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.
Saturday Storytime
Now-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
Now-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.
Berkley Days
May 12-15, 2022
- Address: 2400 Robina Ave., Berkley
- Cost: $20+
This event began in 1926. This annual offers midway rides, games, fair food and more.
Mary Poppins
May 12-15, 2022
- Address: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Cost: $12/resident, $15/non-resident
The show is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. All ages will enjoy this musical. Brought to you by The Farmington Hills Youth Theatre.
Day Out With Thomas
May 13-22, 2022
- Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Members: $15; Non-members: $45/12-plus, $42/seniors, $37.50/ages 5-11, $15/ages 4 and under
Families can take a ride with their favorite storybook friend, Thomas the Train. There will be live music, magic shows, lawn games, photo opportunities, storytelling and more. Advanced registration required.
Islam & its People – a Family Discovery Event
May 14, 2022
- Address: Franklin Public Library, 32455 Franklin Road, Franklin
- Cost: Free
Families are invited to join Franklin Public Library for a fun afternoon of calligraphy, story time, crafts, sweet treats and more.
Spring Fling
May 14, 2022
- Address: Fraser Public Library, 16330 E. 14 Mile Road, Fraser
- Cost: Free
This annual event features live animals at a petting zoo outside the Fraser Public Library. Other family-friendly activities, too.
Spring Palooza
May 20, 2022
- Address: Novi Civic Center Campus, 45175 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
- Cost: Free
This carnival themed event features live entertainment, police and fire demonstrations, outdoor games, food and lots of family bonding.
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights
June 2-July 28, 2022
- Address: Palmer Commons, 304 S. Main St., Chelsea
- Cost: Free
Arts, entertainment and musical acts are performed at various and separate stages throughout historical downtown Chelsea every Thursday evening. For kids, there will be magicians, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, circus acts, ‘How to Chalk’ themed art stage and more.
Center Line Festival
June 3-5 2022
- Address: 25355 Lawrence St., Center Line
- Cost: Free
This annual fest will feature fireworks, petting farm, inflatables, Trackless train rides, music and more.
Ann Arbor African American Festival
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
This annual fest features live music, balloon twisting, dance performances, face painting, crafting station and more.
Ferndale Pride
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Farmington
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the area’s LGBTQIA community. Find vendors, activities, entertainment, a kid’s area, food trucks and more. Pets are allowed to attend.
International Kite Festival
June 4-5, 2022
- Address: James Atchison Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson
- Cost: Free
Kids receive a free kite to decorate (while supplies last) and fly it with your fam. There will also be professional kite flying demos, live music, food trucks, inflatables, magic show, face painting and more.
Pride Festival
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Ortonville
- Cost: Free
There will be a parade, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, speakers, kids games, movie and more.
The World’s Biggest Bounce House
June 10-12, 2022
- Address: Steffens Park, 33000 Garfield Road, Fraser
- Cost: $19/toddler session (3 and younger)
This bounce house area is 13,000 square foot and towering 32ft from the ground and up. There’s towers, basketball hoops, a giant slide, a ball-pit, over-sized couches and chairs for you to chill on and even a 20ft tall, multi coloured rabbit for you to climb inside. Sessions are divided by age group and last for three hours. Parents not jumping do not have to purchase a ticket. Food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Berkley Art Bash
June 11, 2022
- Address: Downtown Berkley
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy art displays from 150 vendors and makers, face painting, food trucks and stands, kids activities, live music and more.
Riverview Summerfest
June 16, 2022
- Address: Young Patriot’s Park, 14133 Civic Park Drive, Riverview
- Cost: Free
This festival will include carnival rides, a children’s pony ranch, live music, classic car show, face painting, fireworks and more.
Arts & Acts Festival
June 17-19, 2022
- Address: Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St., Northville
- Cost: Free
The festival includes the juried fine art show, musical entertainment, children’s activities, plus Northville Art House Chalk Festival and a large variety of food and drink.
Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 18, 2022
- Address: Coleman Center, 35351 Beverly Road, Romulus
- Cost: Free
Celebrate The Healing Harvest’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth event with Black-owned food trucks, Black-owned vendors, live music, kid’s activities, scholarship giveaways and more.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 18, 2022
- Address: Calvary Presbyterian Church, 19125 Greenview Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
This family-friendly event will have African drumming, African dancing, a mental health speaker, food, DJ, musical performances, vendors, kids zone and more.
Juneteenth Mobility Stroll and Roll
June 18, 2022
- Address: City Hall Park, 13615 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: Free
Join the route, which will begin at Michigan Avenue and Schaefer and end at City Hall Park. Several stops are planned along the route. There will also be fun activities geared toward all ages including a Kid’s Zone and a Mobility Zone as part of the attractions. Registration required.
Juneteenth Fun, Food and Family Marketplace Celebration
June 19, 2022
- Address: Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day with music, food trucks, vendor marketplace, kid activities, card games, contests, corn hole, history tours and more.
Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival
June 22-26, 2022
- Address: Downtown New Baltimore
- Cost: Free
The short-lived water bugs drive the theme of this fest, which has a carnival, fireworks, parade, kids activities, corn hole tournament and more.
Dairy Day Festival
June 25, 2022
- Address: Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray
- Cost: Free
See cows being milked, enjoy games, crafts, family photo opportunities and more. Also, free dairy products including cheese and ice cream treats.
Red, White & Blues Fireworks Festival
June 25, 2022
- Address: 305 N. John St., Highland
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a firework show at this annual along with live music, vendors, kid’s activities, food and more. For all ages.
Kidz Bop World Tour 2022
Aug. 19, 2022
- Address: Pine Knob, 33 Bob Seger Dr., Village of Clarkston
- Cost: $25+
Children and their parents can rock out to live performances of today’s best hits by kids, for kids. KIDZ BOP Kids will perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage, including “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey.”
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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