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! Hungry Howie’s appreciates Moms and joins LittleGuide Detroit in spotlighting a local Mom each week in the #MomLife series. To take one thing off her plate and give her more time for fun, Hungry Howie’s is giving each week’s featured Mom a free pizza dinner for her and her family to enjoy. Thank you Hungry Howie’s for being the Official Pizza of Moms.
Are you following @michigandateideas on Instagram? Jes along with her husband, run Michigan Date Ideas – our favorite place to find fun + creative date night ideas! And most importantly, she’s mom to an adorable little guy.
Meet Jes
I’m Jes, my husband is DeAngelo and we have an 11 month old son named Makoa. When I first met DeAngelo, I had just moved to Michigan, and going on dates with him was, really, how I learned all about Michigan. Fast forward to 2020, we had a new baby and were in the middle of a global pandemic. We started having to get much more creative about date night, but it was something that was important to us. We decided to start an Instagram page called MichiganDateIdeas to archive our dates and, also, share them with all couples and families in Michigan. Michigan is filled with hidden treasures- that is what we love about it. And this page is our own special way of showcasing our fun little finds and connecting with others who love exploring this state, as well.
Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:
- Eating
- Anything outside
- Anything with water!
Favorite Places To Go:
- Rolling Hills Water Park – sledding hill and cross country skiing site in the Winter (Ypsilanti)
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (Ann Arbor)
- Chelsea Treehouse (Chelsea)
Favorite Bedtime Stories:
- Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Favorite Family Friendly Restaurants:
- Bigalora (Ann Arbor/Plymouth/Royal Oak/Southfield)
- Frita Batidos (Ann Arbor/Detroit)
- Rainforest Cafe (Auburn Hills)
Best Park/Playground: Gallup Park (Ann Arbor)
Our favorite playground is the Bilik-Orbach Play Area at Gallup Park because it’s right on the water-very beautiful, and there’s baby sized swings and slides plus a tiny beach. There is even equipment that adults can have fun playing on. We are, definitely, guilty of having more fun than our son, sometimes!
Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Ann Arbor Summerfest
Although they haven’t had it in two years, when they bring it back, next year, I look forward to my husband taking our son to explore the various activities in the kids tent while I participate in one of the outdoor fitness classes. And afterwards, we can get a treat at one of the food trucks and listen to the bands play. Some nights they play an outdoor movie- which is really fun. We love that the festival lasts for a month so we get to go back over and over again.
Your Mom Must-Have: My phone
Honestly, my phone. It’s where I get the answers to many of my parenting questions and also provides a quick mental break for me when I need one.
Best FALL Destination or Event: Three Cedar Farms (Northville)
Three Cedars Farm has a special place in our hearts because we had our engagement party there. We love to pick out mums and pumpkins, take a hay ride to the corn maze, and explore. Then, we enjoy ending our excursion with cider, donuts, and smores around one of their bonfire pits which have beautiful, expansive views of the farm.
“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Getting through quarantine pregnant
I was so emotional, and anxious and scared. When I look back, I really commend myself for the conscious self care that I prioritized for myself, and unborn baby, during a very scary time.
Our #MomLife Series is Presented by Hungry Howie’s – the Official Pizza of Moms!
