Story Adventures

Expand your Story Time experience with a Story Adventure!
Get out and explore the wonders of Petoskey in a whole new way.

Wonder-based • Play-based • Place-based

AGES 3-8 • SIBLINGS WELCOME

 
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In collaboration with the Petoskey District Library

When’s the last time you had an adventure?

Join us for a short outdoor story talk at the library labyrinth then take your child out and about town to discover what makes Petoskey special!

Using a special map and expertly crafted field guide, you will have things to do and songs to sing along the way. Your self-paced Story Adventure brings you back to the library labyrinth to share your discoveries!

Wrap up with a book hunt and take one home! Connect to Petoskey in a whole new way using all your senses, including wonder

Leave with more resources for adventuring in our community and your own backyard.

 

NOTE: Adults must participate and supervise their child during Story Adventures

Come to one or more!

Tuesdays from 11:00 AM-Noon

May 24, May 31, June 7, and June 14

  • Routes are less than half-mile

  • No charge; All supplies provided

Created for Ages 3-8

Siblings are welcome to join the fun.

Adults–participate with your kiddo!

 

COVID-Smart

Story Adventures are 100% outdoors. 100% contactless. You can explore while maintaining social distance, masked or unmasked, whatever works for you.

Testimonials

I would highly suggest this fun activity to keep your brain going!

– Anonymous

The excitement of what we would find or do next was the best part. It was fun exploring secret spots in town. I would definitely recommend this to others–so much fun for all ages

– Julie Carson, mother

You get to explore all over town and there are a lot of fun challenges and activities along the way. And it’s all within walking distance.

– Anonymous

I learned something new about Harbor Springs each day and discovered places I never knew existed–so cool.

– Katie Lapham, mother

The adventures were varied and the content was integrated (social studies, English language arts, science, etc. all incorporated in each mission). It was differentiated to meet the needs and interests of all types of learners.

– Katie Lapham, mother & ESL teacher

My girls have a lot of energy. It really kept them on task, and they were always so motivated to find the fish.

– Anonymous

I liked having the kids put the pieces together and seeing them work out the riddle. It really got them thinking!

– Sadie Liddy, kid sitter

Finding dates/times/names made the quest specific and so satisfying when we could find the answer.

– Anonymous

Take 5! was a great way to begin and end each quest!

– Colin’s Mom

Our son can sometimes be prone to ‘No’ when we suggest an outing. Backyard Adventures captured his imagination so much, he was telling us to keep up!

– Colin’s Dad

Seeing the town through the eyes of my children.

– Anonymous

Backyard Adventures gave us the chance to explore the town with three generations and share stories about our experiences.

– Chris Ford

I highly recommend this daily self-paced adventure around our great town! My kids and I got a whole new view of some very special places around Harbor Springs.

–Molly Hoggard

They were able to make it into their own adventure

– Susan Hannah

To me the bluff was just a steep hill. That was a real shocker (to find out Lake Algonquin was here) because I didn’t know at one point this whole entire city of Harbor Springs was underwater!

–Jackson, 3rd grader

It made me feel excited because it was one thing leading up to another. It was like finding treasure!

–Jackson, 3rd grader

Backyard Adventures gave us the chance to explore the town with three generations and share stories about our experiences.

–Chris Ford

“I enjoyed that each quest encouraged us to slow down!”

–Heather Ford

I highly recommend this daily self-paced adventure around our great town! My kids and I got a whole new view of some very special places around Harbor Springs.

–Molly Hoggard

“They were able to create their own adventure.”

–Susan Hannah

 
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Why Story Adventures?

  • Go outside and get offline

  • Use all your senses including a sense of wonder

  • Explore places with new eyes

  • Make discoveries on your own

  • Build your child’s early literacy

  • Learn about where you live

  • Get inspired to go adventuring in other places

100% Outdoors. On Foot.

  • Family-friendly

  • Covid-smart and contactless

  • Go at your own pace

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You do! Story Adventures are self-guided using a Field Guide and Map. Children and Youth Services librarian Megan Goedge and TOPOnexus educator Kate Cohen will be on-site to get you started, answer questions, and send you on your way. It’s your pace and your adventure – go as far as you want and return to the library when you want.

  • You start and end at the Petoskey District Library in the outdoor labyrinth and take a different walking route around town (less than half mile) on each adventure

  • • Use and take home an expertly crafted map and field guide chock full of things to do and songs to sing along the way

    • Use and return discovery supplies (collecting bucket, rope, crayon, and paper)

    • Take home a free book

  • • Water and Snack

    • Comfy shoes and extra layers

    • Stroller for kids who prefer a ride

  • Story Adventures is designed for ages 3-8, but older and younger siblings are welcome. Please register for an additional spot if a sibling will participate in the program. This helps us ensure we have enough materials on site.

NOTE: Adults must participate and supervise their child during Story Adventures

“The adventures were varied and the content was integrated (social studies, english language arts, science, etc. all incorporated in each mission). It was differentiated to meet the needs and interests of all types of learners.”

— Katie Lapham, Mother and ESL teacher