Ann Arbor, Michigan – I’m starting to wish that we had an older sibling in our family. Preferably a nine-year-old girl. When we pulled out the grandparents’ Lite Brite, the twins worked on it together for about five minutes before…
Eastland Mall
Detroit, Michigan – When the twins were two, for various reasons we spent a lot of time visiting the grandparents, including during winter months. Michigan winter gave us plenty of opportunities to explore the indoor play spaces of the East…
Belle Isle
Detroit, Michigan – Imagine a nearly 1000-acre island park, an idyllic green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and packed with recreational facilities, but easily accessible to city dwellers. Cover it with wetlands, beaches and manicured spaces, replete with picnic areas…
PuppetART Detroit Puppet Theater
Detroit, Michigan – Apparently, Detroit has the second-largest theater district in the country (after Broadway). Who knew? In the heart of it all, there is a tiny little theater devoted to the art of puppetry: PuppetART The place was founded by…
St Clair Shores
St Clair Shores, Michigan – The twins and I have abandoned Daddio for two weeks, so he can get some work done, and so we can spend time with the grandparents and see what my hometown has to offer for…
Life’s a Beach
Barnstable, Mass – Just last week, it felt like endless summer. Now that it’s August, it feels like it’s almost over. Daddio and I quickly planned a trip to the beach. Just in time. Day one. Lobster rolls at Fish…
Peabody Museum of Ethnology and Archaeology
Cambridge, Mass – Thanks to Playmobil and very vivid imaginations, the twins have this new found interest in ancient temples and lost treasure. Archaeologists in the making, right? In attempt to encourage our budding Indiana Jones(es)–and also, as a way…
Franklin Park Zoo – Playground
Boston, Mass – Last year, in a post about the Franklin Park Zoo, I wondered: is it really necessary to drive all the way across town to the zoo, just to go to the playground? Now I can answer definitively.…
Great Urban Campout
Somerville, Mass – Daddio and I went camping once. It took several tries to set up the tent (borrowed, in our defense) and we never did manage to get the fire lit. Still, we had a fun weekend and it was…
Boston Harbor Islands
Boston, Mass – Most people don’t know that Boston has its own island paradise, just a 30-minute boat ride from Long Wharf. The Boston Harbor is sprinkled with 34 islands, eight of which make up the Boston Harbor Islands “national…