Take advantage of your weekends and plan something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Explore somewhere different, take a class or enjoy a local festival. Here’s our top picks for what to do and where to go this weekend!

ALL WEEKEND

ANN ARBOR ART FAIR

Thursday, July 19 – Sunday, July 22

@ Downtown Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan’s finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. Come experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales.

FARMINGTON FOUNDERS FESTIVAL

Friday, July 20 – Sunday, July 22

@ Shiawassee Park, Farmington

Guests enjoy a long weekend of music, food and fun activities geared for all ages, including the kid’s performance stage featuring kids educational and music entertainment.  At night, families will gather for Movies Under the Stars and Light the Night, a spectacular event featuring hot air balloons.

FRIDAY

MEET BLACK PANTHER

Friday, July 20 / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm + 4:00pm – 7:00pm

@ Oakland Mall, Troy

The Black Panther will be in center court between 11am – 1pm and then again from 4pm – 7pm. He will be taking brief breaks every 20 – 30 minutes. We do our very best to keep the line moving to be sure everyone gets a chance to meet Black Panther.

FOUR FEET DOWN THE TRAIL

Friday, July 20 / 9:30 am – 11:00 am

@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Hills

This popular program is designed to be a special time exploring the great outdoors for preschoolers ages 2-4 and their parent, grandparent or caregiver.

NATURE TOTS

Friday, July 20 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

@ 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!

READING AND RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT

Friday, July 20 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@ Detroit Riverfront

Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront (R3) is the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s unique, interactive early literacy program that includes live children’s entertainment, hear a story read aloud and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the lovely Cullen Family Carousel.

KIDS NIGHT OUT – LIVONIA

Friday, July 20 / 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

@ Livonia Community Recreation Center

Parents, enjoy a night to yourselves while we provide food and entertainment for your children. Kids will have a blast in the leisure pool, eating pizza & pop, rock climbing, playing board and video games and watching a movie.

FAMILY FIELD DAY

Friday, July 20 / 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

@ Montibeller Park, Ann Arbor

Families, bring your competitive spirit! Win prizes for top scores in fun games like a potato sack race, egg race, home run derby, and many more! Light dinner will be served including grilled hot dogs.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – THE EMOJI MOVIE

Friday, July 20 / 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

@ The Village of Rochester Hills

Our second movie of the season, The Emoji Movie was a favorite by many kids this past year. There will be lots of fun activities for the kids (learn more in the conversation below), FREE popcorn, giveaways and even chances to win!

KID’S NIGHT AT THE NATURE CENTER!

Friday, July 20 / 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Farmington Hills Nature Center

Need an evening out without the kids? Drop of the kids for some fun at the Farmington Hills Nature Center. This incredible evening is filled with fun nature activities, outdoor games, night hike, live animals and roasting marshmallows around a campfire!

BIRMINGHAM MOVIE NIGHT – BACK TO THE FUTURE

Friday, July 20 / 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

@ Booth Park, Birmingham

Join us for another season of family-friendly films under the stars!

PREMIERE OF CHANNEL MAGNIFICENT LIVE!

Friday, July 20 / 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

@ Acting Out Kids Community Theatre, Clawson

Please join us for the premiere of our spring episode of Channel Magnificent Live! A reception will immediately follow. This is a free event for kids and families, so please join us for a fun Friday night out and see what we are all about!

SATURDAY

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3 – AUTISM SENSORY VIEWING

Saturday, July 21 / 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

@ Emagine Theatre, multiple locations

Come join us for the “Autism Friendly Films” program at Emagine. This Autism & Special Needs friendly program is a partnership between Emagine and Centria Autism to make going to the movies a more enjoyable and accessible experience for families, children, and teens on the Autism spectrum. Autism Friendly means means sensory friendly (lights up a bit, sound down a bit), if your child needs to get up, move, dance, sing, no problem and if your child has food allergies or is a picky eater you’re welcome to bring your own “safe” snack for them.

NATURE TOTS

Saturday, July 21 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

@ 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!

LITTLE SCIENTISTS CLUB

Saturday, July 21 / 10:30 am – 11:30 am

@ Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

Encourage your child’s natural drive for discovery through our Little Scientist Club. Our youngest visitors will explore their sense of wonder about the world through observation and hands-on activities, science-themed stories, and much more.

GET HOOKED ON FISHING!

Saturday, July 21 / 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

@ Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

We’ll provide equipment, bait and instruction, including information about Michigan fish and where to catch them. A fishing license is required for anyone age 17 or older. Catch and release only. Only guests of the OAC may participate in this activity.

ART & MOVEMENT: DROP-IN

Saturday, July 21 / 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

@ N’Namdi Movement Center, Detroit

“Art & Movement” is a combo creative movement and art class, introducing lil dumplins to movement and music dynamics, improvisation and visual art methods, encouraging self-confidence, body awareness and focus.

INCREDIBLE INDIA

Saturday, July 21 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@ BohoModern Studio, Detroit

Experience Incredible India! We’ll create jar terrariums featuring important cultural artifacts and landmarks, get henna tattoos, practice yoga, and enjoy an authentic Indian drink and snack! This event is designed for children ages 4-12 years old.

THE KITCHEN CREW COOKING CLASS – SUMMER CARNIVAL FARE

Saturday, July 21 / 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

@ Brightmoor Artisans Collective, Detroit

Everyone loves a carnival…especially the food! This class will feature food typically found at a carnival, but made our way.

OPEN STREETS

Saturday, July 21 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@ Rouge Park

Open Streets Detroit is a free, safe and inclusive event that brings Detroiters together in the streets by providing opportunities for fitness, recreation and community building along city streets. Open Streets Detroit includes complementary programming at locations along the route featuring a wide variety of organizations.

BABY PLAY

Saturday, July 21 / 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

@ Rochester Hills Public Library

Dress your little one up in swimwear and come enjoy some water play, a book, and some songs in small pools outside the library.

KID’S NIGHT OUT

Saturday, July 21 / 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

@ The Robot Garage, Rochester Hills

Register to bring your kids to The Robot Garage for a Kid’s Night Out and they will LOVE that you’re leaving them behind for a night to yourself. Our amazing staff will lead LEGO and robotic activities for ages K-8.

SUNDAY

KIDS OPEN STUDIO

Sunday, July 22 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@ BohoModern Studio, Detroit

Join for Kids Open Studio, every Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Kids and parents will have access to paper, scraps, markers, crayons, glue, and other art supplies to freely create! Kids of all ages welcome.

FREE DAY AT THE FLINT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Sunday, July 22 / 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@ Flint Children’s Museum

Sunday, July 22 is a FREE DAY! Admission is FREE for EVERYONE from 12-5pm.

DETROIT TIGERS V BOSTON RED SOX

Sunday, July 22 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@ Comerica Park, Detroit

Sunday is Family Day at Comerica Park! Kids 14 and under can ride the carousel and Ferris wheel for free! 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.

FAMILY FUN DAY @ BEACON PARK

Sunday, July 22 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@ Beacon Park, Detroit

Sundays equal Family Fun Days at Beacon Park! This wildly popular program offers four hours of free, themed activities for all ages. From putt putt golf and face painting, to inflatables and crafts, the options are endless.

BASE BALL 1867 STYLE

Sunday, July 22 / 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

@ Greenfield Village, Dearborn

Take your peanuts and Cracker Jack to 1867 as the Greenfield Village Lah-De-Dahs play by early base ball rules. No gloves and no Major League contracts. Live music on select days.

KIDS’ LAB: PLAYFUL POLYMERS

Sunday, July 22 / 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

@ Michigan Science Center, Detroit

Slippery, ooey and gooey… Oh My! Visit our Centennial Lab to explore how polymers behave using some common household ingredients. Your slimey creation is yours to keep.

ARTIST DEMO: ELLEN RUTT

Sunday, July 22 / 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@ Detroit Institute of Arts

Known for her bold, energetic mixed-media paintings, murals, and wearables, local artist Ellen Rutt invites participants to help her create an installation of shapes and colors.

For MORE EVENTS happening this weekend, please check out our full EVENT CALENDAR!

Summer is HERE! Check out these ideas for how to enjoy the long days and warm nights.

• 5 Beaches the Kids Will Love in Metro Detroit
• Family Guide to Free Outdoor Movies in Metro Detroit
• Guide to Metro Detroit Farmers Markets, Splash Parks + Waterparks

Photo credit: Facebook

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