Fun Family Activities Right Here At Home

Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation staff

The 5 Healthy Towns are abundant with fun family activities that offer something for everyone, so take advantage of the many offerings with your family this Spring/ Summer.

Chelsea

Timbertown Park – If you have not yet been to Timbertown with your children, you are in for a treat. This 19-acre park boasts a large play structure highlighting key landmarks in Chelsea. In addition, it offers a pavilion, volleyball courts, hiking trail, and is home to the Chelsea Monitors and Merrimacks..

Barn Sanctuary – Established in 2016, this 100% donor-funded farm is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected farm animals. The Sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued animals including ducks, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Children will learn and have fun at the same time. Private tours can be booked. 201 McKernan Dr.

Chelsea Area Players, CAP Jr. – Kids put on a truly entertaining show. Most recently was The Little Mermaid in March. If your little one likes to act, CAP Jr. also offers fun Improvisation & Theatre Games classes weekly in April and May. It’s fun and a great way for your child to gain confidence.

Green Lake Camping – Located on Green Lake near the DTE Energy Trail, this is the go-to place if you want to camp but don’t want to stray too far. It is a very nice campground and if you aren’t in to roughing it in a tent, rent the yurt.

Waterloo Recreation Area – This is a great place to take your kids. They offer regular nature-centered programs and events and host an ADA Accessible Nature Play Area where kids can climb and explore. The Eddy Discovery Center has an exhibit room featuring habitats around the center and a large interactive map.

Dexter

Dexter-Huron Metropark – You are really missing out if you haven’t visited this beautiful park featuring the Huron River Water Trail and the Border-to-Border Trail. With beautiful dense woodlands, open fields and a variety of trails – paved, unpaved, rustic, nature trails and a Labyrinth created in 2008 by a local Girl Scout Troop. This park has everything, including pavilions, picnic areas, river fishing, playgrounds, a softball diamond, canoeing/kayaking, biking, you name it.

Dexter Blueberry Farm - Peak season is mid-July thru August and at a price of $2.30/lb how could anyone resist. Not to mention kids love to run around and pick berries.

Dexter District Library – This lovely space offers a variety of monthly programs for all ages, story times, chess club, Lego challenge and a Makerspace for kids K-8 where they can build, craft and explore, plus the Library supplies the materials. Community Conversations/Kids Activity Night - While parents attend the community conversations, 1st – 4th graders can enjoy crafts, Legos, and games, free of charge.

Berry Hill Farms – located on N. Territorial this farm boasts acres of juicy red and yellow raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, depending on the season.

Grass Lake

Lost Railway Museum – Imagine the time before paved streets, cars, and buses, and you’ll see the Village streets bustling with activity and people in the early 1900’s of Grass Lake. The electric Interurban railway system is the primary mode of public transportation, with more than six railways intersecting in Jackson County. Get ready to experience what that time was like by taking a ride on the Boland Express, a true treat.

Whitetail Hall of Fame – With two museums, visitors can view the display of 50 Boone and Crockett world record buck racks as well as feed live deer. There are also plenty of historic saws and farm equipment for viewing.

Waterloo Farm Museum – Experience pioneer life at this historical site and explore the Dewey School Museum’s one room schoolhouse, the Log House, and the Realy family farmhouse. There are also several other interesting outbuildings on the property. If you visit on Pioneer Day, your children will be able to get the full experience of Pioneer life, from the banjo music, authentic clothes of the time, demonstrations on sheep shearing, hand quilting, broom making, basketry and more.

Horse N Around Stables - 12891 Trist Rd. Grass Lake offers a kids week long, all day summer camp in June, July and August. They also have horseback trails that are well maintained by the DNR to make the trails safe and relaxing. They open the first weekend in May through the last weekend of October.

Manchester

Gazebo Concerts at Wurster ParkBeginning mid-June to the first week in August, free concerts every Thursday, sponsored by the Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization. A great way to relax and enjoy music after a picnic in the park.

Passport to Manchester – in conjunction with the Riverfolk Organization, the Manchester Area Historical Society gives an exceptional tour of historical sites and farmlands in and around Manchester.

Manchester Chicken Broil – This popular and delicious event serves approximately 10,000 meals in a 4 hour period! Each meal includes half a chicken with sides and entertaining music while you eat. It’s even fun to watch the chicken flipping pits.

57th Annual Canoe/Kayak Race – River Raisin is the venue for this event that is fun to participate in as well as to watch.

78th Manchester Community Fair –

This 4 day event starts the 2nd week in August and includes exhibits, animals, Kids Power Wheel Derby, art exhibit contests, rides and much more.

Stockbridge

Movie nights – Monthly movie showings at the Town Square begin May 19th and end October 31st. Movies begin at dusk.

A Day in the Village – A 3-day event held in June that includes live music, food trucks, and craft vendors. Fireworks at dusk are a real treat for the family. Last year hosted a magic show, radio-controlled car racing, and a marshmallow shooter contest for the kids.

Open Air Market and Music – Enjoy the music while browsing the vendor booths overflowing with fresh local produce, crafts and fresh baked goods. Open May through October for the market and through August for live music.

Harvest Moon Festival – This fun festival takes place in September and is popular with kids and adults alike. Things you can expect to see at the festival are Ultimate Air Dogs Show, huge zipliner, rock climbing wall, bounce house, 50foot obstacle course and food truck.

Spring/Summer 2023 Community Programs at Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers

Community Education

FREE SUMMER OUTDOOR YOGA

Please bring your own yoga mat or towel

Yoga in the Park-Dexter

Mill Creek Park

Sat 6/3-8/198:00 am -9:00 am**

Yoga on the Lawn –Chelsea

Chelsea Library

Sat 6/3-8/1910:00 am –11:00 am**

Yoga at the Lake –Grass Lake

Grass Lake County Park

Sat 6/3-8/1910:00 am –11:00 am**

**Weather/Instructor permitting. Visit the Wellness Centers social media pages for up to date information.

Yoga Class:Honoring Our Connection

Dianna KauseYoga & Meditation Instructor, Life Transition Coach

For anyone with a special relationship to honor, this class is for you! Bring your mom, adult child, sibling, aunt, uncle, dad, friend or yourself.This class is beginner friendly with a theme of CONNECTION weaved throughout. Registration is required.

Sunday, 5/14 10:15-11:15 am FREE CHE

Senior Health and Fitness Day

Wed 5/24

Seniors workout FREE at any Center on Wednesday 5/24 CHE/DEX/STK

Chair Yoga 10:30 am FREE CHE

Cardio Strength Lite! 10:30 am FREE DEX

Zumba Gold®9:15 am FREE STK

Water Safety Week at the Wellness Center

June 13 CHE

June 14 DEX 12:00pm-2:30pm

In this lecture families will discuss safety skills including drowning prevention, responding to swimmers in distress, and how to safely have fun at water parks and beaches. The second half of the lecture will be inwater; participants will play games todevelopwatersafety skills such as: performing a reaching assist, cuing to enter thewater, and floating to prevent fatigue through water. Prizes will be available for participants. This lecture is for all ages. Families welcome

Registration Required. Call 734-214-0220 CHE 734-580-2500 DEX

QPR-Question, Persuade, Refer- Suicide Prevention Training

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. The course topics include the common causes of suicidal behavior, the warning signs of suicide, and how to get help for someone in crisis and other information on preventing suicide.

Registration is required.

Thurs 5/18 6:00 pm –7:00 pm FREE CHE

Community Education

Men’s Health & Fitness

June 12-18 Week

Men workout for FREE at any Center during the week! Call the Center for more details.

Scholarship Opportunities

Wellness Center membership and Community Education Scholarships, through the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, are available to individuals meeting financial criteria. For more information, visit 5healthytowns.org or call Karen Bradley at 734-214-0232.

Rock Steady Boxing

Mon/Wed/Fri1:30 pm –3:00 pm

$129/month CHE

A non-contact boxing-based fitness program designed to minimize the effects of Parkinson’s disease and improve activities of daily living

Call for more information. 734-214-0220

Game of Go Saturdays FREE DEX

Game of Go lessons and group problem-solving at 10 AM every Saturday, with paired games starting at 11 AM. Beginners and all level of players are welcome.

Fitnessclasses

For all Fitness Classes call the Center for more details on pricing!

For all Fitness Classes call the Center for more details on pricing!

Cardio Beats

This class combines cardio exercise and drumming to the rhythm of upbeat music for a workout that is perfect for all levels of fitness.

Monday 5/1-8/28 11:30am-12:30pm CHE

Sivananda Yoga

This class offers a modified version of the classic Hatha yoga practice. This practice is accessible for all levels.

Monday 5/1-8/28 5:30-6:30pm CHE

Tuesday 5/2-8/29** 4:00-5:00pm DEX

**No class 7/4

Line Dancing

Line Dances are choreographed dances with a repeating series of steps that are performed in unison.

Thursday 5/4-8/31 1:15-2:15pm CHE

Zumba®

A fusion of Latin and international music help create a dynamic, exciting, effective workout with fun aerobic/fitness interval training! So fun, you don’t notice how high your heart rate can get!

Friday 5/5-8/25 11:00-12:00pm DEX

Aqua Classes

All Aqua Classes:

$72 non-member $66 member per 6 week session

All Aqua Classes: $72 non-member / $66 member • 6 week session

Water Babies

For toddlers ages 0 -2 who need an adult to be with them in the water. This class will have a focus on water safety and will primarily feature songs and games. This will take place in the warm water pool. Min.3 Max. 10 participants

Thursday 5/18-6/22 & 7/13-8/17 4:00-4:30pm

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 11:30-12:30pm

Monday 5/15-6/19 & 7/10-8/14 4:00-4:30pm

Friday 5/19-6/23 & 7/14-8/18 3:30-4:00pm

Preschool Swim

For younger students, ages 3-4, who would benefit from a smaller class size. This class will have a focus on water safety, floating, and blowing bubbles. This class will take place in the warm pool. Parents are welcome to join, but not required. Min.3 Max. 4 participants

Monday 5/15-6/19 & 7/10-8/14 4:45-5:15pm

Wednesday 5/17-6/21 & 7/12-8/16 3:30-4:00pm

Friday 5/19-6/23 & 7/14-8/18 4:15-4:45pm DEX

Level 1 Swim

For all students aged 4-8 who are not yet comfortable going under water. Class will focus on kicking, floating, blowing bubbles, and water safety. This class will take place in the warm pool. Parents not in the water. Min. 3 Max. 5 participants

Tuesday 5/16-6/20 & 7/11-8/15 4:00-4:30pm

Thursday 5/18-6/22 & 7/13-8/17 4:45-5:15pm

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 12:15-12:45pm CHE

Monday 5/15-6/19 & 7/10-8/14 4:00-4:30pm DEX

Level 2 Swim

For students ages 5-10. Class will focus on kicking and scooping independently, breathing while swimming, and water safety. Students should be comfortable going underwater and floating with assistance prior to the start of class. This class takes place in the warm pool. Parents not in the pool. Min. 3 Max. 5 participants

Tuesday 5/16-6/20 & 7/11-8/15 4:45-5:15pm

Thursday 5/18-6/22 & 7/13-8/17 5:30-6:00pm

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 1:00-1:30pm

Monday 5/15-6/19 & 7/10-8/14

Wednesday 5/17-6/21 & 7/12-8/16

Level 3 Swim

For students ages 7-14 who are able to swim on their own a short distance but have not mastered any swimming strokes. This class will focus on developing stroke techniques, going underwater in the deep end, and water safety. This class will take place in the lap pool. Parents not in the pool. Min. 3 Max. 6 participants

Tuesday 5/16-6/20 & 7/11-8/15

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19

Wednesday 5/17-6/21 & 7/12-8/16

Friday 5/19-6/23 & 7/14-8/18 5:00-5:30p

Level 4 Swim

For students ages 7-14 who are familiar with several swimming strokes, but cannot swim who full laps without stopping. Students should be able to swim 25 meters (one length of the pool) before participating. This class will take place in the lap pool. Parents are not required. Min. 3 Max. 6 participants

Tuesday 5/16-6/20 & 7/10-8/15 6:15-6:45pm CHE

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 12:00-12:30pm DEX

Level 5/6 Swim

For students 7-16 who are interested in training to become competitive swimmers in middle or high school. Students should be familiar with all strokes and be able to swim two full laps prior to enrollment. This class takes place in the therapy pool. Parents are not in the water. Min. 3 Max. 6 participants

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 11:15-11:45am DEX

Adult Beginner Swimming

For students ages 14+ who are either new to swimming, or are interested in rebuilding a strong swimming foundation starting with floating in the water. This class takes place in the therapy pool. Min. 3 Max. 8 participants

Friday 5/19-6/23 & 7/14-8/18 5:45-6:15pm DEX

Adult Intermediate Swimming

This is for students ages 14+ who are familiar with one or more strokes but don’t have the endurance to swim multiple laps. Class will focus on fitness, but students will learn how to continue developing their stroke outside of class during lap swim. This class takes place in the lappool. Min. 3 Max. 8 participants

Wednesday 5/17-6/21 & 7/12-8/16 5:30-6:00pm DEX

Adult Fitness Swimming

For students 14+ who are interested in swimming for fitness. Swimmers of all levels are welcome, but students should be able to swim one lap before participating. This class takes place in the lap pool. Min. 3 Max. 8 participants

Thursday 5/18-6/22 & 7/13-8/17 6:15-7:00pm CHE

Saturday 5/20-6/24 & 7/15-8/19 10:15-11:00am DEX

$84 non-member $72 member per 6 week session.

$84 non-member / $72 member • 6 week session

Small Group Personal Training

Beginner Pickleball Class

This beginning clinic consists of four one-hour sessions. It includes an overview of pickleball rules, court layout, equipment, strategy and game play. No previous pickleball experience is necessary.

Tuesday & Thursday 5/2-5/11 10:00-11:00am FEE $40 DEX

Tuesday & Thursday 5/23-6/1 10:00-11:00am FEE $40 DEX

Tuesday & Thursday 6/13-6/22 10:00-11:00am FEE $40 DEX

Adaptable Movement

$42 per 6-week session

Wednesday 5/24-7/5 3:45 pm -4:45 pm DEX

Wednesday 7/12-8/16 3:45 pm -4:45 pm DEX

**No class 6/14

Pilates Reformer

Unlike mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates is performed on an intelligently designed piece of equipment with a system of springs and pulleys to provide resistance. This builds balanced strength and flexibility, working your body through its full range of motion. Pilates is a full body workout that aligns the body to allow you to do whatever else you want to do more efficiently. Pilates can be modified to fit any body at any age or stage of life. Registration Required

Tuesday 5/2-8/22 8:00-9:00am

Wednesday 5/3-8/23 7:30-8:30am & 12:00-1:00pm

Thursday 5/4-8/23 8:30-9:30am & 9:30-10:30am

Saturdays are available.

Please contact the member service desk for more information on dates/times/prices. DEX