Family Favorites Results!!

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 Domino’s 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