Do you need ideas for activities to do with kids? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! We’re asking families to share their favorites, to help you find yours.
Are you following @mom_on_a_mitten on Instagram? If you’re not you should! Laura shares pictures from Michigan adventures with her daughter Eleanor and we can’t get enough.
Meet Laura
Hi! My name is Laura, and I am the mom of one awesome 5-year-old, Eleanor. I am a born and raised metro Detroiter and couldn’t pick a better place to raise our little one! I am happy to share some of our favorite things to see, and do in this place we call home.
Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:
- Movie nights with big bowls of popcorn (current favorite Scoob)
- Taking long walks with our dog Rosie
- Taking day trips around the Mitten
Favorite Places To Go:
Favorite Bedtime Stories:
- Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
- Snowmen At Night by Caralyn Buehner
- Paw Patrol Sound Story Book Treasury
Favorite Recipes:
- White Chicken Chili
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Belle Peppers
- Almost Potbelly Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best Park/Playground: Beverly Park
We love this neighborhood park and visit regularly for quick trips out of the house. It has an assortment of things ranging from a great playground suitable for all ages, a walking trail that includes a story to read as you walk, a large hill great for races, and you can’t leave without saying hello to the ducks in the pond. Another perk to this wonderful park is that it has a covered pavilion great for spot to eat lunch in a bit of shade.
Best Movie/Television Show: The Aquarium
Being a family that loves animals we really enjoy watching The Aquarium on Animal Planet. Seeing the animals, and learning more about them is a show we can all get behind. Plus, what’s cuter than seeing young otters, and baby penguins? Fun Fact: My husband’s cousin is on the show, as she works with the Penguins at the Georgia Aquarium!
Best Annual Event: Wild Lights
The Holiday season is our favorite time of year so it makes sense that our favorite annual event would be the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights. This has become our yearly tradition to do with family and friends. We bundle up, take a stroll, and enjoy all the lights we can see. We look for the yearly changes, and what new things have been added. While seeing the lights we also enjoy making s’mores over the scattered fire pits, and usually can’t leave without a carousel ride. It is hands down the one event we actually plan attending well in advance!
Best Life-Saver: Inflatable Family Pool
My biggest life saver is the backyard kiddie pool. Although we live in a state full of water it’s not always easy getting to it. Staying cool, and allowing the little to splash around provides us a summer of at home entertainment. We actually just got a brand new one that is easy to set up and take down, and provides room for the older kids.
Best Summer Destination: Detroit Riverfront/Cullen Plaza
We love heading downtown any chance we get, and during the summer this is one of our spots. I mean it again has a carousel so what more can I say? How-ever there is more… we love walking the river front, playing in the sand, and then cleaning off by running through the fountains. If you’re lucky enough you may even end your trip by watching a freighter go by.
