Greenfield Village is unlike any museum you’ve ever visited. This outdoor adventure includes 200 acres of nearly 100 historic buildings that have been relocated or reconstructed from throughout the U.S. Henry Ford established it in 1933 and it has grown ever since.
This article was updated on May 16, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. Her work included her finding and adding Greenfield Village events to this post and to MetroParent.com‘s calendar. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.
Quick details about Greenfield Village
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13-Sept. 29, 2024
- Cost: $35/ages 12-61, $31.50/ages 62-plus, $26.25/ages 5-11, free/4 and under and members; $9/parking
Things to do with kids at Greenfield Village
- Catch a ride on the steam-powered locomotive and in a real Model T. Purchase tickets beforehand.
- Travel back in time and explore seven historical districts, including Working Farms, Liberty Craftworks, Henry Ford’s Model T, Railroad Junction, Main Street, Edison at Workand Porches & Parlors.
- Represent your Historic Base Ball team with these printable pennants.
- There are plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat, but you are also welcome to bring your own food. Dining spots include A Taste of History, Eagle Tavern, Carousel Concessions, Owl Night Lunch Wagon, Frozen Custard, Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop and the newest restaurant, Stand 44.
- Make sure to stop by the Donald F. Kosch Village Playground towards the end of your trip. It was designed to resemble a 1930s construction site and has an interactive steam shovel, a 20-foot-long boiler tunnel and more.
Upcoming Greenfield Village Events for families
There are always daily events happening at Greenfield Village including glassblowing, weaving, potter’s wheel, farm work and sheep shearing. There are also plenty of other family-friendly events to check out during the season. Note: Some events require extra pre-booked tickets and all events are subject to change.
Day Out With Thomas (May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19)
Families can take a ride with their favorite storybook friend, Thomas the Train. There will be live music, bubbles, lawn games, photo opportunities, storytelling and more. Registration recommended.
Music in the Market (May 26)
Families can head to Detroit Central Market at Greenfield Village to enjoy a musical performance by Klezundheit.
Artist in Residence (June 6-11; July 4-8)
Detroit Central Market Weekends (July 8-9; July 13-14; Aug. 17-18; Sept. 28-29)
Motor Muster (June 15-16)
Enjoy a collection of cars from the 1930s through 1970s, learning about American culture through the view of the cars that were on the road.
Historic Baseball Games (June 15-Sept. 2)
On Saturdays and Sundays until Memorial Day, catch a game of baseball played with the 1867 rules throughout the summer.
Salute to America (July 2-5)
Wander through Greenfield Village and enjoy small ensembles from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra scattered around the open-air history museum. American history is proudly on display at the event with choral singing, ragtime, jazz and more on the setlist. Guests can enjoy marching fifes and drums and a booming fireworks display at the end of their evening.
World Tournament of Historic Baseball (Aug. 10-11)
Twilight Bike Ride (Aug. 14-15)
Old Car Festival (Sept. 7-8)
Visit the longest-running antique car show in America. See a Model T put together in minutes, live music, historically inspired street food and a parade.
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village (Oct. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27)
Walk the illuminated jack-o’-lantern paths through Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow and other spooky worlds. There is a Halloween train adventure on the Hallowe’en Express, fall treats and costumed characters throughout the village.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (Dec. 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28)
Come to the village and view decorated shops and homes, live music, holiday cooking demos, free carousel rides, free ice skating and skate rentals, free horse-drawn carriage rides, free Model T rides, a fireworks finale and more.
Tips for families when visiting Greenfield Village
- Before heading to Greenfield Village, check which events and activities are happening that day so you can plan accordingly. These events can include farm work, potter’s wheel, glassblowing, weaving, printing press and more.
- Check out books from your local library about Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and The Wright Brothers. Your child will love that they actually have some knowledge about the people before going to the museum. They may even share some facts they learned of their own.
- Encourage your child to ask questions. The employees at Greenfield Village actually want to talk to you and tell you the abundance of information they know about the building where they are working.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot. If you have a little one, you may want to bring a wagon or stroller.
- Plan for a full day at Greenfield Village as there is so much to see and you don’t want to miss anything. Also, be sure to bring your camera or use your phone to take pictures along the way.
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