FREE Family-Friendly Events in Metro Detroit in February
We know…kids are expensive, so we’ve put together the top FREE events to enjoy as a family this month!
FREE ADMISSION TO THE WRIGHT MUSEUM
February 2 & 3, 16 & 17, and 23-25
@ Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit
Celebrate Black History Month and bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of The Wright Museum with free admission, courtesy of Comcast! Enjoy the many exhibitions on display as well as engaging programming for the entire family.
FAMILY ART STUDIO: FANTASTICAL REALITIES
Saturday, February 2
@ University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor
Construct an impossible but believable story in the manner of Patrick Nagatani’s imaginative photographs featured in the UMMA exhibition of his work Proof: The Rioichi Excavations. In this workshop, we will create fantastical stories through collaging found images. We will explore the meaning that is implied when images of living forms, objects, and other things that could not have met in the same place and time, meet in your work. UMMA docents will lead a tour of the exhibition, followed by a hands-on workshop with local artist Adrian Deva. Designed for families with children of ages six and above. Parents must be present during the workshop.
IVORY WILLIAMS: STORIES… STORIES… STORIES: JUST WHAT ARE STORIES?
Saturday, February 2 & Sunday, February 3
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
Interweaving his stories with humor, wit and fun, Master Storyteller Ivory D. Williams explores the meaning and power of stories and their importance within the African American community. A highly interactive, entertaining and educational storytelling presentation using props and instruments will engage audiences with upbeat and positive messages and leave listeners, young and old, feeling the rhythm of the story.
Saturday, February 2 / 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Lights! Camera! Action! February Flicks returns to Beacon Park Detroit featuring a fantastic lineup of free double feature films and programming for the whole family to enjoy every Saturday, inside the heated tent! Wonder: Based on the New York Times bestseller, this movie tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.
Tuesday, February 5
@ Boll Family YMCA, Detroit
Let the kids play for free at the Boll Family YMCA’s Family Tumbling Hour! This event runs every Tuesday morning from 9-11am. All ages are welcome and this event is FREE to members and community participants!
Wednesday, February 6
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
Humans have been the top of every food chain for a relatively short amount of time in Earth’s history. But is being at the top really all its stacked up to be? Together we’ll learn about food
Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 10
@ Campus Martius Park, Detroit
Experience winter in Detroit like never before during Quicken Loans Winter Blast Weekends! The traditional Winter Blast event has expanded to four festival weekends at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit! Quicken Loans Winter Blast Weekends features winter activities (ice skating, zip line, winter slide and more) , live entertainment, and delicious local restaurants for the whole family to enjoy.
DROP-IN WORKSHOP: LUNAR NEW YEAR DRAGON MASKS
Friday, February 8
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
To commemorate Lunar New Year, make your own dragon mask out of tag board, paper, and raffia.
KIDS CLUB – VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT
Friday, February 8 / 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
@ Macomb Mall
The Kids Club is excited to offer a Valentine’s Day ‘Make & Take’ Craft Event! The first 200 kids will create a free and fun valentine-themed craft and be entered into a drawing to win prizes from Macomb Mall! This event will take place in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Court from 5pm-6:30pm. The prize drawing will be at 6:30pm and winners must be present to claim prizes.
Saturday, February 9
@ Boll Family YMCA
This is an open-to-the-public opportunity for kids and families to spend time together with free craft and recreational activities. We will have a Valentine’s Day card-making station, music, balloons, and our tumbling mats and balance beams out for kids to play. Brunch provided while supplies last. Come join the fun!
EXPLORATION SATURDAY – MAKE YOUR OWN LEGO CRAYONS
Saturday, February 9
@ Palmer Park, Detroit
Join Exploration Saturdays at The DEN in Palmer Park! All activities are free and open to the public!
Saturday, February 9
@ Belle Isle Nature Center
To show some love for our winged friends that are so important to the environment, this annual family-friendly event at the Belle Isle Nature Center, themed around Valentine’s Day, features keeper talks at the beehive and bird observation window, heart-themed treats, kiddie crafts and entertainment. All activities are free.
Saturday, February 9
@ Clinton Macomb Main Library
Burn up some energy crawling, jumping, and hopping through an obstacle course set up just for toddlers and preschoolers. Babies are welcome in their own activity corner with caregivers. Adults must remain with children for the duration of the program. This program is for ages 0 to 5.
Saturday, February 9
@ Heritage Park, Hartland
Hartland’s annual winter festival will take place at Heritage Park on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from noon to 6:00 PM, followed immediately by spectacular professional FIREWORKS! Take part in a reindeer photo opp, polo pony game, face painting, crafts, igloo building, ice skating, knocker ball and more!
Saturday, February 9 / 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Dodge Park Ice Rink, Sterling Heights
Head to Dodge Park Ice Rink for an evening of fun on the ice with the Sterling Heights Police and Fire Departments! Kids and families can meet police officers and firefighters, take photos and ice skate alongside them. Police and fire vehicles will be on-site for children to explore.
TINKERBELL AND PETER PAN PARTY
Saturday, February 9
@ Farmington Community Library – Branch
Come walk the plank with us! Enjoy music, movement and a photo op with Tinkerbell and Peter Pan.
DROP-IN WORKSHOP: LUNAR NEW YEAR DRAGON MASKS
Saturday, February 9 & Sunday, February 10
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
To commemorate Lunar New Year, make your own dragon mask out of tag board, paper, and raffia. General museum admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Saturday, February 9
@ Ferndale Public Library
2nd Saturday of each month 1:00 – 6:00 pm – Learn new games and play old favorites – Come alone or bring others – No experience required. All ages welcome Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult
Tuesday, February 12
@ Boll Family YMCA, Detroit
Let the kids play for free at the Boll Family YMCA’s Family Tumbling Hour! This event runs every Tuesday morning from 9-11am. All ages are welcome and this event is FREE to members and community participants!
Wednesday, February 13 / 10:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Ferndale Parks and Recreation
Enjoy a mid morning activity at kids corner with crafts, snacks, and story time. Take time with your little one to color and design their own craft to take home!
Wednesday, February 13 / 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
@ Northville District Library
Dan Briere from Little Creatures Co., introduces kids to a variety of fascinating creatures including a Panther Chameleon, Blue Tongue Skink, Eclectus Parrot , Leopard Tortoise and more!
Friday, February 15 – Sunday, February 17
@ Campus Martius Park, Detroit
Experience winter in Detroit like never before during Quicken Loans Winter Blast Weekends! The traditional Winter Blast event has expanded to four festival weekends at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit! Quicken Loans Winter Blast Weekends features winter activities (ice skating, zip line, winter slide and more) , live entertainment, and delicious local restaurants for the whole family to enjoy.
Friday, February 15 & Saturday, February 16
@ Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit
Join us for a FREE program for children ages 2-4 and their adult caregivers. Enjoy stories, crafts and activities as we use our senses to explore nature together! Programs will be held on the third Friday and Saturday of each month at the Belle Isle Nature Center.
EXPLORATION SATURDAY – CHINESE ART EXCHANGE
Saturday, February 16
@ Palmer Park, Detroit
Join Exploration Saturdays at The DEN in Palmer Park! All activities are free and open to the public!
Saturday, February 16
@ Farmington Community Library – Branch
Hands on exploration and family fun are included in this special STREAM related program. This program is for grades K-5.
Saturday, February 16
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby
Dress warm and bring your hiking poles and binoculars to join us in a brisk nature walk to learn about how animals in Michigan survive the frosty weather. We will search for signs and track and be able to identify scat that our cold-tolerant friends leave behind. Of course, inside the center we will have winter animal crafts and activities for those of us who are not so cold tolerate. Warm cider and hot chocolate will be provided (please bring your own snacks if desired).
ARTIST DEMONSTRATION: HEARTS OF DONALD CALLOWAY
Saturday, February 16 & Sunday, February 17
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, join Detroit multimedia artist Donald Calloway as he displays some of his varied work and helps visitors create art of their own using found objects and a heart motif. Calloway’s colorful works are filled with emotion, expression and mystery.
Saturday, February 16
@ Clinton-Macomb Main Library
Too cold to play outside? Bring the family for a fun afternoon in the library! Family jigsaw puzzles have small, medium and large pieces in the same box. Teams may have up to 5 members, but only the team captain should register. A prize will be awarded to the family that finishes first!
FEBRUARY FLICKS: MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
Saturday, February 16
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Don’t let chilly weather give you cabin fever – get out of the house and head to Beacon Park for a FREE movie inside a cozy heated tent. There will be a giant big screen, comfy couches and refreshments available for purchase. You can also bring a blanket or two and cozy up with your family and friends. Every Saturday there will be a double feature, starting with a kid-friendly favorite at 4pm.
Monday, February 18
@ Farmington Community Library – Branch
Bring your blanket and a picnic dinner and enjoy a Family Friendly Movie, Christopher Robin (PG, 104 min.) Sponsored by Farmington Friends of the Library.
EXPLORATION SATURDAY – PLAY DOUGH AND SLIMES
Saturday, February 23
@ Palmer Park, Detroit
Join Exploration Saturdays at The DEN in Palmer Park! All activities are free and open to the public!
Saturday, February 23 / 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ Detroit Historical Museum
Celebrate Detroit’s African American History at our annual family friendly event. This year’s educational and fun activities will focus on neighborhood sports in the Detroit. We will talk with groups that play lacrosse, golf, hockey and other neighborhood games. Share stories about what you played in your neighborhood growing up! Admission is free.
BRUCE HOWELL FREE THROW MEMORIAL CONTEST
Saturday, February 23 / 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Auburn Hills Community Center Gym
Players of all ages and abilities are invited to compete in this exciting contest. Bruce was one of the best custodians of all time to work at the Community Center. He had a special way with the kids in the gym playing basketball; welcoming everyone, giving them tips, and showing them the way. In his honor, we’ll gather and have a fun time in the gym and give out prizes in a few age groups. The event is free, but we will be taking donations for the American Cancer Society to aid in the fight to end cancer. The Teen Council is also selling concessions to add to the cause. See you in the gym!
Saturday, February 23 & Sunday, February 24
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
Bring the family to enjoy the rhythms of the Gratitude Steel Band as they bring their high-energy island style and positivity to a vast array of musical styles from Calypso to Jazz and Afro-Cuban to Motown. With interactive songs and a chance to try out the steel pan drums yourself, this performance is sure to engage all members of the family!
Saturday, February 23
@ Sterling Heights Library
For this event, please register only the children who will participate Visit the library for a special sign language storytime event! Ages 0 to 5 will enjoy a fun and interactive learning experience that will walk them through some basic sign language. Discover the many benefits of signing!
FEBRUARY FLICKS: BLACK PANTHER
Saturday, February 23
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Don’t let chilly weather give you cabin fever – get out of the house and head to Beacon Park for a FREE movie inside a cozy heated tent. There will be a giant big screen, comfy couches and refreshments available for purchase. You can also bring a blanket or two and cozy up with your family and friends. Every Saturday there will be a double feature, starting with a kid-friendly favorite at 4pm.
Monday, February 25
@ Sterling Heights Library
Head to the library for a free movie showing that’s perfect for every member of the family! Snacks will be provided. Today’s movie: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG, 1h 37min) Count Dracula and company participate in a cruise for sea-loving monsters, unaware that their boat is being commandeered by the monster-hating Van Helsing family.
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About Chrissy Hartig
Chrissy Hartig is a recent graduate of Wayne State University and contributing writer for Little Guide Detroit. Born in the Metro Detroit suburbs, she moved to Midtown to be closer to the excitement of the city. She loves spending her time outdoors and enjoying nature in places like Belle Isle and the Riverwalk.
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