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Sunday, 21 May 2023

Top Hot Dog Restaurants in Southeast Michigan

By  May 21, 2023   No comments

No city prepares hot dogs quite like Detroit. From the classic coney to gourmet hot dogs wrapped in bacon to chicken and veggie dogs slathered in house-made ingredients — there’s an onion-bedecked and mustard-laced creation to elicit any craving for this simple yet iconic junk food. Because sometimes, just like a glazed doughnut or decadent scoop of ice cream, a treat is in order!

Check out these hot dog restaurants — from eateries in Detroit proper to locales all around southeast Michigan — to discover the best spins on this American classic.

A Taste Of Soul By Biggie

Try Biggie’s chili dog, hot dog, slaw dog or red hot sausage. For dessert, try peach or apple cobbler, lemon pound cake or sweet potato pie.

American Coney Island

No one makes a mean dog quite like this family-owned Detroit original, satisfying customers since 1917. Many Detroiters attest that American set the bar for southeast Michigan coney achievement, from the secret family chili sauce recipe to the specially seasoned casings for natural hot dogs. Do you have a family member who loves coneys living in another state? You can order their coney kit online and have it shipped nationwide.

Bates Burgers

This family business opened in 1955. Although they are most known for their hamburgers and breakfast items, their coneys are good, too! Try with their chili cheese fries and a chocolate milkshake.

Biercamp Meat Shop and Microbrewery 

Biercamp crafts all eats by hand using in-house ingredients and work only with farms that raise animals organically. You can purchase small batches of pre-packaged meats or stop by for a sausage or bratwurst of the day and dine at the lunch counter, outdoors in the beer garden or take it to go. Be sure to top off your palatable experience with a microbrew.

Bill’s Drive-In 

Want a dog on the go? Stop by this shack to order a coney dog, hot dog or loose hamburger — loose hamburger meat on a hot dog with chili, mustard and onions. Quench your thirst with homemade root beer.

Caesar’s Coney & Grill

Choose from the New York or Chicago style hot dogs, Dorito hot dog, Caesar’s Hot Dog Special, Greek Taco in a bun and more.

Chicago Reds Windy City Hot Dogs

This restaurant serves Vienna all-beef hot dogs and sausages. Try a Chicago Style dog, Georgia dog, Ruben dog, New York dog, chili dog or classic dog.

Chili Mustard Onion  

Vegans rejoice! This Detroit spot offers vegan coneys, subs, gyros and hamburgers. 

Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ

There are plenty of craveable hot dogs to choose from such as “Cheesy Mac Dog,” “Loaded Baked Potato Dog,” “The Nacho Dog,” “Slaw Dog” and more. You can also build your own hot dog, bratwurst or hot sausage (gluten-free buns are available).

Daly Drive-In 

Going strong and bold in flavor since 1959, this Daly is the last joint open in a once-famed chain of top hot dog spots. A foot-long DalyDog costs less than $7 for that grade-A savor. For the kiddies and meager appetites, there’s a Junior Dog, “everything reduced but the flavor.” Peruse the retro dessert menu, featuring pies, banana splits, sundaes, hot fudge cream puffs and strawberry shortcake. 

Dave and Buster’s Utica

This play center has some awesome food and play deals. Try their pretzel dogs, which are beef franks, pretzel-wrapped, served with spicy habanero sauce. They even have a kids size that comes with fries.

Duly’s Place

An oldie but a goodie, Duly’s has been serving Detroit’s iconic chili, onion and mustard-topped coneys around the clock for nearly a century. For chili overload, try the chili cheese onion rings or the chili cheese hash browns. Stop by and taste why it continues to be a citywide favorite.

Dynasty Dogs and Tacos

This all-Michigan brand car hop features Dearborn all-beef hot dogs, Faygo, authentic street tacos and more.

Eddie’s Drive-In

This ‘50s drive-in has everything from old-fashioned food items to servers on roller skates going car to car. Try their regular hot dog, corn dog or foot long hot dog. They also have a Knackwurst on a bun, which is topped with chili, cheese or kraut.

Honey Wings

Try one of the many corn dogs at this Korean-inspired American restaurant. They have an original, a double cheese dog, Cheetos dog, monster dog and rainbow dog.

Imperial 

Put a Mexican spin on your fare at Imperial, where the Sonoran hot dogs come wrapped in bacon and tasty deets, including guacamole, stewed beans, salsa verde, pineapple, chipotle aioli and more. The Biergarten-style sitting makes it easy for groups to mingle.

Joe’s Hamburgers

Open for business since 2009, this spot, named for the owner’s grandpa, gets props for its sliders, of course, but also fresh-cut fries, homemade soups and hot dogs, too. Try a rocket dog, which is wrapped with onion rings or U.S.M.C. devil dog, which is topped with jalapeno relish!

Kerby’s Coney Island

  • Address: Various locations

The lean beef, natural casing and a secret family chili recipe that’s nearly a century old make these a must try. The chain is known for expanding its menus beyond the traditional coney fare, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. You can still find the classic Detroit original Coney Island at this leader among local hot dog restaurants.

Lafayette Coney Island

Pictures of famous people stopping by for Lafayette’s famous coney dogs bedeck the dining room walls — testaments to this Detroit icon and the city’s signature junk food. Stop in, take a seat at the bar and taste these simple, snappy and sloppy dogs to discover why the locals keep coming back for more.

Lefty’s Ann Arbor

Lefty’s coneys are topped with chili, mustard and onions on a steamed bun. Try their loaded fries with your dog, such as Nashville Hot, Brisket, Big Poppa, Buffalo Ranch and SouthPaw. They have a kids hot dog meal for your little one and cheesecake for dessert.

Leo’s Coney Island

  • Address: Various locations

Leo’s offers one of the most extensive coney menus around and caters to the whole family. Order a Coney Island dog dressed in all the fixings or opt for a kosher, Chicago or New York hot dog. Other choices include Greek specialties, breakfast options and a kids menu for the youngest customers.

Lipuma’s Coney Island

A family-owned business that has been around since 1969. They have a variety of specialty dogs including the Texas dog, Flip Saunders dog, Chicago, Russian dog and more.

lov-a burger Fries & Shakes

Although this restaurant is known for its burgers, they are said to have great hot dogs, too! Choose from a coney dog, cheese dog, bacon and cheese dog, Chicago dog or even a loose burger, which has seasoned ground beef and all the fixings of a coney dog (minus the dog).

Mark’s Midtown Coney Island

The first Mark’s opened in 1985 and continues to expand under the premise of “getting back to the basics” serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, all day long, at affordable prices. Menus vary by location, but you can be sure to find the classic Coney Island smothered in chili, the “Sauerkraut Dog” and “Chicago Dog” laden with pickles and banana peppers.

Mercury Bar

This Corktown bar has a hip diner feel and features four signature natural casing and all-beef franks. Order the Detroit, which is your typical chili cheese dog, Chicago dog tucked in a poppy-seeded bun, a “N.Y, N.Y.” smothered in corned beef or a plain dog. Eccentric, handcrafted shakes are on menu to satisfy your sweet tooth.

National Coney Island

  • Address: Various locations

For 50 years, customers craving great-tasting, All-American classics including traditional Detroit-style Coney Island hot dogs have returned again and again to experience National’s famed service. Now, the company operates nearly 20 hot dog restaurants in southeastern Michigan. But the friendly dining experience combined with fast service and quality food at affordable prices continues to make this eatery a family favorite.

Nu New York Deli

Try their plain hot dog, coney dog, NY coney taco, loose burger and New York hot dog. Pair with Brooklyn fries, which are topped with corned beef, chopped bacon, house gravy, Swiss cheese and homemade Russian dressing.

Perry Street Grill

Choose from a regular hot dog, coney dog, loose coney burger, coney taco or a hot dog with sauerkraut.

Phoenix Coney Island

There are plenty of different coneys to choose from at this restaurant. Choose from a Phoenix Coney Dog, Vienna Fire Dog, Chicago Coney Dog, California Dog and many more. Top it off with a milkshake or float.

Pontiac Super Chief

This tiny place is packed with quirky charm, from the retro prints on the walls to the friendly staff. Order the foot-long coney served on a buttery, toasted bun, slathered in a thick chili sauce.

Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Chicago street food known for its unique hot dogs and sausages. Toppings include pickles, tomatoes, peppers, grilled onions, relish and more.

Ray’s Red Hots

Get your ballpark-frank style dogs at Ray’s Gourmet Dogs and Sausages. Try “Ray’s Red Hot,” Chicago-style dog made from 100 percent Black Angus beef or “Ray’s Red Hot Hawaiian Style” dog with Applewood bacon, grilled pineapple, diced onions and BBQ sauces.

Shake Shack

  • Address: Various locations

This hip hamburger and shake restaurant got its roots as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan and has expanded to 262 locations in the U.S. Their hot dogs are 100% beef and can be topped with cheese sauce and bacon to spice it up. Try their many flavors of shakes, floats and frozen custard. They have non-dairy shakes and frozen custard, too.

Taystee’s Burgers

  • Address: Various locations

Taystee’s has so many amazing burgers to choose from, but they also have some pretty great hot dogs, too. Try their Taystee Dog, Taystee Coney Dog or Taystee Knockwurst. Add a side of mac and cheese bites, Midwest or Coleslaw Fries and a milkshake.

The Coney Grille

The Coney Grille, which opened in 2005, is a community favorite. It’s a family dining restaurant known for its signature coney island hot dogs, but it offers more than just coneys, including daily homemade soups and Greek specialties like spinach pie and rice pudding. Look out for $1.99 coney dogs on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Wurst Bar

This restaurant features many different kinds of brats including chorizo, sweet Italian, Philly style, breakfast brat and a brat made with Impossible meat and wurst spices.

Two Hands Fresh Corn Dogs

Try their wildly popular Korean-style corn dogs such as “Two Hands Dog,” “Spicy Dog,” “Classic Dog” or their “Potato Dog” or “American Classic Dog.” Pair it with dirty fries or Kimchi seasoning fries and a slushy to drink.

Village Gourmet Hot Dogs

Get your grub on with the Village’s wide range of gourmet hot dogs, including chicken, spicy Mexican, encased in pretzel buns, taco, sausage dogs and more. Top it off with a tasty shake.

Vinsetta Garage 

This former garage earns its spot among our hot dog restaurants picks because of its “3 a.m. Dog,” slathered in bacon jam, Sriracha mayo, sunny-fried egg, chives and topped with crispy, fried onions. Top it off with a house-made milkshake.

Wiseguy’s Bar and Grill 2 

This bar is known in Macomb County for having really great food and their coney entrees are no different. Have a classic coney or try their Coney Island Pizza, which has hot dogs, cheddar cheese, chili, mustard and onions.

This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly.

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Saturday, 20 May 2023

Free Coloring Pages for Kids of All Ages

By  May 20, 2023   No comments

Whether it’s a rainy day or quiet time, we’re always looking for some activities to keep kids busy at home. Coloring and activity books are a great, screen-free option to keep kids entertain. Grab your box of crayons or favorite drawing pens and get ready to get creative! 

These coloring sheets will brighten up any child’s day. The best part about them? They’re free! You can print out the following free coloring pages right now.

Monster Coloring Book for Kids

Photo credit: Brent Mosser

You might have spotted Brent Mosser’s illustrations in our magazine before. Now your kids can color nine of these little monsters. They’ll add some personality on your fridge, too!

Cranbrook Art Museum 

Photo credit: Cranbrook Art Museum

These coloring pages are based on some of the artwork on display at the museum. Let your kids put their own twist on these classic works. 

Detroit Parks

Photo credit: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Celebrate our city’s parks by printing out some of their lovely scenes and making them your own.

Detroit Zoo

Photo credit: Detroit Zoo

Missing your favorite zoo animals? Print them out, color them and post them in your windows to spread a little love.

Michigan Coloring Pages

Photo credit: Michigan Awesome

Celebrate our state and all the wildlife and scenery we enjoy with these Michigan-inspired pages.

Yankee Air Museum

Photo credit: Yankee Air Museum

This local hub is offering all kinds of educational aviary activities, including space and aviary coloring pages.

Crayola

Photo credit: Crayola

It’s no surprise that the Crayola website is packed with free coloring pages. We personally like the sheets that include an activity to write a colorful thank you letter to your hero and a road trip scavenger hunt.

Disney On Ice

Photo credit: Disney

We love when Disney on Ice comes into town, and your kids will enjoy coloring their favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Olaf with these printable coloring pages.

Quote Coloring Pages

Photo credit: Doodle Art Alley

If you need some words of encouragement right now, color out some inspirational quotes. Doodle Art Alley offers plenty of free quote coloring pages focused on family, courage and kindness.

A Little Coloring Book

Photo credit: Liz Climo

Liz Climo is known for her adorable animal cartoons and now she has released a free coloring book perfect for older kids. There’s even a section where you can make your own captions for her cartoons.

MLB Coloring Pages

Photo credit: MLB

Root for your favorite baseball team! Print out your team’s coloring sheet and tape the finished page on your window to rep your city.

Mindfulness Coloring Pages

Photo credit: Best Coloring Pages for Kids

We’re all stressed and coloring is a form of art therapy. Kids and grown-ups can take a break with these mindfulness coloring pages filled with whimsical patterns.

National Geographic Kids

Photo courtesy of National Geographic Kids

What’s your child’s favorite animal? You’ll probably find it on this list of coloring pages. The list is so big that they have it broken down into two pages: Animals (A to I) and Animals (J to Z).

Sesame Street

Photo courtesy of Sesame Street

For your Sesame Street fans at home, surprise them with a coloring page featuring their favorite character like Elmo or Cookie Monster. There are also some fun activity sheets like mazes and Tic Tac Toe to keep them entertained. 

NASA

Photo credit: NASA

Kids can explore our solar system and learn more about the planets we share it with by coloring these informational designs.  

U.S. Mint 

Photo credit: U.S. Mint

Teach your kids more about the different coins used in U.S. currency today and in past years. 

PAW Patrol

Everyone’s favorite pups are available as free coloring pages on the PAW Patrol & Friends website. There’s even printable crafts, pop-up cards and festive holiday coloring pages. 

Just Color

If your indecisive child is looking for more options to get them inspired, Just Color is exactly what they need. Their website has seemingless endless options for kids of all ages, from coloring sheets that fetaure adorable animals, holiday scenes, superheroes and Disney characters to mazes, educational activity pages and more. 

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Different Kinds of Bug Bites in Michigan Parents Should Know About

By  May 20, 2023   No comments

I hate bees and wasps. I understand their importance to the planet — and the survival of just about everyone and everything on it — but they still freak me out.

See, when I was a kid, one stung me, and I had a pretty bad reaction that left me wary. Over the years, though, bees and I have found a way to live in harmony — but that doesn’t mean that I’m keen to meet the business end of their stingers ever again.

I’m sure plenty of parents and kids out there feel the same. Bee stings and other bug bites are no fun. In fact, depending on what creepy crawler nips at you, they can even be deadly.

Luckily, here in Great Lakes State, there aren’t many bugs that can cause much more than a bit of itching — and, thanks to winter, we only have to deal with most of them for half the year. Still, if your kids like to be out and about during the warmer months, there’s a chance they could become a bug’s buffet.

So, to help you identify that bump on Junior’s leg, we spoke to an expert about the most common different kinds of bug bites in Michigan — and did a little digging into the most dangerous ones, too, so that you know what to do if an insect takes a nibble.

Judging the severity

Dr. Leonard Pollack, the division head of inpatient pediatrics and a pediatrician with Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, explains that medical professionals tend to worry about three things when it comes to bug bites: the body’s reaction to the bite, diseases the insect may carry and any toxins the bug may possess.

“(Allergic reactions) can range from very mild, like itching associated with mosquito bites, to the life-threatening reactions,” Pollack says. “Someone who is very allergic to a bee sting or a wasp can have an immediate anaphylactic reaction, (and) those can be fatal.”

Health issues like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and West Nile virus are also a concern for doctors whose patients have been bitten by mosquitos or ticks, as are venomous spiders — though less so in Michigan than other states.

“We don’t really see many (poisonous bites) in Michigan because we don’t have very many of those insects,” Pollack explains.

Common bug bites in Michigan

That said, there are still bugs in our state that bite, and that parents should be aware of which ones. Here are a few of the most common different kinds of bug bites in Michigan.

Photo credit: iStock

Mosquitos

Michigan is surrounded by water, so mosquitos, which thrive in and around standing water, are a common thing for us. Their bites, according to Royal Oak-based Beaumont, appear as small red bumps that are very itchy.

“We see tons of kids with mosquito bites,” Pollack says. “Depending on how they react to them, they can be a minor nuisance or a major nuisance.”

These bites typically don’t require medical attention unless the child is having an adverse reaction to them or is exhibiting signs of West Nile virus or other diseases carried by the bug.

 
Photo credit: iStock

Bed bugs

Another Michigan-native bloodsucker is the bed bug. Pollack says he doesn’t see a lot of these bites, but that parents ask about them a lot.

Their bites usually appear in a straight row on the arms or shoulders, WebMD notes. They tend to be red and itchy.

Signs of bed bugs in your home include rust-colored spots on your bed, exoskeletons on your mattress or actual bugs in the bed (they’re about the size of apple seeds and long, flat, oval-shaped and brown, the Environmental Protection Agency notes).

 

 
Photo credit: iStock

Fleas

These parasites aren’t just for dogs and cats. They’ll bite a human if they come in contact with one, Pollack says. The good news is that fleas found in Michigan usually don’t carry diseases.

Look for round itchy bumps on the skin, similar to mosquito bites. Hives or rashes may develop up to 24 hours after the bite if the host is allergic.

 

 

Photo credit: iStock

Ticks

You’ll more than likely know if you have a tick bite on your hands because these suckers burrow into the skin as they feed on your blood.

Tick bites usually don’t hurt and usually aren’t itchy. After the tick releases or is removed, its bites appear as small red bumps, WebMD reports. However, if the bumps spread to other areas of the body, turn purple or you get aches, chills, fever or a headache, you should see a doctor — as those are signs of tick-borne illnesses.

For more information, see our guide on how to avoid and treat tick bites.

 
Photo credit: iStock

Bees, wasps and hornets

Though technically these bugs don’t bite, bees, wasps and hornets’ stingers can cause some serious problems for those that have bee allergies.

A normal bee sting will cause some swelling, itching, redness and warmth. Those allergic to bees, however, may experience anaphylaxis, abdominal cramping, drop in blood pressure, dizziness and even cardiac arrest, Beaumont notes.

Kids that are allergic or are stung in the mouth, nose or throat should seek medical attention. But if the reaction is minimal, Beaumont suggests washing the area with soap and water before removing the stinger by scraping it with a credit card or butter knife.

Potentially dangerous Michigan bugs

While the majority of bugs in Michigan may be little more than pests, there are two spiders that can be a bit more troublesome, according to Kalamazoo-based Griffin Pest Solutions, which has a local branch office in Livonia.

If you have been bitten or suspect you have been bitten by these spiders, contact a medical professional immediately.

 
Photo credit: iStock

Brown recluse spiders

Michigan weather typically keeps these spiders at bay. However, in recent years, these arachnids have been spotted locally in Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston and Lenawee counties, among others.

As the name suggests, this spider is tan and dark brown with a violin-shaped mark on its thorax. It can be found in rotting wood or cardboard and typically only bites in self-defense.

These bites are usually not painful initially but evolve into a sting and then into intense pain up to eight hours later. Afterwards, a small blister and necrosis — the death of body tissue — develops.

 

Black widow spiders

Like the brown recluse, black widow spiders also only bite when they feel threatened. They’re easily recognizable because of the red hourglass shape on their abdomens and are typically found in the Lower Peninsula’s southwest region in dark and damp places.

Bites show up as two small punctures and, because the venom of a black widow attacks the nervous system, cause muscle cramps, abdominal pain, weakness and tremors.

Severe cases might also see nausea, vomiting, fainting, dizziness, chest pain and respiratory issues.

Prevention and treatment

If you find your family out where some of these bugs are prevalent, Pollack has a few tips to lower your chances of getting bit by one.

“Wearing clothing that covers you helps, because (bugs) are less likely to bite through clothing,” he says. Insect repellent with DEET can also help keep bugs off, but you should be mindful of how much you’re exposing kids to.

“We do try to limit the DEET in the younger kids,” Pollack says. “I try to avoid DEET for kids under about age 2. I don’t like 30-percent DEET. I’d rather have the 10-percent DEET, but you have to balance kind of the potential risk of the DEET exposure to the risk of the environment.”

If your child does end up bitten, most of the time a cool compress will combat the swelling and antihistamines – or calamine lotion will help with the itching, he says. However, if the child has exhibited any type of allergic reaction to a bite, he or she should carry an EpiPen.

Also, the doc suggests that if you’re traveling you check with a reliable source on that area’s bugs so that you can avoid bites abroad.

“Just because we don’t see it in Michigan doesn’t mean they don’t exist anywhere else.”

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Friday, 19 May 2023

Register Now for GSRP Macomb County

By  May 19, 2023   No comments

If you’re a parent of a 4-year-old, you know how bright and inquisitive kids at this age can be. They’re primed for learning and always ready to play. Now is the time to enroll your child in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

GSRP is a state-funded preschool program for 4-year-olds. It’s a nationally recognized program and there are dozens of GSRP Macomb County classrooms where eligible children can learn and thrive as they prepare for kindergarten.

Why GSRP?

“Overwhelming research indicates that high-quality early education promotes school readiness, literacy, numeracy skills and other positive short- and long-term outcomes,” says JoAnne Elkin, Early Literacy/Early Childhood Consultant with Macomb Intermediate School District. “GSRP Preschool Programs provide developmentally appropriate learning in a safe, nurturing and positive environment; promoting high-quality instruction balanced with play-based experiences rich in language and literacy.”

Children who enroll in Macomb County GSRP also develop independence, self-esteem and a sense of responsibility, says Elkin.

GSRP covers key areas your child needs to be ready for kindergarten. In their GSRP classroom, your child will learn problem-solving skills, cooperative play, physical movement, personal care and healthy behaviors and relationship skills. Your child will also learn skills that are important for their future academic experiences, including science, social studies, sorting, counting, matching, letters and sounds and recognizing and writing numbers.

Half-day and school-day options are available and some programs offer before- and after-school care.

Why enroll in GSRP Macomb County now?

Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is in full swing right now. Don’t wait until the fall to enroll your child.

“Enrolling for GSRP now will give parents and guardians reassurance of their children’s GSRP placement during the spring and not right before school begins,” Elkin says.

There are GSRP locations in schools and child care centers across Macomb County, including in Armada, Center Line, Chesterfield, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Fraser, Macomb, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Warren.

For more general information about Macomb County’s GSRP or questions about GSRP locations, contact a Macomb Intermediate School District Enrollment Specialist at 586-228-3468.

Learn more about living and learning in Macomb County at Make Macomb Your Home and Macomb Intermediate School District.



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Thursday, 18 May 2023

8 Educational Board Games for Kids

By  May 18, 2023   No comments

Board games aren’t just a fun way to pass the time on a cold or rainy day — they can also be excellent tools for learning. Switch up your family’s routine with a family board game night and watch your children’s minds go to work. 

These games provide a unique opportunity for your kids to learn important skills, like critical thinking, problem solving and working together as a team, all while having fun. Gather your family and get ready to have a blast with these eight educational board games. 

Adsumudi

Think learning math skills has to be boring? Think again. Each card in this monstrously fun game features four math challenges with different levels of difficulty. To add to the excitement, there are alternative ways to play, like options to make the game collaborative or turn it into Minute to Win It. 

Hoot Owl Hoot!

Cooperative games, where players work together instead of against each other, are ideal for preschoolers. In this color coordinated matching game, the goal is to help the owls return to their nests before the sun comes up. The cooperative nature of the game keeps it low key and non-stressful, plus kids are working on decision making, emotional development and creative problem solving.  

Mancala

This classic two-player math strategy game is perfect for one on one time with your child. Each participant takes turns depositing stones in the board’s pockets moving counterclockwise until all pockets are empty on one side. The player who collects the most stones wins. Mancala is fast and easy to learn, plus it helps kids build observation and logic skills. 

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel

The goal of the Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game is to help your forest pals find their acorns. The game helps preschoolers practice their matching, color and fine motor skills, plus it helps little ones develop strategic thinking. 

I Should Have Known That!

Challenge your teens to this trivia game that’s full of head scratchers. From questions like “Is a penguin a bird?” to “What is the largest island in the world?,” I Should Have Known That! is perfect for road trips and family vacations. 

Sight Word Swat!

Early readers can work on their sight word skills while having a blast with this silly sight word game. When a sight word is called out, kids swat the word on the matching fly. The element of speed helps develop reading fluency and confidence. Even better, the cards feature different grade level sight words, so the game grows with your child. 

Trekking the National Parks 

Here’s an entertaining way to learn about geography and our country’s beautiful National Parks. Created by a couple that has visited all 63, the game’s objective is to collect the most parks as players “hike” around the US. Aimed at kids ten and older, the strategy game may even inspire your family to plan a National Park trip this summer. 

​Charades for Kids

Here’s a new spin on the classic game of Charades, and it’s inclusive to non-readers. Each card features clues with pictures for preschoolers, but three levels of play keep the game challenging for older kids, too. Acting out the clues encourages children to use their imaginations and creative thinking.

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Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Movie in the Park Events in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

By  May 16, 2023   No comments

Looking for something fun the whole family can enjoy together this summer? Check out one of the many parks in southeast Michigan that are offering outdoor family-friendly movies this summer.

Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks to watch a flick on the big screen. These outdoor events offer fun for everyone. Plus, some even have music and other fun activities for kids before the movie begins.

Looking for more things to do with kids? Check out our summer fun family guide!

Macomb 

Library Outdoor Movie Nights at Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department

July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 2023

Watch a family-friendly film in the community center backyard. Bring your own chairs. July 11 is Encanto, July 18 is Onward, July 25 is Vivo and Aug. 1 is Sing 2.

Music and Movies in the Park

July 12, 19 and 26, 2023

Head to the Civic Center to enjoy pre-show activities, music and an outdoor family-friendly film. July 12 features Interstate 90s and Lightyear. July 19 is Weekend Comeback and The Bad Guys. July 26 is Collision Six and Minions the Rise of Gru.

Movies in the Park at Walter and Mary Burke Park

July 27, 2023

Families can enjoy a story and a movie in the park, brought to you by MacDonald Public Library. Concessions and a food truck will be on site.

Movie Under the Stars at Macomb Corners Park

Aug. 11, 2023

Come for a family-friendly movie, inflatables, games and more at the summertime event at Macomb Corners Park. Free glow-bracelets and a family-friendly bug spray station will be provided at dusk.

Movies in the Park at Stony Creek Metropark

Aug. 19; Sept. 2, 16, 2023

Families can enjoy a drive-in style movie night at Stony Creek Metropark. Bring your own food and drinks, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on Aug. 19, Minions: The Rise of Gru on Sept. 2 and Top Gun Maverick on Sept. 16.

Oakland 

Outdoor Movie Night at Booth Park 

June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, 2023

Birmingham’s popular outdoor Movie Night series returns to Booth Park on select Friday nights this summer. June 9 features Encanto, July 14 features The Grinch, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8 are TBD.

Movies in the Moonlight in Downtown Rochester

July 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5, 2023

The movies are located in the parking lot at the corner of East Third and Water, one block east of Main. Featured movies begin at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) and pre-shows start at 8:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs. July 15 is Top Gun Maverick, July 22 is DC League of Super-Pets, July 29 is Spider-Man: No Way Home and Aug. 5 is Moana.

Movies in the Park at McHattie Park

July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, 2023

Head to McHattie Park for this summer’s Movies in the Park series! Movies will begin at dusk. July 21 is Encanto, Aug. 18 is Back to the Future and Sept. 15 is Top Gun Maverick.

Movies in the Park at Kensington Metropark 

Aug. 4, 2023

Make sure to bring blankets, chairs, snacks, drinks and picnic dinner for a showing of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Washtenaw 

Movies in the Park at Hudson Mills Metropark

June 10, 2023

Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs, bug spray and movie snacks to Hudson Mills Metropark. See The Croods: A New Age.

Wayne 

Friday Night Movies at New Center Park

June 2, 16; July 7, 21; Aug. 4, 18, 2023

Visitors can grab a chair or bring a blanket, enjoy some free popcorn and settle in for a film in the open-air theater. June 2 is Vivo, June 16 is The Breakfast Club, July 7 is West Side Story, July 21 is The Woman King, Aug. 4 is National Lampoon’s Vacation and Aug. 18 is Muppet Treasure Island. After their last movie of the season, Muppet Treasure Island, there will be a puppet performance at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Movie Nights in the D at Campus Martius

June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 12, 19, 26; Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2023

Head downtown to see a movie with your friends or family. June 7 is Love Simon, June 14 is Wakanda Forever, June 21 is Into the Woods, June 28 is Lyle Lyle Crocodile, July 12 is Spider-Man No Way Home, July 19 is Uncharted, July 26 is The Fifth Element, Aug. 2 is Trolls, Aug. 9 is The Lost City, Aug. 16 is Top Gun Maverick and Aug. 23 is Aladdin (30th Anniversary Celebration). Bring your own blanket or chair. Popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase.  

Movie in the Park at Ford Field Park

June 10, July 8, 2023

Families can head to Northville’s Ford Field for a movie night under the stars. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, bug spray and snacks. There will be pre-movie entertainment and food trucks. June 10 is TBD and July 8 is The Lion King (1994). 

Movies in the Park at the Brownstown Event Center

June 29, July 27, Aug. 31, 2023 

Enjoy an outdoor movie behind the event center. June 29 is Rock Dog, July 27 is Luca and Aug. 31 is Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. 

Movie in the Park at Gabriel Richard Park

Aug. 3, 2023 

Families can enjoy an outdoor showing of Wakanda Forever on the Detroit Riverfront. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks. 

Movie at Hunter Park

Aug. 4, 2023

See a showing of The Bad Guys at Hunter Park, near Hunter Elementary School. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs. Activities for kids take place one hour prior to the movie. 

Movies in the Park at Lower Huron Metropark

Aug. 26, 2023 

Enjoy an outdoor showing of Super Mario Bros at Lower Huron Metropark. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks.

This post is updated annually.

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Win a 2-Night Stay at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Water Park

By  May 16, 2023   No comments

Bye-bye, sweater weather and hello swimsuit season! It may be a bit too early to hit the beach, but it’s not too early for a family getaway to an indoor water park to help you usher in spring. 

And the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth is the perfect mini road trip to make that happen. They’ve got family entertainment galore: A colossal indoor water park with FOUR pools, THREE whirlpools and TWO slides, a Family Fun Center that boasts 160 video and arcade games and an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course. 

And the best part? You and your family could go for FREE! 

We’re teaming up with Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers and Bavarian Inn to give away a 2-night getaway at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. The winner will get to enjoy all of the amenities offered above plus we’ll give you a $100 gas gift card to get you there.

Are you ready to hit the road? Fill out the below form before Monday, May 31, 2023 to enter to win. Some date exclusions may apply.


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