School's out for MLK Day and if you're looking for places to go, here's a list of what's open around…
Top things to do with KIDS this weekend: September 13-15

Fall is here and we’re ready for fun! Hit the town this weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
September 5 – September 29
@ Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Detroit
UniverSoul Circus is rated by industry leaders as one of the top three circuses in America along with Ringling Brothers and Cirque du Soleil. UniverSoul Circus has come full circle in its influence in the international entertainment marketplace – garnering the distinction of being known as a one-of-a-kind, must see attraction.
TALL SHIP TOUR ON THE DETROIT RIVER
September 6 – September 15
@ Detroit History Tours, Detroit
The Detroit History Club is honored to invite you to join us for a legendary evening on board the eighty-five foot long tall ship, The Appledore IV. With a seventy-six foot mast and over 3,500 square feet of sails, The Appledore IV has majestically sailed the Great Lakes for nearly twenty years.
September 12 – September 15
@ Kackleberry Farm, Monroe
This weekend will be a special scavenger hunt, corn maze, hayrides, pig races, and as usual, cider and donuts and slushies!
September 13 – September 15
@ Huroc Park, Flat Rock
This years festival will feature three days of family fun and entertainment – including fireworks, carnival rides, incredible entertainment, large beer tent and great food!
September 12 – September 15
@ Troy Community Center, Troy
An array of activities offers fun for the entire family. Activities include free stage shows, talent shows, amusement rides, youth/parent contests, a youth area with entertainment, games and crafts, fireworks and more.
September 13 – September 15
@ 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.
September 13 – September 15
@ Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Charter Township
Come out and see the boats on land and water. There will also be boating accessories, food vendors and much more.
MEET YOUR BEST FRIEND AT THE ZOO
September 13 – September 14
@ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is one of the nation’s largest off-site pet adoption events. The Detroit Zoological Society hosts this semi-annual event in partnership with the Michigan Humane Society. Find your next best friend!
September 13 – September 14
@ Island Lake Recreation Center, Brighton
Astronomy at the Beach is a two-night annual event bringing together amateur and professional astronomers and science educators to share our love of space and astronomy with the public. This year’s theme is the Apollo 11 50th anniversary.
September 14 – September 15
@ TCF Center, Detroit
A Dino museum for the whole family featuring over 50 life-like dinosaurs. Learn about dinosaurs and have fun at the same time!
September 14 – September 15
@ Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, Erie
A weekend filled with kids activites. There will be magic and clown shows, crafters, petting zoo, pony and hayrides and more!
September 14 – September 15
@ Michigan Renaissance Fair Grounds, Holly
Taking place at the Michigan Renaissance festival, transport to Ireland by visiting our Celtic Village, where you can find local Irish vendors & fun for all ages. Watch the Highland Games or kick up your heels with traditional Irish music & dance. This is the largest shenanigans party in Michigan!
September 14 – September 15
@ Depot Park, Clarkston
In addition to paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewelry and other handmades, the show – the Society’s primary fund-raiser – features live music, free children’s activities and food sold by local civic groups.
MONARCH BUTTERFLY TAG AND RELEASE
September 14 – September 15
@ George’s Livonia Gardens, Livonia
Come hand feed Monarch Butterflies and release your own, at our Annual Monarch Butterfly Tag and Release!
September 14 – September 15
@ Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills
Time to say Hello to Fall! Free family festival featuring Yates Cider Mill’s cider and donuts, music and entertainment, donut-themed games and activities, food, arts and craft vendors and more.
INDEPENDENCE LAKE FAMILY CAMPOUT
September 14 – September 15
@ Independence Lake County Park, Whitmore Lake
This event features activities including fishing, crafts, hiking, stargazing, and a campfire with s’mores. Top off the event with a Sunday morning pancake breakfast (included in the price).
September 14 – September 15
@ St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church, Dexter
Celebrate Russian/Ukrainian culture with dance, music, food and more!
FRIDAY
Friday, September 13 / 9:30am – 10:30am
@ Hawk Woods Nature Center, Auburn Hills
This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them. Geared for children 6 months – 3 years.
PLAY AND EXPLORE FOR PRESCHOOLER
Friday, September 13 / 11:00am – 12:00pm
@ Comerce Township Community Library, Commerce Township
Kids ages 3 -5 can engage in imaginative play. Be a cowboy, dinosaur & more! No registration necessary.
TROY GYMNASTICS PRE-K OPEN GYM
Friday, September 13 / 12:00pm – 4:00pm / 4:30pm – 7:30pm
@ Troy Gymnastics Center, Troy
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!
Friday, September 13 / 7:00pm – 10:00pm
@ Comerica Park, Detroit
Head on down to Comerica Park and cheer on your Detroit Tigers!
Friday, September 13 / 7:00pm – 11:30pm
@ Rotten Manor, Holly
Welcome back to another wonderful year of haunting. We have made some big changes again this year and can’t wait to share them with you all.
OUTDOOR MOVIE – GOOSEBUMPS 2: HAUNTED HALLOWEEN
Friday, September 13 / 7:30pm – 10:00pm
@ South Rockwood Branch Library, South Rockwood
Bring a blanket, chair, snack to enjoy a fun outdoor movie and a bump in the night. All ages are welcomed.
Friday, September 13 / 8:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Heritage Park, Farmington Hills
Enjoy a guided sensory hike through the trails in search of nocturnal animals, features of the night sky and the mysterious sounds of the woods. Don’t miss the nighttime fun!
Friday, September 13 / 8:30pm – 11:00pm
@ Downtown Dearborn
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and settle in for a fun night at the park. Tonight’s movie, Aquaman, 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, September 14 / 9:00am – 3:00pm
@ Downtown Tecumseh
Open to any show-worthy vehicle regardless of year, make or model, the popular gathering celebrates car culture in all its forms, offering a family atmosphere in which to enjoy classic vehicles of yesterday and today. Enjoy raffles, food trucks, vendors, and more!
Saturday, September 14 / 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, September 14 / 10:00am – 4:00pm
@ Rochester Hills Public Library, Rochester Hills
We’re back again for an all-ages library-wide festival celebrating all things related to comics, art and pop culture! We’ll have games, activities, authors and artists, free comics, food trucks, and more.
Saturday, September 14 / 10:00am – 5:00pm
@ Fowlerville Family Fair, Fowlerville
Enjoy demonstrations in the new blacksmith shop, arts and crafts, pony rides and a kid’s cookie walk, games, food vendors, live entertainment, a car show, barrel train rides, a woodcarver, and the annual raffle drawing.
Saturday, September 14 / 11:00am – 2:00pm
@ Kensington Metropark, Milford
Construction, Farm, Maintenance, Police, Fire, Educational and many more vehicles on display for the entire family. Food vendors and kid’s activities too!
Saturday, September 14 / 11:00am – 3:00pm
@ Philomene Blvd & Bob Seger Blvd, Allen Park
Hey kids! Spend the afternoon in the driver’s seat. Climb, touch, and explore real-life trucks and cool vehicles. Siren-free hour 11:00-12:00.
Saturday, September 14 / 11:00am – 3:00pm
@ Bear Creek Nature Park, Rochester
Enjoy FREE attractions every September such as crafts, face painters, balloon artists, rock wall, archery booth, zip line, and more. Learn about local history and purchase desserts at the bake sale.
FREE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS OPEN HOUSE AND CLINIC
Saturday, September 14 / 12:00pm – 1:00pm
@ East Hills Middle School, Bloomfield Hills
Girls of all ages can try this beautiful Olympic sport for free during Oakland Rhythmic Gymnastics (ORG) Open House and Clinic.
EXPLORE DETROIT: BELLE-ISLE ADVENTURE + NATURE WALK TOUR
Saturday, September 14 / 12:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Techtown, Detroit
On this bus tour, we will visit the historic Belle Isle Conservatory, the Scott Fountain and learn more about the Belle Isle Conservancy. We will also hop off the bus to walk through some of Belle Isle’s natural wooded areas, taking a closer look at the plants and animals native to the island.
Saturday, September 14 / 1:00pm – 3:00pm
@ Nankin Mills, Westland
Be ready to do some apple grinding and pumpkin painting! Our cider press is modeled after 100 year old machines. First grind apples then press them. Enjoy cider followed by pumpkin painting.
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: KIDS DESIGNING DETROIT’S FUTURE
Saturday, September 14 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@ 1001 Woodward, Detroit
Join Bedrock and Detroit Design 139 for an exciting, interactive, kid-focused event, as we introduce young people to the world of urban planning and designing the cities of the future.
Saturday, September 14 / 6:00pm – 9:00pm
@ Comerica Park, Detroit
Head on down to Comerica Park and cheer on your Detroit Tigers!
TROY GYMNASTICS KIDS NIGHT OUT
Saturday, September 14 / 6:30pm – 9:30pm
@ Troy Gymnastics Center, 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!
FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT THE ZOO-PREDATORS AND PREY
Saturday, September 14 / 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. Suitable for ages 5 and older.
HERITAGE FESTIVAL FAMILY GLOW RUN
Saturday, September 14 / 8:30pm – 9:30pm
@ Downtown Northville
Bring your flash lights, reflector vests, favorite glowing toy and come light up Ford Field Park and Mill Race Village with your family and friends. Glow bands will be available on site for sale as well.
SUNDAY
HARVEST FEST AT THE BIRMINGHAM FARMER’S MARKET
Sunday, September 15 / 9:00am – 2:00pm
@ Birmingham Farmer’s Market, Birmingham
Celebrate the bounty of Michigan’s harvest with a petting farm. There will be many more activities including straw bale Climbing and children’s crafts, all free to kids! Enjoy live entertainment from POP Club.
Sunday, September 15 / 9:30am – 5:00pm
@ Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Join us for a FREE day of inspiration and family fun at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®. Museum admission and parking are complimentary, thanks to a generous donor.
Sunday, September 15 / 10:30am
@ Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit
Our group meets at the Belle Isle Nature Center at 10:30 a.m. on hike days and we drive or walk to our hiking location. These hikes are great for families or anyone who wants to connect with nature. All ability levels are welcome.
2019 TURTLE TROT FAMILY FUN RUN
Sunday, September 15 / 10:30am – 1:00pm
@ Gallup Park, Ann Arbor
Run, walk, or jog on the scenic walkways along the Huron River and Geddes Pond with the Michigan Nature Association! This 5K will promote efforts to preserve habitat for turtles throughout Michigan, such as the Eastern box turtle, the Spotted turtle, Blanding’s turtle, and the Wood Turtle. Families, strollers, and pets (on a leash) welcome! Kids can run a 1 mile race prior to the 5K.
VICTORIAN SUNDAY AT MILL RACE VILLAGE
Sunday, September 15 / 11:00am – 4:00pm
@ Mill Race Village, Northville
A day of Victorian-themed family activities at Mill Race Village (part of the Northville Heritage Festival).
Sunday, September 15 / 11:00am – 5:00pm
@ Elizabeth Park, Trenton
Visitors will be transported back in time to recapture the rich heritage and beauty of Elizabeth Park, as it was in the early 1900’s through a variety of special activities and attractions, including River Boat Tours, A Walk through Automotive Time Car Show, crafts, vintage finds and old-time entertainment reminiscent of this bygone era in our history. There is also a kids games and crafts area!
Sunday, September 15 / 1:00pm
@ Ford Field, Detroit
Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Los Angelos Chargers!
Sunday, September 15 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@ 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. The best part is that it’s all at no additional charge!
Sunday, September 15 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Joy Blvd. Park, Clinton Township
Take a train ride with the Michigan Transit Museum.
Sunday, September 15 / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
@ The Practice Zone, Farmington Hills
This free community event will feature kids sports challenges, adult activities, fitness demos, food, inflatables, vendors, prizes and much more!
THE ANNUAL NORTHVILLE DUCK RACE
Sunday, September 15 / 3:00pm – 4:00pm
@ Mill Race Village, Northville
Everyone’s favorite Northville event, the Annual Northville Duck Race will take place at Mill Race Village. This year the Duck Race will be bigger than ever, and we are looking for local businesses to sponsor the event. Spread the word. The Ducks are Coming!
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY AT CLARK PARK
Sunday, September 15 / 4:00pm – 7:00pm
@ Clark Park, Detroit
Celebrate Mexican Independence with fun crafts and treats. Bring some chairs and blankets and stick around for FREE performances by Ballet Folklorico Pasión Mexicana and Mariachi Femenil
SUNDAY SHORT ‘N’ SWEET FAMILY RIDES
Sunday, September 15 / 6:00pm – 8:00pm
@ Grand Street & Broad Street, Dexter
The whole family is invited to this 5 – 10 mile bike ride. This ride has easy parking & rest stops, as well as a variety of options for “post ride treats” for all riders. All riding will be done on paths, no road riding involved.
Sunday, September 15 / 6:00pm – 8:00pm
@ William Costick Activities Center, Farmington Hills
Try the best pizza this city has to offer! Different pizza companies will bring their best pizza for you to try then vote for your favorite. This family event offers music, entertainment, games, refreshments, and a lot of pizza!
GO TO A BALL GAME
For MORE EVENTS happening this weekend, please check out our full EVENT CALENDAR!
Find Fall Favorites HERE! Check out these ideas for more fun:
- Guide to Fall Family Fun in Metro Detroit
- Top Things To Do With Kids In September
- Best Cider Mills in Metro Detroit
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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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