Winter in southeast Michigan is downright cold. But don’t look at it so negatively! Families can celebrate the chill at Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter at the Chillin’ at the Mills event Jan. 23, 2016.
From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., come out to the Washtenaw County spot for tons of outdoor (and some indoor!) winter fun and skill-building activities. Outside, families can test their fire-starting skills – without matches, says Mark Irish, interpreter at Hudson Mills Metropark. Instead, families will be challenged to start a fire using friction methods (ever heard of making fire with flint and steel?)
Then, learn how to build an outdoor shelter. Irish notes many neighbors have donated their old Christmas trees to the cause. Kids can also learn about dog sledding through a demonstration.
Stick around for a lunch, plus indoor activities, including a lesson in how to “dress for success” in the elements and stay warm – and how animals do the same. Warm up near the wood-burning stove with some hot chocolate.
Chillin’ at the Mills has been going strong for more than a decade, says Irish. “It’s a good chance to get outside in the winter,” he says – plus the skills families pick up are handy, too!
Admission for the event is $4 per person, $8.50 including lunch, plus $10 for the daily vehicle permit. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. Plus, Irish suggests parents keep an eye on the weather and if it’s going to be cold, dress for it, though know there are indoor activities, too, should families get too cold.
Want to learn more about the 2016 Chillin’ at the Mills event at Hudson Mills Metropark? Visit the Metro Parent calendar.
Photo courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks
