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! Hungry Howie’s appreciates Moms and joins LittleGuide Detroit in spotlighting a local Mom each week in the #MomLife series. To take one thing off her plate and give her more time for fun, Hungry Howie’s is giving each week’s featured Mom a free pizza dinner for her and her family to enjoy. Thank you Hungry Howie’s for being the Official Pizza of Moms.

Are you following @raisingren on Instagram? Local mom Zuri is a DPSCD teacher and mom to one little cutie. She shares lots of great local finds on her Instagram page, adorable pics of her daughter, and super relatable #MomLife ideas + tips. 

Meet Zuri

Hi! My name is Zuri and I’m 28, a Social Studies teacher with Detroit Public Schools Community District, and mommy to Ren aged 3! My favorite thing about being a mom is creating memories and traditions together. I love sharing all my favorite places and going on new adventures with her! Being a parent, you get to be a kid again! 

From the festivals in the summers to all the winter markets later in the year, there’s always so much to do here in the D. On my Instagram @raisingren, we showcase our adventures, fashion, and talk all things hair. Come on over to our page to check out our little corner of happiness. .

Favorite Ways To Spend Family Time:

  • Cooking together
  • Family Dates
  • Watching Movies As a Family

 

Favorite Places To Go:

Favorite Bedtime Stories:

Favorite Family Friendly Restaurants:

Best Park/Playground: Belle Isle State Park (Detroit)

Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park has something for everyone. We enjoy cookouts with generations of family along the Detroit River, with our skyline as a beautiful backdrop during the summers. There are lots of trails for biking and walking, a huge playscape, and my favorite- the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. The conservatory opened in 1904, houses beautiful orchids and cactuses, has a botanical garden, and even has the sweetest Koi pond that Ren and I really enjoy.

Best Family-Friendly Annual Event: Ribs and R&B Music Festival (Detroit)

Ribs and R&B in downtown Detroit is SO much fun. Held at Hart Plaza in August, this is a great family-friendly event that doesn’t skimp on amazing music and food! Last year Toni Tone Tony headlined and trust me, nothing beats your favorites 90’s group performing under a beautiful Detroit skyline. This year I took Ren and she enjoyed herself so much (maybe because she got to see her beloved Joe Louis Fist Monument, located just across from Hart Plaza on Jefferson).

Your Mom Must-Have: Wireless AirPods 

My go-to Mom must-have are wireless AirPods! I know this doesn’t fall under most peoples’ lists of must-haves but I found them to be one of the best things for me as someone who has noise sensitivity. When time for bedtime, feedings, or anything else that may have triggered a meltdown I would slip one AirPod in and play some calming music like Astrud Gilberto or Solange and I could feel my stress levels falling. Those things were a LIFESAVER.

Best Winter Destination or Event: Detroit Tree Lighting

My favorite winter event has to be the Downtown Detroit Tree Lighting. Held in Campus Martius every year, thousands of Metro Detroiters gather to watch this tradition. Between the horse-drawn carriages and the ice skating rink – it really does make for the sweetest Winter family outing.

“Pat Yourself on the Back” Accomplishment: Resilience in Motherhood

One accomplishment that makes me proud was my ability to be resilient during those first few years of motherhood. It was a very rough adjustment for me, going from enjoying my solitude to being someone’s EVERYTHING 24/7- that was not easy for me. Every day I showed up for her, I nourished her, I supported her and when I needed to I asked for help. Transitioning to motherhood has been one of the tougher things in my life, and I am very proud of the connection I have with her and my dedication to the role. I am one proud Mama!

Our #MomLife Series is Presented by Hungry Howie’s – the Official Pizza of Moms!