Top Things to do with KIDS in September
It’s back to school, extra-curricular sports and apple orchard season! Yes the calendar is filled with parent teaching meetings and birthday parties but don’t forget about family time. There’s so much to do, so little time – enjoy every minute!
Wednesday, August 29 – Monday, September 3
@ Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
Get ready for carnival rides and family fun! Wednesday is Agriculture Day, Thursday is Children’s Day with a Touch-A-Truck from 10am to noon, Sunday is Family Day with a free Foam Dance Party from 6pm to 1pm. Monday there’s no charge to enter the fair.
Saturday, September 1 – Monday, September 3
@ Downtown Hamtramck
Welcome to the city of Hamtramck. This year’s celebration features the yacht races down Jos. Campau (a Hamtramck tradition), and an assortment of crowd-pleasing events for kids and adults of all ages. As always, there will be plenty of music, food and fun. With two separate stages, booths from a number of restaurants and a full line-up of carnival rides, there’s never a dull moment at the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival.
Thursday, August 30 – Monday, September 3
@ Downtown Romeo
Every Labor Day weekend, Romeo hosts many events based around its prized crop: the peach. Say so long to summer with parades, games, music, food, runs and races, and the coronation of 2018’s Peach Queen. The fest is designed with family in mind, and it’s all centered on the city’s prized crop: the peach!
August 18 – September 30
@ Michigan Renaissance Festival Grounds, Holly
Continuous entertainment takes place on the streets and on 17 themed stages; featuring full-contact armored jousting, comedy and theater shows, music, games, people-powered rides and so much more!
August 30 – September 3
@ Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi
Over LABOR DAY WEEKEND! The Michigan State Fair has found a new home at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi! The Fair features family friendly activities, eating contests, equestrian shows, petting farms, carnival rides, Shrine Circus, pig racing and so much more!
Friday, August 31 – Monday, September 3
@ Downtown Royal Oak
The 21st Annual Ford Arts, Beats & Eats offers more than 200 performances on nine stages, a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show, and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in Metro-Detroit. For four days the Kids Stage will feature puppet shows, magic tricks, music and more. Kids can try the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Skills Challenge, hop in moonwalks, go for a rides at the carnival and MORE!
Thursday, September 6 – Sunday, September 30
@ Chene Park, Detroit
A spectacle of global proportions, the extra special 25th Anniversary edition of everybody’s favorite circus will take you on an unforgettable journey of electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances! Bringing you brand new acts from Russia, Trinidad, South Africa, Mongolia, Cuba, China, Ethiopia, and the good ole USA…get ready for a bigger, faster, louder, funkier show like no other with EVEN MORE SOUL!
Friday, September 7 – Saturday, September 8
@ Downtown Berkley
Fun for all ages – there will be Irish music, Irish dancers, pipers, a children’s craft and game area. An Irish history tent will be available to learn more about the heritage.
Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 9
@ Downtown Plymouth
The Plymouth Fall Festival is a world-class event in beautiful downtown Plymouth that is exciting and fun for the whole family. The event is committed to providing an opportunity for non-profit community organization to fundraise and continue the great work they do!
Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 9
@ Rochester Municipal Park, Rochester
We invite you to experience what the festival has to offer; from the fine artwork of our talented artists, to the sights and sounds of the Main Stage; from the fresh apple treats found around the park to the fun and energy of the Kids Art Zone, there is something for everyone.
Saturday, September 8 – Sunday, September 9
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, Erie
This is our first big apple weekend with good apple picking and all our activities including pony and hay rides, inflatables, and a corn maze. We will have our annual Chicken BBQ on Sunday only September 9. Crafters are also here.
Saturday, September 8 / 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
@ Midtown Detroit
Beer, music, food, fun, YOU. The usual. Join us for the 41st Dally in the Alley! This year, we’ve added an expanded Kid’s Fair, an additional Beer Garden, an extra merchandise booth, more art for your viewing pleasure, upgraded sound at the stage and, of course, the hottest music acts in the city!
Sunday, September 9 / 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
@ Detroit Zoo
Join thousands of runners and walkers as they lace up their running shoes for the annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo. The event includes 5K and 10K runs, the Too Wild! 5K+10K combo, plus a non-competitive 1.5-mile Fun Walk. New this year – runners will cross the finish line INSIDE the Zoo!
Sunday, September 9 / 10:00 am – 4:00
@ Wolcott Mill Farm, Ray
Good old-fashioned fun, with something for everyone! Join us for activities such as, candle dipping, blacksmithing, games, crafts, horse demonstrations, dog agility and much more. Don’t miss the corn eating contest! Vendors will be on site with their handmade crafts, art and local food. Wagon rides will also be included.
Thursday, September 13 / 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
@ Troy Community Center
Each September, the Troy Family Daze Festival attracts people from surrounding communities to celebrate our diversity and heritage. An array of activities offers fun for the entire family. Family activities include free stage shows, talent shows, amusement rides, youth/parent contests, a youth area with entertainment, games and crafts, fireworks and more.
Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16
@ Huroc Park, Flat Rock
The 2018 Flat Rock Riverfest presented by Meijer will take place September 14, 15 & 16th at Huroc Park! Join us for three days of family fun and great entertainment!
Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16
@ Downtown Northville
Held each September in beautiful Downtown Northville, the Northville Heritage Festival celebrates the rich history and small town charm of the Northville community. It’s our pleasure to share our community with visitors who come to shop, dine, attend theaters, work and play.
Saturday, September 15 / 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
@ Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown
Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. Join us for a great weekend of games, crafts, guest speakers, and fun. Live birds of prey will be on hand!
Saturday, September 15 / 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Detroit Institute of Arts
To kick off the DIA’s celebration of our soon-to-open Asian Galleries, members of DIA’s auxiliary, the Friends of Asian Arts and Cultures, invite you to explore the traditional beauty and modern relevance of Taiwan through a weekend of films, performances, cooking demonstrations, traditional arts & crafts, hands-on shadow puppets and displays.
Saturday, September 15 / 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Ford Resource & Engagement Center
Come out for FREE Live Concert and family fun that includes Carnival Games, Cotton Candy, Face Painting, Food, Circus Performers, Movie (outdoors starts at 9pm), Ticket Raffle… (Detroit Zoo, Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum) and more!
Sunday, September 16 / 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Birmingham Farmers Market
Join the Birmingham Farmers Market for our Harvest Festival that features barn animals from Bowers School Farm, antique corn shelling machines, food trucks, kids craft, live music and more.
Sunday, September 16 / 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
@ Elizabeth Park, Trenton
Antique auto displays, riverboat rides, musical entertainment and the children’s games and entertainment area is a sure hit for all ages as Elizabeth Park is turned back to the 1920’s.
Sunday, September 16 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor
Every year, waves of monarch butterflies migrate over mountains, forests, and deserts in the United States to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico. Join LSNC in a celebration of the monarch butterfly’s migration, and help contribute to conservation efforts for monarchs by engaging in a variety of butterfly-related activities.
Monday, September 17 / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ RARA Recreation Complex, Rochester
Share a special evening with your favorite little man and make a memory to last a lifetime. Before you dance the night away you will be able to enjoy a child friendly buffet. DJ Tom Moyer will be spinning favorite dance hits. You can take a break from boogeying at our interactive Selfie Station.
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS – THE SANDLOT
Friday, September 21 / 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Corner Ballpark
Communities First, Inc presents Movies Under The Stars in Corktown in partnership with Detroit PAL to bring a night of memories for Detroit families! Bring the entire family. to enjoy the pre-party which includes lawn games, dance party, bounce houses and top off the evening at dusk with the classic The Sandlot on a 30ft movie screen! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. We wiil have free popcorn and snacks for the first 1,000 and other great giveaways!
Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23
@ Downtown Ferndale
The Funky Ferndale Art Fair is takes over Nine Mile Road west of Woodward Avenue and is lined with amazing art, displays, food and vendors fun for all ages.
Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23
@ Romulus Historical Park
The annual Pumpkin Festival is a 3-day event that starts with a night parade where everything is lighted from bicycles to cement trucks. Thousands of people line Goddard Road to wait for the fun. Our street festival offers wonderful music, food, crafts and games for all ages. You can enter a pumpkin rolling, pumpkin pie eating or a pumpkin seed-spitting contest. Visit or enter our Classic Car Show, our classic Tractor Show or just relax and listen to music.
EVENING SHUTTLE RIDE & CAMPFIRE
Friday, September 21 / 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@ Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown
Come out for an evening adventure as we tour Lake St. Clare Metropark on the shuttle. Enjoy s’mores at the campfire after the tour.
Saturday, September 22 / 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Allen Park
Hey kids! Come take the driver’s seat in real-life trucks and cool vehicles! Climbing, touching, and exploring encouraged! Siren free hour 11:00-12:00 for kids who might find the horns overwhelming.
Saturday, September 22 – Sunday, September 23
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, Erie
The apples are ripe for picking and the corn maze and pony and hayrides are going for all. There is also a magic show on Sunday September 23 for the children 1-5pm.
Saturday, September 22 / 11:00 am – Monday, September 24 / 11:00 pm
@ Downtown Ferndale
The 10th annual DIY Street Fair returns on September 22-24th with food, art, music and fun for the whole family! Kid Zone includes Make and Take Crafts, an invention and innovation space, creative pop-ups and workshops, bounce house, inflatable obstacle courses and kids open jam!
Saturday, September 22 / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
@ Macomb Corners Park
Enjoy a great day of fun for the whole family! There will be plenty of things on hand for you to do and keep busy such as music in the park, farmers market, free raffles, vintage baseball game, family fun run, inflatables, 70 foot obstacle course, good, and more!
Saturday, September 22 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Nankin Mills Recreation Center, Westland
Join us to experience the culture of Michigan’s First People with drumming circles, dancers in their beautiful regalia, native crafts and food. Bring your own lawn chairs as seats are limited.
THE BEST OF 2018 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 22 / 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Detroit Film Theatre
Kid Flicks features audience favorites and award-winners from the 2018 New York International Children’s Film Festival, the largest film festival for kids and teens in North America. Each year, NYICFF scours the globe for the best new films from around the world. Find your story in films that encourage exploration, empathy, learning, and, of course, tons of fun!
Sunday, September 23
ALL DAY
@ Michigan Science Center
Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Participating Museums:
- Michigan Science Center
- Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
- Cranbrook Art Museum
- Meadow Brook Hall
- Plymouth Historical Museum
- Anton Art Center
- Yankee Air Museum & More!
Sunday, September 23 / 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Bloomer Park, Rochester
Join us for a great time rain or shine!!! Enjoy a day with your family at Kidsfest Rochester Hills on Sunday, September 23rd where kids will be celebrated from 12 noon to 5:00 pm. This exciting, fun-filled day will take place at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills.
FOUR FEET DOWN THE TRAIL- THE FOUR FOOT APPLE FESTIVAL
Monday, September 24 / 9:30 am – 11:00 am
@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester
We love the fall because one of our favorite snacks becomes available; apples! Join us as we paint with apples, snack no apples and even go on an apple scavenger hunt. This popular program is designed to be a special time for preschoolers ages 2-4 and their parent, grandparent or caregiver.
Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, Erie
The pumpkin fields are open for picking. Come and get the biggest and best. Apple picking is great this weekend. We have entertainment, a corn maze, pony and hay rides and crafters on site.
Saturday, September 29 / 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
@ Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Knowing about food is one of the most deeply rooted ways of understanding American history. In Greenfield Village, we share countless food stories, from the sowing of seeds to the setting of tables. Learn to make seasonal recipes from simple, freshly harvested ingredients prepared in the kitchen of our historic homes and farms.
Saturday, September 29 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Oakwoods Metropark
Enjoy a leisurely hayride as we point out some of the awesome autumn happenings within the park. We will make a pit-stop for cider and donuts.
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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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