Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! We’re asking local Metro Detroit families to share their favorites, to help you find yours.

 

Are you following @mommyinginairplanemode on Instagram? Rana is a local mom to two girls and the blogger behind Mommying in Airplane Mode which is a fun travel, family, and lifestyle blog. We envy the amazing destinations Rana and her family have visited and love her kid-friendly travel tips.

 

Meet Rana

Hi, I’m Rana Makki! I’m a mom of two girls aged 6 and 7, writer, (former) writing and elementary school teacher, and current Family Travel and Lifestyle blogger. We live in Southeast Michigan and I write about our experiences and adventures traveling with our daughters so other parents can get ideas and learn a ton of hacks for their own adventuring brood. I specialize in Disney travel (our favorite trips!) and have been called a ‘Disney Guru’ and ‘Disney Whisperer’ because I share A LOT of tips and tricks to make your magical adventures more magical and way less stressful. When we’re not traveling, we love all the local adventure opportunities here in Southeast Michigan, and I also love sharing them. I’d love for you to follow along on my Instagram page and my blog site.

 

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • Traveling
  • Movie Night
  • Cooking and Baking Together

 

Favorite Places To Go:

 

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

 

Favorite Recipes:

 

 

Best Park/Playground: Both Heritage Park locations (Taylor + Farmington Hills)

We have a few that we love but our absolute favorites are Heritage Park in Taylor and Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. Both have hiking and walking trails, nature paths, playgrounds, a river walk area, and either a petting farm or environmental center. They make great family photo backdrops and offer a ton of activities besides just fun on the slides!

 

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Apple Orchards, Cider Mills, and Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village (Dearborn)

We have two—and both happen in the Fall. One is checking out all the local apple orchards and cider mills. This is something our family does yearly, and we visit a ton of them! (The more donuts the merrier in our opinion!) The other favorite event is Halloween Nights at Greenfield Village—this event is probably the closest any of us will ever be to experiencing a real-life version of Halloween Town from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s so much fun and well worth it. 

 

Your Mom Must-Have: GB Pockit Stroller

My absolute Mommy-Must-Have item is the Pockit Stroller by GB. It is hands-down, the best stroller I’ve ever used (and I’ve tried and seen a ton by now!). I chose it because it is the best travel stroller, and also the best day-to-day stroller. So not only can it fit perfectly in the overhead bin or under the seat on an airplane, but can also fit perfectly in the trunk of your car or backseat, without taking up any space whatsoever. It even won a Guinness World Record for being the most compact stroller! We’ve been around the world with this thing, on different terrains, in different malls, doorways, between tables in restaurants, and it never disappoints. There are also multiple versions depending on your specific needs and kid’s age. 

 

Best Spring Destination or Event: Greenfield Village (Dearborn)

Our favorite local Spring event/activity is visiting Greenfield Village as it reopens at that time. We have a membership there and love spending our days walking around the village, learning about the history within the houses and people who lived and worked there, playing on their awesome playground, riding around on the carousel over and over, and then ending our day with the most amazing frozen custard!

 

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Raising My Kids to be Kind Humans

My most proud accomplishment would definitely have to be when I see my kids being kind, caring, and empathetic individuals, because it means to me that I’ve done my job right so far in helping to create better world citizens.

 

Photo credit: @mommyinginairplanemode

 

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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.