I can’t believe summer is already half over in michigan. we have been soaking up every single ounce we can from parks to beaches. our weekends are usually jam packed with all the kids activities that there are to do around our great state. last year otto hated the beach so we didn’t do much of that but this year he is a little fish. most of our free time is spent on or near some type of water per his request. if you are residents of the mitten state or coming for a visit i, i thought i would put together a list of some of our favorite places and activities that are kid friendly for summer.
meijer gardens – we became members for something fun to do in the cold winter (walking around a warm greenhouse is magic) but we love spending time there on the paths and parks in the summer. plus you can’t beat the outdoor concert series on the lawn. they also have a schedule of kids activities and special events.
lake michigan beaches – specifically pere marquette beach and pentwater beach. both of large play areas for kids near the water. make sure you bring shoes because the rubber floors can get a bit hot.
farmers markets – otto and i love to go on wednesdays to the holland market before his appointments. he loves watching the live musicians and picking out berries and smelling flowers. on saturdays we typically head to either the fulton street market downtown grand rapids or the muskegon farmers market. The muskegon market has a live band and stage on saturdays where otto can dance. we also can walk to a patio lunch after we are done shopping.
michigans adventure – we spent the entire time in the pint puddle paradise and otto couldn’t have been more thrilled. he literally played so hard that he could barely make it two steps in the stroller. they have slides perfect for two year olds and we spent close to four hours playing around in the water.
picnics – otto things it’s pretty cool to be able to sit out with mom and dad and have a “mimick” as he calls it. We stock up on goodies from appertivo and the cheese lady and enjoy snacks outside on the lawn. we have found some great spots in downtown holland (window on the waterfront) and downtown pentwater where our cottage is.
build a kids garden – i put in a little 4×4 foot garden for otto in my garden. he loves to play in it and smell his flowers (even though we planted all veggies). he likes to play in the dirt and rocks. I put a little kids pool out in the garden so he can rinse off before we head inside. the bed i bought from wayfair is on sale now for under $40!
that is only half of summers worth the activities. what are some of your favorite things to do with your babies in the summer? let me know!
