Fun things to do with family, mainly in Oakland County?

[jynxxxedangel]

I have the in-laws (Mum and Dad Wreck ) coming for two weeks in July, and I need to come up with more fun things to do, in this area. They are not accustomed to yankee city driving, nor am I, so day-trips to downtown Detroit are pretty much out of the question (unless some of you kind folks want to volunteer as chauffeur and docent, for a middle-aged Welsh couple ).

Old-folks-friendly type stuff is not my forte, so I need a little help with this.

So far, we have Marvelous Marvin's Mechanical Museum, Gibraltar Trade Center, the Oakland County Fair in Davisburg, Kensington Metropark, Dixieland Flea Market, Cranbrook, Great Lakes Crossing, the Detroit Zoo..

..and that's all I got.

Any other good suggestions?

[Scary Guy]

I have the in-laws (Mum and Dad Wreck ) coming for two weeks in July, and I need to come up with more fun things to do, in this area. They are not accustomed to yankee city driving, nor am I, so day-trips to downtown Detroit are pretty much out of the question (unless some of you kind folks want to volunteer as chauffeur and docent, for a middle-aged Welsh couple ).

Old-folks-friendly type stuff is not my forte, so I need a little help with this.

So far, we have Marvelous Marvin's Mechanical Museum, Gibraltar Trade Center, the Oakland County Fair in Davisburg, Kensington Metropark, Dixieland Flea Market, Cranbrook, Great Lakes Crossing, the Detroit Zoo..

..and that's all I got.

Any other good suggestions?

The Detroit Science Center is always fun and The Detroit Institute of Arts has some wonders as well. Greenfield Village although I've never been there myself I hear is extremely nice. If you feel like a roadtrip there are things to do all over the state. Don't forget Canada is also just 15 minutes away as well, although I'm not really sure what to do over there either. Downtown Ferndale and Royal Oak are fun and filled with people. Maybe cruise Woodward a bit and check out Pontiac around the Phoenix Plaza since there are some nice bars there. Maybe check out a concert or two.

Hell I'd be happy to drive you through the burnt out sections of Detroit if they really want to see what it's really like since it's not too dangerous in the daytime hours.

But really if you want to show them a good time fly them to New York, LA, or Vegas. No one likes it here, not even us.

[Reaper]

I would try picking up the Metro Times and other circulatory magazines in the area. They are usually filled with things going on in the nearby areas. If its going to be around July 25th there will be the Telegraph Cruise coming up with all the various hot rods and classic cars. Usually travels from Eureka Rd up to Dearborn Heights.

[Scary Guy]

Here's another thought, ask them what they like to do, then go do that.

[Simon Bar Sinister]

isn't there a Dale Chihuly exhibit in the area right around that time?

[jynxxxedangel]

isn't there a Dale Chihuly exhibit in the area right around that time?

Yes, I believe so..at the Flint Institute of Art.

I love art glass. That's a good suggestion, SOTG.

[Simon Bar Sinister]

how about the Ann Arbor Art Fair? Can they handle ridiculous crowds?

[TheOsakaKoneko]

Some stuff on here might be good:

http://detroit.donyell.net/index.php/2009-events/july/

As much as you don't want to go to Detroit, I think the DIA is worth the trip. And the Science Center as well. I second the Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Museum suggestions. Also how about a Tigers game? Can't get much more American than that!

When will they be here in July? If they are here for the 4th you ought to be able to find some killer events, including fireworks! Again, can't get much more American! XD

[Homicidalheathen]

waterford water park

its the bomb

slides, wave pool....shady tables

Pontiac lake rec area horse riding, swimming camping I believe a shooting range...ect...

[Homicidalheathen]

http://www.oakgov.com/parksrec/ppark/waterford_wp.html

http://www.oakgov.com/parksrec/activities/waterparks.html

red oaks is good to

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/...SPRK&id=485

[Simon Bar Sinister]

Come to think of it, Marshbanks Park (Hiller@Willow, on West Bloomfield's western edge) has free concerts on Friday evenings all summer long...or at least they did. Who knows what's going on with funding problems and all. Still, I'd check into it. Pontiac Trail east to Green Lake Rd north to Commerce Rd east to Hiller north. Fun park anyway, even if there's no beach.

[Simon Bar Sinister]

My inner nerd says to recommend a visit to King's Used Books. Howard@the Lodge Fwy, I do believe. A most beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

Edited June 11, 2009 by SpammerOvTheGods

[jynxxxedangel]

As mentioned in another thread...

I'm entertaining the thought of a DGN picnic potluck. The main problem with this sort of thing, is always the issue of picking a date and location that will produce the greatest attendance.

Who would be game for an afternoon of sun, food, and fun?