Did you know that when you’re feeling that mid-afternoon slump the easiest way to perk up is to head outside? Studies show that humans feel more energetic when they are among plants, flowers and trees.

So forget that third cup of coffee run and head outside for an invigorating walk, bike or run instead. It might be rainy, but puddles can make the outing more fun if you’re “geared up” for the weather. So grab your raincoat, boots and umbrellas and get out there.

There are many outdoor activities on the calendar this weekend, but if you need to dry off, check out some of indoor activities sure to keep the family entertained.

If you’re looking for even more great things to do this weekend and beyond, check out this month’s GOguide, which makes it even easier to find fun, family-friendly activities.

PARADE TIME. It’s fun to get to experience Detroit in bite size nuggets. And there is no better way to meet your neighbors and get a taste of local culture than an outdoor parade.

Cinco de Mayo Parade in the Southwest Detroit Area
May 7, 2017: Noon
Patton Park to Clark Park, Detroit
Floats, music, marchers and food from local eateries merge together for this event that honors Mexican-American culture.

Learn more: https://detroit.carpediem.cd/events/3433176-cinco-de-mayo-day-of-action-at-clark-park-southwest-detroit/

RIVER ROLL. Getting out and about on a bike is the best way to experience Detroit, get your heart pumping and stay energized. This weekend enjoy a free group ride through Southwest Detroit and see some of Detroit’s oldest and finest neighborhoods.

MAY 6: 10 a.m – 6 p.m.

ROLL ALONG THE RIVER

Memorial Park Nieman Street River Rouge, MI 48218

Bicyclists love this 14.3-mile annual ride through River Rouge, Delray, Southwest Detroit and Ecorse. It begins and ends at Memorial Park with stops at Historic Fort Wayne, General George S. Patton Recreation Center, Historic Woodmere Cemetery, the Fort Rouge Gateway (FRoG) and Kemeny Park.

Cost: FREE

Learn more: facebook.com/events/ 688464184648321/

URBAN FARMING. There’s nothing as healthy as getting your hands dirty and, perhaps, more fun than playing in the mud. Really! Get some soil under your nails at this educational event.

SATURDAYS: 9 a.m. – Noon

EARTHWORKS URBAN FARM

Capuchin Soup Kitchen Meldrum Site 1264 Medrum (at St. Paul) Detroit, MI 48207 313-579-2100 #204

Volunteers of all ages will learn more about garden cultivation and how growing food helps bring people together. Wear comfortable clothing, a brimmed hat and sunscreen (well, maybe not this weekend), and bring a reusable water bottle. Volunteers may work in the covered hoop houses or outside, depending on weather conditions.

Registration: Pre-registration is not required for groups of 5 or less

Cost: FREE

Learn more: cskdetroit.org (click “get involved”)

DOG WALK. Take your pooch out for a Sunday stroll.  Did you know that dogs require an hour a day of exercise, just like their human companions?

SUNDAYS: 10:30 a.m. PACK (DOG) WALK

Canine to Five Detroit

Rivard Plaza

1340 Atwater St. Detroit, MI 48207

313-831-3647

Grab your dog and join one the coolest walks around. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a leash and plenty of water for you and your pooch. Free parking at Rivard Plaza located at 1340 Atwater Street. Walks are hosted every Sunday.

Cost: FREE

Learn more: detroitriverfront.org/ thingstodo

GROUP RIDE. Riding alone is good for the soul and your bike. But getting together with a large group of new friends can be equally fun.

FRIDAYS: 6:30 p.m.

GROUP RIDE

Detroit Critical Mass Trumbull & Warren

Detroit, MI

Riders meet-up every Friday at Trumbull and Warren for an organized city ride.

Cost: FREE

Learn more: twitter.com/detcriticalmass

FEMALE FRIENDLY. Hanging out with like-minded women is a great way to spend the day. Check out this unique walking club.

GIRLTREK – NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING CLUB

8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday

Belle Isle, Detroit

Join thousand of other GirlTrek fans, who are a part of a national movement that supports black women walking.

Cost: FREE

Learn more: girltrek.org

U-PICK. Eating farm-fresh foods is easier than ever in the spring and summer and more fun when you pick your own. There are a variety of u-pick farms around Detroit.

U-PICK FARMS U-PICK ASPARAGUS

ERWIN ORCHARDS

61475 Silver Lake Road South Lyon, MI 48178

Erwin’s U-Pick asparagus season will soon be underway. Check the website or call for specific directions. Erwin’s also has a wagon rides, paintball, a petting farm, bounce house and more. The U-Pick driveway is located off of Pontiac Trail, just south of the CVS.

Picking season: Late April to early June, call for conditions.

Learn more: erwinorchards.com

SPRING TOUR. Grab a friend and a bike to check out this fun Metropark event. You need to register in advance.

Metro Grand Spring Tour at Willow Metropark
May 7: 8 a.m.
Willow Metropark Pool Center                             23200 S. Huron Road                                                               New Boston
Cost: Varies, see website for details
Phone: 734-282-6816 (ask for David)
This 34-year-old tour takes riders through Wayne County’s southwest side, near the Huron River and down country roads. Choose from 25, 50-75 and 100-mile routes that are paved or gravel. Pre-registration required and a breakfast follows the rides.

Learn more: www.metroparks.com/parks/willow-metropark/

LEISURE RIDE. Get to know a new part of Metro Detroit with this ride. You’ll go all through Ypsilanti and see its neighborhoods.

Bike Ypsi at Recreation Park
May 7; 10 a.m.
1017 Congress St., Ypsilanti
Cost: Free
This annual offers a 15-mile leisure ride through the city, and 30- and 40-mile rides, which aim to challenge. A cookout follows the rides.

Learn more: https://ytown.org/recreation-parks-1

Editor’s Note: To see more local activity listings see TheHUB’s GOguide monthly activity calendar, sponsored by the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

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