Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! We’re asking local Metro Detroit families to share their favorites, to help you find yours.

 

Are you following @drkat_psyd on Instagram? Kat is a local mom, clinical psychologist, and founder of Bright Pine Behavioral Health. We personally love following her social media pages where she emphasizes healthy lifestyle tips for parents and children including educational children’s activities and mental health support for kids + parents.

 

Meet Dr. Kat

My name is Kat, and I am the mom to Ari (age 3) and Vera (9 months). I was raised near Milford, MI. I have always loved the metro-Detroit area, which is why I attended college and graduate school locally; and decided to raise my family here, too. I am a clinical psychologist specializing in autism, ADHD, learning issues, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties (many may know me as “Dr. Kat”). I opened my practice, Bright Pine Behavioral Health, over three years ago in Clarkston. I am also very active on social media where I provide support for parents and families. Follow me on Instagram and check out my favorite things to do with kids below!

 

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • Baking 
  • Playing games and being silly 
  • Going for walks (and now during the wintertime we can appreciate all of the holiday lights in the neighborhood!)

 

Favorite Places To Go:

 

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

 

Favorite Recipes:

 

 

Best Park/Playground: Hess-Hathaway Park (Waterford)

Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford has been one of our favorites! I love the combination of a playground and a real farm with animals. I especially love that the playground is designed for children of all abilities, including those with special needs.

 

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Milford Memories Summer Festival (Milford)

I was raised in Milford and recently moved back to the area. I remember attending Milford Memories every year as a kid with my family and friends. The tradition continued even in college and beyond, and my friends and I would all meet up to go enjoy the festival. I love supporting businesses and artists, along with dancing to live music. I recently moved back to Milford and hope to continue the tradition with my children.

 

Your Mom Must-Have: Crockpot

I’m a working mom; which means waking up as early as 5:00 a.m. or 5:30 a.m. some days to throw dinner in the crock and head out the door. It’s so nice to come home after a long day with dinner ready! That means more time to spend with my family instead of stressing about what to eat and cook.

 

Best Winter Destination: The Rink at Campus Martius (Detroit)

We love to spend time outdoors as much as we can. I live by the saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” One of my favorite winter events is ice-skating at Campus Martius. The rink offers such a beautiful skating experience, and I’m glad that even with the pandemic it will be open and taking precautions.

 

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Opening my behavioral health clinic

Bright Pine Behavioral Health was established while I was pregnant with my first child. My son and daughter push me to work harder so that I can better provide for my family. I am very passionate about my job, and being a mom has made me a better clinician. 

#MomLife is the best life, if you’ve got more love to give, learn about becoming a foster parent at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website, Raise Hope & Foster Dreams.

 

 

 

 

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About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter

Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.