Whether you’re fans of family-friendly outdoor musical stylings or prefer an activity to do together, WB Parks has you covered this July and August. Kick up your heels or settle in for live entertainment (with snacks, of course) or break out the hiking shoes — there’s something for everyone. For more, visit wbparks.org.
Marshbank Music Series: July 9, 16, 23, 30. Celebrating its ninth year of festive and free live entertainment, Marshbank Park again draws all ages to its concert hill for a variety of musical genres, with music beginning at 6 p.m. Tip: Don’t miss the food trucks, starting at 5:30 p.m.
July 9: Cosmic Groove, serving up Top 40 hits
July 16: Spacecat, also featuring Top 40 hits
July 23: Old Days, a Chicago Tribute band
July 30: Lost West, featuring Country Rock and Pop
Bees, Butterflies & Blooms: Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Buzz and flutter around Marshbank Park to learn about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to help these critters help our earth. There’s something for all ages, including live butterfly displays and interactions. Numerous hands-on activity stations will include:
Monarch tagging with butterfly release
Beeswax crafts
Sweep netting to look for native pollinators
Kids Komotion Concert featuring Rick & Dayna’s Playhouse: Aug. 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Head to Marshbank Park for some free musical fun. The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield will be on-site selling snacks and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the work they do for children in our community. Tip: Bring your socks to play on inflatables at no charge. Fairytale characters Tinkerbell and Peter Pan will be on hand for the fun.
Food Truck Tuesdays: July 1-29. Mix up your workday or kids’ time lunch with weekly food trucks from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the tent between the Library & Recreation Activities Center. Find details at Wbparks.org/event/food-truck-tuesday.
July 1: Cousin’s Maine Lobster
July 8: Sourpuss Lemonade BBQ & Pizza
July 15: DW’s Street Eatery
July 22: The Grilled Wrap
July 29: Vedged Out
Aug 5: Twisted Street BBQ
Aug 12: DW’s Street Eatery
Aug 19: Cousin’s Maine Lobster
Aug 26: Po Sam’s Cafe
Little Hikers for Families: Aug. 7. Join WB Parks’ Naturalist on a nature discovery walk for the whole family. Enjoy silly songs and fun activities to keep all ages, from babies to school-aged, engaged. The trail is a half mile and unpaved so only all-terrain strollers are recommended; a baby backpack/carrier is suggested for infants. Families can explore the Nature Room and Outdoor Natural Play Area after the hike. This program has a reservation fee of $3-5 per family. When you attend, the fee is returned to your account to use for a future program. Wbparks.org/event/little-hikers.
Nature Explorers’ Discovery Days: Every Wednesday through Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit the Nature Room (inside the Recreation Activities Center) where families can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature in the backyard of West Bloomfield, offering a variety of activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for the natural world. This self-guided experience allows families to explore at their own pace, making it perfect for children of all ages. Wbparks.org/event/nature-explorers-discovery-days.
Observe live reptiles and amphibians native to Michigan
Engage in a variety of crafts and hands-on activities
Make discoveries in the natural features of our outdoor natural play area.