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
• Cost: $18-$41

Families can run or walk a 5K or Kids Kilometer race. All proceeds from this event go to Save a Heart. After the race, there will be live music, Irish Dancers, bagpipers, face painting, food and drinks.  

Kids Leprechaun Traps at Harrison Township Public Library

March 11, 2026

• Address: 38255 Lanse Creuse St., Harrison Township
• Cost: Free

Kids can create their own Leprechaun Trap at the library. All craft supplies, boxes and decorations will be provided.

Leprechaun Days at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion

Photo credit: Canterbury Village

March 14-15, 2026

• Address: 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
• Cost: $5/entry, free/parking

Enjoy a kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Irish dancers, magic shows, free bounce houses and more. Find 10 gold coins throughout the village to turn in for a prize.  

Royal Oak St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 14, 2026 

• Address: Downtown Royal Oak
• Cost: Free

Wear and decorate your wagons and bicycles in everything green and take part in a family-filled celebration of Irish tradition at this annual event. 

St. Patrick’s Parade in Corktown, Detroit

Photo credit: Photos Here There/Tim Beaudoin

March 15, 2026

• Address: 2068 Michigan Ave., Detroit
• Cost: Free

This annual event comes with a procession filled with leprechauns, shamrock floats and other Irish swag.

This article was recently updated on Feb. 3, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included research to feature the latest information and new events. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.

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