Summer has flown by in Ann Arbor. Only about a month to go before fall officially arrives, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops. Enjoy the last summer days as the weather cools with these delightful and exciting family-oriented ideas, some of which you can still do once the hot weather ends.
1. Splash around
There’s still time to enjoy cooling off in the water as hot weather lingers. Consider taking your kids on a family outing to the Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti. It’s less than a 30-minute drive from the city and is chock-full of excellent water slides, a wave pool, an activity pool and a kiddie slide perfect for younger children.
Geysers, a waterfall and a gentle bubbler only add to the fun you and your kids will have in the sun. A daily trip to the park will cost at most $10 per person.
2. Run or walk together at your own pace
Take your children to Lillie Park South every Saturday at 8am for the Lillie Parkrun U.S.A., an incredible 5K community run or walk. There’s no pressure for you or the kids to finish within a specific time.
Although timed, the event is noncompetitive, so you and your young ones can take all the time you want. It’ll help you and the kids work off any pent-up energy with some valuable physical exercise, and best of all, it’s free. Register online if you’re a first-timer and look for the crowds to find the start line.
This is a great way to ensure your children get their 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
3. Have fun at the fair
Mark your calendar for August 19 to 23 and take your kids to the Annual Chelsea Community Fair at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, which is about 15 miles west of the city. Besides multiple fair rides to occupy your family, there will be a bingo tent for the adults. You’ll also enjoy demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, and a rodeo, as well as baking, floriculture, hobbies and arts exhibits.
Bring your child on Tuesday to participate in the Children’s Parade at 5:30pm Kids under 10 get free entry to the fair, and it’s the perfect place to keep them and your older children busy. Keep an eye out for other fairs in the area—it’s that time of year!
4. Fascinate your kids with creepy-crawlies
Many children love watching critters at play. Every Sunday between 12 and 3pm, Critter House at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum lets your kids watch closely as snakes, frogs, turtles and other animals slither, hop and crawl about their business. The creatures on exhibit now could differ from those next week, as the museum rotates them regularly. Your youngsters certainly won’t get bored if they visit often.
Critter House is free to enter, although the museum suggests a $5 donation per person or $20 per family. The museum also has outdoor raptor enclosures for daily daytime viewing.
5. Involve your youngsters in the garden
Make the most of the last rays of summer sunshine and get your kids outdoors for some gardening education. Children of formative ages love getting dirty, and what better way to do so than by helping them find their green thumbs? There’s still time for plant-based outdoor activities, and by fall, they will be looking forward to getting back to work in the spring.
Gardening helps kids begin to appreciate life cycles, and they may even realize the peace and mindfulness nature provides. Don’t rush them on those points, though—let them develop their motor skills using plants and tools as they watch the growth around them.
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While these five ideas are great ways to enjoy the rest of summer, many others can also enhance the season’s last days and keep you going through fall. Stay proactive as a family and maximize the time remaining outdoors by keeping your children physically active and motivated as the seasons change.
