parade company field trip

Detroit Mommies

The Parade Company’s Studio Tour

Recently, Kelsey, my 5 year old became a Daisy Scout. I have to admit, I had a bad attitude about the entire thing. However, I regret even feel that way, because in the short time she has been a member, she has already earned three patches, and is SO proud – it just takes my breath away. She looks darling in her uniform and shows her blue tunic off to everyone! She is experiencing new and exciting things, and along with her – we as a family are too!

Over the weekend, her Daisy Troop attended a field trip at The Parade Company. My father and I took her, because my husband had to work. Neither my father nor I knew you could actually take a tour of The Parade Company, see the floats up-close and personal, and learn some interesting history. This year, the Girl Scouts are celebrating their 100 year anniversary & as a result there is a float in their honor! The girls were lucky enough to get a picture with their troop leaders by it!

The Parade Company provides information on their site all about the tour they offer.  The Parade Company’s tours are available all year round. The Parade Company, in partnership with Eastern Michigan University, has developed an education program for the Studio Tours Program for grades PreK-5 . Being a former teacher, I really liked that aspect of it too. These curriculum units are meant to give lesson plan ideas and educational talking points for student before, during, and after your tour of the Parade Studio. The children each received a coloring book that had some great stuff in their too, that is downloadable on-line.

I spoke with a gentleman who informed me that tours are generally 1 hour long, however, you can request a longer tour, with a large or small group. People have had birthday parties there, with crafts, and other activities. The parents & the girls enjoyed our tour, BUT just keep in mind the attention spans of 5 and 6 year olds are not that long. Also, dress VERY warm. It is a large warehouse. It was chilly in there! There are plenty of photo opportunities for everyone. We were able to learn specific information about The Michigan Thanksgiving Parade, now known as America’s Thanksgiving Parade® and the Foundation itself.

Did you know the parade was founded in 1924 and it is Detroit’s most visible civic event? Most importantly, the Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, which means funding is derived from corporate sponsorships, foundations and individual donations. This is just some of the information you and your family will be able to learn about!

• Tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Discounts available!
• $8.00 for children ages 3-17
• $12.00 for adults.

For more information, call Renée at (313) 923-8368 & feel free to visit The Parade Company’s web site!

DISCLOSURE : Please note, I received nothing in return for my review. This was written to inform our readers of an amazing piece of history to share with their families. Opinions & feelings represent my point of view. Thank You!

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Jill is a former teacher who is now a stay at home mommy, by choice, of her active 7 yr old daughter, Kelsey Anne, in Livonia, Michigan. On the side, she works as a Social Media & Marketing Coordinator for a Michigan based Protocol Company with 25 years experience, specializing in creating, managing, and producing gala events for dignitaries, celebrities and non-profit organizations throughout the country. She also volunteers at her daughter's school, has recently started substitute teaching, enjoys entering contests and sweeps, & spending time with her family. You can follow her on Twitter @jillkathan.

You may also like...

FREE ‘Noel Day’ at the Michigan Science Center

Detroit christmas wonderfest, mom 2 mom sales in canton and livonia.

• Getting Around
• Weather & Average Temperatures
• Newsletter Sign-Up
• International Visitors
• Explore Detroit Pass

Detroit Auto Culture

• Arts & Culture
• Cruises & Tours
• Entertainment and Nightlife
• Spas & Wellness
• Itineraries
• Detroit Vibe Blog
• Annual Events
• Submit Your Event
• Downtown Detroit
• Windsor, Canada
• Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
• Eats in the D
• Where to Stay
• Digital Passes
• Meetings & Groups
• Partnership
• Media Resources
• Detroit Swag Shop

13 Field Trips Your Students Actually Want to Go On

Story by lori bremerkamp | photos by bill bowen.

Some of the best memories from grade school are made at field trips. Field trips offer students something they can’t get from lectures or textbook pages — hands-on fun!

Here are some metro Detroit attractions to visit with your students. They’re great places to make memories and, of course, learn something too!

1. Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit)

Availability : Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

Admission : Free

Take a guided hike on the center’s 1/8-mile interpretive nature trail and enjoy both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. Programs include a fallow deer feeding, a hands-on activity and biofact discovery time.

2. Detroit Historical Museum (Detroit)

Availability : Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Admission : Varies by program; teachers/chaperones are free

Various tours, programs and workshops, including a facilitated experience that lets students engage, think through and draw conclusions about Detroit’s tumultuous summer of 1967 and a trading game in which students must barter with each other for furs and goods.

3. Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)

Availability : Tuesday-Friday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

Admission : Free admission and bus transportation for students in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties

Lead your own visit or let one of the DIA Gallery Teachers guide you. All guided field trips explore art to build skills in creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and active collaborative learning.

4. Michigan Science Center (Detroit)

Availability : Wednesday-Friday (hours vary, also Tuesdays from Oct. 8, 2017, to Jan. 7, 2018)

Admission : Varies by experience you select

Interact with more than 250 hands-on exhibits that explore space, health, physical science, engineering and more. You can also bring the Michigan Science Center to your school through its Traveling Science program!

5. Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)

Availability : Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

Admission : $5 students/teachers/chaperones in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties ($7 for those outside of the tri-county area)

Give your class a dose of Vitamin Z at the Ford Education Center inside the Detroit Zoo . Learn about animal needs, life cycles, conservation efforts, zoo careers and more.

6. Diamond Jack’s River Tours (Detroit)

Availability : Monday-Friday May 1 to Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

Admission : $9/person

See 16 miles of the U.S. and Canada Detroit River shoreline, ocean-going and Great Lakes ships, a light house, yacht clubs, the fire boat, parks, ship terminals, a mail boat and much more.

7. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores)

Availability : Year-round

Admission : $5/students, $8/chaperones, teachers are free

Investigate how different groups of people used the property from the time when Native Americans inhabited the area to today, explore the Ford House through a docent-led tour of the home or take a self-guided iPad tour that lets students navigate the historic landscape through the perspective of the Ford Family.

8. Ford Rouge Factory Tour (Dearborn)

Availability : Monday-Saturday from 9:20 a.m. to 3 p.m. (tours depart every 20 minutes, check for closure dates and plant non-production dates)

Admission : $10/student

Experience the action of the real-life factory floor where the new Ford F-150 is made. View today’s sophisticated assembly of cars and trucks by both robots and highly skilled tradesmen.

9. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn)

Availability : Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unleash your students’ inquisitiveness and help them understand the history of America’s most powerful innovations. Sit on the very bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, explore the Allegheny — one of the world’s most powerful steam locomotives — and more.

10. Legoland Discovery Center (Auburn Hills)

Availability : Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sundays)

Inspire your students’ imaginations with educational play that harnesses the limitless creative possibilities of Lego bricks.

11. The Parade Company Studio Tours (Detroit)

Availability : Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission : Special prices for groups available

Venture into ParadeLand and experience a behind-the-scenes look at America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. Learn more about the Parade’s fascinating history, explore the 200,000-square-foot storyland of floats and see how award-winning artisans bring it all to life.

12. Arts & Scraps (Detroit)

Availability : Monday, Wednesday or Friday

Admission : Varies by age and number in group; teachers/chaperones are free

Let your students’ imaginations run wild. They’ll think, create and learn while re-imagining recycled industrial materials. Curriculum themes are available or you can create a customized topic.

13. Cranbrook Institute of Science (Bloomfield Hills)

Availability : Oct. 3, 2017 to June 8, 2018 (hours vary, closed Mondays)

Admission : $12/student; teachers/chaperones are free

More than 80 field trip programs, as well as special and permanent exhibits, planetarium shows and seasonal events. Meet science professionals who are active in their fields and get the opportunity to interact with a unique, world-class collection of objects and artifacts.

Looking for more Detroit field trip ideas? See our list of places to visit in Detroit .

Mentioned attractions and venues, places to visit.

This zoo is a fun destination for the entire family, community or school group. Enjoy…

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), among the top 10 museums in the country, offers…

Located on the corner of Warren Avenue and John R Street in Midtown, the Michigan…

The Detroit Zoo is now open. Timed tickets are available online only by visiting their…

Family-owned and operated riverboat tour business offering entertaining and affordable cruises for more than 2…

Discover the private estate of one of America's most iconic automotive families. The stunning architecture…

3 must-see attractions. 250 acres of unexpected. 1 awe-inspiring experience. At The Henry Ford, discover…

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan is the ultimate indoor Lego playground where families with young children…

Founded in 1984, The Parade Company’s mission is to fund, create and execute the best…

You May Also Like

Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State, with four of the five Great Lakes…

Although Detroit is known the world over as the Motor City, cars aren’t the only…

From family fun to nightlife, shopping and restaurants, Royal Oak sizzles with energy and excitement–and…

We ask that you read the following terms of use, which constitutes a license that covers your use of this website and any transactions that you engage in through this website (“AGREEMENT”). Legal/Privacy Policy

The whole world knows it – Detroit is THE Motor City. From Henry Ford to…

Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown…

Cruises & Tours

Whether you're exploring historic neighborhoods or the scenic waterfront, Detroit has something for everyone. From…

Looking for a family-friendly destination that's both fun and educational? Look no further than Detroit…

Would you like to get the insider’s scoop on the best things to do and experience in Detroit? Take the first step and sign up for the Detroit Vibe emails.

LOCAL UPDATE: Man accused of dropping gun before DC officer's accidental shooting death identified by police

1 of 5 people shot at New York’s West Indian American Day Parade has died

The Associated Press

September 3, 2024, 2:46 PM

• Share This:
• share on facebook
• share on threads
• share on linkedin
• share on email

NEW YORK (AP) — One of the five people who were shot at New York City’s West Indian American Day Parade has died, police said Tuesday.

A 25-year-old man who was among the victims when shots rang out Monday afternoon during the raucous annual event was later pronounced dead, police said in a news release.

The shooter opened fire along the parade route in Brooklyn, striking five people, police said.

The four surviving victims remained hospitalized Tuesday. They ranged in age from 16 to 69.

Police were still seeking the shooter, who officials said was aiming for a specific group of people.

“This was not random,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said after the shooting. “This was an intentional act by one person towards a group of people.”

The parade, a popular Labor Day event , had kicked off hours earlier along Eastern Parkway, a main thoroughfare in Brooklyn.

The celebration features a kaleidoscope of feather-covered costumes, colorful flags and floats stacked high with speakers playing soca and reggae music.

It’s also a magnet for local politicians, many of whom have West Indian heritage or represent members of the city’s large Caribbean community.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was marching in the parade at the time of the shooting and completed the route.

“I’m pained and troubled by the horrible shooting that took place as we were marching together at the West Indian Day Festival and Parade in Brooklyn,” Schumer, a Democrat, posted on X. “Thank you to our 1st responders on the scene. I pray for everyone affected. We must keep working to end gun violence in America.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also a Democrat, expressed condolences to the slain shooting victim’s family on Tuesday and said, “Let’s be clear: One nut shot five people.”

Adams dismissed the suggestion that the parade should be canceled.

“We don’t surrender to crime,” he said. “If something happens at the Thanksgiving Day parade, do we stop the parade? We won’t be held captive by the numerical minority that participates in criminal behavior.”

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Related News

7 people killed in Mississippi bus crash were all from Mexico, highway patrol says

Gun shops that sold weapons trafficked into Washington, DC, sued by nation’s capital and Maryland

Scottie Scheffler has a strong mind that will be put to the test as expectations rise: Analysis

Recommended.

DC police identify man who allegedly dropped gun down drain before officer's accidental shooting death

No such thing as free money: TikTok trend leads to huge consequences

It takes $2.8M to feel wealthy in DC, new survey says. But what does a financial planner think?

Related categories:.

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels

Behind The Headlines

On the ground, decomplicated.

• You Ask The Questions

Binge Watch

Travel smart.

• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Independent TV

Showing now | news.

Oliver Browning | Tuesday 03 September 2024 08:05 BST

New Titanic expedition discovers treasure lost on ocean floor for over a century

A bronze statue from the Titanic — not seen in decades and feared to be lost for good — is among the discoveries made by the company with salvage rights to the wreck site on its first expedition there in 14 years.

RMS Titanic Inc, a Georgia -based company that holds the legal rights to the 112-year-old wreck, completed its first trip since 2010 in July and released images from the expedition on Monday 2 September.

The findings from this summer’s trip “showcase a bittersweet mix of preservation and loss,” RMS Titanic said in a statement.

A highlight was the rediscovery of the statue Diana of Versaille, last seen in 1986, which now has a clear and updated image.

She served as the centerpiece of the First Class Lounge and embodied Titanic’s palatial design.

The lounge was torn open during the sinking and Diana was thrown to the debris field where she has rested for over a century.

Netanyahu asks for Israelis’ forgiveness over hostage deaths

Walz compares Trump to school bullies with ‘politics of fear’

Group stuck in lorry plead ‘we’re dying by cold’ in harrowing 999 call

Cousin of Israeli hostage killed by Hamas pays tribute

Editor’s picks.

Why France is your perfect autumnal getaway

Leila Farzad talks Kaos, The Decameron and finding the audience

How to travel sustainably around Europe by train

Olympic climbers Erin McNeice and Shauna Coxsey share tips on strength

Go to where the wild things are with a safari holiday

Team GB’s table tennis Olympians on how to get quicker

How did social media fuel the Southport rioters?

How to train like an Olympian: TeamGB’s Adam Burgess on decisions

Searching for the ‘Whitby Woman’

On the campaign trail with Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Life at 50C: Delhi’s streets struggling to cope with heatwave

Indian farmers use election to make voices heard against Narendra Modi

Baltimore will rebuild, but at what cost? | On The Ground

New Yorkers turn to self-defence classes as punching attacks continue

This 26-year-old could be Biden’s secret weapon | On The Ground

The NHS nurse fighting to be heard | On The Ground

What would a President Trump 2.0 look like?

When will the Cost of Living Crisis end?

How airlines greenwash the skies

Is it time to panic over AI? | Behind The Headlines

My personal struggle amid the global fight for abortion rights

Non-doms, ghost-doms and tax loopholes of the elite

The fight for LGBT+ rights in Poland

The war in Ukraine | Behind The Headlines

What is tactical voting - and why could it be a powerful tool?

Are ultra-processed foods bad for you?

Why are UK councils going bankrupt?

What causes the winter flu and how does it differ from other types?

How does the Iowa Caucus pick the next US president? | Decomplicated

Everything you need to know about the bedbug invasion | Decomplicated

What is Raac and why is it causing an issue in schools?

How does El Niño affect our weather? | Decomplicated

Viggo Mortensen on the role that got away

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt pick their go-to karaoke songs

Actor Kevin Durand on how he found his inner ape

Go to Bat with Melanie Lynskey: My film that deserves more love

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Actor and Actress?

Oscars 2024: Who will win Best Picture and Best Director?

Big Brother’s Jordan and Henry on life after the house

Lemoncello perform ‘Old Friend’ in Music Box session

Lemoncello perform ‘Sunflower’ in Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Wishes’ for Music Box session

Boston trio Tiny Habits perform ‘Mudroom’ in Music Box session

The Mysterines perform ‘The Last Dance’ for Music Box

Rock band The Mysterines perform single ‘Stray’ for Music Box

Gareth Dunlop performs ‘Church’ in acoustic live set

Irish pop artist Gareth Dunlop performs Go Down Swinging for Music Box

The splendour along Lake Geneva as Montreux Jazz Festival plays

Exploring the wilds of the Atlantic Islands

How to spend your summer in Scotland

How to master the art of the last minute holiday

How to island hop around the Caribbean like a pro

Here’s why Greece is still a firm family summer holiday favourite

US Open tennis star booed while ‘humiliating’ ball girl

Children demanding signatures pre-empt Coco Gauff’s US Open exit

Erik ten Hag clashes with journalist after 3-0 Liverpool defeat

Sean Dyche says Everton’s collapse ‘most frustrating’ defeat of career

Jadon Sancho reveals what Chelsea fans can expect from him this season

Gary Lineker pays tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson on Match of the Day

Judy Murray didn’t enjoy last five years of Andy’s tennis career

Sterling sends message to Arsenal fans after completing loan move

Surfers ride powerful 13ft waves amid weather warning

Floodwaters rage across Yelville as residents evacuated from homes

Greece shuts down Acropolis as temperatures hit almost 40 degrees

Eerie tornado sirens ring through downtown Chicago

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Damaged boats sink in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados

Northern California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate

Cars swept away in New Mexico flash floods after wildfires

George Clooney tries red carpet photography at Venice Film Festival

Lauryn Goodman’s message to Kyle Walker during This Morning interview

Ian McKellen recalls stage fall in first TV interview since accident

Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult receive seven-minute standing ovation

Nick Grimshaw makes confession after 40th birthday Ibiza trip

Watch: Eurovision announces host for 2025

Angelina Jolie cries through standing ovation at Venice Film Festival

Armie Hammer admits he’s selling truck as he can’t afford cost

Jeremy Clarkson adds third person to pub banned list after Starmer

Keir Starmer says he’s moved Siberian kitten into Downing Street

Jessica Alba surprises father by renovating his childhood home

Brad Pitt goes public with girlfriend at 81st Venice Film Festival

Rihanna replaces Charlize Theron in new J’Adore Dior campaign

Moment possum pops up out of car hood to shock driver

Saudi Cup: ‘A true display of horsemanship’, says Prince Bandar

Princess Nourah praises young fashion designers on show at Saudi Cup

Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity

Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’

Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup

Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver

Galaxy the ripple effect.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic

Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome

Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams

E.on next power switch.

Episode One - Cooking

Episode Two - Entertainment

Episode Three - Body Care

Episode Four - Lighting

Big in america.

Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?

Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?

Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City

Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market

The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic

Saudi green initiative.

Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action

SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says

SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy

Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’

Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero

SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says

Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs

Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla

Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia

Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard

How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar

Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time

AlUla Oasis View Trail

Stargazing Experience

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay