An unintentional theme to our week has been “Exploring Belle Isle”. We have taken a trip to the island park four times this week so far. On Friday, Michala and Zephaniah joined me for a special Metro Detroit Youth Day ceremony. Saturday and Sunday, Travis and I took the kids to Belle Isle for a fun, family weekend.

This coming Sunday, we have another outing planned for the family. We’re attending the second annual Detroit Kite Festival. Last year, we had attended the event and we had a blast! This time we are prepared for the Kite Festival; I already ordered our kites so we won’t be scrambling at the last minute. #MajorMomWin

We had plans to attend Metro Detroit Youth Day, but we arrived toward the end of the event. Despite running late for MDYD, we still had a great time outdoors. I took the kids to play on the playground and then explore the nature center. The playground we went to is fairly new and is located in between the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Lake Muskoday Habitat Enhancement.

Lake Muskoday Habitat Enhancement
Such pretty scenery at the habitat.

The playground at Belle Isle Park is located across from the golf course, too. It’s a small playground, but a perfect size if you’re looking for something that isn’t too crowded. The playground features a climbing wall, big tube slide, rocking boat (that my kids call a pirate ship), and a kid-size zip line. The zip line is Zhen’s favorite and Zechariah loves the big slide.

Belle Isle Detroit
Zhen loves this ride at the playground.
Standing in line. This is actually a good skill to work on with young children.
Belle Isle Park
Elijah helping Zhen with the zip line.
The zip line is Zhen’s favorite activity at the playground. I think she spent a good 30 minutes going back and forth on it.
Belle Isle Park
Water Break

Since it’s been so hot outside, I have been working with the three little ones on drinking more water. Of course, Zephaniah is still breastfeeding so that’s how he gets the majority of his fluid intake. But I did introduce him to water a couple of weeks ago and he kind of likes it. I put a few ice cubes in a baby bottle and he will sip on it some.

For Zhen and Zechariah, I bought them water bottles at Walmart and I fill them with ice water. I was amazed that Zechariah was so excited to start drinking water from his new water bottle. I guess because it’s something new. Now he loves drinking water and I am so glad (and relieved)!

Ahoy, Matey!
Zephaniah exploring.

After our visit to the playground, we went across the street to the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. It’s a small nature center that is perfect for little kids. On our way to the nature center, we found a little library house filled with some books. We found a few to take home. Next time we go back to Belle Isle, we’re going to donate a few books from our home.

Detroit Little Libraries
We love the little library houses. We usually find them at parks.
Detroit Little Libraries
Zhen found a cute little story.

At the nature zoo, Zhen and Zechariah were excited to explore the nature center and count how many turtles they could find (because there were so many). I found the bees very fascinating. It was cool to watch the bees move about and not have to worry about getting stung.

Belle Isle Nature Center
The kids make Mom (me) happy by taking a group photo in front of the nature center. 🙂
Belle Isle Nature Center
One of the many turtles at the nature center.
Zephaniah loved playing in the little treehouse at the nature center.
Belle Isle Nature Center
Bee-watching
Belle Isle Nature Center
As soon as Zechariah saw the bees, he yelled, “Bumblebee!”
Watching the bees enter the hive.

We ended our day of exploring at the Belle Isle Beach. It wasn’t too busy since it was a weekday. I even found parking at the beach’s main parking lot! The kids played in the water and I played with the baby on the beach.

We stayed at the beach until sunset. It was a great escape from our busy week. Plus, the kids learned a lot about nature and other science topics!

Have you done any exploring this week?

xoxo

 

All images are courtesy of Jennifer Hamra.

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].