Mom Explores Michigan: Outdoor Fun: Greenfield Village (The Henry Ford Museum) Dearborn, MI

If you have ever wondered what life might have been like during Michigan's heyday, a visit to Greenfield Village is an absolute must. The village takes you back in time and allows you to linger there all day long bringing history to life as you take a much simpler but exceedingly exciting time.

Janice Richardson took her family for a visit this year and shares some of their favorites with us:

We loved our day spent at Greenfield Village. Old fashioned Model T cars zip along the streets as ladies in hoop skirts pass you on the side walk. The Village covers 90 acres with many buildings of historical significance such as the Wright Brother's bicycle shop and home, the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, a replica of the slave home where George Washington Carver lived as a boy, and a covered bridge from 1832.

Greenfield Village was founded in 1929 by Henry Ford as a way to preserve items of historical significance and teach about the Industrial Revolution.

Some of our favorite areas were in the Liberty Craftsworks District where we learned how machines for weaving cloth improved with innovations, how glass is blown, and how hurricane lanterns got their name.

We visited during the annual Civil War Remembrance weekend and loved seeing all of the actors in uniform portraying life during the civil war.

Wear comfy shoes. The Village grounds are very large and you're going to do a lot of walking.

Dress for the weather. Greenfield Village is open rain or shine. You'll want an umbrella if it's raining and sunscreen for warm summer days.

Arrive early in the day. Greenfield Village opens at 9:30am. We arrived right at opening and were able to get a close parking spot and had several buildings all to ourselves.

Bring a stroller. Even my four year old took a few turns in the stroller. You'll do a lot of walking!

Take a break at the playground. The historically-themed playground opened last year and is wonderful! There are slides, swings, climbing structures, a sand box and more. Even though the day we visited wasn't too hot, the kids loved the water play area and boiler sprinkler.

Bring a picnic or buy some grub. There are several restaurants that offer a wide variety of food options, or you can pack your own lunch and settle onto a bench or patch of grass for your midday meal. Bring a few water bottles and refill them at one of the many drinking fountains throughout the Village.

Bring the old and young. Sometimes it is difficult finding a place and activity that all ages enjoy, but Greenfield Village is that perfect mix. Toddlers, seniors and every age in between can spend hours discovering history with stories, hands on activities, information and play. Nothing better!

Take a ride. If your feet are getting tired there are several ways to see more of the Village. Take a ride (ride tickets are in addition to your entrance ticket) on the steam engine that whistles through Greenfield Village, a Model T car, or the Greenfield Omnibus. There is also a carousel near the playground. Greenfield Village does a great job at keeping things interesting and varied.

Attend a special event. The Village hosts many great events such as historic baseball games, Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, Independence Day Celebration with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, or a great holiday events near Halloween and Christmas. We really enjoyed seeing the extra Civil War inspired activities and people during the Civil War Remembrance Weekend this year. While there might be extra crowds, it's so worth it!

Ticket prices. Children 4 and under: free, ages 5-12: $17.50, adults: $24, seniors (62+): $22. If you are interested in seeing the Henry Ford Museum too (which you should be, see the review here), ticket combos are the best way to go. Check them out here.