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Things to do in Michigan during the summer

growing in Michigan, the future financial problems, including loss of employment in the industry automotive (not to mention the higher cost of fuel), spells financial insecurity for many Michigan families, making it difficult to take leave of long distance and high-priced recreational activities enjoyed so much in the past. This led me to ask: "How to entertain ourselves and our families and enjoy holiday summer for less money? Better yet, how can we support the economy of Michigan, in these times of economic crisis? "In assessing the grass (and water) in our own yard, and participating in all that our state has to offer.

I compiled a list of activities that will not break the bank, and provide interesting ways to have fun close to home this summer.

1. Museums. When was the last time you visited a museum? Michigan has wonderful museums world-class art science history. Highlights include the Detroit Institute of Art (you know who is the fifth-largest fine arts museum in the country?) And the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Detroit Science Center is focused for children, and offers a familiar series of exhibitions and galleries, not to mention the amazing sensory experience of the museum IMAX dome theater. His children will thank you. Michigan.org is a great resource for finding these museums.

2. Headlights. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. Flanked by region Great Lakes, the huge crowd means that these historic gems became an icon for our state, and his tall, thin columns of all grace our shores for wall calendars picturesque. These lights – many of which have been renovated and some have become public museums – continue to educate and serve as a reminder of history sea of our condition. Do not miss the opportunity to visit them! If nothing else, you and your family will be treated with great strokes of the nature of a landscape, sweeping sea.

3. Beaches. With our abundant coastline, beaches are everywhere and easy to love Michigan during the humid summer months. Some beaches are better than others, and so it is important to choose the right path. From personal experience, Northwest Michigan and southwest Michigan truly offers some of the best beach experiences. South Haven (the magnificent century-old lighthouse is still in the south end of the pier), Grand Haven, St. Joseph, and Traverse City / Leland areas are home to remarkable beaches. Long stretches of soft white sand, clean water, blue for swimming and canoeing, and picturesque, bustling cities full of restaurants, shops, ice cream and make these destinations required!

4. Parks. Take advantage of the many well-preserved and diverse Michigan Metro Parks. Pack a picnic for the day, and do not forget to pack the s'mores. These wonderful chocolate, marshmallow, biscuit treats grass are a must-bring to the party picnic Michigander.

The Michigan Metro Parks provide a myriad of activities for family fun including swimming, paddle boating, fishing and loads the settings scenic picnic. And most are not paved and wooded trails, making them ideal for hiking, cycling, skating and bird watching. Plan to have bats and a ball to a friendly game of baseball.

5. Festivals. Michigan offers a variety of summer festivals outdoors that attracts people from all walks of life and from all corners of the state, from the cultural (Ann Arbor Arts Fair) to heritage festivals (Holland Tulip Time) for national extravaganzas (Traverse City National Festival Cherry), and everything else. Most Michigan communities will receive some kind of festival over the summer months. For a complete list, go to Michigan.org.

6. Produce Picking – Make your choice! I can not say enough about the products grown here in Michigan. Across the state, especially in the west and northwest sides, abundant crops of blueberries, tart cherries, strawberries, peaches, apples and grapes are grown each year. The fruits are sold in several markets for farmers and is on the road throughout the state. There's nothing like eating fresh fruit farm (or vegetables for that matter). The sweetness and taste of the product is far superior to anything found in your grocery aisle. And since it is grown locally, is cool!

For the novelty and experience, visit a local fruit farm and pick your own cherries, blueberries, and like to use now and in the colder months ahead. Bring the family, children always get a kick out of picking your own fruit and dropping them in buckets! It also gives them an appreciation and respect for nature and beautiful creation of God.

After harvesting, have family participates in cooking something delicious and sweet. Cobblers, crisps, shortcake and always meet during the hot summer months. Or teaching children the can or package and freeze the fruit for the coming months (bubbling, tart cherry pies always seem to hit the spot when the weather turns cool).

And one last word of advice: Save the kernels of fruit! You can have your own fruit tree, if you wrap them well in damp paper towels until they start generating plants and then transfer them for your own backyard!

7. Gardening. Gardening is a great outdoor activity the whole family can get involved in the wonderful summer weather Michigan provides ideal conditions for planting. No matter what size you decide to plant garden – a great garden or container garden large – can be very rewarding for the whole family to participate in planting and harvesting a garden.

To begin, make a visit to the local library and get some good books on the subject. So plan your garden – just what kind of plants to plant and where? Time to visit the nursery to buy your plants. Get the whole family involved in choosing just the right plants. Make sure everyone has a hand in planting and caring for the new garden. You may be surprised how rewarding gardening can be.

8. Family cookouts. Get family and friends together for a pot luck or backyard barbecue. Plan some fun games for children and adults. Have everyone bring a dish. You will have a virtual party.

If cooking for yourself and immediate family, finding a new recipe and challenging. Experience using fresh herbs from the garden to add a sour taste of land for their meals. Or – next time you're doing the shopping – to exotic fruits and vegetables a try. My family is partial to sliced mangoes, and this fruit pairs especially well with fish tacos Mexican inspiration. Cook something new can provide not only an activity but a tasty reward for all who participate in the meal.

9. Scavenger Hunts. What happened to the hunt of old times? Organize a scavenger hunt weekend with friends. Plan and their tracks, and get that old competitive spirit and play to win!

10. Exercise. Quit and start the program of outdoor exercise that you have promised is from New Years Eve. Walk, run, bike, well … Just go out and "do it"! Head into fall with leaner, more revitalized "you."

11. Handicraft. Crafting can add hours of fun for adults and children. Visit a handicraft shop near – you will be sure to find many interesting projects crafting for you and your children. Or you could just have something lying around the house to inspire the imagination. For example, polish the dust off a collection of various shells and glue them to pots, mirrors, unpainted furniture and wooden boxes to create exquisite nautical treasures. Garnish glass with milky green sea and coats of paint. The sky is the limit!

Knitting is also a boat great and easy to learn. Today, there are so many delicious colors and textures of yarn, and so many unique patterns, that knitting as we know has been completely revitalized! Spend an hour in the afternoon just to teach a child the rewards of making and using something made with hearts and hands.

12. Reading. Reading can be a luxury for some. By getting people agitated, stressful lifestyle may want to just sit and catch up on some reading. Pick up that particular book out of doors, your backyard, in beach or park a long shadow. You might be surprised how many billboard that can make it even more relaxing.

Speaking of adjustments, I can not think of a Summer book more appropriate to read "Gift of the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. This piece of poetry was written half a century ago, the wife of Charles Lindbergh. His meditations on life, love, solitude and contentment are made against the backdrop of ocean Captiva Island (before loads of tourists) and a small beach hut stood. His muse? None, except the tiny shells she collected on the beach outside your cabin door. Actually read an inspiring soul.

I have provided just a few activities that will not break the bank. However, these activities also offer some fun times for you and your loved ones this summer, while also supporting the economy of Michigan. Just use your imagination, and I'm sure you can reach many more fun activities that will provide some memories wonderful summer for you, your family and friends.

About the Author

Sharon Stajda has been lifelong resident of Michigan. For further information on great Michigan cities, visit Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.