Easterseals Michigan Summer Seal of Approval

Here are some activities in the state of Michigan that get our Seal of Approval this Summer 2022!!

The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and you’re out of ideas to keep the kids entertained. No Problem! Easterseals Michigan has saved you time as we compiled a list of activities to do this summer while keeping in mind all abilities and sensory friendly options.

Here are some activities in the state of Michigan that get our Seal of Approval this Summer 2022!

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Go to the zoo!

Detroit Zoo – 8450 West 10 Mile Rd. Royal Oak, MI

Why: The Detroit Zoological Society is committed to accommodating individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities. Sensory bags equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. A dedicated sensory room is also available. Wheelchairs and Electronic Conveyance Vehicles are available on a first come first serve basis. All restrooms are equipped with an accessible stall and electronic-assist doors are located in some areas of the zoo.

Side Notes: The zoo is open from 9am-5pm every day and it is recommended that tickets are purchased in advance.

For more information: click HERE

Potter Park Zoo - 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing, MI

Why: Potter Park Zoo became Certified Sensory Inclusive in 2019 by KultureCity. The zoo offers sensory bags, quiet low traffic areas, braille map, communication board, and accessible bathrooms.

Potter Park Zoo hosts a monthly sensory friendly event that is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges (and heir whole family) to have an enriching educational; experience in a safe, welcoming, and sensory friendly environment. Admission is free and the next event is scheduled for June 24th from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

For more information: click HERE

Impression 5 – 200 Museum Drive Lansing, MI

Why: Sensory friendly hours occur on the last Saturday of the month from 9:30 am – 11:30 am. Select exhibits are altered during this time to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. During this time, guests can also expect a limited building capacity, pop-up activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. The next Sensory Friendly Hours is scheduled for June 25th.

During regular hours (9:30 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Sunday), sensory friendly and accessible resources are available. Impression 5 also offers Sensory Friendly activities on their website for at home fun!

For more information: click HERE

Belle Isle – 99 Pleasure Drive Detroit, MI

Why: This 985-acre island park is rich with natural beauty and historical and culture resources. It’s home to James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Ralph Wilson Gateway, a golf course, and many more. Belle Isle has handicap accessible areas for guests with mobility challenges Track Chairs are available for visitors with mobility challenges to explore the park (useful for water and off-road trails). Recreation Passport is required for entry.

Hours vary, weekends mostly 10 am – 5 pm

For more information: click HERE

Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – 100 East Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI

Why: Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sclupture Park has indoor and outdoor spaces that are barrier free with ramps and paved pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Complimentary wheelchairs are also available on first come, first-serve basis in the coat room located just inside the welcome center. Several areas and exhibits allow for quiet reflection and there is a narrated children’s tram tour that runs throughout the park in the summer and early fall months.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

For more information: click HERE

Frog Hollow Park – 2050 Metro Court Wyoming, MI

Why: Frog Hollow Park is designed for children (with and without disabilities) to play and explore together. It’s an ADA accessible and boundless playground. Their rubber playground surface and barrier-free play stations is wheelchair accessible, equipped with adaptive swing seats, has plenty of grassy areas for play, a picnic table area, and accessible bathrooms.

Hours: May 1-Sept 30 8am-10pm, bathrooms open 10am-8pm

For more information: click HERE

Mackinac Island

Why: Around the perimeter of Mackinac Island is 8.2 miles of mostly flat land. The downtown area and stores have sidewalk curb cuts for easy accessibility. Mackinac Island is special as there are no cars on the island – just horses! The only way to arrive to the island is by ferry – both Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry are wheelchair and scooter accessible at no extra charge. While the perimeter of Mackinac Island is flat, interior attractions sit on the many hills and bluffs of the Island. Horse-drawn taxis through Mackinac Island Carriage Tours are available if needed. Accessible restrooms are available are located throughout the island May-October.

For more information: click HERE

Michigan Adaptive Sports – Metro Detroit

Why: Michigan Adaptive sports is a recreational non-profit that provides introduction to adaptive sports. They host many events throughout the year (mainly summer and winter) for participants of all ages and all abilities. In summer they teach adaptive kayaking and water ski clinics, and, in the winter, they host skiing and snowboarding clinics. The also host a weekend camp (usually the weekend after Labor Day) called SportsTacular where they offer different adaptive sports to try.

For more information: click HERE

Visit a Farmers Market

Why: Your local Farmers Market is the perfect day out in the summer! These markets are normally quiet and in an area that is easily accessible. Find fresh produce, flowers, and many other local artisans all in one spot! We highly recommend the Flint Farmers Market and the Grand Rapids Farmers Market!

Check your local guides for more information on when your farmer’s market happens!

Beach Day/Backyard Pool Party

Why: With gas prices and temperatures rising, we’ve come up with the solution that saves your wallet and entertain your kids at the same time! Have a backyard pool party with a kiddie pool to cool off, sip on some frozen lemonade and soak up some rays! A cool splash pad/water park is referenced below! We also recommend checking out your local beach to cool off! Here’s a list of ADA and accessible beaches in the state of Michigan.

For more information about a backyard pool and other staycation ideas: click HERE

Sensory friendly Mondays at: Lily Pad Springs (West Bloomfield Parks – 6200 Farmington Rd. West Bloomfield Township, MI)

Monday’s from 11am-1pm. Limited capacity, big splash bucket and spray features are limited.

For more information: click HERE

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Do you have recommendations that are not on this list???

(please make sure they are sensory or diability friendly activites)

Email us your reccomendation at: ShareYourStory@essmichigan.org