With summer and the end of the school year fast approaching, many families are facing the question: what’s next? Summer can be a great time for kids to try new activities and get academic enrichment. However, these types of programs can be costly.  Plus, parents working outside the home need childcare during the summer months. This leaves many southeast Michigan families feeling the heat, and not in a good way. This common dilemma is exactly what the United Way of Southeast Michigan’s Summer Discovery program seeks to address. “We believe that every child should have access to enriching ..read more

A soon-to-be mother’s first call after a positive pregnancy test might not be to her family or friends – it might be to a daycare to get her unborn child on a waiting list.  “Childcare is extremely limited for folks who don’t qualify for the Great Start Readiness Program [Michigan’s state funded Pre-K program] or Head Start,” says Brenna Welch, a Detroit mom of 3-year-old Beckett. “The options are quite expensive or don’t align with my parenting philosophy.” Welch’s experience is maddeningly common. For parents with a ticking clock for returning to work and without family help, finding ca ..read more

When I first spoke to Jennifer Lyle on the phone, she was in her second office, her car. She was going to drop her son off at his travel basketball practice, and her baby girl was in the back seat. With just a hint of a southern accent, in a voice that felt simultaneously soft and strong, she apologized for her daughter “fussing.” I reassured her that I’m a mom too. There is one thing for sure, fussing tends to follow us moms around. We talked for a bit about how much parenting children these days involves driving them around to their activities.  We talked about the struggle that goes in ..read more

Museums make a city unique — and Grand Rapids has some of the best. Plan to visit at least one on your family road trip. Here, we share our favorites for your family to experience. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a place your kids will love The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a fusion of fun and learning. Children can unleash their inner scientist in the STEAM Lab, embark on a culinary adventure in the Kidstruction Zone or dive into a world of make-believe in the Imagination Laboratory. Be sure to check out the regular programming that includes toddler time, open paint, plus installations ..read more

Whether your family delights in the beauty of lantern displays or enjoys captivating storytelling of independent cinema, Grand Rapids’ festivals promise to engage. Here, we share four popular celebrations that you can find only in Grand Rapids: Christkindl Market is a Grand Rapids seasonal delight 1. The Christkindl Market, a European-style Christmas village, wowed attendees in 2023 and returns to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market in 2024. Expect unique gifts, delectable treats, and joyful festivities in a charming holiday atmosphere.  Kids love this unique experience! The holidays are a g ..read more

You’ve stuffed yourself silly in one of Grand Rapids’ top restaurants. Now you want to work it off. Make it fun! Whether you’re strolling along the riverside or sinking a hole-in-one, Grand Rapids offers endless opportunities for getting hungry again. Here, we share some great options for attractions to try. Grand River Edges Trail  Explore the outdoors with ease on Grand River Edges Trail, a 5.4-mile trail connecting downtown Grand Rapids to Kent Trails and Millennium Park. Wander through Riverside Park’s scenic 2.2 miles of paved paths, where you’ll also find a link to the Fred Meijer W ..read more

Your favorite prehistoric beasts are back at Canterbury Village! Their annual Dino and Dragon Stroll returns this May with exciting additions. Go on a prehistoric adventure as you walk through to see almost 75 animatronic dinosaurs and dragons come to life. There will be walking Velociraptors, smoke-breathing dragons, interactive baby dinosaurs, selfie stations and more. Read more: Visiting Canterbury Village with Kids and 2024 Events Not to Miss New for 2024, families can enjoy the following themed weekends: May the Fourth Be With You (May 4-5): Get ready for a thrilling clash of ages where ..read more

Metro Detroit offers a variety of museums for families to enjoy all year long. As much as we love going back in time and getting hands on with science exhibits, museums can put a dent in your family budget. That’s why we’ve put together a list of free admission days to take advantage of throughout the year. As much as I love free things to do with kids in metro Detroit, you must be prepared for big crowds! I suggest arriving early and checking ahead if you can reserve your free ticket online to avoid lines.  Here’s a complete calendar of free museum days you can enjoy in 2024. Note: Free ..read more

One of Detroit’s most known public places is the Detroit Riverfront. It spans more than three miles and lets visitors take in the breathtaking views of the city, Detroit River and Canada. The Riverfront is right at the heart of Detroit’s cool urban revival. It’s packed with awesome spots like green parks, old monuments and fun, interactive installations, making it the perfect place to have a great time with the family. Whether you’re looking to take some photos or explore somewhere, the Detroit Riverfront offers so much for metro Detroit kids. This article was recently updated on May 3, 2024 b ..read more

Families in Oakland County now have more choices for immediate care when their child is in a mental health crisis. Two programs from Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), in partnership with New Oakland Family Centers, provide evidence-based behavioral health support for youth and families. What is the Youth and Family Care Connection? For situations that require intervention but are not life-threatening, Oakland Community Health Network’s Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) is a new program designed to meet the mental health needs of youth 17 and younger. The YFCC is a much-needed reso ..read more