PLACES AND SPACES
Family Activity
Kidopolis
kidopolis.net
Runner-up: Robinsongs for Kids
Family Day Trip
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
Lions and tigers and bears (and cheetahs and wolves and butterflies), oh my! The Toledo Zoo has almost every animal you would want to see behind its gates. The Toledo Zoo hosts more than 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species. They also work to help save endangered wildlife by participating in more than 80 Species Survival Plans that ensure healthy, genetically diverse zoo populations. You and your family will be able to see many of the animals of the world all in one place. The Toledo Zoo also offers a range of in-park events that you can participate in. This includes the Wild About Art event, a two-day art fair that takes place throughout the zoo, and Music Under the Stars, where you can listen to live music while surrounded by friends, family, and the entire animal kingdom. There are also plenty of daily animal demonstrations for you and the family to enjoy as well, such as Penguin Feeding or the Gorilla Keeper Talk. Every day at the Toledo Zoo is a little different, so check their calendar to see what’s happening before you head out!
Runner-up: Detroit Zoo
Indoor Playspace
Kidopolis
kidopolis.net
Runner-up: Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
Favorite Library Branch
Saline District Library
salinelibrary.orgΒ
Runner-up: Westgate Branch, Ann Arbor District Library
Place to Worship
Temple Beth Emeth
templebethemeth.orgΒ
Runner-up: First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
Kid-Friendly Museum
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
aahom.orgΒ
Runner-up: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Sporting Event for Families
Uninersity of Michigan Women’s Basketball
mgoblue.comΒ
Runner-up: University of Michigan Women’s Gymnastics
Place to Volunteer
Humane Society of Huron Valley
hshv.orgΒ
Runner-up: Food Gatherers
Animal Encounters
Creature Conservancy
thecreatureconservancy.orgΒ
Runner-up: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Garden / Nature Center
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
mbgna.umich.edu
Runner-up: University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum
COVID Friendly Spot
Nicola’s Books
nicolasbooks.comΒ
Runner-up: Bobcat Bonnie’s
TIME TO PARTY
Party Entertainment
Robinsongs for Kids
1526 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor
734-929-2133
robinsongsforkids.comΒ
Robinsongs For Kids brings some of the best party entertainment to kids in Washtenaw County. Children of all ages love music, whether it be playing a song on a pot, singing slightly (or terribly) out of tune for fun, or just listening to their favorite songs with close friends. Robinsongs For Kids offers your child and a party of their friends the chance to throw the musical party your child has been dreaming of! Robinsongs will come to you and your guests, lead your group in singing, instrument playing, and dancing, and give the best musical party possible! Founder of Robinsongs For kids, Robin Robinson, created the company after teaching the Music Together program for eight years at different locations in New York City. The company started small with just her offering two classes a week and has since blossomed into twenty weekly classes and having three new teachers. Robinsongs For Kids also offers classes seven days a week at locations in Ann Arbor and Chelsea, serving children and families throughout Washtenaw County. It’s one of the best ways to spend a musical party with your child and their friends or just to have your child take some music classes!
Runner-up: Chamberlain Pony Rides & Mobile Petting Zoo
Place to Buy a Birthday Cake
Delicatessen by Gina
facebook.com/DelicatessenbyginaΒ
Runner-up: Washtenaw Dairy
Locally Owned Place to Buy a Gift
The Little Seedling
thelittleseedling.comΒ
Runner-up: Rock Paper Scissors
Place for an Indoor Birthday Bash
Kidopolis
kidopolis.net
Runner-up: Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
Place for an Outdoor Birthday Bash
Gallup Park, Ann Arbor Parks & Rec
a2gov.orgΒ
Runner-up: Rolling Hills Water Park, Washtenaw County Parks & Rec
DELICIOUS EATS
Cupcakes / Bakery
Delicatessen by Gina
facebook.com/DelicatessenbyginaΒ
Runner-up: Benny’s Bakery
Candy Shop
Kilwins Chocolates
kilwins.comΒ
Runner-up: Zingerman’s Candy Factory
Family Friendly Restaurant
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
zingermansroadhouse.comΒ
Runner-up: Knight’s Steakhouse
Healthy Family Restaurant
Seva
sevarestaurant.comΒ
Runner-up: Detroit Street Filling Station
Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop
Cultivate Coffee & Taproom
cultivateypsi.comΒ
Runner-up: York Food & Drink
Frozen Treats Shop
Washtenaw Dairy
washtenawdairy.comΒ
Runner-up: Blank Slate Creamery
Local Pizza Place
Tippin’s Market
tippinsmarket.comΒ
Runner-up: Pizza House
Place Where Kids Eat Free
Maiz Cantina
36 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti
734-340-6010
maizmexican.comΒ
Nothing beats the perfect taco. Maiz Cantina is one of the best spots for tacos, and it’s even better for kids. Every Sunday from noon until 10pm, kids ten and under eat free at Maiz. For every adult meal purchased, you can get two meals for your kids for free. Young kids are sure to love at least one of the varieties of delicious tacos Maiz has to offer. There are also plenty of vegetarian options for families who would rather avoid meat. Maiz has from-scratch Mexican classics, making it one of the best places in Ypsilanti to check out. Located in historic Depot Town, there’s plenty for kids and parents alike to enjoy around the restaurant as well. Stop by the firefighter museum or Frog Island Park before grabbing a free taco outdoors on a calm Sunday. Weather permitting, you could even enjoy your family meal outside and wait for a train to roll by the building. One of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon is at Maiz with the family. You can also catch them during their happy hours, which takes place from noon to 5pm every day and offers half-off appetizers and grande margaritas.Β
Runner-up: Pretzel Ball
Best Curbside Option
Zingerman’s Deli
zingermansdeli.comΒ
Runner-up: Detroit Street Filling Station
Best Delivery Option
Zingerman’s Deli
zingermansdeli.comΒ
Runner-up: Pizza House
SHOP LOCAL
Locally Owned Place to Buy Kids’ Clothing
3 Peas Kids Consignment
threepeaskidsconsign.comΒ
Runner-up: The Little Seedling
Baby Boutique Shop
The Little Seedling
thelittleseedling.comΒ
Runner-up: My Urban Toddler
Mom-Owned business
The Little Seedling
thelittleseedling.comΒ
Runner-up: Kidopolis
Bike Shop
Wheels in Motion
wheelsinmotion.usΒ
Runner-up: Sic Transit Cycles
Kids Consignment / Resale Shop
3 Peas Kids Consignment
threepeaskidsconsign.comΒ
Runner-up: Just Between Friends Ann Arbor
Family Friendly, Locally Owned Grocery Store
Arbor Farms Market
arborfarms.comΒ
Runner-up: Argus Farm Shop
Place to Buy Children’s Books
Nicola’s Books
nicolasbooks.comΒ
Runner-up: The Little Seedling
Black-Owned Business
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center
214 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
734-961-7376
blackstonebookstore.comΒ
Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center is the perfect place to stop by and pick up a few books. This independent African American bookstore lies in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti, just a block away from the Ypsilanti District Library. They work to be a place where journalists, writers, professors, students, and book loves of African American literature and culture can find a place to come together. They offer author readings, book clubs, poetry nights, and children storytimes. Because they’re a cultural center and not just a bookstore, they also offer clothing, oils, incense and burners, soaps, jewelry, and so much more. Although the store does specialize in African American literature, they do offer a wide variety of works. Black Stone opened its doors in 2019 as a way to fill the void in Ypsilanti. Even though the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area is a college town, there were only a few brick-and-mortar bookstores in the area, and their selection of African American literature was lacking. Black Stone is the perfect place to take children to learn more about African American literature and writers, find new books to curl up and enjoy, and find themselves reflected in the books they read.
Runner-up: 24th Cheesecakerie
DIGITAL AGE
Local Parent Facebook Group
Ann Arbor Area Mamas Network
facebook.com/groups/annarbormamasΒ
Runner-up: Ann Arbor with Kids
Local Online Influencer
The Little Seedling
thelittleseedling.comΒ
Runner-up: Ann Arbor with Kids
Local Business/Organization that Transitioned Online due to COVID
Robinsongs for Kids
robinsongsforkids.comΒ
Runner-up: The Little Seedling
WATCH ME SOAR
Preschool
Early Learning Center
elcpreschool.comΒ
Runner-up: The Discovery Center
Teacher
Amparo Lewis, The Discovery Center
thediscoverycenterpreschool.comΒ
Runner-up: Marciah Boerema, Early Learning Center
School Principal
Tracey Smith, Early Learning Center
elcpreschool.comΒ
Runner-up: Debbie Belcher, The Discovery Center
Elementary School
Mitchell Elementary, Ann Arbor Public Schools
a2schools.org/mitchellΒ
Runner-up: Emerson School, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Middle School
Emerson School, Ann Arbor Public Schools
emerson-school.orgΒ
Runner-up: Scarlett Middle School, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Charter School
Honey Creek Community School
honeycreekschool.orgΒ
Runner-up: South Arbor Charter Academy
Parochial School
St. Francis of Assisi
stfrancisa2.comΒ
Runner-up: Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
Private School
Emerson School
emerson-school.orgΒ
Runner-up: Greenhills School
After-School Program
Rhythm Kids (Robinsongs for Kids)
robinsongsforkids.comΒ
Runner-up: 826 Michigan
Tutoring Center
Great Lakes Educational Group
greatlakeseducationalgroup.comΒ
Runner-up: Mathnasium
Special Needs Service
A2 Therapy Works
a2therapyworks.comΒ
Runner-up: Autism Connections & Disability Services at the Judson Center
Daycare
The Discovery Center
thediscoverycenterpreschool.comΒ
Runner-up: Early Learning Center
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Dance Studio
Dance Xplosion
64 W. Main St., Milan
734-439-8807
dancexplosion.netΒ
Dance Xplosion in Milan offers some of the best and most varied dance classes in Washtenaw County. They offer students of all ages a chance to experiment and try different genres of dance arts to help meet their developing needs. Dance Xplosion offers classes in a range of dance styles, including classes such as ballet, tap, hip-hop, clogging, and jazz to name a few. There is defintiely something for everyone who wants to dance at Dance Xplosion. The studio prides itself on being a family-oriented studio. They work to ensure that the music, movements, and costumes are age-appropriate for children within the age group. Each instructor is well-versed in the style of dance they teach, having a lot of experience in and love for the art form. These teachers are committed to providing an educational experience that is based on perfecting dance techniques in a fun and challenging way. Kids who are serious about learning how to dance are sure to not only have a good time at Dance Xplosion, but they’re sure to learn a lot about the art of dance.Β
Runner-up: Dance Alliance of Saline
Kids Art Class
Ann Arbor Art Center
annarborartcenter.orgΒ
Runner-up: Flipside Art Studio
Gymnastics Class
Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
champgymaa.comΒ
Runner-up: Gym America
Music Lessons
Robinsongs for Kids
robinsongsforkids.comΒ
Runner-up: Hand in Hand Music
Martial Arts Program
PKSA Ann Arbor
pksaannarbor.comΒ
Runner-up: Keith Hafner’s Karate
Swim Lessons
Goldfish Swim School
goldfishswimschool.comΒ
Runner-up: Saline Recreation Center
Horseback lessons
Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center
cedarridgeequestriancenter.comΒ
Runner-up: Wildwind Equestrian
Soccer Lessons
Ann Arbor Rec & Ed
a2schools.org/recedΒ
Runner-up: CRUSH Soccer
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Pediatric Practice
IHA Arbor Park
ihacares.comΒ
Runner-up: Liberty Pediatrics
Urgent Care
IHA West Arbor
ihacares.comΒ
Runner-up: Ann Arbor Urgent Care
Place to Give Birth
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor
stjoeshealth.orgΒ
Runner-up: U of M/Von Voigtlander’s Women’s Hospital
OB/GYN
Dr. Monica Rosen, Michigan Medicine
uofmhealth.orgΒ
Runner-up: Dr. Kelly O’Connor, IHA Obstetrics & Gynecology Arbor Park
Midwife
Jenni Schultz, CNM, IHA
ihacares.comΒ
Runner-up: Melisa N. Scott, CNM, Michigan Medicine
Doula
Sierra Hildebrandt, Ann Arbor Birth & Family
annarborbirth.comΒ
Runner-up: Rachael VanRiper, Ann Arbor Postpartum Doula
Family Doctor
IHA West Arbor Primary Care
ihacares.comΒ
Runner-up: Dr. Jill Ann Noble, Michigan Medicine
Optometrist / Ophthalmologist
Dr. Erica Carder, Saline Optometry
salineoptometry.comΒ
Runner-up: Dr. Jonathan Weston, Clarkson Eyecare
Chiropractor
Dr. Gregory Howe, Life Energy Spine Care
75 E. Henry St., #1, Saline. 734-429-7339.
Runner-up: Dr. Kimberly Jackson, Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiropractic
Allergist
Michigan Medicine Allergy Specialty Clinic at Dominoβs Farms
uofmhealth.orgΒ
Runner-up: Allergy & Immunology Associates of Michigan
Dentist
Ann Arbor Family Dentistry
annarborfamilydentistry.netΒ
Runner-up: Dr. Alizia Westfall
Orthodontist
Dr. Katherine Kelly, Kelly Orthodontics
drkatherinekelly.comΒ
Runner-up: Edwards and Schaeffer Orthodontics
Speech / Language therapy
A2 Therapy Works
a2therapyworks.comΒ
Runner-up: Rainbow Rehabilitation Center
Family Mental Health & Counseling Services
Still Waters Counseling
still-waters-counseling.comΒ
Runner-up: Ann Arbor Counseling Services
Natural Homeopathic Health
Hesselberg Chiropractic
hesselbergchiro.comΒ
Runner-up: The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor
Veterinarian
Animal Center of Saline
amcsaline.comΒ
Runner-up: Affordable Vet Services
Local Doc/Practice that Instituted Innovative Ways to Stay Safe during COVID
A2 Therapy Works
a2therapyworks.comΒ
Runner-up: Liberty Pediatrics
GET ACTIVE
Place to Go Ice Skating
Ann Arbor Ice Cube
2121 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
734-213-1600
a2ice3.comΒ
The Ann Arbor Ice Cube is one of the few indoor ice skating rinks in the area. They offer three ice surfaces for hockey and figure skating, plus they have a fitness center and cafe to enjoy. The Cube offers year-round recreation and training for individuals of all ages and skill levels. It’s a unique combination of the ultimate ice sports center and even has a pro shop for you to explore. They even offer event and birthday party hosting, making it perfect for your little ice skater to come out with friends and hang out on the rink. There is also a party room available for rental one hour before or after public skating. The cube has accommodations for everyone. You can stop by if you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer who wants to just try their feet at it. Plenty of schools have rented out the Cube to have kids come and enjoy a day of skating and trying to balance on the ice. It’s a great place to sign kids up for sports, throw a birthday party, or just enjoy some time on the ice with the family.
Runner-up: Veteran’s Memorial Park Ice Arena, Ann Arbor Parks & Rec
Place to Play Mini-golf
Putterz Golf and Games
putterz.comΒ
Runner-up: Zap Zone Glo-Golf
Park or playground
Gallup Park, Ann Arbor Parks & Rec
a2gov.org
Runner-up: County Farm Park, Washtenaw County Parks & Rec
Waterpark
Rolling Hills, Washtenaw County Parks & Rec
washtenaw.orgΒ
Runner-up: Blue Heron Bay Splash Park, Washtenaw County Parks & Rec
Family-Friendly Gym/Fitness Club
Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
champgymaa.comΒ
Runner-up: Liberty Athletic Club
Soccer Program
CRUSH Soccer
mpsacrush.comΒ
Runner-up: Ann Arbor Rec & Ed
Youth Sports League
Saline Area Youth Baseball and Softball
saybs.orgΒ
Runner-up: World Wide Sports Center
Sports Camp
Gym America
gymamericagymnastics.comΒ
Runner-up: Washtenaw County Upward Sports
Summer Day Camp
Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
champgymaa.comΒ
Runner-up: Emerson School
Kids Fitness Camp
Champion Gymnastics Ann Arbor
champgymaa.comΒ
Runner-up: Peachy Fitness
Park for Family Hikes
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
mbgna.umich.eduΒ
Runner-up: Hudson Mills
ME TIME
Date Night
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
zingermansroadhouse.com
Runner-up: Paesano’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Girls Night Out
Vinology
vinologya2.comΒ
Runner-up: Caryle Grill
Workout for Mom
The Barre Code
thebarrecode.comΒ
Runner-up: Fit4Mom Ann Arbor
Spa Day for Mom
Spavia Day Spa
spaviadayspa.comΒ
Runner-up: Vis-a-Vis
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Best Remote Learning Option
Ann Arbor Public Schools
a2schools.orgΒ
Runner-up: Robinsongs for Kids
Best At-Home Activity
Playing Outdoors
Runner-up: Robinsongs for Kids