Nestled in the small town of Hanover, Michigan is one special hidden gem – The Conklin Reed Organ and History Museum. Big and I made our first visit to this museum on Free Museum Day, and we left feeling so happy that we had visited! The Conklin Reed Organ and History Museum is filled with over 100 antique reed organs – many of which were built in Michigan in the 1800s! The volunteer docent was
We discovered Ahrens Park thanks to a tip from a Wonder and Wander follower. Nestled in Brooklyn near the Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area, we found what might be the most toddler-friendly park in Jackson County. Keep reading to learn more about this local gem! Editor’s Note: We originally shared this park in a blog post in 2021, and are thrilled to pull it from the archives to share it with you again. This park is still
Once a year, a small corner of Jackson is transformed into an enchanted kingdom. Thousands of fairies, pirates, elves, and princesses from Michigan, Ohio, and beyond show up for the Fairy Festival hosted by Jackson School of the Arts. We welcome you to join us for a weekend full of marvelous magic! The 16th Annual Fairy Festival will be held on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, at 135 W. Cortland Street. The event
Kalamazoo is an excellent town to explore during a day trip. It is about an hour away from Jackson and contains several great activities for families that kids of all ages will enjoy. Here is a list of potential places to visit during a day trip to Kalamazoo. Get Outside: Kalamazoo Nature Center Nature centers are an obvious, great choice for families to visit during a day trip. It’s a great way to embrace being
Spring has officially arrived on the calendar, and spring break has also arrived for school-aged kiddos. If you are looking for some local day trips, why not consider a trip to Toledo? Just over an hour away, Toledo is filled with plenty of kid-friendly spots. Keep reading to see our top recommendations! The Toledo Zoo The Toledo Zoo is one of our favorite zoos, and the perfect kid-friendly day trip location! I find this zoo
Guest Post by: Sara Farnsworth I have been a mama for almost 13 years. In that time I have traveled with kids to 3 countries, and 41 states, spending upwards of 8 weeks in many of those locations. We typically spend 10 weeks per year traveling. Currently, my kids are ages 9, 11, and 12. Here are some of my tried and true tips based on age that makes traveling with these little minions a
Written by Wonder and Wander Contributor: Alyssa Grant I know that my family is not alone in feeling completely over these cold Winter days. Unfortunately I cannot melt ice, create sunshine, or speed up seasons – but I can introduce you to a place full of warmth and color that will surely add some brightness to these long, gray days. Located in downtown Hillsdale, just a short drive South of Jackson, Toasted Mud is loaded with
Editor’s Note: Our meet-up has sold out! Click here to join our waiting list! A big part of Wonder and Wander – Jackson’s mission is to help you connect with others in the community. Our Meet-ups are a way to connect with other parents and caregivers, get some outside playtime with other kiddos, and explore local kid-friendly destinations together! Our first meet-up of 2023 is sure to be a ROARING good time! Ella Sharp Museum’s
Written by Wonder and Wander – Contributor: Alyssa Grant I first heard that dinosaurs were on their way to the Ella Sharp Museum back in July at the Learning Fair. It might be an understatement to say that my four-year-old and I were excited (big dino lovers in this household). At one point, we even showed up a week early (the exhibit is officially open now, so no one else has to worry about that
We are in the humdrum days of the long, gray winter when kiddos are feeling cooped up and parents are searching for indoor places to visit. Enter: Matthaei Botanical Gardens – the perfect inside destination to visit this winter! Located in Ann Arbor, Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers the perfect setting for wandering, and should the weather cooperate, the perfect outside grounds, too! Keep reading to learn some helpful information to plan your visit to this
Nestled in the small town of Hanover, Michigan is one special hidden gem – The Conklin Reed Organ and History Museum. Big and I made our first visit to this museum on Free Museum Day, and we left feeling so happy that we had visited! The Conklin Reed Organ and History Museum is filled with over 100 antique reed organs – many of which were built in Michigan in the 1800s! The volunteer docent was
We discovered Ahrens Park thanks to a tip from a Wonder and Wander follower. Nestled in Brooklyn near the Sharonville State Wildlife Management Area, we found what might be the most toddler-friendly park in Jackson County. Keep reading to learn more about this local gem! Editor’s Note: We originally shared this park in a blog post in 2021, and are thrilled to pull it from the archives to share it with you again. This park is still
Once a year, a small corner of Jackson is transformed into an enchanted kingdom. Thousands of fairies, pirates, elves, and princesses from Michigan, Ohio, and beyond show up for the Fairy Festival hosted by Jackson School of the Arts. We welcome you to join us for a weekend full of marvelous magic! The 16th Annual Fairy Festival will be held on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, at 135 W. Cortland Street. The event
Kalamazoo is an excellent town to explore during a day trip. It is about an hour away from Jackson and contains several great activities for families that kids of all ages will enjoy. Here is a list of potential places to visit during a day trip to Kalamazoo. Get Outside: Kalamazoo Nature Center Nature centers are an obvious, great choice for families to visit during a day trip. It’s a great way to embrace being
Spring has officially arrived on the calendar, and spring break has also arrived for school-aged kiddos. If you are looking for some local day trips, why not consider a trip to Toledo? Just over an hour away, Toledo is filled with plenty of kid-friendly spots. Keep reading to see our top recommendations! The Toledo Zoo The Toledo Zoo is one of our favorite zoos, and the perfect kid-friendly day trip location! I find this zoo
Guest Post by: Sara Farnsworth I have been a mama for almost 13 years. In that time I have traveled with kids to 3 countries, and 41 states, spending upwards of 8 weeks in many of those locations. We typically spend 10 weeks per year traveling. Currently, my kids are ages 9, 11, and 12. Here are some of my tried and true tips based on age that makes traveling with these little minions a
Written by Wonder and Wander Contributor: Alyssa Grant I know that my family is not alone in feeling completely over these cold Winter days. Unfortunately I cannot melt ice, create sunshine, or speed up seasons – but I can introduce you to a place full of warmth and color that will surely add some brightness to these long, gray days. Located in downtown Hillsdale, just a short drive South of Jackson, Toasted Mud is loaded with
Editor’s Note: Our meet-up has sold out! Click here to join our waiting list! A big part of Wonder and Wander – Jackson’s mission is to help you connect with others in the community. Our Meet-ups are a way to connect with other parents and caregivers, get some outside playtime with other kiddos, and explore local kid-friendly destinations together! Our first meet-up of 2023 is sure to be a ROARING good time! Ella Sharp Museum’s
Written by Wonder and Wander – Contributor: Alyssa Grant I first heard that dinosaurs were on their way to the Ella Sharp Museum back in July at the Learning Fair. It might be an understatement to say that my four-year-old and I were excited (big dino lovers in this household). At one point, we even showed up a week early (the exhibit is officially open now, so no one else has to worry about that
We are in the humdrum days of the long, gray winter when kiddos are feeling cooped up and parents are searching for indoor places to visit. Enter: Matthaei Botanical Gardens – the perfect inside destination to visit this winter! Located in Ann Arbor, Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers the perfect setting for wandering, and should the weather cooperate, the perfect outside grounds, too! Keep reading to learn some helpful information to plan your visit to this
