We’re holding on to every minute of summer – plan for outdoor adventures, make a splash, go to a ball game or festival and hit the road for a day (or two). Here’s the ultimate summer bucket list for metro Detroit families.

Whether you’re home together every day or relishing in family time during the weekends, here are fun activities that are great for all ages. Find even more summer activities and events all in one place. Check out the FREE digital LittleGuide Magazine Summer Edition.

Splash & Play

Nothing says summer more than splash time. Splash pads, pools/waterparks, and beaches are open and we want to try them all. If you need ideas here are LittleGuide favorites:

  • Splash Pads: Heritage Park (Canton/Farmington Hills/Taylor), Normandy Oaks (Royal Oak), Lily Pad Springs (West Bloomfield)
  • Pools: Rolling Hills Waterpark (Ypsilanti), Clement Circle Pool (Livonia), Wayne County Aquatic Center (Detroit), Red Oaks Waterpark (Madison Heights)
  • Beaches: Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison), Lakeshore Park (Novi), Dodge Park #4 (Waterford)

Find a Festival or Fair

Summer is festival and fair season and there are plenty to chose from! From carnivals to artisan markets, there’s something for everyone. Here is a complete list and a few top picks:

Take A Road Trip

You don’t need to go far or take time off work to enjoy a nice family getaway. Here are our favorite places to spend a day or a weekend:

  • Grand Rapids – Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Millennium Park, John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum
  • Flint -Sloan Museum of Discovery, Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Bluebell Beach & Splash Pad
  • Toledo – Glass City Metropark, Toledo Botanical Gardens, Cedar Pointe, Mudhens baseball game
  • Lansing – MSU Children’s Garden, Hawk Island, and Impressions 5

Get Outside

Sunny days and long nights don’t last in Michigan. Make the most of the them and try some of these activities or special events.

Play Ball

Whether you’re watching or playing, Detroit is a sports town and it’s always a good idea to play.

  • Root for the home team – Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mudhens, Detroit City Football Club, or United Shore Professional Baseball
  • Try disc golf or play mini golf – Cranbrook On The Green is a fun temporary mini golf course on the beautiful Cranbrook campus
  • Shoot hoops at a local court and play mini-golf at the Monroe Street Midway

Summer Reading

Sign up for Summer Reading at your local library to track your hours and win free books! Show your littles how fun books can be with some of these activities.