It may be cold outside, but February is full of events, festivals and shows that are sure to keep you and your littles busy this month!
FESTIVALS & SHOWS
TICKET GIVEAWAY: FINDING NEVERLAND
Tuesday, February 6 – Sunday, February 18
@ Fisher Theatre
Let your littles stay up past their bedtime and discover the magic behind one of the most popular children’s stories of all time – Peter Pan. We’re giving away a family 4-pack of tickets!
ROMEO & JULIET
Thursday, February 8 – Sunday, February 11
@ Michigan Opera Theatre
Misty Copeland takes the stage in Shakespeare’s famed tragedy of star-crossed lovers.
SHEN YUN
Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 25
@ Michigan Opera House
Come enjoy the classical Chinese dance storytelling and share in the beautifully diverse ethnic and folk traditions. Filled with an enchanting orchestral sound, this is a mesmerizing experience you won’t find anywhere else.
AQUA FREEZE FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 17 (9:00am – 10:00pm) – Sunday, February 18 (10:00am – 5:00pm)
@ St. Clair Shores
Party this year with their Once Upon a Time theme at the 2018 Aqua Freeze Festival. Children’s crafts will be available on Sat and Sun from 10am to 1pm, and we have added a petting zoo and pony rides. Ice carving, food vendors on Saturday & Sunday along with music, beer, wine and pop all weekend.
CHILDREN’S SERIES: NUGGET & FANG
Saturday, February 17 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Meadowbrook Theatre
In this new musical, tiny Nugget and big, toothy Fang get along swimmingly – until Nugget’s first day of minnow school. There, Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget’s trust, Fang takes desperate (and hilarious) measures. Great for all ages.
OAK PARK WINTERFEST
Sunday, February 18 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Oak Park
The annual Winterfest celebration features dog sledding, cross skiing, snowshoeing, free ice skating, carriage rides, reindeer pens, face painting, cookie decoration, DJ entertainment, ice sculpture demonstrations, dog sledding, and more! We will also serve s’mores, chili and hot chocolate. This event is free and open to the public.
SOUTHFIELD WINTERFEST
Sunday, February 18 / 2:00pm – 4:30pm
@ Southfield Pavilion
This free community event will feature an afternoon of indoor and outdoor fun for the entire family. Guests will enjoy inflatables, a DJ and dance floor, crafts and games inside the Southfield Pavilion and snow painting, snow shoeing, roast marshmallows or take a horse-drawn sled ride to the Southfield Sports Arena for free ice skating. Admission and parking are free.
ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO
Sunday, February 18 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm
@ Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor
Observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. (Suitable for all ages.)
FIRE & ICE WITH SPICE FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 24 / 11:00am – 4:00pm
@ Clawson City Park
This annual event features fire breathers and jugglers, in addition to ice carvers creating custom designs and a kids craft tent! Don’t forget to stay for the chili cook-off!
TEEN STARS LIVE
Saturday, February 24 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Royal Oak Music Theatre
Teen Stars Live is a star-studded, interactive entertainment show featuring today’s hottest TV stars from Disney! This fun-packed performance is perfect for the entire family and includes Comedy, Trivia and Games; Singing Performances and more.
MUTTS GONE NUTS
Saturday, February 24 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm
@ Macomb Center for Performing Arts
Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance, that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more.
PUPPETART: OH, ANANSE!
Sunday, February 25 / 2:00pm -3:30pm
@ Music Hall, Detroit
Based on West African folklore, this is the story of Ananse, father of narrators, and how he won the right to tell stories to the world. PuppetART has been bringing their European style puppetry, international storytelling, and educational programming to Downtown Detroit for almost 20 years.
EVENTS
THE SCIENCE BEHIND PIXAR
Daily through March 18th
@ The Henry Ford Museum
Enjoy a unique look into the Pixar process, and explore the science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters. With more than 40 interactive elements, the exhibition’s eight sections each focus on a step in the filmmaking process. Participate in fun, engaging hands-on activities, listen to firsthand accounts from members of the studios’ production teams, and even come face-to-face with re-creations of your favorite Pixar film characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL•E!
CRITTERS UP CLOSE
Saturday, February 10 / 10:00am – 4:00pm
@ Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Join us for hands-on activities and a meet and greet with critters. This month the featured critters are worms & friends, and they are ready for their close up!
THE BIRDS & THE BEES
Saturday, February 10 / 11:00am – 3:00pm
@ Belle Isle Nature Center
This annual family-friendly event themed around Valentine’s Day features keeper talks at the beehive and bird observation window, heart-themed treats, kiddie crafts and entertainment.
DILLA YOUTH DAY
Saturday, February 10 / 1:00pm – 8:00pm
@ Charles H Wright Museum
Celebrate the life and legacy of the African American musical producer J. Dilla who was integral in creating Neo-Soul and revolutionized the sound of 90’s Hip Hop. Explore S.T.E.A.M. subjects while discovering the dynamic world of hip hop through hands-on activities. Learn to how to lay down a track, write your own rhymes, and much more in this music filled, youth-focused day!
FEBRUARY FLICKS – BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Saturday, February 10 / 4:00pm – 6:00pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Enjoy a free movie experience on the big screen inside the heated tent in the middle of Beacon Park! Bring your own chair or blanket and cozy up with family and friends. Popcorn, food, and drinks available for purchase. Watch Emma Watson in Beauty & the Beast and Sing-Along.
CUBS’ CHOICE DANCE
Saturday, February 10 / 5:30pm – 8:30pm
@ Detroit Zoo
On behalf of the animals and their offspring at the Detroit Zoo, you and your “cub” are cordially invited to a fun night of dancing and memory making! Wear your dancin’ shoes because our DJ will have everyone hopping, jumping and leaping on the dance floor!
AFTERNOON TEA WITH PRINCESS BELLE
Sunday, February 11 / 12:00pm – 1:30pm
@ The Townsend, Birmingham
Princess “Belle” Belle is a beauty in her crown of gleaming gold will join the Children’s Princess Teas, which are interactive for the First 45 Minutes with Singing and Dancing, with food to follow….And Yes, Boys and Men love to Attend.
FREE SECOND SUNDAY
Sunday, February 11 / 1:00pm – 5:00pm
@ Charles H Wright Museum
Bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of The Wright Museum with free admission every second Sunday of the month courtesy of the DTE Energy Foundation! Enjoy the many exhibitions on display as well as engaging programming for the entire family.
THE ACCIDENTAL MAGICIAN: MUSIC, MAGIC & FILM
Friday, February 16 / 7:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Max M Fisher Music Center, Detroit
A washed-up magician fails to make his stage entrance, and the unwitting stagehand must now take his place on stage. This family-friendly show morphs between film, a musical performance and live magic!
SCIENCEFEST: PHYSICSPALOOZA
Saturday, February 17 / 10:00am – 4:00pm
@ Ann Arbor Hands On Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Society of Physics Students at the University of Michigan team up again to bring you a weekend full of physics! Come enjoy exciting activities and demos that discuss motion, inertia, electricity, and many other topics.
THE HIP HOP ARCHITECTURE CAMP
Saturday, February 17 / 10:00am – 4:00pm
@ MOCAD, Detroit
This is an intensive experience, designed to introduce under represented youth to architecture, urban planning, creative place making and economic development through the lens of hip hop culture.
YOUNG EXPLORERS: EXPLORE-A-SAURUS
Saturday, February 17 / 10:30am – 11:30am
@ Michigan Science Center
Join us for a monthly play date in Kids Town just for children ages 2 – 5 and their caregivers. The Young Explorers program offers stories, science-themed activities and socialization time.
REDFORD MODEL RAILHOUSE CLUB – OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, February 17 / 12:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Redford Model Railhouse Club
You will see several trains running around the Sand Hill & Western layout. The layout features items for kids of all ages. Come on out and experience the hobby of model railroading.
KIDS BAKING: COOKIES, BARS & SQUARES
Saturday, February 17 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm
@ The Community House, Birmingham
This hands-on class will allow the kids to experience the pleasure associated with baking and sharing their very own cookies, bars and squares. Students should bring an apron and a container to carry home their goodies after class.
FAMILY ACTIVITY SERIES
Saturday, February 17 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Charles H Wright Museum
Enjoy The Wright Museum with this FREE Saturday activity series for the whole family.Whether art, music, dance, acting, or more, you and your children are sure to have a great time!
FAMILY NATURE EXPLORERS
Saturday, February 17 / 1:30pm – 3:00pm
@ Stage Nature Center, Troy
Enjoy some screen-free quality time for the whole family while exploring the natural world. Families will participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences that will inspire curiosity and a connection to nature.
FEBRUARY FLICKS – LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
Saturday, February 17 / 4:00pm – 6:00pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Come enjoy a free movie experience on the big screen inside the heated tent in the middle of Beacon Park! Bring your own chair or blanket and cozy up with family and friends. Popcorn, food, and drinks available for purchase.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY DAY
Saturday, February 24 / 10:00am – 4:00pm
@ Detroit Historical Museum
Learn more about Detroit’s African American History on Saturday, February 24 at our family friendly event.
FEBRUARY FLICKS – DESPICABLE ME 3
Saturday, February 24 / 4:00pm – 6:00pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Come enjoy a free movie experience on the big screen inside the heated tent in the middle of Beacon Park! Bring your own chair or blanket and cozy up with family and friends. Popcorn, food, and drinks available for purchase.
MAPLE’S SWEET STORY
Sunday, February 25 / 12:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Kensington Metropark
Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected.
EXPLORING ARCHERY CLASS
Sunday, February 25 / 1:00pm – 3:30pm
@ Outdoor Adventure Center
This is your opportunity to learn more about archery. Must be 8 years old or older.
SELF DEFENSE FOR KIDS
Wednesday, February 28 / 5:00pm – 6:00pm
@ Grosse Pointe War Memorial
This fun, interactive, and age-appropriate workshop teaches essential safety information. But most of all, these programs teach students that they have the right to be safe, that no one has the right to hurt them and that their life is worth protecting.
WILD OVER WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 28 / 6:00pm – 8:00pm
@ Outdoor Adventure Center
The last Wednesday of each month, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. for all of our visitors and special programs, fun and games around a specific topic each month, plus enjoy all the exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center!
Photo credit: Facebook
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About Kerry Doman
Kerry Doman is the founder and CEO of LittleGuide Detroit and After 5 Detroit. She has lived downtown Detroit for 10+ years and still calls the city home with her husband and son. As a relatively new mom, she’s excited to explore downtown with her family and hopes you’ll enjoy doing the same!
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