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 @katie.jonesy.and.co on Instagram? As the co-owner and co-founder of Lansing Mom, we can always count on Katie to point us in the right direction about all things parenting in the Mitten State. We know you’ll fall in love with her awesome mom tips, kid-friendly travel recommendations, and totally cute little ones.
Meet Katie
Hi, my name is Katie! I am the Co-Owner/Co-Founder of Lansing Mom, I run @katie.jonesy.and.co on Instagram, I work with Detroit Mom in their social media, and on the side, I tutor middle and high school-aged kids, because I can’t seem to let go of that teaching degree! I am a former educator turned Work At Home Mom and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The purpose of everything that I do is to connect Moms, whether it’s to resources, community, or each other. I have two boys Walter (4), and Arlo (2), and a third baby on the way, due in December. My husband Ben and I have been married for seven years and never imagined a puppy would have turned into marriage and three babies, but we’re loving living this crazy life together.
Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:
- Hiking
- Traveling
- Trying new places to eat
Favorite Places To Go:
Favorite Bedtime Stories:
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
- Pink is For Boys by Rob Pearlman
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Favorite Dinner Recipes:
- Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chilli from Fit Mitten Kitchen
- Creamy Potato and Kale Soup from Hippie Eats
- Chocolate Chip Cookies by House of Baffo
Best Park/Playground: Booth Park (Birmingham)
We love this park because of the cardboard sliding hill! It also sits just at the entrance to a river trail, and you can easily walk downtown Birmingham from here or head to the Farmers Market on a Sunday. During the winter the park has a huge hill that’s perfect for sledding! We also really do love the pop-up parks that happen downtown during the summer. The pop up at Robert Valade has been one of our favorites!
Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: The Skeletons Are Alive! (Northville)
With Fall coming up, one of our favorite things to enjoy is the fall festivals in different cities around Metro Detroit. We know things may look a little different this year but are happy that the Skeletons Are Alive in Northville will still be happening. It’s one of our favorite things to do because Northville has so many beautiful small shops and we love the community feel.
Your Mom Must Have: Tide Pen or Shout Wipes
I’m a fan of wearing white but white and kids don’t always mix, plus my kids are messy! So my must-have is to always carry these just in case!
Best Fall Destination: Traverse City
We love hiking and the Traverse City area offers so many trails that are perfect for fall colors. We love to head there to get away for the weekend.
“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Following my Dreams of Owning my Own Business
I am one of the owners of Lansing Mom and it has been a joy to be able to bring a community of motherhood to the Lansing area. While it’s a lot of work I truly enjoy being able to serve the moms in the Lansing community in this way and to teach my own children that following your dreams is a reality if you make it one.
Photo credit: @katie.jonesy.and.co
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About Ashley Hubbbard-Porter
Ashley Porter is a Chicago native who now calls Birmingham home. Ashley and her husband Mike and son Jake love attending local festivals, exploring Detroit’s diverse food scene, and venturing outside of Metro Detroit to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Ashley loves connecting with and supporting families in her community, which is why she is so excited to be a part of LittleGuide Detroit.