It’s Friday and you’ve made it to the end of a long week! You’ve earned some quality family time and a delicious, healthy dinner.
Research shows that bonding around the dinner table is not only fun, but it is also beneficial to your child’s health. A study published in the journalPediatricsshowed that children and adolescents who eat three or more family meals together a week have healthier dietary and eating patterns than those who don’t.
It’s tempting to order takeout and call it a day, but there is a better way to approach Friday family dinners. The United Dairy Industry of Michigan/Milk Means More has nutrition tips along withquick, healthy and tasty recipesthat you can whip up on Friday nights.
A healthier Friday night tradition
Start your healthy Friday family dinner tradition by committing to planning your meal ahead of time. With the right ingredients in the house, making a family dinner can be a breeze, not a chore. Do your grocery shopping earlier in the week so that you don’t have to slog through crowded stores on your way home before the weekend. Less stress also means more quality family time!
Getting the kids involved in the cooking process is another way to start Friday night off right. Engage them by having them stir or mix ingredients, shred cheese or other easy, age-appropriate tasks that keep them interested in the upcoming meal. Of course, always supervise little ones around the stove or with a cheese shredder. Another benefit of having your kids help prepare healthy food with you – they are more likely to develop healthy eating habits.
Once you have a rotation of Friday family dinner favorites, you can take turns picking the meal. After dinner, why not make Friday a movie, game or reading night? The meal can be just the beginning of some quality downtime together.
The benefits of adding dairy to dinner
Adding dairy to your dinner hasexcellent nutrition benefits.Dairy foods likecheese, yogurt and milk offer protein and calcium and fill your family up with goodness rather than making them crave junk later on in the evening.
Another benefit of adding dairy to your Friday family dinner? It adds flavor and a delicious creamy texture that will help kids dig in.
If you’re concerned about the fat in cheese, current research shows that saturated fats from dairy foods may not affect the cardiovascular system the same way as others. The saturated fats in cheese may actuallyhelp prevent strokes and protect against heart disease.
Don’t forget toserve milk at the dinner table. It has the same amount of calcium as 10 cups of raw spinach and it’s much easier to convince your kids to consume.
Ready for some recipes? The following are courtesy of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan/Milk Means More. You can find these recipes and many others at theMilk Means More website.
These yummy, healthy and quick-to-make dishes will become part of your Friday night family time. Plus, all recipes below take 30 minutes or less to make!
Main Dish Recipes:
Chicken Caprese SkilletAll the goodness of a Caprese salad: fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil tops juicy chicken for an Italian-inspired meal.
Quick Chicken CurrySuper-easy to make and full of flavor, you can save even more time by serving this over microwave brown or jasmine rice.
Skillet Macaroni and CheeseThe addition of chicken, veggies and herbs makes this a hearty and healthy spin on a kid favorite.
Mexican LasagnaYour favorite Mexican flavors in a homey baked dish that will warm you right up as the nights get colder.
Healthy Broccoli Potato Cheese SoupTwo soup favorites in one: broccoli, potatoes and cheese combine for a hearty dinner-time soup. Serve with crusty bread.
Cheesy Turkey Chili MacChili mac is always good and this one lightens things up with ground turkey instead of beef. This recipe has instructions for both Instant Pot and stovetop cooking.
Sweet Treats:
Homemade Vanilla PuddingHomemade pudding is on a whole other level and the milk in the recipe provides taste and nutrition! Try the variations: chocolate-peanut butter, banana and coconut.
Double chocolate milkshakeThe chocolate lovers in the family will love this ice cream treat and best of all, it takes just five minutes to make.
Hello, autumn! It’s the perfect time of year to get cozy on the couch with your loved ones. This month, the streaming services feature plenty of spooky entertainment, including some reboots of creepy classics. There’s also an action-packed superhero sequel and a Lego special to enjoy. Here are our picks for what to watch with your family this October.
Mickey & Friends Trick or Treats
Streaming October 2, 2023
Where to watch:Disney+
An all new Halloween-themed Mickey special is hitting Disney+ to delight your little ones. The mischievous mouse and his crew stop by a mansion while trick-or-treating and get a spell placed on them by a witch. The witch’s potion turns the bunch into their costumes, leading to plenty of laughs.
Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog
Streaming October 2, 2023
Where to watch:Netflix
This “Strawberry Shortcake” special is a tame way for little ones to partake in Halloween content. In the midst of the Berry Scary Fright-Fall Carnival, an unknown force threatens to spoil the festivities for all. Strawberry Shortcake and her companions embark on a quest for clues, determined to unveil the mystery and ensure that everyone can enjoy the carnival.
Haunted Mansion
Streaming October 4, 2023
Where to watch:Disney+
Inspired by the classic Disney ride, this silly supernatural comedy is a great choice for movie night with your tweens. The film follows the journey of a mother and her son as they assemble an eccentric team of self-proclaimed “spiritual experts” to reclaim their home from otherworldly intruders.
Goosebumps
Streaming October 13, 2023
Where to watch:Disney+ and Hulu
Nostalgia alert! Fans of R.L. Stine’s book and movie series from the 90’s will love this new take on five of his spine-tingling tales. In the reboot, a group of high schooler pals investigate the death of a teen from thirty years before, and end up unleashing supernatural powers in the process. Five episodes of the ten-part series are debuting on Friday the 13th.
I Woke Up a Vampire
Streaming October 17, 2023
Where to watch:Netflix
In this fun, new Netflix family series, main character Carmie wakes up on her 13th birthday to discover she suddenly has supernatural powers. As if middle school isn’t complicated enough, the teen and her best friend, Kev, figure out that Carmie is a vampling: a half human/half vampire creature.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Streaming October 23, 2023
Where to watch:Amazon Prime Video
This follow up to 2019’s “Shazam” is jam packed full of excitement. Teenager Billy Batson and his pals are juggling life as regular kids with their secret superhero alter egos. Their lives take a dramatic turn when a vengeful trio of ancient gods comes to Earth in pursuit of their long-lost stolen magic.
Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red
Streaming October 27, 2023
Where to watch:Disney+
Lego is known for making silly satires out of popular franchises, like “Batman.” Now a new, Avengers-themed special is coming to Disney+. Not many details are known about the project, but it’s sure to be just as entertaining as Lego’s other animated shorts.
Moms, dads, tykes and teens alike can enjoy some indoor fun at these family fun play centers. Cure your kid’s boredom and head to one of these cool places with kid-sized cities, inflatables, playscapes and much more.
Metro Parent has rounded up some of the coolest places in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties that are sure to make the whole family happy.
Many of them also offer birthday parties. Many of these southeast Michigan spots change their hours seasonally, so be sure to call ahead and get the latest information.
Macomb County
Photo credit: CJ Barrymore’s Family Entertainment Center
Macomb county kiddos can get their play on at these indoor spots that offer family-friendly fun for all ages.
Try console games, basketball, skeeball and more to win tickets for prizes. Instead of getting tokens for their games like they used to do in the past, this spot offers visitors reloadable cards to make playing easy for kids. Their food options include pizza, cheesy bread, French fries, wings, salads and desserts. They also offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays on the first Sunday every month for children with autism of sensory sensitivities.
This sports park has it all! Check out the drop tower, saddle sling, spinning coaster, golf dome, laser tag, bowling alley, arcade and tons of racing tracks to satisfy every kid’s need for speed.
Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.
Bring your kids out to Lakeside Mall to enjoy 10,000 square-foot of inflatable fun and play the latest and greatest arcade games. There is a giant pool table with soccer balls for the pool balls, along with cornhole and other interactive games. This spot is great for birthday parties, too.
This play place is a recreational, educational and therapeutic facility is open to all ages, all special needs and all cognitive levels. There’s an art room, a computer cafe, parent bistro, Lego castle, rock wall, bounce house, calming room, haircut hut, laser light chalk room, swing central and reading fort. If you decide to become a member, you will receive unlimited admission to the play area, one free haircut and a family pizza dinner.
Laser tag facilities at seven locations also feature 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, laser tag, bumper cars and a ninja zone. Attraction offerings vary by location.
This Oakland County spot offers 22 traditional bowling lanes, eight VIP suite bowling lanes, a 2,300-square-foot arcade, a two-level laser tag arena and much more. Book your next party or drop in during their open hours.
This children’s education concept center features sustainable S.T.E.A.M.-focused toys and rotates stations so there are new activities for your kids to enjoy all the time, ensuring they never get bored! Recommended for ages 10 and under.
This play place features an indoor playground, pizza café and private party rooms. There’s also a performance stage that features live interactive entertainment. This place is ideal for kid’s birthday parties.
The Auburn Hills location has ten axe-throwing stalls, eight Football-Bowling lanes, three Topgolf swing simulators and much more. The Novi location has 17 axe-throwing stalls, five big axe-throwing stalls, eight football bowling lanes and six ice curling lanes. Age requirements are enforced on some activities.
Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.
Enjoy basketball, dodgeball, a launch pad, cliffhanger and more on wall-to-wall trampolines. There’s also an arcade where you can win tickets and trade them in for prizes.
Kids, teens and even parents will find something they love at Legacy 925, which offers everything from bowling and football bowling to go-karts, laser tag and a trampoline park. There’s also an arcade, live music and even a kid-friendly bar.
This all-natural play and wellness center offers drop-in play and fitness classes for ages 0-6. Plus, free support groups for parents on topics like baby-wearing, infant massage and birth recovery.
The ultimate paradise for all ages! Engage in the interactive laser tag maze, go-karts, a huge mini golf course, trampolines and a climbing wall. Enjoy indoor and outdoor amenities that are all handicap accessible.
Located inside Great Lakes Crossing. Kids get to explore the world of Peppa Pig including George’s Fort, Grandad Dog’s Garage, Miss Rabbit’s Supermarket and Peppa’s TreeHouse. Offers birthday parties, too.
This eco-friendly play center has a custom-built climbing structure with a northern Michigan theme and a smaller play structure for toddlers. Their cafe serves nutritious treats.
There are plenty of attractions that make this trampoline park unique. There’s a zip line, battle beams, extreme dodgeball, trapeze and aerial silks, ninja course and much more.
Come check out the interactive floor system that features a designated area for toddlers ages 1-3 and a central play structure for ages 5-12. Also, has a full service café and free Wi-Fi.
Laser tag facilities at seven locations also feature 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, laser tag, bumper cars and a ninja zone. Attraction offerings vary by location.
Washtenaw County
Kids in Ann Arbor and surrounding Washtenaw county can get their play on at these exciting indoor play places.
Do you know what’s better than an indoor play space? One that’s free! That’s right, 2|42 Community Church offers a free kid-friendly play area that’s open to the public. Inside, you’ll find a playground (with a big yellow slide!), climbing area, toddler area and more. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe or connect to the free Wi-Fi while the kids play.
This children’s museum always provides an interactive space where kids can play and learn. Currently, it has 10 exciting exhibits including newer additions like the STEAM Park to inspire our next generation and the All About You gallery invites children to delve into the science of the human body.
This Washtenaw County destination offers 9,000 square feet of play including a huge climbing structure, slides, a baby and toddler area, swinging bridges and a tree house.
Located inside Briarwood Mall, kids will find a bounce house wonderland. It’s not just inflatables! Spend time at the toddler playground, kiddo rides, build a teddy bear or jump on the train. Parents have access to comfortable seats and Wi-Fi, too.
Play a mashup of bowling and football at this Fowling Warehouse. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.
Bring the kids to this spot, which features basketball, dodgeball, battle pit, trampoline courts, launch pad, cliffhanger and more. There’s also an arcade where you can win tickets and trade them in for prizes.
Wayne County
Photo credit: Kidcadia
These fun-tastic indoor spots prove that Wayne county kids really know how to play!
This allergy- and eco-friendly dinosaur-themed playscape offers and a jungle gym with slides and other obstacles, plus a soft-play area for babies and toddlers. Stop by during the day or plan your next party.
Check out Michigan’s first Fowling Warehouse at this location. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play to try your hand at the football-meets-bowling game of fowling. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.
Kids venture though the jungle on indoor padded play sets while parents take a load off or join in on the adventure. With healthy snacks, premium coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place is perfect for both the lion and her cub.
Check out the 10,000-square-foot facility with multi-level, soft-play climbing structures. There’s also an area specifically for little ones, a Lite-Brite, light gallery, coloring corner and sensory boards.
This “soft play” facility offers a two-story padded playscape for kids to enjoy. There’s also a cafe for a small meal or snack. Be sure to ask about birthday parties.
This facility has everything from the classic mini golf and driving range to more extreme activities like EuroBungy, rock climbing and Spin Zone. Come in with a group for birthday parties and field trips.
Explore loads of STEM toys and hands-on learning at this play place. Check their website for summer camps, school field trips and birthday party information.
Offers challenging obstacles out of American Ninja Warrior, including Devil Steps, Wing Nuts and Double Salmon Ladder. Take them on and see if you have what it takes to be a Ninja Warrior.
Laser tag facilities at seven locations also feature 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, laser tag, bumper cars and a ninja zone. Attraction offerings vary by location.
As our global society grows more diverse, it is more important than ever to recognize the different cultures, backgrounds, perspectives and belief systems that surround us daily. With this comes a responsibility for educators to create spaces where all students belong.
“AtThe Roeper School, we are intentional about our commitment to culturally responsive classrooms,” says Cynthia Harris, Lower School Dean. “This is not an add-on or an afterthought for us. It drives the creation of curriculum and influences everything we do.”
What are the components of a culturally responsive classroom?
For Harris, it starts with the basics. “When a student walks into the room, what do they see on the walls? Do you see anyone who looks like you? Do you see anything that represents your culture?”
It’s not just what students see on the walls, says Harris, but also in the instruction they receive. “At The Roeper School, when students hear a story, we ask them to consider the source – what is the other side – whose voice is not heard? We encourage students to ask questions and consider all points of view so that they can have a broader view of the world and learn to work with people who are different from them.”
One of the other important features ofculturally responsive classroomsis engaging with families from different backgrounds. This is not something done just on holidays or special occasions, says Harris, but is an integral part of the school’s classroom experience. “We have an open door for families to visit us,” says Harris. “Sharing experiences is an important way for students to both listen to others’ experiences and to see themselves.”
This “mirror and window” philosophy originates with Emily Style, an educator and co-founder of SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity). Style developed “mirrors and windows” as a framework for building an inclusive curriculum. SEED is an important part of The Roeper School’s mission, says Harris. “We want to give our students a window into experiences they may not have had, but the mirrors are equally important. Students need to see themselves represented as well as learn about others.”
The Roeper School has been involved with the SEED program since its start in 2007, making it one of the longest-running school SEED programs in the United States. SEED seminars provide educators with the tools to address diversity, drive social change within the school and create greater equity for all. In addition to school staff, Roeper offers SEED courses tailored to parents/caregivers and students in the middle and upper school.
Strategies for creating culturally responsive classrooms
Building relationships is key to Roeper’s mission, says Harris. “We spend a lot of time building relationships with our students to help them feel a sense of belonging and to identify their strengths.”
The way the curriculum develops at Roeper is another aspect of their mission. “Our students’ passions and interests often drive what we choose to study. Our students’ voices are very important to us,” Harris says. “Students are involved in the creation of agreements that determine how we govern our classrooms and interact with each other.”
Course materials are another helpful tool. “When learning about different cultures, we like to use source material written and developed, when possible, by individuals who are members of those groups. Our materials are representative of our students as they exist in the world, whether they come from different cultures or different neighborhoods,” Harris notes.
It’s all about honoring and respecting the students who attend Roeper as well as the greater community at large. To that end, the school has a multicultural leadership team to help ensure inclusion. The school conducted a diversity audit to address any potential shortfalls in itsdiversity, equity, inclusion and justicemission. “This audit ensures that our mission is more than just words on paper,” says Harris.
Of course, no school year is complete at Roeper withoutspecial eventsand there are many. One of the biggest is a large school-wide celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, open to the community, where students explore issues of diversity, equity and inclusion through celebration and discussion. Another popular event is “Mix It Up Day,” which serves to break down social barriers at the middle and upper school campus. Cultural Exploration Day is another school-wide event that raises awareness of the many facets and benefits of diversity.
“While we have several large-scale events to support our school’s mission, this is happening on a smaller scale every day, all year long,” Harris says.
Key principles for culturally responsive classrooms
As a leader in the subject,The Roeper Schoolserves as a model for other schools that want to offer a more culturally responsive classroom experience. Harris suggests following some basic principles as a guide:
Recognize your biases.Acknowledge your personal biases and work to overcome them. Awareness helps build an inclusive environment.
Actions speak louder.It’s not enough to say you value your students. Follow through with actions.
Accountability partners.Regular check-ins with an established accountability partner can help you stay on track.
Continuous learning. Embrace opportunities to expand understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
Culturally responsive classrooms need intention and commitment. However, the efforts will pay off in student outcomes and a more inclusive society, says Harris. “We want our students to be able to fully function in a global society, embracing and celebrating who they are while respecting others who are different from them.”
For more information about The Roeper School, visitroeper.org.
When people think of fall, they think of favorite fall activities, like going to the cider mill, picking pumpkins and apples, going through corn mazes, trick-or-treating and seeing fall colors. If you’re in the mood for some nature fun, you can head to one of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Macomb County.
“Fall is a busy time for the parks in general and there are fall activities at each of the Metroparks in Macomb County,” says Danielle Mauter, Chief of Marketing and Communications for Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Fall events at the Metroparks in Macomb County
Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metropark
The Metroparks make it easy to find fun fall events online. The fall page on the website is divided into different categories such as Pumpkins & Hayrides, Guided Hikes, Halloween Fun, Crafting & Art and Birding. Mauter offers some highlights, too.
As for guided hikes, Mauter explains why fall at the Metroparks is a great time to hike the trails.
“If you’re somebody that’s unfamiliar or uncomfortable hitting the trails by yourself, then guided hikes are a perfect option for you,” she says.
The Metroparks have a lot of programs that are great for beginners and for others with experience, and the Metroparks staff is mindful of providing the programming visitors are asking for.
“There are more crafting and art programs this year because our visitors and the general public wanted more art, according to our latest survey,” says Mauter. “For example, we have our Paint Like Bob Ross event, where an instructor comes and teaches you how to paint and walks you through each step.”
List of fall events at the Macomb County Metroparks
Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metropark
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Paint Like Bob Ross (Oct. 1)
Art in Nature: Fall Leaf Crafts (Oct. 8)
Tots Halloween (Oct. 21)
Treats at the Beach (Oct. 22)
Fall Into Nature Hike (Oct. 22)
Twilight Luminary Hike (Oct. 28)
Wild Michigan: Bats (Oct. 29)
Owl Hike (Nov. 10, Nov. 18)
Stony Creek Metropark
Bats Abound (Sept. 22)
Shelden Mountain Bike Fest (Sept. 30)
Autumn Leaf Lanterns (Oct. 1)
Homeschool Series: Autumn Adventure (Oct. 4)
Bats Abound (Oct. 6)
Fall Wagon Tour (Oct 7-8, 14, 21-22, 28)
Friday Night Wagon Tour & Campfire Stories (Oct. 13 and Oct. 27)
Night of the Dragon (Oct. 21)
Nature Arts & Crafts: Halloween Pallet Board Deco (Oct. 28)
“When Fall hits and the leaves start changing colors, almost everyone thinks of cider mills and apple orchards along with farms,” says Mauter. “Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm is a great farm to check out — between the nature trails around the historic center, there’s fall color viewing. You can also do some hiking while you’re around there as well.”
Photo credit: Huron-Clinton Metropark
Tips for attending events at Macomb County Metroparks
Make sure to check out their events calendar to find out when registration is and any information you may need to know beforehand. This will also show more information about the event, including what ages the event is for.
“A good majority of these programs require advanced registration,” she says. “We recommend page exploration early and register as soon as you can — especially for the Halloween events.”
Learn more about everything Macomb County has to offer this fall. Visit Make Macomb Your Home.
Want to try some events in metro Detroit that won’t cost you a fortune? Every activity listed here will cost you absolutely nothing for admission. Zilch. Maybe you’ll have to splurge a few bucks for parking and a little for some activities within the event. But that’s it!
Don’t see an event that fits your fam? Check out our online calendar for more fun events.
Join the library for a Halloween themed puppet show by Alex Thomas & Friends. After the shows, there will be a meet and greet with the puppets. Registration required.
Dress up in costume and join the library for some Halloween stories, a trick-or-treat parade and a short Halloween movie. For children in 6th grade and younger. No strollers or wagons allowed. Registration is not required.
Each year, the residents of Tillson Street go all-out with their Halloween decorations. Drive through to check out the decor throughout the month and swing by on Halloween for a bit of trick-or-treating.
Find quality local produce, an array of Michigan-made products, honey, eggs, beef, pork, chicken, flowers, plants and more at Troy Farmers Market. Food trucks will be there on select days.
The Third Annual Festival of Hope, which allows community members to connect with local organizations as well as enjoy fun-filled activities for all ages. There will be a juggling show, giveaways and more.
Try this unique trunk-or-treat event that takes place in a cemetery. It will also feature costume contests for children, adults, pets, couples and group costumes.
Enjoy this family-friendly Fishville Farms Booth or Treat A Craft & Vendor Show at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. Kids can trick or treat at all the vendors while you do your shopping.
Enjoy this family-friendly Fishville Farms Fall Festival Food Drive Craft & Vendor Show at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. Shop from over 40 local vendors and enjoy food trucks and a gift basket giveaway.
Enjoy this family-friendly Fishville Farms 2nd Annual Christmas Craft & Vendor Show at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. Shop from over 40 small businesses and enjoy food trucks and a gift basket giveaway.
Families can walk, run, skate or cycle safely on the six miles of Hines Drive at Nankin Mills Park Area. Hines Drive will be closed from Outer Drive to Ann Arbor Trail.
At the 10th Annual Grand Circus Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Costume Party, owners are encouraged to dress their pup up for a chance to win a prize. There will also be a DJ, delicious treats for the fur-babies and their humans and more.
at this location. Book a party or drop in on this spot’s open play to try your hand at the football-meets-bowling game of fowling. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play.
