A Memorable Family Outing at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.
Starting off the day!
This past Saturday my family and I (all 12 of us!)visited the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. With sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80’s, it was perfect weather to spend the day checking out animals. Our group included 5 adults and 7 kids ranging from 5-10 years old so we (adults) were definitely outnumbered. We got there right at 9AM when it opened and stayed until about 3PM, giving us plenty of time to explore every exhibit without feeling rushed. Read on for the scoop on our super fun day!
The Exhibits and The Animals
One of our favorite exhibits were the cheetahs, who were far more active than we anticipated. They were pacing around and we ended up with some great videos and one not-so-great video of a cheetah going #2!!
The grandparents were generous enough to buy the kids some lettuce so that they could hand feed the giraffe which the kids were stoked about. The lions were just lounging and napping the day away in their domain complete with rocks, ledges and shady spots. We also enjoyed watching the zebras, towering ostriches, the snoozing snow leopard and the bald eagles.
Rides and Entertainment
While we didn't catch any live shows, the kiddos had a blast riding the old-school carousel and the zoo “choo-choo train” that loops around parts of the park around the Zoorassic play area. Both gave us a nice break from walking around and were perfect for youngsters. We also let the kids burn off some energy at the playground which was perfectly shaded with plenty of space for running around and exploring.
Dining and Shopping
Binder Park has several food options which we’ve partaken in on past trips, but this time, we picnicked at one of their pavilions just outside the park. When it came to souvenirs, the gift shop was a score with each kid picking out a stuffed critter to remember the awesome day.
Need-to-Know Zoo Tips
After our visit, here are some need-to-know tips: Arrive early since animals are most active in the morning (assuming you visit during the warmer summer months). Bring water because fountains are limited, but the shady park makes summer days comfortable compared to other zoos we’ve visited. Top exhibits for kids are the cheetahs, giraffes, otters and lions. Allow enough time to see everything at a relaxed pace.
The zoo does not allow “coolers” into the park. We opted for a small wagon to carry our items through the park which was helpful, but a backpack would work as well. As most zoo animals have a very specific diet, I do understand them asking that all food is left outside of the park for the safety of the animals. We used a cooler like this for our drinks we brough into the park!
That’s a Wrap!
All in all our day at Binder Park Zoo was super fun for the whole family whether you were a youngin’ or an old fogey! We loved getting to see amazing animals in well-designed habitats. The kids were over the moon about the rides, playground, and snagging souvenirs at the gift shop. We can't wait for our next annual visit and highly recommend it as an awesome zoo, perfect for families!
A Summer Morning in Lapeer: Tennis, Family, and Max's Donuts
The Lapeer Summer Tennis Program
For the past few years, my children have been enrolled in the summer tennis program in Lapeer. The program is run by Coach Rodriguez, who has a unique coaching style that I highly recommend. His approach to teaching tennis is not only effective but also engaging, making every session enjoyable for the kids and as a parent, I like that my kids leave each session having learned a new skill.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
This morning, we prepared to head out for another day of tennis. Despite the weather forecast, we were optimistic and looking forward to working on our serves. However, upon arriving at the tennis courts, we discovered that the combination of rain and a high air quality index had led to the cancellation of the day's lessons.
A Visit to Grandma Gigi and Papa John
With the tennis lessons cancelled, we decided to visit Grandma Gigi and Papa John, who live in Lapeer. We thought we might wait and see if the boys' 10 o'clock lesson would still take place. However, as any unannounced house guest knows, it's always a good idea to bring a "gift" when visiting… even if it is your parents!
A Trip Down Memory Lane at Max's Donuts
That's when I had the idea to bring a half dozen donuts from my favorite childhood bakery, Max's Donuts. Located at 350 W Genesee St in Lapeer, Max's Donuts is a local favorite that has been serving the community for years. The bakery is open from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm every day, making it the perfect spot for a morning treat.
Upon arriving at Max's, I was pleased to see that it looked much like I remembered, with the exception of in-store dining no longer being available, likely a result of the Covid era. Despite this change, the bakery still had a warm and welcoming atmosphere… and smelled amazing!
The Donut Selection at Max's
Bro… Yum!
While waiting in line, we watched as a gentleman in front of us ordered two dozen of Max's finest donuts. The variety of donuts available was impressive, and the kids were excited to choose their own.
London ~ chocolate-covered donut with fruity pebbles ~ “The fruity pebbles were sooooooooo yummy!” Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops
Aria ~ chocolate-covered donut ~ “shrugs shoulders - I love chocolate, this donut is perfect!” Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops
Jayce ~ donut with purple sprinkles ~ “I really like it, I just wish it was bigger…” Rating: 3.5 out of 4 flip flops
Aiden ~ chocolate sprinkle donut ~ “Sprinkles make everything better! Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops
My favorite part of our quick visit was seeing 7 customers (no exaggeration!) lined up behind us getting their sugary fix as well. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a locally owned and operated business flourishing on a Thursday morning!
The Verdict
Max's Donuts did not disappoint. I was a bit taken aback at the price of $8.75 for a half dozen, but I am surprised at most prices these days (God that makes me sound old…LOL). The donuts were as delicious as I remembered, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed them. The staff at Max's were wonderful, and the service was prompt. The bakery has received numerous positive reviews online, with many customers praising the excellent donuts and friendly service.
Looking Ahead
I may have inadvertently created a new tradition – tennis followed by donuts. But, why not? It's summer, and a little indulgence never hurt anyone. I can't wait to see the kids' faces next week when they realize that tennis doesn't always equal donuts. But for now, I'm content knowing that we've created some sweet summer memories, thanks to Max's Donuts.
So, if you find yourself in Lapeer, why not stop by Max's Donuts for a sweet treat? And if you've already been, I'd love to hear about your favorite donuts in the comments below!
A Hole-in-One Father's Day: Our Family Adventure at Lake Nepessing Golfland
Lake Nepessing Rules and Scorecard
A Father's Day Adventure at Lake Nepessing Golfland: A Flip Flop Agent Review
Hello to all the fun-loving parents and mini-golf enthusiasts out there! If you're looking for a fantastic family-friendly outing, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm sharing our Father's Day experience at Lake Nepessing Golfland in Lapeer, MI, a standout spot for a day full of fun and games.
Located conveniently near I-69 at 1125 Lake Nepessing Rd, Lake Nepessing Golfland is more than just your average putt-putt venue. It's a place where friendly staff serve up a variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests.
We didn’t shatter the mold when coming up with this idea for a Father’s Day outing as we arrived around Noon on Sunday. IT. WAS. PACKED. That was okay though as I love to see locally owned and operated businesses thriving, especially on such a family-centric day.
A Day Full of Fun and Games
Our goal for the day was a round of mini-golf on what is touted as Michigan's largest and most challenging miniature golf course (is this true??). The kids and I had a blast navigating the twists and turns of the course, with plenty of laughs and friendly competition along the way. I recall going to this very same course as a kid and having so much fun with the different holes as well as the giant waterfall and the not so natural blue water!
We didn’t take a spin on the go karts this trip, but the kids (especially Jayce) wanted to go full Mario-Kart and put the track through its paces. Maybe for our next visit the kids can check that out and I can spend some time on their driving range… my golf game could use the practice.
An Almost Sweet Ending to a Great Day
The kids wanted ice cream, I needed a drink of water and the line inside was ever growing, so we bailed using the old Irish Goodbye and set off on our trip back to Davison. Next time we’ll partake in the hand dipped ice cream, but this time we grabbed a few fountain drinks and orange slices from a nearby gas station which kept the kids smiling and complaints to a minimum.
Kid’s + Dad Review
Aiden (10 years old) - “I liked the course, but I was the only one that didn’t get a hole-in-one.” Rating: 3 out of 4 flip flops
Jayce (9 years old) - “I wanted to ride the go-karts, but putt putt was fun and I got a hole-in-one.” Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops
Aria (6 years old) - “I got the first hole-in-one, but it was too hot. I needed more shade!” Rating: 3.5 out of 4 flip flops
Dad (None of your business) - “I played bogey putt-putt… can’t be mad at that!” Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops
Definitely some challenging holes but we had a blast!!
A Father's Day to Remember
Lake Nepessing Golfland proved to be a fantastic choice for our Father's Day outing. The venue is family-friendly, with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The staff are helpful, and the variety of activities kept us entertained all day.
While there are always areas for improvement, our overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. The memories we made are priceless, and I can't wait to return for more fun and games.
So, if you're looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids, I highly recommend Lake Nepessing Golfland. Whether you're a mini-golf enthusiast, a go-kart racer, or just looking for a great place to spend the day, this venue has something for everyone.
An Evening at Jimmy John's Field: A Flip Flop Agent Review
Disclaimer:
I know this post is under the category “Kid Reviews”… let’s just consider this a preemptive kids review as we are excited to go back and check out another game!
The Lead Off (see what I did there?)
Summer baseball in Michigan is an experience like no other, and there's no better place to enjoy it than at Jimmy John's Field in Utica. Nestled conveniently close to M-59, this charming ballpark offers a unique blend of sport, entertainment, and community spirit. This post will detail my recent visit to the field, providing an honest review of the venue, amenities, and overall experience.
The Game: The Westside Woolly Mammoths vs. The Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers
The game of the day was a thrilling face-off between the Mammoths and the Beavers. The crowd, though not at full capacity, was engaged, creating a pleasant atmosphere that wasn't overly intense — with the exception of myself. They don’t call me the “The Loudest Dad Here” for nothing. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly the 3-run homer into right field and the daring steal of home plate. These moments of sporting brilliance added an extra layer of excitement to the day.
Venue and Amenities
One of the standout features of Jimmy John's Field is its size (is bigger always better?). The smaller venue provides an intimate setting for watching a ball game, allowing spectators to feel closer to the action. The field also offers a variety of food and drink options. During our visit, a buffet was set up with BBQ style offerings, including hot dogs, pulled pork, coleslaw, and cookies. Both soft drinks and adult beverages were readily available as well. Check out the virtual tour here!
The Chevrolet Pavilion Experience
Our visit was made even more special by a corporate event hosted by Oxford Bank in the Chevrolet Pavilion. While the pavilion was a nice addition to the venue, it was not without its flaws. The tables were quite dirty and dusty, and the loud music from the speakers made conversation difficult. However, the event was well-organized, and the staff were approachable and knowledgeable and we loved engaging with the Oxford Bank team.
Parking and Accessibility
For first-time visitors, parking might seem a bit daunting. However, there is a large gravel parking lot to the south of the field that is free of charge. Despite being a bit of a walk from the field, the availability of free parking is a definite plus.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall, Jimmy John's Field offers a fantastic experience for baseball fans and families alike. The venue is family-friendly, with areas that look fun for kids, and the atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable. The staff are helpful, and the amenities, from food to parking, are well thought out.
However, there are areas for improvement. The cleanliness of the Chevrolet Pavilion could be better, and the noise level during pre-game events could be reduced to facilitate conversation. Despite these minor issues, I would highly recommend a visit to Jimmy John's Field. You can't beat the experience of summer baseball in Michigan.
Check out Oxford Bank — Check out The USPBL
Future Visits - An Inevitable Return?
Based on this experience, I look forward to returning to Jimmy John's Field in the future with my wife and most likely the kids (/s)! While there are minor improvements to be made, the overall experience was positive and memorable. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun family outing, Jimmy John's Field is definitely worth a visit.
Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour: Kid's Review: A Family-Friendly Scoop of Joy in Lapeer!
Best. Day. Ever.
Hello to all the wonderful parents out there who are preparing for summer vacation with their kids… or just those of you with a sweet tooth!
If you're searching for one the best local ice cream parlours for a family outing, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm sharing our delightful experience at the Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour in Lapeer, MI, a standout spot for delicious ice cream.
Located at 2423 N Lapeer Rd, the Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour offers more than just a wide array of soft serve and hand-dipped flavors. It's a place where friendly staff serve up scoops of joy in crisp regular cones, waffle cones and flurries, making it one of the must-visit family-friendly spots in Lapeer, MI.
Remember to bring cash along for your visit – Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is a cash-only establishment. But don't worry, the ice cream is reasonably priced and worth every penny.
Now, let's get to the heart of this Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour review: the ice cream.
Here's what my kids thought:
Aiden (10 years old): Chose Rainbow Sherbert. His verdict? "Best sherbert ever!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
Jayce (8 years old): Opted for Strawberry Cheesecake. He found it deliciously satisfying. Rating: 3 out of 4 flip flops.
London (6 years old): Picked Cookies & Cream, which she described as "really, really good!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
Aria (6 years old): Went with Bear Claw and declared it "super yummy!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
One thing to note about Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is the variety of flavors they offer. They really have something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, the taste and experience are more than worth it. Plus, they offer outdoor seating – a bonus for those beautiful Michigan summer days.
Open from 11 AM to 9 PM every day, Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is the perfect spot for an after-school treat or a weekend ice cream adventure in Lapeer, MI.
So, if you're in search of a local ice cream parlour in Lapeer, MI that offers delicious treats and a family-friendly environment, make sure to visit Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour. You (and your kids) won't be disappointed! Visit them here on Facebook and give them a like!
Until our next family outing, keep enjoying every sweet scoop of life and let me know in the comments where I should have the kids do our next review!
