I almost did not attend. A gloomy overcast sky had painted the world in dreary shades of gray. The weather forecast suggested a cold drizzle of rain, not my favorite conditions for hiking or photography. I had all but decided it would be a miserable day for the hike being offered by the Hawk Woods Nature Center to explore “seasonal changes” and look for signs of wildlife. However I had promised my old friend Mike Mansour, the long-term naturalist at Hawk Woods that I would be there. And so I went.
February is Black History Month! 2020 marks a significant year for Black History Month, as it has been 150 years since the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment recognizing African-American men’s right to vote, and 100 years since the Nineteenth Amendment granting women’s suffrage.
For anyone who wants to learn more about African American history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this upcoming MLK Day on Monday, January 20th, by attending an event or participating in a day of service. Observed as a national day of service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Learn more about the MLK Day of Service on their website, where you can also search for volunteer opportunities or register a project. Additionally, the United Way and Volunteer Match have additional resources and opportunities to make it a “day on, not a day off.”
During Patriot Week, the imagination and support of citizens across the nation is captured and celebrated. The 10th anniversary of Patriot Week will be celebrated by honoring America’s First Principles, Founding Fathers and other Patriots, vital documents and speeches, and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history. Patriot Week begins on September 11th, honoring the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives in 2001, and ends on September 17th, Constitution Day.
Co-created by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren and his then 10-year-old daughter in 2009, Patriot Week is a time to reflect upon the ideals, documents, and historical figures that represent the best of the United States. Special events ranging from solemn remembrances and discussions to lively celebrations, lectures, and presentations have been scheduled throughout Patriot Week and beyond.
Children in Oakland County will be snorting with excitement as they jump into the world of hit British animation series, Peppa Pig. Laugh, learn, and play at their brand-new ADA accessible indoor play center Peppa Pig’s World of Play at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills.
Spark the imagination of your favorite little piggies as they explore the sensory garden with Suzy Sheep or ride on Grandpa Pig’s train. The 14,000-square-foot indoor play center features 14 interactive, activity-based play areas designed to fuel the imaginations of pre-school children while bringing the world of Peppa Pig to life.
This is only the second Peppa Pig’s World of Play located in the United States. The other U.S. location is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There is also a location in Shanghai, China.
Peppa Pig World of Play is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last admission for entry is 90 minutes before closing.
Your ticket will allow for 2 hours of play time and it is recommend that you arrive 15 minutes before the time printed on your tickets. Adult-and-child combo tickets start at $22.50 with additional adults (ages 9 and older) tickets for $5 and additional children (6 months to 8) for $15. Photo packages and activity packages are also available to purchase. Tickets and extras can be purchased in advance on their website.
For hygiene and safety reasons, please pack children’s non-slip socks as they’ll need to remove their shoes in some of the play areas.
Great Lakes Crossing is located at 4632 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. You can find Peppa Pig World of Play between Districts 6 and 7.
Check out the Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan website, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram, for more information on the new indoor play center.
