Things to Do With Kids in Battle Creek, MI
Visitors of Battle Creek, or "Cereal City," will find that it is home to the Kellogg Company and more than 50,000 residents. While parents may enjoy a visit to FireKeepers Casino, there are also plenty of opportunities for kid-appropriate fun in Battle Creek. Planning your visit during the summer or fall months also means that your family is more likely to enjoy Battle Creek's seasonal festivities.
-
Outdoor Activities
-
Visitors of Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek will find 72 acres of land devoted to professional landscaping featuring a variety of trees, flowers and bushes. From May to October, your family can also visit the 1-acre Children's Garden. Events are held throughout the year at Leila Arboretum, including car shows, golf outings, music festivals and plant sales. If the family is looking to catch a little sunshine, take in the rays at Willard Beach. Visitors can enjoy the park from the beginning of April until the end of October. If a big family picnic at the beach is in the works, you can also rent one of the beach pavilions for extra cover.
Art and Literature
-
While younger children may not enjoy art, older children may enjoy a visit to the Art Center of Battle Creek. Exhibits often change monthly, with past and current shows focusing on submissions from local students, garden scenery and black-and-white only artwork. The kids can also take classes to learn how to paint caves, draw or create ceramic artwork. Some classes also allow for parent participation and feature activities like creating jewelry or collages together. If your children are looking for something new to do each week, they may enjoy visiting Battle Creek's Willard Library. Children can watch puppet shows, musical performances and magic shows, as well as create sand paintings and artificial volcanoes through the library's programs. Events vary by the season.
Music and Performance
-
The Music Center of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek features a variety of symphony and choral concerts for your children to watch. Previous and current shows include "A Tour of Russia," focusing on the works of composer Tchaikovsky. If your children feel more hands-on, they can also join a choir or take music lessons. Your kids may also enjoy the lively performances of the Battle Creek Junior Theatre. Musicals and plays usually occur during the fall and summer, with some previous productions including "Alice in Wonderland" and "High School Musical Jr."
Animals and Shows
-
If the weather is bright and sunny, a trip to Binder Park Zoo may be in order. The museum is open daily from late spring to early fall. For an additional fee, your child can have the opportunity to ride on a carousel at the zoo or ride on the Z.O. & O Railroad. Kids can also feed giraffes or visit with red panda cubs, in addition to seeing several endangered and threatened species. The kids can relax at the zoo's restaurant or pick up a few souvenirs at the gift shop before heading home. If catching a variety of shows is important, Kellogg Arena may also have something to offer the family looking for variety. Previous events have included swimming championships, circus visits, roller derby and animal conservation shows.
-
-
Bringing along a stroller when traveling with a 3-year-old is a good idea. At this age, toddlers can often get tired and cranky, and carrying them yourself is not good for your back. So finding a good travel stroller is very important. This will allo
-
Moving is a temporary disruption to your normal living routine, and can add a sense of stress and chaos to your home environment until you are finally settled into your new location. When you are planning a move with toddlers, it is important to stra
-
Its not about age, but about height and weight. Car seat base requirements vary by manufacturer and model, so you need to consult your specific car seats manual. Here are the general guidelines:* Rear-facing: Most babies and toddlers should ride rea
