I was inspired recently to create a series of posts on my Ann Arbor Mom blog featuring unique outings that would cost families less than $25 a day - a la Rachel Ray's Travel Channel series $40 A Day. It started me thinking, "What kind of things can Ann Arbor families do for under $25 for a fun-filled day?"

Some of the ideas highlighted in future posts will be obvious to some of you. They may even spur that "Oh yeah, I forgot about that" reaction, or remind you of other great ideas. However for new families, they may be new ideas. Stay tuned, and if you have other great ideas, please feel free to pass them along to me!

$25 A Day - Idea #1 Picnic and Play along the Huron River: Island Park

DUH! A day in the park along the Huron River in Ann Arbor ... how original! I am not thinking about a picnic in any of the obvious parks (Gallup Park). Instead discover what Island Park affords families!

Last summer, we discovered Island Park after being invited to a picnic at one of the park's picnic shelters. The kids really loved it, and we went back several times throughout the summer. Have no fear, families with small children needn't worry their children will fall into the river and be whisked away.

What I liked:

The park has the plenty natural spaces and shade trees, open grassy areas, picnic shelters and playground equipment. Besides that, the "Island" is situated between a deeper part of the Huron River (still wade-able for children, and adults and kayaks often glide by) and a very shallow 4-8" part of the river on the other side. My kids played for hours in the shallow part of the river!

Cost:

Our outings to Island Park have been inexpensive, either bringing items from our pantry/fridge or stopping to pick up a small veggie tray or to get something from Subway or KFC. Using any of these ideas, a family of four can easily stay within the $25 a day budget!

What else to bring:

I prefer having shelter on demand, so we often carry our Easy-Up tent. Island Park has several shelters, however they are not near the play area or the areas the kids like to wade. One of the fun games we have played involved a beach ball or two. The kids stand down the river and release the balls at the same time, and the one that reaches my husband and I first wins!

photo 1: The bridge at Island Park photo 2: Zachary Mayrend splashing in the shallow waters of the Huron River at Island Park