KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Ann Arbor / Detroit Newsletter |
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Sat, Jul 18: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Touch-A-Truck
Sun, Jul 19: Sensory-Friendly Concert: Joe Reilly
Fri, Jul 24: GOAT The Movie at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Fri, Jul 31: Frankenmuth Flower Festival 2026
Wed, Aug 5: The 79th Annual Monroe County Fair
Fri, Aug 7: Dearborn Homecoming Festival 2026
Sun, Aug 9: Milford Memories Summer Festival
Sat, Aug 15: Animal Day Celebrations at Detroit Zoo
Tue, Aug 18: 177th Annual Calhoun County Fair
Sat, Aug 22: Camp Holler Fest 2026
Sat, Aug 29: Genesee County Fair (Mount Morris, MI) |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
In last week's column, I wrote about the Humble Abode, the kids-only hideout my sister and I created behind the giant azalea bush in our backyard. We dragged in chairs and treasures and made a little home in the hollowed-out
branches. At the time, I thought of it as something we had built. But of course, we didn’t create it from nothing. We were makers, yes, but we were making inside a world that was already alive. Summer is the perfect time for kids to experience that lesson up close and personal, with all their senses. The world is warm, green, buzzing, blooming, squelching, chirping, dripping, and growing almost too fast to track. Kids can smell lake water and tomato leaves, feel bark and moss
and mud, watch ants organize themselves with alarming competence, and notice that the same trail looks different after rain. Nature doesn’t need a lesson plan. It offers immediacy first: I am here. This is real. Pay attention. And then, quietly, it offers perspective. A child is legitimately the center of his or her own universe; we all are, from the inside. But Nature gently complicates that story. The robin is not singing for us. The creek does not hurry because we
are late. The sunflower turns toward the sun whether or not anyone remembers to admire it. Clouds, tides, weeds, and weather all proceed with their ancient business, reminding us that we belong to a world much larger than our schedules and preferences. That perspective should not make us feel small in a bad way, but instead help us feel rightly-sized. Humans have the wonderful ability to create, repair, improve, and beautify our little corners of the universe. But we do it
best when we understand the nature of the world we’re working within. So use this summer to include as much Outside Green Time as you can, looking up and around and in. Poke gently. Nature will do the rest.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build
Strong Communities
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI) empowers young performers through exceptional training, inclusive productions, and a commitment to artistic excellence. Based in Ypsilanti, PYTMI offers high-quality theatrical experiences for students of all backgrounds, with opportunities in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre. From beloved musicals to innovative new works, each production emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and confidence. PYTMI welcomes families into a supportive, community-driven environment where youth can grow on and off the stage. With camps, classes, and shows year-round, PYTMI is where young artists shine. Learn more and get involved at www.pytmi.com or by clicking on the image.
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Summer Camps are filled with both Gymnastics and Ninja Warrior skills/games. Other Activities Include: Creative Movement, Free Play, Arts & Craft, Fun Games, Friendship Building, Outdoor Water Play. This year we are offering 8 weeks of camp and every day will contain both gymnastics and ninja skills and games! Best of both worlds! Campers can register for full or half days throughout the week. We are limiting the number of campers to 40 per week, and campers must be at least 6 years old to attend. 5 year old campers will be allowed if a sibling 6 or older is attending camp.
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Experience a summer weekend in the largest lavender fields in Michigan! Set across 50 acres, stroll through beautiful fields and enjoy lavender experiences including u-pick, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, live music, adult beverages, and more.
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A signature Michigan event, Art In The Park, now in its 46th year will welcome over 400 artists from around the U.S. offering paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art & much more. Entertainment and cuisine will complement the art exhibitors , creating a sensory filled weekend experience. Be a part of the tradition…join us at Michigan’s 2nd largest art fair for a weekend long celebration of art, food, and fun!
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Lavender season is calling! Blake’s Lavender Festival is back — think dreamy orchard views, chill vibes, and all the lavender-scented everything. Stroll the fields, sip summer-y craft drinks, and shop 200+ Michigan makers. Bring the crew: free kids’ activities, petting zoo, and plenty of space to unwind. Bliss mode: ON.
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Each year, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates the African World Festival®, a powerful three-day celebration of culture, history, and community, honoring the LEGACY of the African Diaspora. The festival starts with an exciting Opening Night featuring a dynamic fusion of live performances, spoken word, and cultural showcases that set the tone for the weekend. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy world-class musical acts, amazing food options, and an retail Marketplace filled with handcrafted goods from Black artisans and entrepreneurs. Families can explore the Children's Village, where hands-on activities and storytelling sessions will inspire a deep connection to history and identity.
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Step back in time and enter a world where dinosaurs rule the earth! Our immersive dinosaur-themed event brings the magic, mystery, and excitement of the prehistoric world to life with larger-than-life attractions and hands-on experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong Jurassic Park fan or introducing little explorers to dinosaurs for the first time, this event is a thrilling, interactive, and photo-worthy prehistoric experience that promises adventure at every turn.
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The MJR Sensory Friendly Film program is perfect for those moviegoers who prefer or require a sensory-friendly environment. Available At Select MJR Locations: Time will vary by location.
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Spend your Sunday evening with us at Lake St. Clair Metropark enjoying music from different local bands. Each Sunday starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the Thomas Welsh Activity Center becomes a concert venue. From rock to country to R&B and oldies, there is a concert for everyone. Lounge in a lawn chair or get on your feet and dance. Concessions will be open during the performances. We invite you to join us this summer!
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This juried art exhibition celebrates the work of students in grades 9-12 throughout Wayne County. Featuring imaginative artworks by emerging artists, it includes photography, painting, textiles, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and more. The exhibition will be on view on the first floor in the Wayne and Joan Webber Education Wing and is free with museum admission.
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Let’s look, make, and connect at MOCAD! Family Days foster a sense of community and learning that spans all ages, including children, youth, teens, and their grown-ups! Visitors enjoy free admission to the Museum and experience hands-on activities that connect directly to the art on view. We encourage curiosity and connection with learning opportunities for all.
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2026's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Detroit Metro Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Ann Arbor - Detroit area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool,
& more. Our guide puts summer fun right at your…
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It's almost time for fruit picking! Fruit picking is a great activity to do together as a family. It helps little ones understand where their food actually comes from, and it's a fun tradition to share every year right through the teens.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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