Top Things to do with KIDS in October
It’s officially holiday season – Oktoberfest for grown-ups (yes…parents can still have fun!) and Halloween for the kids! In Michigan, the leaves changing color is its own reason to celebrate, so don’t miss out on fun fall activities like hayrides, u-pick pumpkin patches and, of course, cider mills. There’s so much to do, so little time – enjoy every minute!
Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 21
@ Detroit Zoo
Exhilarating live entertainment awaits your costume-clad little ones, including dazzling and daring acrobatics, magic acts, jugglers, story tellers, live music and extreme pumpkin carving demonstrations.
Friday, October 12 – October 28
@ Greenfield Village
Climb aboard a horse-drawn hayride to A Taste of History® Restaurant for a Hallowe’en-themed buffet supper that’s perfect for young children. Decorate your own dessert with a creepy cookie activity, and learn spirited songs from our Hallowe’en singing groups.
HALLOWE’EN IN GREENFIELD VILLAGE
Friday, October 12 – October 28
@ Greenfield Village
Step inside Hallowe’en’s classic tales as you stroll a reimagined path in Greenfield Village lit by 1,000 jack-o-lanterns. Meet new and favorite characters and strange worlds along the way.
OCTOBER 1-7
Thursday, October 4 / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Summit Canton
Hunt for your perfect pumpkin in the pool and then deck it out at our decorating station with all sorts of fun crafts! Plus, enjoy apple cider and donuts and the pool will be open for pumpkin-splashing fun.
Friday, October 5 / 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@ West Bloomfield Recreation Activities Center
Come join Cinderella & Rapunzel as they host a special party for your favorite girl. The princesses will perform their favorite song and dance with the girls as a group. This party experience will also include some princess training, photo opportunity with both princesses and face painting.
MOM/SON BOWLING – ALL STAR NIGHT
Friday, October 5 / 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@ Apollo Lanes, Roseville
Moms – grab your special boy (ages 3 – 14 yrs. old) for a night of bowling fun! The event will include: two games of bowling, snacks, unlimited pop, prizes and lots of fun! Wear your favorite sports team apparel for a chance to win the “Best Dressed All-Star Couple” of the night award!
Friday, October 5 / 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
@ William Costick Activities Center, Farmington Hills
ARRRR you and your little pirate ready for a fun night of games, music, and snacks? We hope to SEA you dressed as your favorite pirate or in formal wear. Photo packages will be available for purchase. Registration required for both adult and child.
Saturday, October 6 – Sunday, October 7
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill
This is a great weekend for pumpkin picking. The cider and donuts are at their best and lots of entertainment for children and adults. We have a huge craft show, pony and hayrides and a corn maze.
Saturday, October 6 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Rara Recreation Complex, Rochester
2018 Heroes Vs Villains Kids 1 Mile Run! Pick your side, dress in your Hero or Villain costume, and race to the finish line!
Saturday, October 6 / 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ Detroit Curling Club, Ferndale
Ferndale Fall Fest will feature a variety of activities, including games, prizes, hay rides, pony rides, face & pumpkin painting, carnival games, bounce houses, live music, a trick-or-treat trail and more!
Saturday, October 6 / 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
@ Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake
This festive fall program is fun for the whole family. Learn how to make apple cider by using a cider press, enjoy delicious donuts and sample different kinds of apples. Families and scouts are welcome.
Sunday, October 7 / 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Hills
Spend a beautiful fall day at Dinosaur Hill with your family…we’ll dip caramel apples, make pumpkin/apple-print t-shirts, play games with our parachute and so much more! This is a great way to get outside, have fun and experience all the best of Fall!
OCTOBER 8-14
21ST ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL IN THE WOODS
Saturday, October 13 / 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Hawk Woods Nature Center, Auburn Hills
Enjoy the outdoors this fall and try some great hands-on activities for kids, take a hayride, carve a pumpkin, enjoy live music, free cider and more! Entry for the event is $2 per person.
FUNTOBER AT HESS-HATHAWAY PARK
Saturday, October 13 / 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Hess-Hathaway Park, Waterford
Grab your family and come out to Hess-Hathaway Park for a local color tour on a hayride. Visit the farm and stroll with one of our farmers on an official animal tour. The campfire will be warm and ready for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
Saturday, October 13 / 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
@ River Bends Park, Shelby Township
Ghosts, goblins, princesses, pirates and all other costumed kids are invites to join in the fun! We’ll have games and goodies galore, hayrides around the park, plus a visit from Duck Duck Donkey!
Saturday, October 13 / 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
@ Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter
Costume clad little ones will experience fun stops along the trails with a Halloween theme. Upon your return to the Activity Center enjoy cider and donuts. Program is geared toward younger children.
Saturday, October 13 / 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Gilbert Willis Park, Wixom
Are you ready to find that mysterious Panther? Cost Includes: Shirt, prizes on the trail, cider and donuts. Spooky Hayrides for all! Face painting, pony tides, bonfires, and DJ.
Saturday, October 13 / 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Lakeshore Park, Novi
One mile family fun run followed by s’mores, live music, hayrides, and fun!
KIDS NIGHT OUT HALLOWEEN PARTY
Saturday, October 13 / 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
@ Franklin Athletic Club, Southfield
It’s a Halloween party, you’re in for a scare. Our treats will delight you, be there if you dare. Games, trick or treating, bounce houses, and more!
Saturday, October 13 – Sunday, October 14
@ Charles L. Bowers School Farm, Bloomfield Hills
Fall Festival will include: animal activities, wagon rides, food trucks, live music, bounce houses, face painting, horse riding demonstrations, wool spinning and much more!
Sunday, October 14 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter
Get in the Halloween spirit with us! Pick out a pumpkin, a design and have fun carving it. You’ll also enjoy cider and donuts. We’ll party ‘til the pumpkins run out! Fee covers one pumpkin and refreshments.
OCTOBER 15-21
Thursday, October 18 / 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Wixom Community Center
Come dressed to give the crowd a chuckle or a scare! It’s a fun family dance with pizza dinner. DJ and goodie bags for the kids!
Friday, October 19 – Sunday, October 21
@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Hills
Dust off the box of costumes, grab yourself an orange pumpkin to hold some candy, and get ready boys and girls because our favorite fundraiser, The Halloween Hoot, will be creeping onto our trails within the next few full moons. This popular Rochester tradition is one of our favorite ways to feed the animals inside, families will be inducted into the fun inside the nature center where we will be putting together silly animal masks to take out onto the trails.
Friday, October 19 – Saturday, October 20
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
Visitors are welcomed into our spook-filled nature center to find costumed characters, fun scenes, and even a few trembly tales. Some of our characters will be handing out treats to anyone entering our lair. The entire nature center is orchestrated to evoke a playfully eerie Halloween night for the entire family.
Saturday, October 20 / 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
@ Southfield Pavilion
Kids ages 2-12 years old are invited to come in costume and ready to have some Halloween fun! Enjoy creepy crafts, ghoulish games and trick or treating fun throughout the Southfield Pavilion. Don’t forget to take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin.
Saturday, October 20 / 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
@ Recreation Center at Hillside, Northville
Get ready for a spooky, frightful, family friendly, delightful event! Enjoy a trick or treat trail, crafts, entertainment, and a Haunted Hallway! Candy, games, balloons, music…..who could ask for more??
HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES AND SPOOK VILLAGE
Saturday, October 20 / 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
@ Drayton Plains Nature Center
The Friends of the Drayton Plains Nature Center are hosting their annual Halloween Hayrides and Spook Village at the DPNC. Hayride includes: Bounce house, scary storytelling and enjoy a bonfire with marshmallows!
Sunday, October 21 / 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
@ Downtown Plymouth
Come and enjoy a safe and haunted Halloween experience. Pumpkin Palooza is a family fun Halloween extravaganza with games, costume contests, dancing, entertainment, petting zoo, and candy.
Sunday, October 21 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Kensington Metropark, Milford
Get in the Halloween spirit! Pick out a pumpkin and a design and have fun carving it in our festively-decorated event room. Then enjoy cider and donuts. We’ll party ‘til the pumpkins run out! Fee covers one pumpkin and refreshments.
OCTOBER 22-31
Tuesday, October 23 / 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Northville Community Center, Northville
Have a “FANG”tastic time at our not-so-spooky Halloween Event! Enjoy a magician, pumpkin decorating, cider and donuts, and a costume contest for the tiny pumpkins! Parents & Grandparents are welcome at no charge.
Wednesday, October 24 / 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@ Wolcott Mill Farm Center, Ray
Go Trick-or-Treating in each barn. Enjoy the slightly haunted “Boo Barn”. Watch a movie while enjoying cider and a donut. Join Roscoe the Clown at the Candy Scramble and make a Halloween craft. Don’t forget to visit with the animals. The draft horses have been working hard on their costumes!
Thursday, October 25 / 10:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Kensington Metropark, Milford
This program is especially for the little ones. It’s time for toddlers to “trick or treat” all around the farm. Play Halloween games and visit a “haunted” barn. Our special spooky party includes an animal parade and you can join in! Costumes are encouraged and appreciated! Ages 2 to 6.
DEARBORN HISTORICAL MUSEUM HALLOWEEN PARTY
Friday, October 26 / 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
@ Dearborn Historical Museum
Join us in your favorite costume at the DHM to play games, win prizes, enter in a best costume contest, and participate in trick-or-treating!
Friday, October 26 / 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@ Boll Family YMCA, Detroit
This October the Y is hosting our annual Halloween at the Y event, where families are invited to celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun environment. We offer a craft room, haunted house, obstacle course, and other fun games made for kids under 12. Join us for a spook-tacular event, and don’t forget your costume!
SHADOWS FROM THE PAST HALLOWEEN WALK
Friday, October 26 / 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Greenmead Historic Village, Livonia
Have frightfully good time at the Shadows From the Past Halloween Walk at Greenmead. Join us Friday, Oct. 26, and trick or treat at the village houses during this family-friendly event. Goodies and treats will be available for everyone. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged. Enjoy refreshments at the end of the tour at the Friends Meeting House.
Friday, October 26 / 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Summit Canton
Show off your Halloween costume while you travel along our path collecting goodies and surprises! There is a haunted house at the end, for those who dare! Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children during this special event.
TRICK-OR-TREAT ON WASHINGTON STREET
Friday, October 26 / 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Walter & Mary Burke Park, New Baltimore
The Annual Trick or Treat On Washington Street is a family event that gets the entire community involved! Without the help from our local businesses, church communities, and local organizations, our department wouldn’t be able to facilitate such an amazing Halloween event that draws in thousands of people from New Baltimore and other Anchor Bay communities.
Friday, October 26 / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Livonia Community Recreation Center
Pre-registration is required to participate in floating pumpkin patch. Come join us for a spooktacular event in the pool! Crafts, games and a floating pumpkin patch to get you in the Halloween spirit.
2018 BELLEVILLE ZOMBIE 5K RUN/WALK
Saturday, October 27 / 9:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Horizon Park, Belleville
Belleville is a community based town that likes to come together and make living fun. Or in this case, not living. Come join us for a family friendly 5k run/walk in Belleville!
Saturday, October 27 / 9:30 am – 11:30 am
@ Downtown Northville
Please join Northville in this Halloween Tradition. Free Event, Open to the Public. Kids’ Costume Parade begins at the Northville Community Center, 303 West Main Street, at 9:30am and walks into downtown, with a special parade escort by Preservation Dental’s Tooth Fairy.
Saturday, October 27 / 10:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
With Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits! Come and listen as Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits play popular children’s songs set to a rock n’ roll beat. Nursery rhymes will never be the same again!
Saturday, October 27 / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
@ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Join the DSO for musical selections from your favorite Harry Potter films and more. Witches, wizards, and even muggles are invited to participate in the annual costume contest and other Spooktacular pre-concert activities!
Saturday, October 27 / 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Belle Isle Nature Center
This annual event invites children to wear costumes and bring treat bags – Halloween goodies are provided to all who attend. Guests are asked to join the Detroit Zoological Society on its green journey by bringing their own treat bags; bags are not handed out at the event.
Saturday, October 27 / 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit
Celebrate fall along the beautiful Dequindre Cut at the 4th Annual HarvestFest Detroit, a FREE day of family fun, hosted by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.
Saturday, October 27 / 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
@ Troy Historic Village
Come one, come all! Wear your Halloween costume and join us on the Village Green, rain or shine, for our annual family-friendly Trick-or-Treat event. This year’s theme is Three-Ring Circus! Step right up and travel from building to historic building, collecting candy and treats.
Saturday, October 27 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Oakwoods Metropark, New Boston
Enjoy an indoor program on Halloween history, followed by a hike through the woods to meet some interesting characters and get a head start on your Halloween candy collection. Kids (and adults) are encouraged to wear their costumes.
Saturday, October 27 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Bring the little ones in costume to Beacon Park’s free Halloween Family Fun Day for a howling good time complete with trick and treating, face painting, inflatables, make and take activities, cider and donuts, music and more.
Saturday, October 27 / 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
@ Franklin Athletic Center, Southfield
Fun for the whole family, bring your friends so they can join in on the fun too! Take advantage of special discounts on membership and promotions for adult and kids classes and programs. Don’t forget your costumes and trick-or-treat bags!
Saturday, October 27 / 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
@ Lake St. Clair Metropark
Join us to learn about pumpkins and Halloween through stories, activities and crafts. Snacks and cider will be part of the fun. Ages 3-6.
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL
Saturday, October 27 / 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@ Veteran’s Memorial Park, Roseville
We will be hosting Trick or Treat Trail at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Roseville with children ages 18 months – 12 years old. This event will feature DJ music, hot chocolate, petting farm, inflatables, many service clubs, businesses, city departments and individuals handing out candy in a safe and secure setting.
Saturday, October 27 / 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@ Wolcott Mill Farm Center
Go Trick-or-Treating in each barn. Enjoy the slightly haunted “Boo Barn”. Watch a movie while enjoying cider and a donut. Join Roscoe the Clown at the Candy Scramble and make a Halloween craft. Don’t forget to visit with the animals. The draft horses have been working hard on their costumes!
Sunday, October 28 – Monday, October 29
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill
Our annual costume contest will be held Sunday October 28 for children ages 1-10—winners get a prize. Contest is 3pm. Sunday. Don’t miss this fun event. And final weekend to get your pumpkin! Enjoy the pony and hayrides, crafters, entertainment and pumpkin and apple picking.
Sunday, October 28 / 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
@ Heritage Park, Farmington
Come on out to Heritage Park for some Halloween fun! Enjoy s’mores, hayrides, crafts, an animal show, and a “candy free” trick or treat route. Pizza will be provided. Don’t forget to wear your costume!
Sunday, October 28 / 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
@ Downtown Royal Oak
“Spooky Passes” will be available for purchase. This pass will give kids “Spooktacular” time with a trick or treat bag, cider, donuts, a professional photo, access to the bounce houses and pie pumpkin decorating.
Sunday, October 28 / 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Detroit Historical Museum
Don’t miss one of our favorite days of the year! On Sunday, October 28, children aged 12 and younger can follow clues to explore the museum while searching out treats and games throughout the museum, enjoy free refreshments and make a Halloween craft to take home. We encourage everyone to come in costume! Also bring your own bag, pail or pillow case to collect your goodies.
HALLOWEEN TEA WITH PRINCESS BELLE
Sunday, October 28 / 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
@ The Townsend, Birmingham
Our Children’s Princess Teas are Interactive for the First 45 Minutes with Singing and Dancing. We Will Have Food Stations and Fun for All Throughout…. And Yes, Boys and Men love to Attend. Drinks are Available Upon Request.
Sunday, October 28 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake
It’s that time of year when trees creak, doors squeak and we put on a Halloween party for little ghosts and goblins. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and come out for spooky fun. Fun and creepy characters will be your hosts for a not-too-scary afternoon of activities and treats. Ages 10 and younger.
Sunday, October 28 / 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Marshbank Park, West Bloomfield
Get more treats than tricks this fall by walking along the safe and friendly ½ mile paved trail at Marshbank Park during our Trick-or-Treat Trail. Put on your costume and head out to collect goodies from costumed characters, local businesses and organizations.
HALLOWEEN FEED THE HUNGRY CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 28 / 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
This year we will be gathering donations and collecting food for Blessings in a Backpack in Rochester/Rochester Hills to help feed our children in our community.
FOUR FEET DOWN THE TRAIL – THE FOUR FOOT HALLOWEEN PARTY
Monday, October 29 / 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Hills
Bring your best costume because we’re going to be shaking to some music, putting together some black-and-orange crafts and even bowling with pumpkins for this festive shindig.
Tuesday, October 30 / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
“Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour” is traveling the nation with a high-energy interactive live show bringing the beloved characters and music from the #1 preschool television network to life in an immersive concert experience designed for kids and their families.
Wait there’s more!
Check out these FREE Family-Friendly Events in Metro Detroit in October.
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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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