D-Tour #1: Arts and Scraps



Proudly toting her treasure




Looking forward to shopping

 

Ever get stuck in a rut with the kids? We're all guilty of doing it. The same park. The same coffee shop. The same play date. The same library. Same same same same…blah! We live in a great metropolitan area with so much to offer in the way of family entertainment. This is the first in a series of "D-Tours" (outings to fun and unique places in the metro-Detroit area). So many of my friends with kids are hesitant to venture into “The City” with the bambinos, so I will try to focus on trips into the D.



Look at all the goodies!



Arts and Scraps

This afternoon, another child-wrangling adult and I headed to the east side of Detroit to visit Arts and Scraps. Our mission was two-fold: stock up on some rainy day supplies and pick up a few activities to keep the wee ones busy at Lincoln’s upcoming birthday party. While he’s only going to be one year old, there will be plenty of kids joining the festivities who will need something to do to keep busy.




I grabbed a big bag and Eleanor got a small sack. The deal is you get to fill each of them with as much “treasure” as you like for $7 and $3.50, respectively. The goodies to choose from consist of donated items that include things like rubbery stickers, pipe cleaners, corks, foamy shapes, fabric swatches, beads, empty oatmeal containers, and who knows what else will show up tomorrow. Barrels and barrels of trash abound just waiting for someone to turn it into a masterpiece. While whatever is created won’t likely

Helpful volunteers

join the ranks of the DIA, watching your little ones express themselves through creativity is priceless. My 2+ year old loved the freedom of “shopping” for whatever she wanted and taking inventory (repeatedly) when we got home. She’s already spent hours packing and unpacking and sticking and un-sticking little foamy circles to paper, herself, her brother…

Aquarium kit

A+S has done an amazing job at putting together project kits with all the fixings for a quick art break. Each package costs $1.50 and if you purchase 10 you get 2 free. We stocked up on kits for Lincoln’s party and picked up a few more for gifts.

This was a great D-Tour, not only because Arts and Scraps was a fun way to spend a solid hour hanging with the kids, but also because what we picked up for about $20 will provide hours upon hours of creative entertainment for the kids.



Kit corner with dozens of projects to take home.



Details

Free entry

Located just south of Cadieux on Harper (read: convenient to the freeway)
16135 Harper

Detroit, MI 48224

www.artsandscraps.org

313-640-4411

Open: Tuesday and Thursday 11-6 and Saturday 11-4

Safe, gated parking

You can check out a Museum Adventure Pass from your local library (FREE) and participate in Scrap Junction (SJ). At SJ, adults and kids create and learn together at 5 interactive stations. This looks like a fun program that we’ll definitely return to enjoy.

Consider the following additional programs offered by A+S

• Workshops-for students or families

• Invite the ScrapMobile to your school
• Events-custom-project at their place or yours

• Birthday parties-kids complete 2 projects and get to “shop” the ScrapMobile

• Adult training and team building

• Volunteer-youth, adult and special needs volunteers are all welcome. Call the store to schedule.



Tuckerd out on the way home







What to do, what to do...

All too often we take for granted the great activities available in our own backyard. If you are from the 313, 586, 810, 248 or 734 and haven't done MOST of these--get to it!




Detroit Institute of Arts
http://www.dia.org/


The weekend programming has something for everyone including Saturday Drop in workshops and Target Family Sundays. Stop at the info desk and get a list of daily activities and don't forget to hit the gift shop (one of my favorite places to buy gifts). The DIA is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.




Detroit Zoo
http://www.detroitzoo.org/


This world class zoo is open year round. If you visit in the wintertime, there are plenty of indoor exhibits including the Arctic Ring of Life, Amphibiville and the Penguinarium. No matter when you go, be sure to stop into the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery to check out the art exhibit, the movie on the history of the zoo and the famous butterfly house.




Detroit Science Center
http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/


As a kid, I remember awesome field trips to the Science Center. It's a fun place where young and old folks can explore while learning a thing or two. There's an IMAX theater, planetarium and a ton of hands on exhibits.


The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
http://www.hfmgv.org/


A crazy collection of artifacts and exhibits that you won't believe unless you see them yourself. The Kennedy Presidential Limo, the Lincoln Chair, Rosa Parks' bus, George Washington camp bed, and myriad planes, trains and automobiles. Plan to spend at least 4 hours in the Museum. The Village is like traveling back to a simpler time when everyone made their own candles, dishes and clothing. Visit Edison’s think shop, working farms, candle making facility and many more fun exhibits. Greenfield Village is not open in the wintertime.




Detroit Riverboat Cruise
http://www.diamondjack.com/


Captain Jack offers a wonderful, narrated tour of the Detroit River shoving off from the riverfront near the Ren Cen. Sites include Belle Isle, the Manoogian Mansion and the Hiram Walker Distillery. Open June-September.




Heidelberg Project
http://www.heidelberg.org/
Ever wonder what those graffiti dots are that you see painted on blight around town? Local artist, Tyree Guyton, mixes social commentary and politics in his crazy art installation that has taken over an otherwise desolate neighborhood. Visit the Heidelberg Project and it will start to make some sense. Tack on a trip into the city for a meal and you’ve got a day planned.




Greektown
http://www.visitgreektown.com/


Food. Casino. Bars. As far as I’m concerned, no more info required. However, if you want more details visit the link above.


Lions, Tiger and Wings, Oh MY!


http://www.detroitlions.com/
http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/
http://redwings.nhl.com/


Detroit is a great sports town. Even if you don't take in a game, head downtown for some pre- or post-game festivities.




Please share with me your favorite things to do in and around Detroit. I always love a good recommendation. And stay tuned for suggestions as to do in the area for a day trip or long weekend. Also coming-fun shopping destinations!