Explore Beautiful Parks & Charming Downtowns in the Brighton Howell Area
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After moving to the middle of Michigan, I was constantly looking for ways to spend time in nature that gave me that outdoor and “Up North” feeling without having to travel as far. This is how I discovered the Brighton Howell Area, and I was thrilled to spend a few days there exploring with my family recently.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Explore Brighton Howell Area for partnering with Awesome Mitten and hosting our trip! My family had an amazing time exploring this outdoor playground and were so grateful to be able to spend more time in the area.
Howell Summit Gardens
When we first arrived at Howell, I parked downtown because all the places at the beginning of our itinerary were spaced out a few minutes from each other. Having a walkable downtown area is a huge benefit when planning trips with younger children, which makes visiting Downtown Howell one of my favorite places.
We started at Howell Summit Gardens, a relatively new park in the area and the perfect little natural retreat in the downtown district. My children loved running through the maze and speeding down the slides. Make sure to bring your supplies to enjoy the all-weather cornhole, chess, and ping-pong tables provided at the park as well.
Lunch at Coratti’s Pizzeria
After playing at the park and exploring some of the downtown shops, we worked up our appetites. Walking from our adventure to Corratti’s Pizzeria was easy to do, and I was glad not to have to pack up the kids in the van again.
With pizza in the restaurant’s name, I was surprised that my son ordered a chicken strip meal but was glad to see a variety of options on the kids’ menu. My daughter enjoyed a child-sized cheese pizza, and we split a Caesar salad and BBQ chicken pizza between the table.
While waiting for our meals to arrive at the table, I was able to introduce the kids to the wonderful game of bocce ball. With a court right there in the dining room close to our table, it was the perfect diversion while we waited.
The atmosphere was light and friendly. It served as the ideal place to have a family-friendly meal but would be perfect for a date night out as well. Located just across the street from the Historic Howell Theatre, it begs the question, dinner and a movie?
Exploring The Alley District
Making sure we saved a bit of room for dessert, we made our way to the Alley District. Here, you will find one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants all lined together. We had our eyes on M Street Baking Company to share one of their famous shakes and grabbed some of their incredibly decorated sugar cookies to go.
The alley is dressed to the nines to celebrate summer, and if you visit in a new season, you’ll find it changes its look. One of the kids’ favorite things to do is take a slow stroll down the alley and point out their favorite pieces.
It’s the perfect photo opportunity to mark your visit to Downtown Howell, so make sure to visit all the shops and restaurants that make it so magical.
Uncover Howell Nature Center’s Wonders
After having our fill of fun and food in Downtown Howell, we ventured to the Howell Nature Center. This is one of my children’s favorite places to visit in Michigan, so that’s really saying something.
As a parent, the layout of the park is an absolute dream. You’ll first pull up to find bathrooms available right at the park entrance. From there, you will enter the office to check in.
Children two and under are free, adults 18 and over have an $8 admission fee, while children 3-17 pay $6 for the whole day. Memberships and senior and military discounts are available as well.
From the office, we went to the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park. With ample shade, you will wander through Michigan’s backyard, prairie, woodland, and other ecosystems to visit with wildlife ambassadors who call the park home.
After we took our time visiting each animal and learned more about them, we made our way to the playscape.
Alexandria’s NatureScape and Tree House
Easily one of my children’s favorite natural playscape areas Alexandria’s NatureScape and Tree House was created in partnership with the Spirit of Alexandria Foundation to honor her love for the outdoors.
This playscape has it all, from a treehouse to a fairy garden, stump jump to a musical garden, and, of course, the crowd-favorite, the waterfall. This area offers plenty of shade and a picnic table, making it a great spot to spend a whole day enjoying nature play.
Checking in at Hampton Inn & Suites Howell
After spending most of the day outside playing, it was time to reset and recharge. We checked into our hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites Howell. With a quick change of clothes, my children found their way to the hotel pool quickly. Friendly staff, roomy and clean accommodations, and complimentary breakfast made this a place I would want to stay again and again.
Dinner at Electric Ramen
Following a little rest and recreation at the hotel, it was time for dinner. We made our way to Electric Ramen, which is in a very unassuming-looking building like some of the best restaurants usually are.
Admittedly, I am not a very adventurous eater, which I have passed down to my children, so we each studied the menu in detail before our visit. I was delighted to see a kid menu available, and my four-year-old ate almost every bite of her rotisserie chicken ramen noodle bowl.
I am already dreaming of when I can go back and try something else on the menu. If you are in the area, I highly recommend visiting, enjoying a meal, playing a round of Tron, and taking in the eclectic artwork that decorates the dining room.
Starting the Day at Brighton Recreation Area
After a restful night of sleep and breakfast at the hotel, we ventured to Brighton Recreation Area. The weather was perfect for a hike, so we started our visit on the trails.
We enjoyed the Yellow Kahchin Hiking Trail, the perfect loop trail for my young hikers because it is just under two miles. It took us just over an hour, with stops to explore and snack.
Cooling Off at Bishop Lake
Post-hike, we journeyed to Bishop Lake, the perfect place to cool off. I feel so comfortable taking my two young children here, even by myself. With a sandy beach and shallow waters, playing at the shoreline with my youngest is easy while I keep my eye on my older, more confident swimmer.
There are so many activities to enjoy at Bishop Lake. You’ll often see paddle boarders, kayakers, and people enjoying fishing here. There is a designated swimming area, clean bathrooms near the beach, and an accessible fishing pier.
All this can be found along the Access-to-Recreation Trail, situated between the Bishop Lake day-use area and the boating access site.
Lunch at Zukey Lake Tavern
With a hike and lots of swimming under our belts, it was time for lunch. Wanting to enjoy more views of the waters that make the area so great, we headed to Zukey Lake Tavern. The roof deck wasn’t open for the day yet, but I plan to return to enjoy the Key West vibes soon.
We enjoyed our lunch at a booth with a picture-perfect view of the water, and the kids loved all the options on the kids’ menu.
Hamburg Family Fun Fest
What is more quintessential to a visit to a small town in the summer than enjoying a festival? While we had never been before, we were excited that our trip to the area lined up with the 18th Annual Hamburg Family Fun Fest.
Fun at the Festival
You can tell that the community has been doing this for years. The Hamburg Fun Fest volunteers keep things moving like a well-oiled machine – from the option of Venmo at the gate to pay for your parking to the volunteers that take you from the parking lot to the festival grounds. Everyone was friendly, informative, and there to ensure you had a good time.
I was so impressed by all of the free options that the festival provided. The kids tried their hand at fishing and mini-golf and visited the small barn animals.
For an additional fee, the ride wristbands were well worth it. We also budgeted for some refreshing treats – a lemonade and an ice cream cone. It made for the perfect summer day and we were glad we ventured out to this new-to-us festival!
Dinner at Whitmore Lake Tavern
After an afternoon and evening of fun at the festival it was time to get dinner, we drove to Whitmore Lake Tavern for our meal. This local eatery sits just across the road from the gorgeous Whitmore Lake.
Although we were visiting from out of town, we were made to feel right at home. The staff was attentive and friendly and our meals were tasty. A storm was rolling past so we weren’t able to enjoy the patio but the kids loved checking out all of the sports memorabilia that lined the tavern’s walls.
A Short Walk to a Sweet Treat at Dee’s Place
Dee’s Place is just across the street from the tavern, next to Whitmore Lake. This sweet shop has a rotation of hard dip ice creams, soft serve, slushies, and shakes. I noticed some light eats on the menu as well.
You’ll want to grab your cone and enjoy it on one of the many picnic tables available. There are the cutest murals to take a picture to remember your visit. This stop made for the perfect bookend to a small-town summer day.
Breakfast at Brighton Coffeehouse
Starting your morning at a bustling, bright, coffeehouse is one of my favorite ways to begin a day of adventure. With sandwiches, salads, teas, lemonades, smoothies, coffee drinks, and more, you are sure to find something for everyone in your party at Brighton Coffeehouse.
The patio was full when we arrived because of the gorgeous weather but we still checked out the stunning mural donning the alley next to the building and the artwork on display.
My espresso drink was so delicious that I got another one to-go to enjoy at the Brighton Imagination Station while the kids played.
Enjoying the Outdoors at Island Lake Recreation Area
After breakfast, we wanted to spend more time outdoors but near water. We ended up visiting Island Lake Recreation Area to check both of these boxes. The kids played at the playground situated perfectly just away from the parking lot but near the bathrooms and then we made our way to the waterfront.
Similar to Bishop Lake, this is another kid-friendly option for swimming because the water is clear and shallow while the sand allows for all of the traditional beach fun. The Huron River winds its way through the park, providing breathtaking scenery and excellent paddling opportunities reminiscent of an “Up North” adventure.
Catching a Meal at Captain’s ön Main
When I learned that Captain’s ön Main was voted some of the best pizza in Brighton by the locals I knew this was where I had to bring my pie-loving kids for lunch. Watching their cheese pizza be made and slid into the woodfire oven was the highlight of their visit and we didn’t leave a single slice to take home.
You’ll find espresso drinks and smoothies on the menu as well, so I suggest ordering one to-go as you take a walk and enjoy all that Main Street has to offer.
Shopping in Downtown Brighton
Plenty of shops in Downtown Brighton caught my eye, but I knew one would please all of us across the board. My kids will never say no to a browse in a bookshop and 2 Dandelions Bookshop happened to be just across the street from where we enjoyed lunch at Captain’s ön Main.
With options for younger and older readers as well as a great curation of nature and Michigan-themed books, this was the place for us. I plan to make it back again for one of their family storytimes. Make sure to check out their calendar for more events.
One More Chance to Play
Before packing up to head home I knew it would serve us all best to get outside one more time to stretch our legs, run, and play. We loaded up the van and ventured to Genoa Charter Township Park and Walking Trail. With two different playgrounds at the township park for visitors of all sizes, this was the perfect stop for us.
The kids loved playing here and the new Survivor Playscape was the star of the show. This natural playscape was born from a partnership between the Howell Senior Survivor Team and Genoa Township. It is an incredible asset to the community that includes slides, rock climbing, ziplines, and more.
Brighton Howell Area: The Perfect Fit for Our Family
Our visit to the Brighton Howell Area was truly unforgettable. For us, it was the perfect blend of play and outdoor adventure, making it the ideal destination for our family. From exploring the beautiful trails to enjoying fun activities at the parks, every moment was filled with adventure.
The picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression on us. We can’t wait to return and create even more memories in the region.