A Tourist In Your Own Town

I moved to Bay City in 2005 and then to Midland in 2007 and in the 8 years I have lived here I have not taken advantage of all the fun stuff there is to do in the Great Lakes Bay Region. I kept telling myself that I would visit a place sometime but that sometime never came. The idea that a location is always available to me keeps it from being a priority. This year we are making a list of all the things we can do right in our back yard (within a 30 min drive) and when the kids are bored or we want to get "away", we are going to be a tourist right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Our list had a few factors to be considered and should not be your only options for checking out what this great region has to offer. Our consideration had to made on the fact that I would be taking 3 pre-schoolers to many locations by myself. My husband works 3rds shift and so he is asleep from 8am -3pm everyday. The places we would visit have to allow interaction of the environment, somewhat contained environment, and places to rest because walking on such little legs can be difficult. If your children are older, there may be more to add to the list but our list is based on the ages of our children and attention spans.

Midland area:
Dow Gardens -  So much to do and if you go more than twice a season purchase the $10 pass.
Whiting Forest - Part of Dow Gardens but also has forts in the woods!!!
Chippewa Nature Center
Midland City Forest
Captain Dave's Entertainment Center : roller skating and arcade for those rainy days
Dahlia Hill : this is in bloom in August and near our favorite park
Loons Stadium : I can't believe we have never gone to a game!!
Heritage Park : Right off from the rail trail. The boys may not care too much about the old homes so we will also walk the trail.
Lost Pirates Adventure Golf : Putt Putt Golf and Bowling all indoors.
Midland Center For The Arts : The Hall of Ideas and many events year round
Midland Community Center : 2 pools and a splash pad? what else can you ask for in summer fun
Rail Trail : Many parks and things to do off this trail. We walk it every year and love that I don't have to worry about cars for my little men.
Pine Haven Recreation Area : I ran/walked this trail last year and let me tell you those hills will wear those kids out!
Sanford Centennial Museum : again who knows if the boys will like it but they can see a train!!
Sandford Lake : One of the first places I went when I moved here and haven't been back because it was always there. With water I will have to make sure I have someone else with me to keep an eye on the kids. 
Stratford Woods Park : We have heard good things about the shallow lake for swimming.