Top things to do with KIDS this weekend: July 26-28

Boy at waterpark being hit with icy cold water

Hard to believe it’s already the final weekend of July, make the most of summer vacation and hit the town!

ALL WEEKEND

SUMMER OF SCIENCE

Every day (except Monday)

@ Michigan Science Center, Detroit

Enjoy Summer of Science & DEPTH with FREE general admission to the Michigan Science Center June 8th – August 17th.

STERLINGFEST

July 25 – July 27

@ Dodge Park, Sterling Heights

Renowned as one of Michigan’s best-run and best-attended family festivals, the Sterlingfest is full of music, art and culinary experiences for the entire family. There will be some visits from Roscoe the Clown as well.

FOWLERVILLE FAMILY FAIR

July 26 – July 27

@ Fowlerville Fair Grounds, Fowlerville

From riding rides to watching live animal shows, there is something for everyone!

ST. CLAIR RIVERFEST

July 26 – July 28

@ Palmer Park, St. Clair

St. Clair Riverfest attracts all ages with the wide variety of activities. FREE concerts on Friday & Saturday, great food, vendors, and of course the boat races ending the festival on Sunday!

MICHIGAN MADE FEST

July 26 – July 28

@ Canterbury Village, Orion Charter Township

Displaying the best Crafts, Beers, food, Shopping, and Music Festival. The festival attracts over 10,000 people for three days of fun and shopping.

MAKER FAIRE DETROIT

July 27 – July 28

@ Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn

Encounter creativity everywhere you look, from robotics and animatronics to flaming carnival games, marshmallow shooters, mechanical wizardry and more. DIYers, engineers and artists — meet your tribes through demonstrations, hands-on workshops and spontaneous spectacles. Don’t forget to wear your thinking caps!

MELVINDALE STREET FAIR

July 27 – July 28

@ Downtown Melvindale

This family-fun event will feature local crafters & vendors, delicious food and live music!

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.

DOOM OF THE DINOSAURS

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

FAMILY SUMMER READING FAIR

Friday, July 26 / 10:30am – 12:30pm

@ Royal Oak Public Library, Royal Oak

All children who participate in the Summer Reading Program are invited to attend this outside event. Games, activities, professional face painting, the Chaos Obstacle Course and a Tropical Maze will be available.

DETROIT RED WINGS STREET HOCKEY SUMMER TOUR

Friday, July 26 / 10:30am – 3:00pm

@ Meijer, Jackson

The Red Wings will travel around the state of Michigan to take over Meijer parking lots to host FREE street hockey clinics for kids ages 7-12. Whether your child currently plays on a hockey team or has never touched a stick, these clinics are open to children of all skill levels and hockey experience.

MAMA AND ME YOGA

Friday, July 26 / 11:00am – 12:00pm

@ Detroit Mama Hub, Detroit

This class is all about connection and having fun! Mamas will be lead through a restorative yoga flow while the littles look on, play, or participate. Each class will include a 30-minute yoga practice and end with a short song/storytime for the kids.

SOUTH LYON FIRE DEPARTMENT SPRAY PARK

Friday, July 26 / 11:00am – 12:00pm

@ South Lyon Fire Department, South Lyon

Kids will have the very rare opportunity to splash and play with heroes! The splashy fun will last 30-40 minutes! Don’t miss the fun and smiles that these tough heroes are sure to bring.

DINO DAY AT THE POOL

Friday, July 26 / 11:00am – 8:00pm

@ Troy Family Aquatic Center, Troy

Go back in time for some dino-sized fun. The Stage Nature Center will be helping host a Jurassic filled day at the pool. We will have samples of fossils and other dino-centered activities—maybe even spot a dinosaur!

FRIDAY NITES MUSIC FOODIE RALLIES

Friday, July 26 / 5:00pm – 10:00pm

@ Wagner Park, Dearborn

Take in the sights of summertime fun and enjoy the cuisine of local restaurants and food trucks, a craft beer garden, corn hole games, kids’ activities and more. The event is open to the public, and there is free parking available in public lots and decks.

TROY GYMNASTICS OPEN GYM

Friday, July 26 / 6:00pm – 7:30pm

@ Troy Gymnastics, Troy

Come on out to Troy Gymnastics for open gym! Kids 5 years through 23 years are invited to come tumble around for a few hours. If it’s your first time going, it’s absolutely free!

FRIDAY NIGHT GLOW BOUNCE

Friday, July 26 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm

@ Garden City Civic Arena

The rink will be decked out from end-to-end in bounce-houses, inflatables, games and more! Open to children ages 12 years and under.

MOVIES IN THE PARK

Friday, July 26 / 7:30pm – 10:30pm

@ Maybury State Park, Northville

Join us for an evening featuring the movie “Zootopia”. Oakland County’s Mobile Bounce House and activities start at 7:30 PM. Movie begins at dusk. No registration necessary.

MOVIES IN THE PARK: RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET

Friday, July 26 / 8:00pm – 11:00pm

@ New Center Park, Detroit

Bring your family, friends, a blanket or a chair and join us for our inaugural Movies in the Park Series! Doors open one hour prior to film start time. Films start at dusk. Sunset scheduled for: 9:00PM.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY MARKET

Saturday, July 27 / 6:00am – 4:00pm

@ Eastern Market, Detroit

Bustling with as many as 45,000 visitors in a day, the Saturday Market at Eastern Market is one of America’s most original destinations for fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and local art.

KID’S FISHING DAY

Saturday, July 27 / 9:00am – 1:00pm

@ Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Southfield

Join the Farmington Area Optimists Club as they host the annual Kid’s Fishing Day! Kids (and parents) will practice proper fishing techniques and enjoy catch and release fishing. Kids will receive their own rod and reel, tackle box and snacks, plus spend quality time outdoors! Parent supervision required.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK

Saturday, July 27 / 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.

PUBLIC CLEAN-UP BELLE ISLE

Saturday, July 27 / 9:30am – 12:00pm

@ Belle Isle State Park, Detroit

We are looking for volunteers of all ages to work on land, work in the water with the boats we provide (limited quantities -first come first serve) and bring their own boats (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, etc).

TOUCH A TRUCK AND FAMILY DAY

Saturday, July 27 / 10:30am – 2:00pm

@ Greenmead Historic Village, Livonia

School buses, mack trucks, helicoptors, farm equipment and more! Head to Greenmead to touch a truck and stick around for some sweet treats and village tours.

VINTAGE BASEBALL DAY

Saturday, July 27 / 11:00am

@ Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit

Come out and root for the team! Admission is free. Parking is free.

CELEBRATE OUR POLLINATORS: SAVING OUR MONARCHS WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Saturday, July 27 / 11:00am

@ DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

Join us for a short presentation on this beautiful black and orange butterfly, followed by a hike to Milliken State Park to conduct a monarch larva survey. Find out how you can help these important pollinators in your own backyard.

FAMILY DAY: LITTLE BUILDERS

Saturday, July 27 / 11:00am – 2:00pm

@ Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills

Drop in and explore with hands-on artmaking in the Art Lab! Explore architecture and design with our supersize Lego tubs! Teaching artists will be on hand to provide instruction and materials.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Saturday, July 27 / 11:00am – 4:00pm

@Maybury State Park, No

Enjoy this rare opportunity to visit with Santa while on summer vacation. Enjoy trackless train rides, crafts and more at our luau themed event!

KIDS YOGA ON THE ROOFTOP

Saturday, July 27 / 11:15am – 12:15pm

@ Citizen Yoga, Bloomfield

Kids Yoga will be fun and interactive! In doing yoga, kids get to exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and of course HAVE FUN! All on the rooftop.

MOTOWN ON THE RIVER

Saturday, July 27 /12:00pm – 8:00pm

@ Elizabeth Park, Westland

Bring your lawn chair and head down to Elizabeth Park for the sweet sounds of Motown for this free event! There will be food & beverage vendors selling a variety of delicious food and drinks.

BUILD A FAIRY HOUSE

Saturday, July 27 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm

@ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center, White Lake

Use your creativity to craft a unique fairy dwelling out of natural materials. This enchanted craft is perfect to put in your garden or on your front porch at home. Building materials will be provided. For ages 5 and up.

HIKING THE PAPER TRAIL

Saturday, July 27 / 2:00pm

@ DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

Join us as we hike through Milliken State Park with various stops and origami folds along the way, eventually creating an origami crane for you to take home. Each stop will introduce you to a native Michigan tree followed by a brief discussion of its historical, economic and wildlife significance to our region.

BIKE RIDE TO THE POLLINATOR GARDENS

Saturday, July 27 /2:30pm

@ DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Join us on a short tour of a 2-acre farm located in the historic Eastern Market District along the Dequindre Cut greenway. Guests will visit KGD’s greenhouse, where they grow native plants for partners across the city that are installing pollinator habitat and rain gardens that help manage stormwater runoff. They’ll also take guests through their vegetable production areas and perennial gardens.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: NINJAS

Saturday, July 27 /4:00pm – 8:00pm

@ Troy Community Center, Troy

Enjoy a night out while your children design a new dojo for Snapology made from LEGO® bricks and train their ninjas to battle with the best! (Pizza Included).

FAMILY NIGHT AT TROY AQUATIC CENTER

Saturday, July 27 / 5:00pm – 7:30pm

@ Troy Family Aquatic Center, Troy

Bring the whole family to this outdoor music festival on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Complex. There will be vendors, music, and food trucks!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT THE DETROIT ZOO

Saturday, July 27 / 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. July’s theme is Amazing Insects!

MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE D: MARY POPPINS RETURNS

Saturday, July 27 / 7:30pm – 10:00pm

@ Campus Martius Park, Detroit

Gather your friends and family and come enjoy award-winning films on the big screen right here in Campus Martius Park. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and snacks!

SUNDAY

BEEKEEPER FOR A DAY

Sunday, July 28 / 9:00am – 11:00am

@ Schulak Farm House, West Bloomfield

Join us as we explore the magical world of beekeeping with our friends at Bees In The D! Become a Beekeeper for the day! Discover how integral honey bees are to our food system, how pollination and honey go hand in hand, and how incredible these misunderstood creatures really are. You’ll have the opportunity to put on a beekeeping suit and get hands-on with the bees and learn how a hive works and thrives.

STORYTIME AT CRANBROOK

Sunday, July 28 / 11:00am – 12:00pm

@ Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills

Join Bloomfield Township librarians and Cranbrook Art Museum educators for storytime and self-guided observation activities in our current exhibitions! Content will be geared toward children ages 4–7, but all ages are welcome with an adult.

ARCHERY: TRY IT!

Sunday, July 28 / 12:15pm – 1:15pm

@ DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

This is your opportunity to give archery a try. This 30-minute session will cover the basic steps of shooting, allowing participants to learn how to stand, handle a bow and shoot several arrows. All equipment is provided. Ages 8 and up.

GEOCACHING 101

Sunday, July 28 / 1:00pm – 2:30pm

@ Farmington Nature Center, Farmington Hills

Bring technology and nature together with this international high-tech treasure hunting game! Involve the whole family in this beginner course to explore GPS technology and practice navigation by seeking hidden objects during an exciting outdoor scavenger hunt. GPS units provided. Ages 6 and up.

SUNDAY TRAIN RIDES

Sunday, July 28 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm

@Joy Blvd. Park, Clinton Township

Take a train ride with the Michigan Transit Museum.

THINGS WITH WINGS

Sunday, July 28 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm

@ Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor

This special annual event at Matthaei Botanical Gardens includes the Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers group with bee-themed activities, birds of prey from the Leslie Science & Nature Center, a performance by students of the Ann Arbor Aviary, wing-making craft and face-painting. Fun for the whole family!

BEACON PARK FAMILY FUN DAYS

Sunday, July 28 / 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!

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:

About Mary Furgason

Mary Furgason is a fitness instructor and writer on LittleGuide Detroit. She lives in western Oakland County with her husband and four kids. Mom of kids in pre-school through high school she knows the ins and outs of motherhood and the best things to do with kids of all ages.