Summer time is often full of travel plans and distant destinations.  The kids are out of school, so why not explore the great wide world?  But most of us don’t have a budget to sail away for three whole months–so what to do with the REST of the summer?!?  Whether you are seeking outdoor activities or something relaxing to beat the heat, you don’t have to travel far to fill your days with memories (or at least get you a little closer to bedtime and a glass of wine). Here are 10 (easy) things to do in and around South Lyon, MI.

Looking for something really simple? McHattie Park boasts plenty of open space, all sorts of playground equipment, and an easy connection to the bike/rail trail.  Bring some snacks and invite your neighbors.  The park is a perfect place to meet up with others and let the kids burn off some energy.  A little pro-parenting hack, called subtraction by addition (the more kids there are, the less they are depending on YOU).  Find a bench, bring an iced latte from the Corner Social,  grab a book from the Little Free Library and make your kids’ friends entertain them for a while!  

Just as school is getting out, the strawberries are ripening.  It’s a short hop north on US-23 to Spicer Orchards, where you can pick your own.  Strawberries are easy to pick as they grow close to the ground (no ladders!) and not on spiky bushes (I’m looking at your raspberries!)  Spicer’s is set up with a wagon ride, play area, and farm animals–plus they don’t weigh your kids before and after, so the samples are free. 

Summer evenings are a great time to take a family bike ride down the Huron Valley Rail trail. Paved paths make biking a breeze for everyone (even the person pulling the bike trailer–unless you put your kid in the bike trailer, then it’s hard.)  So grab your helmets, water bottles and enjoy a peaceful ride together. (Well—if you go fast enough the wind will block out the whining from behind you, I promise)

Wheels are not your thing?  Paddle instead!  Kensington Metropark offers paddle board, canoe and kayak rentals.  A perfect way to escape the noise and bustle, and just float.  After your boat ride, wander over to the farm and let your kids meet all the fantastic farm animals (except if you ask my son, the rooster is NOT fantastic).  You can also make your way to the nature center to learn about local wildlife and wander along some beautiful trails. (Well, you will wander, the kids will probably employ some trickery to get carried).

As the days get hotter, sometimes you just need a place to cool off.  Island Lake State Recreation Area has tiny beaches nestled in our own community.  Pack a lunch, some towels and sunscreen and head over to Spring Mill Pond for a dip. Listen, if the triathletes aren’t scared of the possible alligator, you’ve got nothing to fear. 

Maybury State Park is also an excellent place to bike, run, or walk.  You can also visit the Farm that is attached or schedule a horseback trail ride at Maybury Riding Stable. After enjoying all the sights (and smells) of the barnyard for an afternoon, that weird smell in your car from the kid’s empty snack containers won’t seem bad at all!  

Summer nights are the best time to indulge in some ice cream.  Our town has lots of fan favorites, but for those with food allergies you can’t beat Curvin’s Family Creamery.  So grab extra napkins and some patience (how do kids eat ice cream that slowly?!?)

Unscheduled summer days are also a perfect time to take a trip to the Detroit Zoo. You can explore the cool arctic Polk Penguin Conservation Center or the butterfly house or feed the giraffe.  In our house, the red panda is a particular hit, and no one ever turns down the carousel ride. And let’s be honest, what is more fun than pointing to obvious things that you kids just can’t see?  (For a similar experience, point to dirty socks or toys you want your children to pick up–the camouflage on those things is no joke!)

For fun family and youth activities and events all summer long, South Lyon Parks and Recreation has everything from dance camps to the perennial Kindergartner Safety Town.  These activities are budget friendly and inclusive.  There are plenty of things to do with your whole family (if you still haven’t spent enough time together), day camps just for kids (read ALONE TIME!), and some adult only enrichment activities too (you should probably do yoga–you’ll need some zen to get through the summer).  

Last, but never least, for the lazy afternoons, the summer storms, and the wind down at the end of the day–BOOKS!  The Lyon Township Public Library is small (for a little while longer) but mighty.  They boast a fantastic summer reading program with lots of events and prizes (even grown-ups can play!)  There is weekly story time, special guests, and recurring events.  There are few things that really settle our whole house, but when everyone has found something good to read it’s as if our home takes a giant cleansing breath.  If you haven’t made your way to our own community library, there’s no better time than right now (well unless it’s after closing time, in which case–tomorrow is just as good.)  

No matter how you fill your days this summer, remember to take time to enjoy the moments. Dirty socks, smelly cars, and tired legs aside, these days march by very quickly. Grab your camera (or call your favorite local photographer) and make some memories.