Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are always jam-packed with fun things to do with kids, but the events that are great for older kids might not be as popular with babies and toddlers.
And that’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best events in our area that are geared toward your youngest family members. Check out what’s coming to your area this month. Plus, fun things to do at home or around town, too!
Don’t see an event your child will love? Check out our online calendar for even more family fun things to do this weekend and beyond.
Local events
Keep your tots entertained at these theater shows, festivals and other events that are either geared specifically toward babies and younger kids, or that offer activities they’ll love.
Frozen Princess Performance
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: The Fairytale Fun Place, 7127 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston
- Cost: $15/ages 1-15, free/adults
The Frozen Princesses will make an appearance with their friend, Olaf at The Fairytale Fun Place. It will feature musical princess performances with singing and dancing as well as an interactive activity and memorable photos. Dress your children up in their favorite princess dresses. Advanced tickets are recommended.
The Wizard of Oz
Nov. 5-6, 2022
- Address: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Cost: $14/advance ticket, $17/at the door ticket
Families can see Dorothy on stage while she follows the yellow brick road to see the Wizard in order to make it home.
CoComelon Live! JJ’s Journey
Nov. 18, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $38-plus
This Broadway-style musical production is inspired by CoComelon, the #1 most watched entertainment brand on YouTube. Head over 20 songs, including new original music.
Magic of Lights
Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
- Address: Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston
- Cost: $15-plus
Drive thru this holiday themed light display with different characters and themes using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Purchase passes online.
Dinovember
Nov. 19, 2022
- Address: Shelby Township Public Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
- Cost: Free
Families can drop by the library for dinosaur crafts, games and activities. You might even see a dinosaur stomping nearby.
Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Nov. 19, 2022
- Address: Funky Monkey Toys, 5 N. Washington St., Oxford
- Cost: Free admission
This annual celebrates Neighborhood Toy Store Day. It features free make-and-take crafts, coloring contest a free gift with purchase and a huge toy raffle.
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 2022
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Enjoy this immersive event about the most beloved family holiday tale, The Nutcracker. You’ll see immersive projections and special effects, meet a life-sized Nutcracker, have photo ops and more.
Holiday Stroll
Nov. 23-Dec. 23, 2022
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $14.99/person, $5/parking, free/children under 2, military and veterans
Stroll through the quaint village that is glowing with almost a million festive lights, enjoy a 7-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, hear the sounds of professional carolers and see live Christmas performances. There will be live holiday characters roaming to greet guests, and classic characters like Frosty, Buddy The Elf, The Grinch, Olaf, Jack Frost, Anna and Elsa and more!
Canterbury Cookie Crawl
Nov. 25-27, 2022
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Tickets on sale soon
Celebrate Canterbury’s 2nd Annual Cookie Crawl and mingle with Christmas character like The Grinch and Gingerbread Man. The shops will be competing for the Best Cookie Award, which will be voted on by attendees.
Winter Wonder Lights
Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022
- Address: Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Dr., Rochester
- Cost:$22/adults 13+, $12/youth 3-12, free/under 3 years old
Check out Meadow Brook’s Winter Wonder Lights and see an interactive light experience. Visitors can explore the National Historic Landmark at its most festive time. There will be seasonal beverages, bonfires, selfie stations and more.
Holly Dickens Festival & Parade
Nov. 26-Dec. 11, 2022 (Saturdays-Sundays)
- Address: Village of Holly, 300 East St., Holly
- Cost: Free; fees for some activities
Enjoy costumed characters, entertainment, vendors, the feel of a “Charles Dickens town” and shops open downtown. The Dickens Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 26. Children can send a postcard to Santa, enjoy a story time and coronation and knighting ceremony with Queen Victoria and more.
Cookies With Santa
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2022
- Address: Longacre House, 24705 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Cost: $15/resident child, $20/non-resident child, free/adults
Children will get a chance to impress Santa by decorating their own cookies. Make sure to bring your own camera. For ages 0-10. Pre-registration for children required.
Baby Shark Live!: The Christmas Show
Dec. 2, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $19.50-plus
Join Baby Shark and Pinkfong for a new adventure. This limited show will delight audiences with Santa Claus, Holiday classics and more.
Downtown Winter Wonderland 2022
Dec. 2-3, 2022
- Address: Saline Main Street, 109 W. Michigan Ave., Saline
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a weekend of music, caroling, cute animals, a campfire and reindeer games at this event in downtown Saline.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 4, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Celebrates the timeless television classic as the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
Chanu-Con!
Dec. 4, 2022
- Address: Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
There will be children’s activities, delicious kosher food, raffles, vendors, live musical entertainment, yoga with Nature’s Playhouse, face painting, Chanukah Bingo, crafts, dreidels and so much more.
Oh Deer, Santa’s Here!
Dec. 7-8, 2022
- Address: Heritage Park, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Cost: $15/members, $20/non-members
Families will get a chance to visit and get photos with Santa in the historic Red Barn in Heritage Park. Make sure to bring your own camera. Pre-registration required.
Snacks with Santa
Dec. 10-18, 2022 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Address: Kensington Metropark, Farm Center, 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford
- Cost: $12/person
Visit with Santa by the Christmas tree, sing carols, eat snacks and enjoy a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride. Registration required.
Saturday Storytime
Through Dec. 31, 2023 (Saturdays)
- Address: 27th Letter Books, 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Join 27th Letter Books for their weekly story offering, made bilingual in Spanish & English. Following the reading, you will be invited to stay and explore the book themes through art studio time or an interactive activity
Story Time with Mr. Jim
Through Dec. 29, 2022 (Thursdays)
- Address: Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St., Dearborn Heights
- Cost: Free
Caroline Kennedy Library offers simple stories, music, crafts, bubbles and fun for little ones and their caregivers every Thursday. Recommended for ages 2-3, but all ages are welcome.
Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Jan. 20-29, 2023
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $20-plus
Families with little ones can bring them to Fox Theatre to see Elmo learn how to do magic with magician extraordinaire Justin. Also, sign up for meet and greets with Elmo.
Paddington Gets Into a Jam
Jan. 28, 2023
- Address: Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit
- Cost: $24.50-plus
Watch Paddington as he takes to the stage in this fun-filled comedy at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
Feb. 16-19, 2023
- Address: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $20-plus
At this show, families will enjoy seeing Mirabel, her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and more.
Things to do at home or around town
Not up for a big event right now? Keep your younger kiddos entertained at home with these at-home activities. Plus, fun guides and things to do with babies around town.
- Let your kids get colorful and creative with fun and free coloring pages from the Detroit Tigers, Disney on Ice, The Detroit Zoo and much more.
- Watch some of your kiddo’s favorite flicks and embrace the lessons of the movies with the activities we found in our Watch This, Do That series.
- Discover the whimsy of fairies with your kids by exploring the fairy doors around Ann Arbor. Not sure where they’re at? Our guide can help you find them.
- Kiddos bouncing off the walls? Let them blow off some steam at a toddler play place in Metro Detroit or Ann Arbor.
- Try a themed Ford Fun Day activity. Each month, Metro Parent and Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers pick a theme and offer up fun things to do around town that align with the theme.
This post is updated regularly.
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