Within a week our treasured dog-days of summer will be a precious memory as most Michigan kids zip up their back packs and trudge back to school. For many families – this upcoming week represents summer “crunch-time” – time to fit in every activity that you intended to do over summer break but haven’t quite gotten around to. Following is a list of five great things to do next week in and around metro-Detroit that will wrap up your summer with a bang!
1) Monkey Monday: Get Wild with the Animals. The Detroit Zoo is our own local treasure tucked into the Royal Oak Community. Be sure to visit the Arctic Ring of Life – reportedly North America’s largest polar bear exhibit – which is always a guest favorite offering wonderful photo opportunities. As an option, the Toledo Zoo is just a short drive away; a gem of a sanctuary that is well worth the drive. Stop by Tony Packos for a hotdog and a cold beverage afterwards and you have the makings of a 5-star day!
2) Triceratops Tuesday: Walk with the Dinosaurs. Get ready to explore a larger-than-life, moving, roaring, prehistoric experience at the Detroit Science Center. The largest dinosaur exhibition ever to come to Detroit includes more than 20 animatronics dinosaurs, five full-size skeletons and nearly 40 fossil replicas and eggs from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Get pricing, directions, and full details by visiting the Science Center web-site here.
3) Wild Wednesday: The Tigers meet the Parade Company: Take in some good ‘old fashioned baseball at Comerica Park. The Tigers host the Kansas City Royals for a 1:15 game, and to sweeten the deal, it is “America’s Thanksgiving Parade Day” at Comerica Park. On hand that day will be parade floats, marching bands, the Mid-American PomPon All Star Team, face painting, Clownie and lots more! Free clown noses will be given to the first 10,000 fans to enter the park – sweet!
4) Thrilling Thursday: Michigan’s Adventure Park. Michigan’s Adventure is a 250-acre amusement park in Muskegon, Michigan – about a 2.5 hour drive from the Detroit area. This park is the largest amusement park in the state and features 53 rides, an outdoor water park (Wild Water Adventure), a Skycoaster attraction named Ripcord, go-karts, and a miniature golf course. Hours of Operation, ticket prices and other key information can be found by visiting their web-site here.
5) Fabulous Friday: Dip into the Water. Lake Michigan is our state’s main attraction, yet so many Michiganders never visit! This natural wonder is the second largest Great Lake by volume and the only one located totally within the United States. A magnificent waterfront offers something for everyone, from restful sunbathers to boating zealots alike. Two of the most beautiful beaches to explore are Oval Beach in Saugatuck and Holland State Park in Holland. Both can be driven to and enjoyed for a one-day trip…but since its Friday…why not stay for the weekend? Western Michigan’s beauty is sure to lure you in….
Whatever you do this week, be safe, take time to breathe deep, and treasure the last magical moments of summer.
