Time to Party
Place for a birthday bash
Kidopolis
509 State Cir
734-769-0263 | kidopolis.net
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Place to buy a birthday cake
Benny’s Bakery
111 W Michigan Ave, Saline
734-429-9120 | facebook.com/bennysbakery
Runner Up: Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Family-friendly entertainer
Magic Joe (Joe Fusco)
734-944-1370 | magic-joe.com
Runner Up: Joe Reilly
Place to buy birthday decorations
Party City
2857 Oak Valley Dr
734-663-4663 | partycity.com
Runner Up: Dollar Tree
Family photographer
Kat Foley
131 E Michigan Ave, Saline
734-904-0070 | katfoleyphoto.com
Runner Up: Megan Dula
Favorite Places and Spaces
Animal Encounters
The Creature Conservancy
4950 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.
734-929-9324 | thecreatureconservancy.org
The Creature Conservancy provides a rare opportunity to interact with unique species from around the world. Founded by a local veterinary clinic to assist in the rescue of wild and exotic animals, the Conservancy is a fantastic family outing designed to excite, inspire and promote learning about the earth’s inhabitants. Open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays, each month they feature one of their animals up close on their stage. Stop by to see the sloths, a crested porcupine, or even kangaroos.
Runner up: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Family activity
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
220 E Ann St
734-995-5439 | aahom.org
Runner Up: The Petting Farm
at Domino’s Farms
Place to read
AADL-Westgate Library
2503 Jackson Ave
734-327-4200 | aadl.org
Runner Up: Saline District Library
Place to worship
St Francis of Assisi
2250 E Stadium Blvd
734-769-2550 | stfrancisa2.com
Runner Up: St. Andrew’s Church
Museum
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
220 E Ann St
734-995-5439 | aahom.org
Runner Up: University of Michigan
Museum of Natural History
Fair or festival
Ann Arbor Summer Festival 310 Depot St #3
734-994-5999 | a2sf.org
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Art Fair
Place for a picnic
Nichols Arboretum
1610 Washington Heights
734-647-8986 | lsa.umich.edu/mbg
Runner Up: Gallop Park
Place to volunteer
Humane Society of Huron Valley
3100 Cherry Hill Rd
734-662-5585 | hshv.org
Runner Up: Food Gatherers
Tween activity
Zap Zone
4177 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti
734-930-6670 | zap-zone.com
Runner Up: The Neutral Zone
Garden and nature center
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N Dixboro Rd
734-647-7600 | mbgna.umich.edu
Runner Up: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Local toy store
Learning Express
2465 W Stadium Blvd
734-997-0707 | learningexpress.com
Runner Up: The Little Seedling
Bowling alley
Revel and Roll
1950 S Industrial Hwy
734-665-4474 | revelandroll.com
Runner Up: Maplewood Lanes
Delicious Eats
Places where kids eat free
Maiz Mexican Cantina
36 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti
734-340-6010 | maizmexican.com
At Maiz Mexican Cantina they bring a fresh approach to traditional favorites and tex-mex specialities. Their authentic recipes are made from scratch daily using some fantastic local ingredients. And what did you our readers love best? Kids ages 10 and under eat free on Sundays. They offer up to two kids meals free per adult entree.
Runner up: The Pretzel Bell
Cupcakes/Bakery/Sweet shop
The Cupcake Station
116 E Liberty St
734-222-1801 | cupcakestation.com
Runner Up: Benny’s Bakery
Family-friendly restaurant
Zingermans Deli
422 Detroit St
734-663-3354 | zingermansdeli.com
Runner Up: Dan’s Downtown Tavern
Ice cream shop
Washtenaw Dairy
602 S Ashley St
734-662-3244 | washtenawdairy.com
Runner Up: Blank Slate Creamery
Local pizza place
Cottage Inn
512 E William St
734-663-3379 | originalcottageinn.com
Runner Up: Pizza House
Boutique Beauty
Kids’ clothing store
Little Seedling
2121 W Stadium Blvd
734-418-2392 | thelittleseedling.com
Runner Up: My Urban Toddler
Maternity clothing store
My Urban Toddler
3010 Washtenaw Ave #107
734-585-0788 | myurbantoddler.com
Runner Up: Once Upon a Child
Place for furnishing the nursery
Little Seedling
2121 W Stadium Blvd
734-418-2392 | thelittleseedling.com
Runner Up: My Urban Toddler
Baby boutique shop
Little Seedling
2121 W Stadium Blvd
734-418-2392 | thelittleseedling.com
Runner Up: My Urban Toddler
Mom-owned business
Little Seedling
2121 W Stadium Blvd
734-418-2392 | thelittleseedling.com
Runner Up: Hand in Hand Music
Place to buy sports equipment
Play it Again Sports
2461 W Stadium Blvd
734-747-6277 | playitagainsports.com
Runner Up: Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Digital Age
Local parent blogger
Ann Arbor with Kids
annarborwithkids.com
Runner Up: a2kids.com
Local parent Facebook group
Ann Arbor Area Mamas Network
Runner Up: Hike it Baby Ann Arbor
Local Instagram account
Ann Arbor with Kids
@a2withkids
Runner Up: Humans of Ann Arbor
Watch Me Soar
Special needs services
Down Syndrome Support Team
313-608-7374 | downsyndromesupportteam.com
The Down Syndrome Support Team of Washtenaw County provides support and resources to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. This group of parents meets monthly to share experiences, ideas, and work together to offer their children great opportunities, build friendships, and so much more. Each year, they also organize a Buddy Walk which is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome.
Runner up: Spectrum Therapy
Preschool
Early Learning Center
3070 Redwoord Ave
734-973-7722 | elcpreschool.com
Runner Up: Saline Cooperative Preschool
Tutoring center
Great Lakes Educational Group
956 E Michigan Ave, Saline
734-944-5658 | greatlakeseducationalgroup.com
Runner Up: Kumon
Teacher and their school
Mrs. Kelley, Early Learning Center Preschool
3070 Redwood Ave
734-973-7722 | elcpreschool.com
Runner Up: Ms. Bonnie, Saline Cooperative Preschool
Elementary school
Pleasant Ridge
229 Pleasant Ridge Dr, Saline
734-401-4800 | salineschools.org
Runner Up: Honey Creek Community School
Middle school
Saline Middle School
7190 N Maple Rd, Saline
734-401-4600 | salineschools.org
Runner Up: Slauson Middle School
Charter school
Honey Creek Community School
1735 S Wagner Rd
734-994-2636 | honeycreekschool.org
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Learning Community
Private/parochial school
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
2270 E Stadium Blvd
734-821-2200 | stfrancisa2.com/school
Runner Up: Emerson School
After-school program
Honey Creek Community School
1735 S Wagner Rd
734-994-2636 | honeycreekschool.org
Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA
Daycare
Gretchen’s House
2340 Oak Valley Dr
734-761-2576 | gretchenshouse.com
Runner Up: Bemis Farms Childcare & Preschool
Babysitting/Nannying service
Care.com
Runner-Up: Childtime
Enrichment Activities
Animal Encounters
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-6721 | toledozoo.org
Ranked one of the top zoos in the country, it’s no wonder the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is a family favorite for animal encounters. You can get up close to polar bears in the Arctic Tundra, watch African elephants play, explore ocean life in the Aquarium (which is included with your zoo admission!), check out the new koala bear and much, much more. In addition to the animal exhibits, there’s a fun playground for kids along with a splash pad in the summer months. With so much to see and do, families have made the Toledo Zoo a destination for more than 100 years. The zoo is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Runner up: Indian Creek Zoo
Acting and Theatre classes
Young People’s Theater
331 Metty Dr #3
734-222-4006 | youngpeoplestheater.com
Runner Up: Pointless Theater
Dance class
Dance Alliance of Saline
811 W Michigan Ave, Saline
734-429-9599 | dancealliancesaline.com
Runner Up: Dance Steps Studio, Inc.
Kids art class
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W Liberty St
734-994-8004 | annarborartcenter.org
Runner Up: Fly Art Studio
Gymnastics class
Gym America
5555 Hines Dr
734-971-1667 | gymamericagymnastics.com
Runner Up: Michigan Academy of Gymnastics
Martial arts program
Ann Arbor YMCA
400 W Washington St
734-996-9622 | annarborymca.org
Runner Up: Quest Martial Arts
Swim lessons
Goldfish Swim School
2107 W Stadium Blvd
734-864-5555 | goldfishswimschool.com
Runner Up: Saline Rec Center
Horseback riding lessons
Therapeutic Riding Inc
3425 E Morgan Rd
734-677-0303 | therapeuticridinginc.org
Runner Up: Happy Hooves
Youth sports league
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
701 W Ellsworth Rd
734-822-2120
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Rec and Ed
Traveling sports club league
Michigan Tigers Futbol Club
2140 Oak Valley Dr
734-214-2255 | michigantigersfc.com
Runner Up: Canton Celtic soccer
Music class
Hand in Hand Music
10276 Normonie Ct., Saline
734-429-3385 | handinhandmt.com
Hand in Hand Music offers music classes for children ages 0 to 5 years. Their Music Together classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement. The research-based program brings families together by providing a rich musical environment filled with developmentally appropriate activities that facilitate family participation both in the classroom and at home.
Runner up: Kindermusik with Jeanna Hoyt
Doctor’s Orders
Pediatric practice
Liberty Pediatrics
3200 W Liberty Rd
734-994-5858 | libertypediatrics.com
Runner Up: IHA
Emergency care
University of Michigan Hospital: Emergency Room
1500 E Medical Center Dr
734-936-6666 | uofmhealth.org
Runner Up: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
Place to give birth
St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
5301 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti
734-712-3456 | stjoeshealth.org
Runner Up: University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital
Birthing classes
Center for the Childbearing Year
722 Brooks St
734-663-1523 | center4cby.com
Runner Up: Lamaze
OB/GYN
Dr. Julie Stein Perry, Michigan Medicine OB/Gyn Clinic
4260 Plymouth Rd
734-647-5660 | uofmhealth.org
Runner Up: Dr. Caren M. Stalburg
Midwife
U-M Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital’s Nurse-Midwifery
1540 E Hospital Dr
734-763-6295 | uofmhealth.org
Runner Up: Jessica Woods, IHA Nurse Midwives
Doula
Catherine Fischer
500 Little Lake Dr
734-395-5244 | supportforgrowingfamilies.com
Runner Up: SEM Community Doulas
Family doctor
Dr. Amanda Kaufmann
2800 S State St, Suite 215
734-547-3990 | ihcpaa.com
Runner Up: Dr. Therese Benevich
ENT doctor
Otolaryngology/Audiology Clinic at Mott Children’s Hospital
1540 E Hospital Dr
734-936-5730 | mottchildren.org
Runner Up: Dr. Laurence Ho, Michigan Otolaryngology Surgery Associates
Optometrist / Ophthalmologist
Ann Arbor Optometry
2433 Oak Valley Dr #300
734-994-0100 | aaoptometry.com
Runner Up: Dr. Thomas Cunningham,
Cunningham Vision
Chiropractor
Borer Family Chiropractic
210 W Michigan Ave, Saline
734-944-7200 | borerchiro.com
Runner Up: Kim Jackson, Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiropractic
Allergist
Dr. Harvey Leo
5333 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti
734-434-3007 | annarborallergy.com
Runner Up: Allergy and Immunology, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
Dentist
Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry
2074 S Main St
734-663-2490 | annarborpediatricdentistry.com
Runner Up: Wurtzel Family Dentistry
Orthodontist
Dr. Katherine Kelly Orthodontics
1020 E Michigan Ave, Saline
734-429-7676 | drkatherinekelly.com
Runner Up: Stieper & Brust Orthodontics
Veterinarian
Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital
4920 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd
734-913-0003 | animalkingdomveterinaryhospital.com
Runner Up: Affordable Vet Services
Get Active
Waterpark
Rolling Hills Water Park
7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti
734-484-9676 | ewashtenaw.org
With so many attractions, Rolling Hills has something for all ages to enjoy! Float down the lazy river, catch a wave in the wave pool, or take a trip down one of their awesome water slides! The Activity Pool is popular with younger children due to its zero-depth entry, gentle bubbler, geysers, a waterfall and a kiddie slide for children under 45” tall. Adults can relax in the chaise lounges and sand chairs on an extensive sun deck located throughout the water park or in the shade found on the grassy areas around the park.
Runner up: Blue Heron Bay/Independence Lake
Place to go ice skating
Ann Arbor Ice Cube
2121 Oak Valley Dr
734-213-1600 | a2ice3.com
Runner Up: Veterans Memorial Pool & Ice Arena
Place to go roller skating
Rollerama Family Skating Center
6995 Grand River Ave, Brighton
810-227-2010
Runner Up: Skatin’ Station II
Park or playground
County Farm Park
2230 Platt Rd
734-971-6337 | ewashtenaw.org
Runner Up: Mill Pond Park
Indoor playspace
The Chelsea Treehouse
1101 S Main St, Chelsea
734-475-1555 | thechelseatreehouse.com
Runner Up: Kidopolis
Family-friendly gym
Ann Arbor YMCA
400 W Washington St
734-996-9622 | annarborymca.org
Runner Up: Liberty Athletic Club
Biking trail
Gallup Park
3000 Fuller Rd
734-794-6240 | a2gov.org
Runner Up: Kensington Metro Park
Baby swim lessons
Goldfish Swim School
2107 W Stadium Blvd
734-864-5555 | goldfishswimschool.com
Runner Up: Saline Rec Center
Sports camp
Michigan Sports Camps
1000 S State St | camps.mgoblue.com
Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA
Summer day camp
Honey Creek Community School
1735 S Wagner Rd
734-994-2636 | honeycreekschool.org
Runner Up: Ann Arbor YMCA
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