Top things to do with KIDS this weekend: April 5-7
Start making plans for the weekend! There are LOTS of fun things to do around town!
ALL WEEKEND
PREVIEW DAYS! PEPPA PIG WORLD OF PLAY
Wednesday, March 27 – Monday, April 8
@ Peppa Pig World of Play, Auburn Hills
Come on out to Auburn Hills and gain an exclusive first-look at the BRAND NEW attraction before the official Grand Opening! Explore the world of 14 themed areas lovingly created for you and your family!
Thursday, April – Sunday, April 7
@ Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills
Could human activity resulting in unchecked global warming, ecosystem destruction, and rampant pollution be the cause? Might events like another asteroid impact or a super volcano eruption hasten the collapse of life even further? Join us in our newest exhibit Doom of the Dinosaurs: Are We Next? to learn the facts, see the evidence, and decide for yourself.
Friday, March 1 – Sunday, April 14
@ Downtown Detroit
The Beach Detroit reimagines the familiar natural and cultural elements of a day at the beach to create an unexpected and memorable experience for people of all ages. Visitors ascend a ramp before entering an all-white enclosure, where the floor descends towards the highlight of the experience – an ocean of recyclable, antimicrobial plastic balls.
Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7
@ Wolcott Mill Farm Center, Ray
This is an opportunity for you to get up close to the various baby animals at the farm. An animal handler will be in each barn to help you pet the baby animals. Visit each barn at your leisure, take pictures and ask questions. Petting baby farm animals is fun for everyone!
Friday, April 5 & Saturday, April 6
@ Pierce Auditorium, Grosse Pointe Park
Shrek the Musical is a tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
VISIT THE EASTER BUNNY AT OAKLAND MALL
April 5 – April 20
@ Oakland Mall, Troy
The Easter Bunny is ready for spring! Visit him in the magical garden in Oakland Mall’s Center Court. Visits are free, but if you wish to take a picture you must purchase a package.
FRIDAY
Friday, April 5 / 9:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Detroit Waldorf Academy, Detroit
The Bunny Parent-Child Program provides the opportunity for children ages 3-30 months (3 months – 2.5 years by session start date) to come together with their beloved caregiver in an environment that is safe, developmentally appropriate and emotionally nurturing.
Friday, April 5 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Urban Air Adventure Park, Oxford
Jumperoo is a special time where the park is open only for children 5 & under! We open up the entire Park just for the little ones and their parents. They can jump, bounce and crawl around safely.
Friday, April 5 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Nature’s Playhouse, Ferndale
Come on out to Nature’s Playhouse for a non-toxic yesteryear open playtime experience with their all-natural play environment. Enjoy spending time with other families at a relaxed unstructured pace. All ages are welcomed!
Friday, April 5 / 10:30 am – 12:o0 pm
@ Detroit Public Library Main Branch
Come to Detroit Public Library Main Branch for preschool story time from 10:30am-11:00am. After the story, enjoy play time and a snack from 11:00am-12:00pm.
Friday, April / 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ St. Claire Shores Public Library
The Youth Services Department’s “do-it-yourself crafts” are a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind craft. On craft days, drop in during any of the listed times to find all of the supplies and directions needed to create a simple, yet memorable craft. All children age three and up are welcome to attend. An adult who can help with scissors and glue must accompany young children to these free events.
TROY GYMNASTICS PRE K OPEN GYM
Friday, April 5 / 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm; 4:30pm-7:30pm
@ Troy Gymnastics
Come on out to Troy Gymnastics for open gym! Kids 12 months through 5 years are invited to come tumble around for a few hours. If it’s your first time going, it’s absolutely free! This event is held in TG2.
ARAB AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM’S BOOK + PRINT FEST
Friday, April 5 / 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
@ Arab American National Museum, Dearborn
Come on out to the Arab American National Museum for their second annual Book + Print Fest! This year’s event features a curated selection by Noura Ballout of vendors offering books, prints and other merchandise, along with on-site screen-printing, artist workshops and live DJs.
Friday, April 5 / 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills
Courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation, the Institute of Science is free after 5pm the first Friday of each month. Come on out for a free evening of science fun!
Friday, April 5 / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Clarkston Independence Public Library
Do you like to make forts? Eat s’mores? Scary (kinda) stories around the campfire? Then tonight is for you! Come on out to Clarkston Independence Public Library for an after-hours fun-filled hour and a half of activities! Bring your blankets and you will be able to build a fort out on the library floor (in the dark!) and read with your family!
Friday, April 5 / 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Detroit Mama Hub, Detroit
Enjoy a low-key night out with other mamas the first Friday of every month! Build new friendships while enjoying a kid-free evening in a space where you can laugh, unwind, and let your hair down with moms who get it. Wine, refreshments, and light snacks are provided.
SATURDAY
Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Oakwoods Metropark, Flat Rock
This monthly nature series for young children is themed from books by author Lois Ehlert. This month’s theme is based off the “Planting a Rainbow” book. Join us to learn about colors and flowers as we explore outside. Dress for the weather!
EXPLORER’S CLUB: FROGS & TOADS
Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am – 11:00 am
@ Oakwoods Metropark, Flat Rock
Come on out to Oakwoods Nature Center and take a journey outside to hike for Spring frogs and toads. Learn how to identify frogs and toads, what makes them special and more!
Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am – 11:30 am
@ Matthaei Botanical Garden, Ann Arbor
Seeds are a mystery; how does a tiny seed grow into a big tomato plant? Now is the time to start seedlings which can be transplanted when the weather is warm. Explore the lifecycle of plants from flower to seedling and plant seeds to grow at home.
Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
@ Van Buren Township Parks and Recreation
Take a break and just create! 10:00 am – 11:00 am! Drop-in first Saturday of the month to make an awesome craft!
Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Motivate your kids to be the next great inventors or entrepreneurs with stories of past and present-day change makers at this weekly program in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Explore the innovations — big and small — that make the world what it is today, and learn by doing with hands-on, minds-on activities!
Saturday, April 6 / 10:30 am – 11:30 am
@ Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit
Join the Detroit Zoological Society for monthly hikes on Belle Isle as we explore the natural beauty of the island!
Saturday, March 30 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Sterling Heights Nature Center
This is your opportunity to learn more about archery and our upcoming Spring/Summer classes. Come in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to experience archery hands on. This events is for kids 8 years old and older!
Saturday, April 6 / 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
@ Detroit Mama Hub, Detroit
Come on out to Detroit Mama Hun for a bilingual story time featuring tales in Spanish and English from around the world. Babes from 0-4 years are invited to come sing, learn, and play! Siblings may attend as guests, and all children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver — mamas, papas, sitters, and other family members welcome!
REDFORD MODEL RAILROAD CLUB OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, April 6 / 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Redford Model Railroad Club, Inkster
Come on out to the Redford Model Railroad Club for their open house! View various phases of continuous layout construction as well as a variety of locomotives, cars and advertising train and more! This is a FREE event, but donations are always welcomed!
Saturday, April 6 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
Wildflowers are blooming, insects are stirring and trees are blossoming – it must be spring! Bring your boots and come wander the trails with us in search of the signs of spring at the nature center. We’ll show you show you how some of our local animals celebrate the end of winter.
Saturday, April 6 / 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
@ Macomb Township Parks & Recreation
Do you think you can build the strongest and most agile robot? Can your robot win a head-to-head combat mission? Come learn engineering strategies for building sturdy structures using LEGO® bricks and then apply that knowledge to build a robot for friendly competition. You’ll have a blast as you play robot football and complete the hoop challenge in this fun robotics program.
DETROIT ROLLER DERBY HOME GAME
Saturday, April 6 / 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Masonic Temple, Detroit
Head on over to the Masonic Temple to see Michigan’s premier roller derby league! Don’t miss seeing the Detroit Junior Roller Derby team play as well as the Allstars Game!
TROY GYMNASTICS TEEN NIGHT OUT
Saturday, April 6 / 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Troy Gymnastics
Come on out to Troy Gymnastics where the BIG kids take over the BIG Gym! Teens can explore the gym from the floor to the ceiling.
TROY GYMNASTICS KIDS NIGHT OUT
Saturday, April 6 / 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
@ Troy Gymnastics, Troy
Kids can tumble, jump & play while their parents are away! Shop, dine, or catch a movie while your child is supervised in a safe environment and meeting new friends!
Saturday, April 6 / 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Oakwoods Metropark, Flat Rock
Bog-sucker and Timberdoodle are just some of the names that refer to the quirky little bird known as the American Woodcock. Join us for a quick indoor overview of the Woodcock, followed by a trip outdoors to witness the calls and dance of the male. Wear waterproof shoes….they are called “bog-suckers” after all!
Saturday, April 6 / 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
@ The Detroit Opera House, Detroit
The classic Brothers Grimm fairytale like you’ve never seen it before! With award-winning puppetry by Basil Twist, audiences enjoy a lavish production featuring flying angels, dancing gingerbread and a larger-than-life witch. And Humperdinck’s rich, lyrical score complete’s the magic!
SUNDAY
TROY GYMNASTICS ALL AGES OPEN GYM
Sunday, April 7 / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; 6:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Troy Gymnastics
Come on out to Troy Gymnastics for open gym! Kids 12 months through 23 years are invited to come tumble around for a few hours. If it’s your first time going, it’s absolutely free! This event is held in TG3.
Sunday, April 7 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Nature’s Playhouse, Ferndale
Drop on in to Nature’s Playhouse for a non-toxic yesteryear open playtime experience with their all-natural play environment. Enjoy spending time with other families at a relaxed unstructured pace.
Sunday, April 7 / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Comerica Park, Detroit
Sunday is Family Day at Comerica Park! Kids 14 and under can ride the carousel and ferris wheel for free! And, after most games, kids are also able get in on the action and run the bases. There’s no additional cost, all you have to do is line up under the scoreboard in left field. Head downtown for a home game and watch the Tigers take on the Royals and White Sox in April!
Sunday, April 6 / 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
@ Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor
Come on out to the Michigan Theatre and watch the classic book character, Junie B. Jone, come to life! You kiddos can sing and dance along with Junie while she goes through the ups and downs of first grade!
Sunday, April 7 / 4:00pm – 6:30pm
@ Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Get ready for some DEEEETROIT Basketball! Cheer on Griffin, Drummond and the rest of the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena as they take on the Charlotte Hornets!
For MORE EVENTS happening this weekend, please check out our full EVENT CALENDAR!
Find Spring Favorites HERE! Check out these ideas for how to enjoy these showery days.
- Free Family-Friendly Events in Metro Detroit In April
- Metro Detroit Guide to Family-Friendly Easter Events
Photo credit: Facebook
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About Katie Cramtom
Katie Cramton is a recent graduate of University of Michigan-Dearborn and contributing writer for Little Guide Detroit. Born in Flat Rock, she is no stranger to the Metro=Detroit area. She loves spending her time with her friends and family, as well as exploring Downtown Detroit.
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