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Thursday, 12 September 2024

5 Family-Fun Adventures this Fall in Greater Lansing

As autumn arrives in Greater Lansing, families find themselves surrounded by the rich colors and cozy traditions of the season. From picking pumpkins to exploring haunted trails, there’s no shortage of activities that capture the essence of fall. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a crisp day outdoors or get into the Halloween spirit, Greater Lansing offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of this special time of year.

“If you’re going to make it a weekend trip, make sure that you book early because if the Spartans are playing, the hotel rooms get booked really early,” said Lori Lanspeary, Choose Lansing’s manager of marketing and community engagement. “Lansing is super affordable and a nice little weekend getaway that’s no pressure and not super crowded.”

With the help of Choose Lansing, we’ve rounded up the following options.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Address: 8614 US-127, St. Johns

Price: Free to visit; products and activities for purchase

A visit to Uncle John’s Cider Mill in the fall is more than just a chance to grab apple cider, donuts, pumpkins and caramel apples — it’s become a beloved Lansing tradition.

What is well-loved about it is the variety of experiences they offer. For the grown-ups, there’s a charming tap room featuring a selection of hard ciders and a fruit house winery with cherry and apple wines. Enjoy a hard cider flight or simply savor their comforting offerings. The weekends are lively with entertainment on the porch, adding to the fun.

For the kids, the mill is a haven of excitement. They can pick out pumpkins from the patch, jump on the giant bounce pillow, navigate the corn maze and take hay rides. With something for every age, Uncle John’s Cider Mill is a brilliant spot for fall family fun.

Choose Lansing

River Town Adventures

Address: 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing

Price: $15-$40 single kayak; $30-$80 tandem kayak

For a laid-back way to enjoy the fall colors, take a family kayak ride down the Grand River with River Town Adventures. In a tandem kayak, you can explore the changing landscape at your own pace, making it a simple and scenic way to spend time together.

Whether you’re looking to quietly soak in the surroundings or get in some light exercise, this self-guided trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor adventure. The river’s calm waters and the vibrant backdrop of autumn make for an experience that’s both refreshing and memorable.

Potter Park Zoo

Address: 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.

Pricing through October: Resident Adult – $8; Non-Resident Adult – $15; Resident Senior (60-plus)/Military – $6; Non-Resident Senior (60-plus)/Military- $13; Children (ages 3-12) – $5; Children Under 3 – free

There’s nothing like enjoying the fall at Potter Park Zoo, surrounded by incredible animals like red pandas, penguins with their new chicks, lions, tigers and even Wayne the anteater. This time of year, the zoo becomes even more special with its “Boo at the Zoo” event, held on the last three weekends of October.

From noon to 5 p.m. on those Saturdays and Sundays, families can explore a straw maze, tackle obstacle courses, enjoy a black light room, ride the hayride and gather from treat stations. There are also live animal presentations, where you can get up close with some of the zoo’s fascinating creatures. It’s a fun-filled way to experience the zoo in a whole new light during the Halloween season.

Impression 5 Science Center

Address: 200 Museum Drive, Lansing

Price: $12 – Adults & Children (2 and older); $10.50 – Seniors, Military members (and immediate family); Children (23 months and younger) – FREE

Impression 5 Science Center is gearing up for an exciting fall with the opening of a new traveling exhibit on Oct. 14: Barbie: You Can Be Anything. This exhibit, which has been making its way around the country, explores 14 different careers that Barbie has pursued over the years, inspiring kids to dream big about their own futures.

In addition to the Barbie exhibit, Oct. 5 marks the 10th anniversary of Impression 5’s “How-To Halloween” event. This celebration is packed with activities for the entire family, including costume fun and interactive exhibits. Even adults will find something to enjoy, with robotics and other engaging features that make this a must-visit event for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages.

Awaken Haunted Attraction

Address: 4760 Churchill Road, Leslie

Price: General admission – $25; Fast Pass – $35

For older kids and teens looking for a serious scare, Awaken Haunted Attraction offers a chilling experience. Spanning over 42,000 square feet, this haunt is filled with detailed sets, unexpected twists and actors who know how to keep you on edge. 

Led by designer Brian McVay, Awaken has gained a reputation for its intense atmosphere, earning it recognition as one of the best haunted houses in the region. It’s a good pick for those who want more than just a mild fright this Halloween season.

As the leaves turn and the air cools, these five family-fun adventures in Greater Lansing promise unforgettable moments and seasonal excitement for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and to plan your trip, visit www.lansing.org.



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Wednesday, 11 September 2024

Touchdown for Fun at these Flag Football Leagues in Metro Detroit

Is your child interested in playing football, but you’re nervous about them playing tackle football? Flag football is a great way for them to learn the basics without having to worry about them getting tackled and hurt.

Check out these flag football leagues in metro Detroit.

Make sure to register as soon as possible, because these flag football leagues fill up fast.

This article was published on Sept. 10, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her compiling the best youth flag football leagues in metro Detroit. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.

i9 Sports

  • Locations in Macomb County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County and Wayne County

Ages 4-14 can enjoy this youth flag football program. It’s a great introductory league for kids who have never played the sport before. They offer an inviting atmosphere and promise that each child plays every game.

Michigan Elite Football Club

  • Address: Total Sports Complex, 22777 Farmington Road, Farmington

These 5v5 flag football teams are coached by volunteer coaches and parents. Teams have up to 10 players and are selected for the youth Sunday training camp program.

National Flag Football

flag football in metro Detroit
Photo credit: Evans Hicks
  • Locations in Macomb County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County and Wayne County

Their flag football leagues run for seven weeks. They are available for both boys and girls in grades Pre-K through 8th grade. Kids will learn the fundamentals in a team-oriented environment. The teams meet once a week (on either Saturday or Sunday) for two hours total.

NFL FLAG 

  • Locations in Macomb County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County and Wayne County

It’s the official Flag Football program of the NFL and the largest youth flag football league in the United States. Open to boys and girls of all abilities, ages 4-17.

N Zone Sports

  • Locations in Wayne County

N Zone Sports of Greater Detroit’s youth flag football programs, leagues and camps are for ages 3-14.

Oakland Yard Athletics 

  • Address: 5328 Highland Road, Waterford Township

The Power 5 Football program is for high school and youth football players during the off-season.

Sterling Football Club 

  • Located in Sterling Heights

This program is affiliated and in cooperation with Sterling Heights Parks & Recreation. They offer flag football for ages 7-11.


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Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Best School Districts in Wayne County

Choosing a school district can have a huge impact on your student’s academic journey.

Some districts in Wayne County have better scores than others. Niche, a data-analyzing website focused on schools, has graded some of the best school districts in Wayne County.

The results stem from multiple ranking factors including teacher quality, state test scores, graduation rates and more. Notably, SAT/ACT scores have been removed from its ranking factors to “reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process,” Niche says.  Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

This article was recently updated on Sept. 10, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the best school districts in Wayne County. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Best School Districts in Wayne County

Best School Districts Wayne County

  1. Northville Public Schools (A+)
  2. Grosse Pointe Public School System (A+)
  3. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (A)
  4. Woodhaven-Brownstown School District (A)
  5. Grosse Ile Township Schools (A)
  6. Livonia Public Schools School District (A-)
  7. Riverview Community School District (B+)
  8. Allen Park Public Schools (B+)
  9. Trenton Public Schools (B+)
  10. Huron School District (B)
  11. Van Buren Public Schools (B)
  12. Gibraltar School District (B)
  13. Dearborn City School District (B)
  14. Crestwood School District (B)
  15. Wyandotte Public Schools (B)

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Cheers to These Kid-Friendly Breweries in Metro Detroit

Looking to enjoy a meal and a beer out with the family? Maybe you couldn’t find a babysitter, but still would like to get a drink with your spouse or friends.

Many of the breweries in southeast Michigan have kids menus and things for kids to do while they’re there. Check out our list below and let us know if we missed any kid-friendly breweries.

This article was recently updated on Sept. 9, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on kid-friendly breweries in metro Detroit. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Kid-friendly Breweries in Macomb County

Arctic Circle Brewing Company

This family-friendly microbrewery and taproom features unique beer ideas and styles. Kids will enjoy the industrial atmosphere and parents will love the beers on tap, beer to go and wine list.

Baffin Brewing Company

This family-friendly place brews beers of all types, including IPAs, fruit seltzer, fruit sours and traditional beers. The menu changes frequently. Make sure to ask about the punch cards to receive prizes.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

This brewhouse is known for its incredible Chicago-style pizza and handcrafted beer. It has an extensive kids menu with create-your-own pasta, mini corn dogs, kids taco, mini burgers, boiled shrimp, boneless wings and more.Add a kids sundae or a kids mini pizooke for the perfect sweet treat.

Brown Iron Beer

Brown Iron specializes in fresh food daily, ground brisket burgers and housemade pretzels. For kids, they have grilled cheese, chicken tenders, cheeseburger and two pulled pork sliders. All kids meals are served with a drink and fries.

Great Baraboo Brewing Company 

Try a Baraboo burger, brewhouse sandwich or create your own pizza. The junior club is for children ages 10 and under. The junior menu features mac and cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and snake eye burger. Ages 21 and up can enjoy one of the handcrafted brews, guest taps, growlers, wine and more.

Jamex Brewing Co.

This family-friendly nanobrewery offers ever-changing ciders, lagers and ales in a comfortable environment. Although they don’t have a kitchen, they have food trucks that frequent the location. Follow them on Facebook for updates. 

 Sherwood Brewing Company

Check out this brewery that is very kid-friendly. They not only give the kids crayons to color, but also playdough to keep them occupied until the food comes. Ages 12 and under can order off the kids menu, which includes a hamburger, chicken strips, grilled chicken dunkers, mac and cheese or a small pizza. They have Detroit City Soda to drink. Keep an eye out for trivia nights and family-friendly events, too.

Family-friendly Breweries in Oakland County

Arbor Brewing Company

The brewery has year-round beers, seasonal and LTOS and barrel-aged sours. Both locations are family-friendly. The Ypsilanti location has a kids menu with grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas and grilled peanut butter and jelly.

Ascension Brewing Company

This brewery’s draft and can lists change, so make sure to check the website before heading out. The kids menu is for ages 12 and under and features a chicken basket, grilled cheese and killer mac. They offer Detroit Kid Soda, too.

Bearded Lamb Brewing Company

This old-style pub is located in historic Old Village in Plymouth. It’s family-friendly and features seasonal specialties and collaborative creations.

Blue Skies Brewery-Auburn Hills

This family-friendly brewery was founded by an airline pilot in 2018, hence the name. It offers Northwoods Sodas, juice and water for non-drinkers, plus board games to play when you’re there.

Brown Iron Beer

Brown Iron specializes in fresh food daily, ground brisket burgers and housemade pretzels. For kids, they have grilled cheese, chicken tenders, cheeseburger and two pulled pork sliders. All kids meals are served with a drink and fries.

Cadillac Straits Brewing Company

This brewery is kid-friendly and has many food options on the menu that kids will love like nachos, soft pretzels, tots, cheese bread and more. They have high chairs and changing tables in the bathrooms for the littles.

CJ’s Brewing Company

This brewery was the first of its kind in Commerce. The kids menu is for ages 12 and under and includes cheeseburger, pepperoni pizza, corn dog, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, mac n cheese or pasta.

Draught Horse Brewery

Try any of the beers on tap or get a beer flight of six if you’re unsure what you would like. For kids, Draught Horse offers mac & cheese, chicken tenders, grilled cheese and flatbread pizza.

Farmington Brewing Company

Families can enjoy some bonding time at FBC. It has snacks and drinks that kids are sure to love including Pop Daddy Popcorn, Great Lakes Potato Chips, Faygo Pop and more. All ages are welcome until 8 p.m.

Fillmore 13 Brewery

Parents can enjoy beer, wine, cider and mead at this brewery located in the heart of downtown Pontiac. The kids meal options are for ages 12 and under and includes pizza, chicken tenders, mac and cheese and cheeseburgers.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company

In house, they make beer, hard seltzer, hard cider, vodkas, whiskey and gins. The kids menu is for children under 10 and features mac and cheese, mini cheeseburger, quesadilla, grilled cheese and chicken fingers.

HomeGrown Brewing Company

Enjoy craft beer and food at this family-friendly brewery. Kids meals are $6 and feature chicken nuggets, cheeseburger, mac and cheese or a rice bowl. It offers brunch on Sundays. The kids brunch menu has 1/2 French toast, eggs with toast and bacon and cheesy eggs. Plus, kids eat free on Thursdays!

Kickstand Brewing Company 

Check out the handcrafted Michigan spirits, handcrafted Michigan wines, beers on tap and more. It offers weekly specials and other events, so make sure to check the website for those. Bring the kids and they can order off their own menu, which has chicken tenders, pizza, cheeseburger sliders, mac and cheese and grilled cheese.

Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery

This family-friendly seafood spot brews its own beers and sodas. It offers brunch on the weekends, too.

Parker’s Hilltop Brewery

This brewpub always has games on the big screens and plenty of table games to keep you occupied. For children 10 and under, also known as “pint size,” they have chicken tenders, cheeseburger slides, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and BBQ ribs.

Rivers Edge Brewing

This brewery is family-friendly and the menu has plenty that kids will enjoy. Some items include Bavarian pretzels, nachos, hot dogs and grilled cheese. Check out dessert — Browndog Creamy ice cream, ice cream bars and different flavored pies.

The Royal Oak Brewery

Try the award-winning house brews at this family-friendly brewery, located one block east of Main Street. It serves seven to nine fresh beers on tap daily and plenty of food options to munch on.  

Rochester Mills Beer Company

This brewpub is located in a historic knitting mill in downtown Rochester. The kids meals include chicken fingers, fish and chips, mini hot dogs, mac and cheese, cheese tortellini, chicken roll ups and more.

Rustic Leaf Brewing Company

There are a couple items on their food trailer’s kids menu – pizza and grilled cheese. Make sure to check on the website for the food trailer’s hours. It offers some beers that are always available and other taps that are rotating. There is wine and Kombucha, too.

Witch’s Hat Brewing Company 

The brewery offers year-round beers, specialty beers, wine, cider and mead. For ages 10 and under, they offer chicken n’ waffles, fish & chips, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and hat burger. They have a kids coloring menu and Detroit City Soda.

Kid-friendly Breweries in Washtenaw County

Arbor Brewing Company

The brewery has year-round beers, seasonal and LTOS and barrel-aged sours. Both locations are family-friendly. The Ypsilanti location has a kids menu with grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas and grilled peanut butter and jelly.

Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

This brewery works with local producers to put fresh food on the table. It offers 10 craft beer selections daily. The kids menu has a cheeseburger, chicken strips, mac & cheese, grilled cheese and BBQ ribs.

Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.

This brewpub offers beers in house or to take home. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, but the outdoor is on a walk-in basis only. The kids menu that has grilled cheese, chicken strips, fish and chips, mac and cheese, hamburger and cheese pizza.

HOMES Brewery – Brewpub

This family-friendly brewery has many unique food and drink options like bulgogi burritos, coconut ranch edamame, bulgogi fries, kimchi fries, brussels sprout Caesar, bibimbap – beef and more. They have draft fills in growlers or 750mL.

Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

This brewery is known for its variety of unfiltered and unpasteurized “rustic country” beers and eclectic food menu. All of the beers are vegan friendly and aged in oak. The kids meals are chicken strips, hamburger, grilled cheese and cheese pizza.

Salt Springs Brewery

This brewery is housed in a historic church with original, stained glass dining room. They have craft beers and wines for those over 21. All-day kids meals include a cheeseburger, mac and cheese, ham and cheese sandwich, pasta and cheese pizza. For kids brunch, check out the French toast, steak & eggs, buttermilk pancakes and scrambled egg, bacon and toast.

Wolverine State Brewing Co 

Bring the family and check out this laid-back place on the West Side. There is always great music in the background and a game on TV for the sports lovers. Try the “Famous Nachos” or a craft sandwich like the Cubano or Bratwurst “Cheesesteak” with your beer. The kids menu has mac and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese quesadilla or PB&J. 

Ypsi Alehouse 

It offers a couple meals for kids – grilled cheese and fries or chicken fingers and fries – although kids will enjoy other items on the menu. The non-alcoholic beverages include coffee, canned soda, lemonade, sweet flavored sparkling water, traditional cream soda, traditional creamsicle sodas and Sprecher Root Beer. The cream soda, creamsicle soda and root beer are all housemade to order.

Family-friendly Breweries in Wayne County

Batch Brewing Company

This family-friendly brewery has many vegan and gluten free options. Kids are welcome here. It has changing tables in the bathrooms. Enjoy beer or house made sodas with your meal.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

This brewhouse is known for its incredible Chicago-style pizza and handcrafted beer. It has an extensive kids menu with create-your-own pasta, mini corn dogs, kids taco, mini burgers, boiled shrimp, boneless wings and more. Add a kids sundae or a kids mini pizooke for the perfect sweet treat.

Brewery Faisan

This family-friendly microbrewery and taproom is located in the Islandview neighborhood of Detroit. It features Belgian beers and has outdoor patio seating, too.

Brew Detroit

This family-friendly brewery is in Corktown. Here you can enjoy a true farm-to-fork and grain-to-glass experience. They have lots of food options such as tacos, pizza, sandwiches, power bowls and more.

Dearborn Brewing

Enjoy this family-friendly microbrewery with handcrafted beers and an on-site taproom. Try up to 10 different beers and seltzers, wine and wine spritzers. The snack menu features soft pretzels, nachos, chips and salsa, hot dogs and more. 

Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Check out the family-friendly brewery in Eastern Market. It has indoor and outdoor seating and friendly dogs are allowed on the patio. Outside food is welcome and local food trucks are available nearby on select Fridays and Saturdays.

Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

This brewery is known for its variety of unfiltered and unpasteurized “rustic country” beers and eclectic food menu. All of the beers are vegan friendly and aged in oak. The kids meals are chicken strips, hamburger, grilled cheese and cheese pizza.


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Monday, 9 September 2024

Best School Districts in Oakland County

Choosing a school district can have a huge impact on your student’s academic journey.

Some districts in Oakland County have better scores than others. Niche, a data-analyzing website focused on schools, has graded some of the best school districts in Oakland County.

The results stem from multiple ranking factors including teacher quality, state test scores, graduation rates and more. Notably, SAT/ACT scores have been removed from its ranking factors to “reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process,” Niche says.  Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

This article was recently updated on Sept. 9, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the best school districts in Oakland County. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Best School Districts in Oakland County

  1. Novi Community School District (A+)
  2. Troy School District (A+)
  3. Bloomfield Hills Schools (A+)
  4. Oakland Schools (A+)
  5. Birmingham Public Schools (A+)
  6. Rochester Community School District (A+)
  7. West Bloomfield School District (A+)
  8. Berkley School District (A)
  9. Lake Orion Community Schools (A)
  10. Walled Lake Consolidated School District (A-)
  11. Clarkston Community School District (A-)
  12. Farmington Public Schools (A-)
  13. South Lyon Community Schools (A-)
  14. Oxford Community Schools (B+)
  15. Royal Oak Schools (B+)
  16. Huron Valley Schools (B+)
  17. Brandon School District (B)
  18. Lamphere Public Schools (B)
  19. Avondale School District (B)
  20. Clawson Public Schools (B)

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Yes, Play Is Good For Children’s Mental Health — Here’s What The Data Says

Children are playing independently less than they used to — and, according to many experts, missing out on this quintessential childhood experience is taking a toll on their mental health. Some even say that decreased free play, defined as unstructured play without adult supervision, is fueling the youth mental health crisis more than social media usage.

Among the staunchest advocates of free play is renowned psychologist Dr. Peter Gray. In a 2011 study, Dr. Gray found that free play teaches young people how to learn decision-making and problem-solving skills, regulate their emotions, build friendships, and more. Without play, rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and narcissism increase, the study posits. “​​Everything that I know about play suggests that if you take play away from children, there’s going to be negative consequences,” Dr. Gray told the Boston Globe earlier this year.

To assess how play impacts youth mental health, Charlie Health combed through the numbers, looking at data on how play is linked with happiness, social skills, and more. Keep reading to see what the data reveals.

Play is linked to stronger social skills among children

A 2015 review of 18 international studies involving about 50,000 children and youth found that play is positively associated with children’s social skills. The studies, which explored various types of risky play (a kind of free play that involves risk within safe boundaries), found that children who can disappear or get lost during play or play involving great heights or rough and tumble activities are shown to have increased social competence. Similarly, an earlier study of children (ages six months to 2.5 years) in an orphanage found that months of play improved social skills by nearly 50% (61.9 to 91.3 according to the study’s metrics).

Children’s physical ability is also linked to play

The same studies positively linked play with children’s physical abilities. The 2015 review found that risky play is linked to increased regular and intense physical activity in children. Similarly, after months of play, the children in the orphanage saw a roughly 30% increase in motor skills (63.7 to 91.3 according to the study’s metrics). According to the study, children in the orphanage also became more active, playful, and responsive with play.

Happiness and play are linked among children

Even a small amount of play is positively linked with happiness among children, one study found. According to research conducted in 2020 with 42 preschool children (aged four to six), one hour of play and 10 minutes of indoor mindfulness over five days increased children’s happiness by nearly 20% (pretest happiness score: 4; posttest happiness score: 4.7). This increase is considered significant according to the researchers.

Rising childhood ADHD rates may be linked to reduced free play

An increasing number of children are getting diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and free play could be part of the equation. One study found that reduced opportunities for preschool children to engage in spontaneous social play may contribute to rising ADHD diagnoses. The study notes that play helps develop the brain’s ability to regulate impulsive emotions — a classic symptom of ADHD, which may worsen without play, according to the study.

Similarly, a 2013 study of children found that more time spent in unstructured quiet play during toddler and preschool years correlated with better self-regulation abilities later on, even when earlier self-regulation skills and other factors were considered. Additionally, the 2013 study found that preschoolers who engaged in one to five hours of unstructured active play showed significant improvements in self-regulation two years later.

How to support children’s mental health through play

Supporting children’s mental health with play is, first and foremost, a systemic issue. Above all, providers, researchers, and lawmakers need to raise awareness of how play impacts mental health and create more opportunities for children to play. Below are some other steps that can be taken to promote play and children’s mental health.

Encourage free play

It may seem obvious, but encourage your children to engage in unstructured, self-directed play at any time during the day. As shown in the above studies, even a limited amount of free play can help young people develop social skills and improve their overall physical ability and happiness. Free play can include outdoor play, play with other children, and play using diverse materials, such as building blocks, art supplies, dress-up clothes, and more.

Limit screen time

A growing body of research suggests that prolonged screen time can negatively impact children’s physical health, sleep patterns, and social development. Instead, encourage activities that promote physical movement and creativity, such as outdoor play, sports, arts and crafts, and imaginative games. These activities not only support physical health but also foster social skills, cognitive development, and emotional well-being.

Seek play therapy (and mental healthcare) as needed

Just like play itself, data shows that play therapy (a therapeutic approach that uses play) can give children useful tools and experiences to manage and improve their mental health. If your child is struggling with their mental health, consider looking for providers or organizations that incorporate play therapy into treatment.

This story was produced by Charlie Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.


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Saturday, 7 September 2024

These Are The Best Places to Raise a Family in Macomb County

Selecting the right place to live is crucial for your family’s future, as it shapes a child’s worldview and everyday experiences. In Macomb County, choosing the ideal town is made easier.

Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, publishes a ranking of the best places to raise a family. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Macomb County stack up.

These statistics were calculated based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Data for these categories come from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC and other data sources. You can find the full methodology here.

This article was updated on Sept. 6, 2024, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her work included adding the 2024 Niche rankings for the “Best Places to Raise a Family in Macomb County.” Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.

Here are the top 10 best places to raise a family in Macomb County on the list:

Best Places to Raise a Family in Macomb County

1. Shelby Charter Township

  • Average home value: $316,400
  • Population: 79,407

With a spread out, suburban feel, Shelby Charter Township offers families excellent public schools, good outdoor activities and many restaurants.

2. Macomb Township

  • Average home value: $337,900
  • Population: 91,418

In Macomb Township, the vast majority of residents own their homes and the public school options are highly rated. Macomb Township is the most populous civil township in the state.

3. Sterling Heights

  • Average home value: $243,400
  • Population: 133,744

As the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit, and the fourth largest city in Michigan, Sterling Heights has many options for families. It earns a “B+” both in the public schools and good for families categories from Niche.

4. Utica

  • Average home value: $199,600
  • Population: 5,195

This suburb boasts a small historic district as well as many walking paths and small shops. Utica earns an “A-” in the public schools category from Niche.

5. Chesterfield Township

  • Average home value: $258,200
  • Population: 45,414

Although Chesterfield has a spare suburban feel, there are many options for restaurants, businesses and shopping. The public schools, cost of living and diversity in Chesterfield are above average.

6. New Baltimore

  • Average home value: $283,500
  • Population: 12,104

Located on Lake St. Clair, New Baltimore offers residents many family activities, including access to beaches, fishing and boating. In 2016, the state’s largest and tallest flagpole was erected at the Walter and Mary Burke Park.

7. Romeo

  • Average home value: $228,800
  • Population: 3,727

Romeo has a suburban and rural mix as well and a smaller population. It earns a “B+” in public schools, diversity and good for families categories from Niche.

8. Fraser

  • Average home value: $178,900
  • Population: 14,668

Fraser offers its residents a dense suburban feel and above average public schools. Also located in Fraser is the Arts Academy in the Woods, a free public charter academy for students interested in the arts.

9. St. Clair Shores

  • Average home value: $181,300
  • Population: 58,656

St. Clair Shores offers residents access to Lake St. Clair. The city is well known for its “Nautical Mile” along Jefferson Avenue. It earns a “B” from Niche in the public schools and diversity categories.

10. Richmond

  • Average home value: $221,500
  • Population: 5,852

Richmond is a small, tight-knit community known for its charming downtown area and historic homes. Located at the northern edge of Macomb County, it offers residents a blend of rural and suburban living.


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