If you’re worried about spending too much time indoors this summer, but aren’t sure what to do to fill the time, then explore the Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) program with your family and friends to find lots of reasons to get outdoors.
MAP provides Michigan library cardholders the opportunity to discover and explore participating cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas in the state at a discounted rate. There are 470 MAP partner locations throughout the state, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
To learn more about using the MAP, read the FAQs and watch the video tutorial.
If you need some extra inspiration or help narrowing down the options, here is a list of the top 10 MAP destinations for Caton Public Library’s patrons:
1. Michigan Flight Museum (Belleville)
Formerly known as the Yankee Air Museum, Michigan Flight Museum is located at Historic Willow Run Airport and offers a unique museum experience.
The museum tells the story of aviation throughout the 20th century, from World War I to the Vietnam Conflict. Learn about Rosie the Riveter and how Detroit saved the world in World War II. Have fun piloting flight simulators, and even try flying in virtual reality. You can even ride on one of their flying World War II aircraft and a Vietnam-era helicopter.
2. Kensington Metropark (Milford)
You don't have to travel far to enjoy the best of Michigan's great outdoors at Kensington Metropark, one of the state's most popular parks. Kensington's 4,481 sprawling acres of wooded, hilly terrain surround beautiful Kent Lake and are home to abundant wildlife and waterfowl.
Kensington Metropark offers a variety of recreational activities year-round, from biking and boating to cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
3. Lower Huron Metropark (Belleville)
With easy access from I-275 and I-94, you're never far from the natural beauty of Lower Huron Metropark's 1,258 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows and the scenic Huron River. Lower Huron Metropark offers scenic picnic areas, fishing and canoeing access and the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center. Come for a few hours or stay for the whole day.
4. Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)
Managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) provides interactive, educational and recreational opportunities for all ages regarding Michigan's natural, cultural and historical resources.
5. LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Auburn Hills)
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan is the ultimate indoor LEGO playground and perfect for families with young children. With two interactive rides, 10 LEGO Play Zones, 4D cinema, Creative Workshop, MINILAND and more, there's tons of LEGO fun to be had!
6. SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium (Auburn Hills)
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble sea stars and seahorses to graceful rays.
7. Howell Nature Center (Howell)
The Howell Nature Center is nestled around beautiful Pleasant Lake and among 230 rolling acres of woods and wetlands in the heart of Livingston County, Michigan.
They offer comprehensive outdoor education and recreation programs, outstanding age-progressive summer camps, a premier wildlife rehabilitation clinic, native Michigan wildlife at their teaching zoo, Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, and year-round adventure education programs available to individuals and groups.
8. Maybury State Park (Northville)
Maybury State Park contains almost 1,000 acres of gently rolling terrain, open meadow, mature forest, a variety of wildlife and abundant wildflowers. The park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in a state park setting.
9. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (Ann Arbor)
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is a dynamic, evolving organization committed to promoting the understanding and appreciation of the natural world and our place in it.
The museum inspires curiosity with exhibits that explore the natural world from molecules to dinosaurs, a planetarium to discover the universe, science demonstrations, and U-M scientists discussing their research.
10. Belle Isle Park (Detroit)
Rich with history and natural beauty, Belle Isle Park is a Detroit gem and became Michigan's 102nd State Park as part of a lease agreement with the City of Detroit.
This 985-acre island park is situated on the Detroit River between the United States and Canada. Home to a variety of attractions, including an aquarium, a conservatory and the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the park offers a wide array of educational and recreational opportunities.
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