Top things to do with KIDS this weekend: August 16-18
The countdown is on! Make the most of summer vacation and hit the town this weekend!
ALL WEEKEND
FINAL WEEKEND
@ Michigan Science Center, Detroit
Enjoy Summer of Science & DEPTH with FREE general admission to the Michigan Science Center June 8th – August 17th.
THEATRE IN THE PARK: DREAMGIRLS
August 14-18
@ New Center Park, Detroit
The Detroit Actors Theatre Company presents a FREE presentation of DREAMGIRLS is a show about a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. Act One is set in the fabulous sixties — a time when we were still screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles, but were dancing to the new beat of countless girl and boy groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Shirelles.
August 15 – September 2
@ SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills
From August 15th to September 2nd (Thursdays through Sundays only), mermaids will perform underwater next to sharks, sea turtles and thousands of tropical fish to amaze visitors of all ages. Then, meet a mermaid “face to fin” at a magical photo op!
August 15-17
@ Downtown Ferndale
Head to downtown Ferndale and enjoy 3 days of family-fun events. The Kids Play Zone and live music will be happening each day in addition to classics and cruis’n legend vehicle show, The Goonies On the Big Screen, Emergency Vehicle Show and Mustang Alley.
August 16 & 17
@ Downtown Pontiac
Part of the 25th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise. The event takes place Friday August 16th and Saturday August 18th in Downtown Pontiac. Thousands of classic cars “Cruise the Loop” around Downtown Pontiac. Classic Cars are parked throughout the downtown area.
August 16 & 17
@ Downtown Pontiac
Official Woodward Dream Cruise Merchandise Tent, Vendors and Food Court. WOMC Broadcast Tower @ 13 Mile Rd & Woodward & Family Zone in the Park.
August 16-18
@ Redford Theatre, Detroit
This musical is about a unique 5 year old girl with a unique gift of telekinesis. She loves reading, school, and overcoming obstacles. See the famous book brought to life! Performed by the Young Professionals Youth Theatre and produced by the Redford Theatre.
August 16 & 17
@ Proud Lake Recreation, Area, Commerce Township
The weekend is a perfect chance for you to become even more inspired about your life. We offer over 40 authentic and masterful teachers guiding you deeply into realms that include everything from yoga to art classes, from parenting to sacred sexuality. This is an opportunity for you to learn and to unlearn. Witness your whole being shift while you reawaken your inner nature in the woods. Come enjoy Michigan at summer’s peak; we will have stand up paddle boarding (SUP), swimming, nature trails, fireflies, bonfires, music, and so many stars for your enjoyment.
August 16-18
@ Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit
The Wright Museum is proud to continue its 37-year legacy of hosting the city’s largest celebration of African diasporic culture from Friday, August 16th through Sunday, August 18th. Each day from 11 AM to 11 PM, AWF will feature several stages of entertainment, more than 125 marketplace vendors, crowd-pleasing ethnic foods, visual arts, master crafts exhibitions, live demonstrations and so much more.
August 16-18
@ Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint
Day Out With Thomas™ is an annual event that offers children and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with Thomas, the No. 1 blue engine, and enjoy a day of fun filled Thomas & Friends™ themed activities. Meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway, and enjoy crafts, story telling, videos, train play tables, coloring, temporary tattoos, special guest Bob the Builder and much more! Join us for a train ride behind Thomas, departing every hour, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 10:00AM through 3:00PM each day of the event.
August 16-18
@ Downtown Howell
Come out to the 59th Annual Howell Melon Festival! Along with enjoying tasty Howell melons, there will be music, food, activities, inflatables, entertainment, and more!
August 16-18
@ COBO Center, Detroit
Michigan Comic Convention is a comic book convention located in Detroit, Michigan, at the Cobo Center. Featured are exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. In addition, a roster of comic industry professionals, and comicdom-related celebrities are in attendance for attendees to meet and greet. As admission is kept reasonable for adults and FREE for children, the Michigan Comic Convention is a family-friendly convention.
August 16-18
@ Birch Run Speedway
The Monster Truck Throwdown is coming to the Birch Run Speedway & Event Center from Friday, August 16 to Sunday, August 18! Don’t miss out on this awesome show!
August 16 & 17
@ 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.
NOW THAT I CAN DANCE – MOTOWN 1962
August 16-18
@ Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, in cooperation with the Motown Museum, returns to the DIA with Now That I Can Dance – Motown 1962 in celebration of Motown’s 60th anniversary. Mosaic takes it back to where it all started for this hit musical about Motown’s early days, when most of its future stars were teenagers.
August 17 & 18
@ Michigan Renaissance Festival Grounds, Holly
Take a time-travel adventure into the 16th century at the annual Michigan Renaissance Festival! Join our Queen Elizabeth in a jubilee! Inside our turreted gates, visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of a 17-acre village, complete with building reproductions of Renaissance shops, taverns and a magnificent castle. 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!
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER: NINJAGO DAYS
July 20 – September 2
@ Legoland, Auburn Hills
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan wants families to discover their radical powers at NINJAGO Event Days Saturday, July 20 to Monday, Sept. 2. Based on The LEGO NINJAGO Movie, the event days will have several activities for kids and parents to hone their skills to become a master NINJAGO warrior.
March 15 – September 1
@ Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills
The temporary Doom of the Dinosaurs exhibition allows visitors to view the impressive fossil casts of the last known dinosaurs to roam Earth, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Edmontosaurus.
FRIDAY
Friday, August 16
@ Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown
Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration and wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme.
Friday, August 16 / 10:00am – 12:00pm
@ Sky Zone, Brighton
We all scream for ice cream! Join us for a super sweet Toddler Time on August 15th, 16th, and 18th. All jumpers will receive one free ice cream cup from our Fuel Zone during their visit.
READING AND RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT
Friday, August 16 / 11:00am – 2:00pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront provides children from southeast Michigan an opportunity to see live children’s entertainment, hear a story read by a local community leader and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the lovely Cullen Family Carousel. The 2019 program will run with sessions taking place on Thursdays and Fridays at 11 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:15 PM.
Friday, August 16 / 12:00pm – 6:00pm
@ John Kessey Fieldhouse, Melvindale
Over 7 Giant Water Slides will be set up! Play all day for $18! Food will be available for purchase. Shaded area and picnic tables for parents. Don’t miss out on the FUN!
Friday, August 16 / 5:00pm – 11:00pm
@ Kennedy Aquatic Center, Trenton
Join your friends and family at the Kennedy Aquatic Center for a fun and memorable experience! Our Dive-In Movie Nights are family friendly and provide patrons the opportunity to swim while watching a movie on the big screen!
Friday, August 16 / 6:30pm – 9:00pm
@ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Each Family Fun Night will include a hike through the Zoo, hands-on-activities, a snack, and an opportunity to meet Zoo staff. These experiences will be suitable for all those older than 5 years of age. Programs run from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This month, waddle on over to explore the wonderful world of penguins!
Friday, August 16 / 6:30pm – 8:00pm
@ Goldfish Swim School, Rochester/Farmington Hills/Canton
Join us for Family Night Out from 6:30-8:00 pm! We will have crafts, food, open swim and, raffles!
Friday, August 16 / 7:00pm – 10:30pm
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
There will be lots of fun activities for the kids, FREE popcorn, giveaways, chances to win!
Friday, August 16 / 7:00pm – 8:00pm
@ Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor
Join us for a fun Family Night Out – Swimming, Activities and snacks!
MOVIES IN THE PARK: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
Friday, August 16 / 8:30pm – 11:00pm
@ Wagner Park, Dearborn
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and settle in for a fun night at the park. Movies begin after dusk, so please plan to arrive at 8:30 p.m. to pick your spot, with the movie to begin as soon as the night sky allows.
SATURDAY
Saturday, August 10 / 9:00am – 3:30pm
@ Nankin Mills, Westland
Six miles of Hines Drive (from Outer Drive to Ann Arbor Trail) will be closed to traffic every Saturday for the public of all ages to run, walk, skate, or cycle safely. Parking is available at the Helms Haven and Nankin Mills picnic areas.
Saturday, August 17 / 8:30am – 9:30am
@ Garden City Park
The Birmingham Cruise Event is located on South Old Woodward from Maple to Lincoln. It features 300 classic cars of all makes and models, live entertainment, live broadcasts and more.
Saturday, August 17 / 9:00am – 4:00pm
@ Birmingham
The Birmingham Cruise Event is located on South Old Woodward from Maple to Lincoln. It features 300 classic cars of all makes and models, live entertainment, live broadcasts and more.
Saturday, August 17 / 11:00am – 3:00pm
@ Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit
The Nature Center buzzes with excitement the third Saturday of August in celebration of National Honey Bee Day. This annual event focuses on the critical role of bees in our ecosystem and features beekeeper talks, music, crafts, demonstrations on how to plant and maintain a bee-friendly garden, and a bee costume parade for children.
Saturday, August 17 / 11:00am – 2:00pm
@ Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex
Come tinker, experiment, and create alongside local makers of all ages during a fun day of exploring creativity through art and design.
Saturday, August 17 / 12:00pm – 1:30pm
@ Steffens Park, Fraser
Grab your super soaker and some water balloons and come out to Steffens Park to join in the fun! We will have water games scheduled and water balloon stations for filling. This is a free event. Don’t forget your towel!
Saturday, August 17 / 2:00pm
@ Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center, New Boston
Learn the old-timey art of using ice, salt and tin cans to make ice cream. This simple technique is a fun way to get the kids working at your next family camping trip or evening in the backyard.
Saturday, August 17 / 5:30pm – 10:30pm
@ Franklin Athletic Club, Southfield
Join us for a night of fun in the sun! Enjoy a night of swimming, pizza, and water games as we celebrate the summer. We will end the night with a movie and snack. Bring a bathing suit, towel and spray sunscreen.
Saturday, August 17 / 6:00pm – 10:00pm
@ Inkster Park, Inkster
On Saturday, Aug. 17 residents and families are invited to attend a street festival along Inkster Road between Michigan Avenue and Avondale. The street festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and features food trucks, pony rides, carnival games and as well as a backpack giveaway by the Inkster Task Force. The free concert, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. will feature numerous musical guests, including co-host J Reed, a socially minded, mission driven rapper from Inkster.
DETROIT CITY FOOTBALL CLUB HOME GAME
Saturday, August 17 / 7:30pm – 10:00pm
@ Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck
Tonight the Detoit City Football Club takes on the Chattanooga Team at Keyworth Stadium!
Saturday, August 17 / 8:30pm – 11:30pm
@ Fuller Park Pool, Ann Arbor
Bring your own inner tube and float in the pool as you enjoy a family friendly movie.
SUNDAY
FREE ADMISSION – NATIONAL AVIATION DAY
Sunday, August 18 / 9:00am – 5:00pm
@ The Henry Ford, Dearborn
Celebrate National Aviation Day with us by enjoying free museum admission, including free admission to the limited-engagement exhibit Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds, parking and activities, thanks to the generosity of Delta Air Lines.
Sunday, August 18 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@Joy Blvd. Park, Clinton Township
Take a train ride with the Michigan Transit Museum.
Sunday, August 18 / 1:00pm – 5:00pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Think make/take activities, lawn games, inflatables, face painting, crafts and much more! There will be food trucks available and Lumen Detroit will be open during the event for food and drink too!
GOAL LINE BACK TO SCHOOL RALLY
Sunday, August 18 / 2:00pm – 5:00pm
@ Northwest Activities Center, Detroit
GOAL Line offers bus service and afterschool programming for students attending 14 great partner schools in Northwest Detroit. Learn more about the schools, pick up school supplies and party in bounce houses at the Northwest Activities Center – rain or shine!
GO TO A BALL GAME
For MORE EVENTS happening this weekend, please check out our full EVENT CALENDAR!
Find Summer Favorites HERE! Check out these ideas for more fun:
- 5 Things To Do In Metro Detroit Before School Starts
- 10 Things To Do With Kids In August
- Know Before You Go: Blake Farms
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About Carrie Budzinski
Carrie Budzinski is the Vice President of LittleGuide Detroit. She grew up in Livonia and Detroit and continues to live life in both cities. Carrie loves exploring the city and finding hidden gems in the suburbs..
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