Metro Detroit families can enjoy a fun-filled summer without spending a fortune. From splash pads and outdoor concerts to beach days, fireworks, and free bowling, this guide features the best free and low-cost activities for kids of all ages. Discover local events, hidden gems, and affordable adventures perfect for making summer memories without breaking the budget.
The end of the summer is a popular time for friends and family to gather for drinks, but it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing a host of physical and mental ailments, including at least seven types of cancer, according to the United States Surgeon General. Another system…
Roughly 4,000 people each year die from unintentional drowning in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. More children ages 1-4 will die from drowning than any other cause of death, and 87% of kids in that age range drown in home pools or hot tubs. While it’s crucial for parents to brush up on water safety to…
Explore Bounce Forest at TreeRunner Rochester Hills – Metro Detroit’s Newest Outdoor Family Adventure TreeRunner Adventure Park in Rochester Hills has just launched its newest attraction — Bounce Forest, a one-of-a-kind aerial net playground designed for families and kids looking for active outdoor fun. Inspired by European treetop adventure parks, Bounce Forest allows visitors to explore a series of giant nets,…
One of the many ways to take advantage of Michigan’s beautiful summer weather is to eat outside. Whether that means dining on a restaurant patio, enjoying a family meal in the backyard or planning a picnic with someone special, tapping into the physical and mental health benefits of eating outdoors should be on everyone’s summer agenda. Eating outside curbs mindless…
With Michigan’s farmers’ markets in peak season, there’s no better opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with ingredients grown close to home. Local markets are brimming with crisp vegetables, vibrant fruits and freshly caught Great Lakes fish — making it easy to create a festive and nourishing holiday spread. This year, consider swapping out some of the heavy, traditional…
Grilled Caesar salads are popping up on fancy restaurant menus everywhere, but they’re not difficult to make at home. A light grilling enhances the flavor of the romaine lettuce while the toppings create a nice contrast. By grilling half a head of romaine, the salad body stays intact well and makes for a beautiful presentation. This recipe takes on a…
Summer can be a wonderful time with your children, full of adventures and exploring. It can also be a time when you realize how much you appreciate their teachers! Since your kids are probably mostly used to structure and routine from school, we’re sharing a list of things your child can – and should – be doing every day this…
Camping is so much more than it used to be! My family and I recently had the absolute pleasure of camping at the KOA Holiday campground in Emmett, MI. As parents of two year old twins, with very little camping experience, we thought it best to plan a short trip in the middle of the week. We did some research…
This crispy and fresh salad is served with a flavor-bursting dressing of herbs, lime, chili and more. A key component of the dressing is fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine that bring umami and depth to sauces and dressings. Ideally, the dressing ingredients are pounded in a mortar, but this recipe features a shortcut version that can be…
Raspberries are in-season in August and because their shelf-life is short, it’s best to take advantage of them as soon as they’re picked. Raspberries are the richest fruit source of fiber, serving up 8 grams in just a 1-cup serving. Whether you spread that out as a snack or topping a yogurt, a cup provides about a third and a…
In 2022, canned vegetable company Libby’s Vegetables held a Great American Picnic survey to find out which plate is most commonly seen at picnics in the U.S. Potato salad and sub sandwiches placed in the top two, with deviled eggs, pasta salad and fruit salad filling out the top-five spots. If you’re looking to refresh your picnic basket ideas, try…
Grilling meats is a popular summer tradition, often leaving vegetables to take a backseat. However, grilling vegetables is an excellent choice for side dishes as they’re naturally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Grilling is a healthy cooking method that retains nutrients while bringing out rich flavors from the crops. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars…
Fourth of July celebrations are synonymous with outdoor barbecues. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2023, 65% of Americans were expected to attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic. Some of the most popular foods include burgers, hot dogs and potato salads. If you’re looking to update your recipe collection for the occasion, consider trying one of these fresh, patriotic recipes…
Strawberry season is here, and it’s a fruitful time for Michiganders. According to Michigan Grown, our state generates $6.6 million from strawberry production, including more than 43,000 tons of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are not just a staple to the local economy, but also to health. While they’re nature’s candy of a sort, strawberries are relatively low in calories. Strawberries can help support…
