Vacation Days
Beaches, barbecues, sleeping late, catching fireflies, and visiting art fairs or ethnic festivals, we look forward to summer and the fun it brings. It’s easy to throw routine out the window and just go with the flow during the months of summer. Many places and activities invite us to enjoy learning in a different way.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has more than 250 interactive exhibits and is a great way to make art, math, engineering, technology, and science engaging. One of the highlights of the museum is the water room. Children can explore science and movement while cooling off with water play. An entire room is dedicated to young learners and their older siblings. It allows the exploration of science and engineering through play structures. The museum is open from 10 am – 5 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 9 am to 5 pm on Tuesday; 10 am – 8pm on Thursday and noon – 5 pm on Sunday. No charge for babies 0-23 months and $12.50 for adults and children. On Thursdays after 5 pm, admission costs $5.00.
Heritage Park – Farmington Hills
Heritage Park in Farmington Hills features 211 acres to explore with 4.5 miles of nature trails. Visit the history center and amphitheater, or practice precision on the archery range. Other features include a nature center, horseshoe pit, in-ground grills, playground, splash pad, volleyball court, and art studio. The park is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm.
The Henry Ford Museum
Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford is one of America’s greatest history attractions for its Museum of American Innovation, the outdoor Greenfield Village, the Benson Ford Research Center, the Giant Screen Experience, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Henry Ford is open seven days weekly from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction.
Kingman Museum
The Kingman Museum in Battle Creek has been in operation for more than 80 years. It’s another great place to explore history, world culture, and science. Along with exhibits showcasing animals from around the world, including Michigan habitats, human anatomy is also featured, as well as 20 different space shows in the planetarium for $2.00 per person. The museum is open from
10 am – 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Free admission.
Michigan Science Center
Those interested in science will appreciate the Michigan Science Center in Detroit. The Center offers children’s summer camps, exhibits, live demonstrations, a planetarium, 4D theatre, and more than 250 hands-on activities, lab experiences, and special exhibits. The Center is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from noon – 5 pm. Children under age two get free admission; children 12 and under pay $11, and adults are charged $14.
With all of these and other outstanding options to be found on the internet, it’s easy to enjoy an educational family vacation day in Michigan.
