What are the best cheap and free family events happening this month? Looking for things to do with kids that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered.
Metro Parent is partnering with WDET 101.9 FM to offer southeast Michigan families a roundup of some of the best cheap (under $20 for a family of four) and free weekend events and activities each month.
In July, families can celebration our Nation’s independence at some fantastic Fourth of July fireworks displays, hit up a July fair or festival, explore artwork and much more!
It’s a month full of fun and you don’t want to miss out, so cake on the sunscreen and hit up some of these hot cheap and free family events this July
For the weekend of July 4-7
Milford 4th of July Parade
July 4, 2019
- Address: Along Main Street from Commerce to Central Park, downtown Milford
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
This annual procession features marching bands, fire trucks, community groups and veteran soldiers. Line the streets to see it march by.
Independence Fest
July 4, 2019
- Address: Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston
- Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, $5/parking
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Find kids’ games, live entertainment and historical displays that celebrate our nation’s independence.
Michigan RibFest
July 4-7, 2019
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
- Time: Noon-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $3/person, free/kids under 12; additional fees apply for food and other activities
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Bring the wet naps and try some delicious barbecue ribs from local eateries. Monster truck rides, games and live music included.
Camaro Superfest
July 6-7, 2019
- Address: Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti
- Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free/spectators
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Stop by this car show to see the largest display of Camaros in the country. Shopping and a cruise, too.
Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair
July 6-7, 2019
- Address: Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
- Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
This 49th annual features jewelry, wood, metal, acrylic and other art displays by more than 100 artists.
Beacon Park Family Fun Days
July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2019
- Address: Beacon Park, 1901 Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Time: 1-5 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Swing by every Sunday this summer for make-and-take crafts, inflatables, face painting and lawn games. Themes include “Get Up and Move” on July 7, “Passport” on July 14, “Birthday Party” on July 21 and “STEM and Literacy” on July 28.
For the weekend of July 12-14
Art in the Park
July 12-14, 2019
- Address: Downtown Plymouth area
- Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Check out the work of more than 400 artists from all over the United States during this 40th annual art fair.
American Polish Festival
July 12-14, 2019
- Address: American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane Sterling Heights
- Time: 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $5/general, free/kids 17 and under
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Celebrate Polish culture with food, music dancing and plenty of family fun.
Wayne County Parks 100th Anniversary Fun Fest
July 13, 2019
- Address: Nankin Mills Park, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland
- Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission; fees apply for some activities
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Wayne County Parks is celebrating 100 years! Join the fun and enjoy inflatables, hayrides, live music, carnival rides and much more.
Butterfly Parade
July 13, 2019
- Address: Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights
- Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, $5-$12/parking
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Kids explore different butterflies in the Butterfly Tent, search for caterpillars, make butterfly crafts and much more. The official Butterfly Parade starts at 3 p.m. Pre-registration required.
Medieval Days
July 13-14, 2019
- Address: Historic Fort Wayne, 6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
- Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free/admission, $5/parking, $5/fort tours
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Lords and ladies gather for 12th century-style fun on the historic grounds.
Detroit Kite Festival
July 14, 2019
- Address: Belle Isle, Detroit
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, $11/recreation passport
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Professional kite flyers perform incredible kite tricks during this annual. Enjoy live entertainment, food and crafts too.
For the weekend of July 19-21
Ann Arbor Art Fairs
July 18-21, 2019
- Address: Downtown Ann Arbor area
- Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Four award-winning art fairs come together to create one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the country – and it’s right in our backyard.
Farmington Founders Festival
July 18-21, 2019
- Address: Shiawassee Park, Shiawassee St. and Power Road, Farmington
- Time: 7-11 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Farmington celebrates its founding with a parade, live musical entertainment and a fireworks display on Saturday. Don’t forget to bring the kids to the Kids’ Carnival and Fido Fest.
Apollo 11: 50th Anniversary Celebration
July 20, 2019
- Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
- Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission; fees apply for some activities, $10/parking
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing by taking a tour of the constellations and the moon, making a moon-themed craft and listening to moon and Apollo 11 stories.
Festival of Chariots (Rath Yatra)
July 21, 2019
- Address: Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
- Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
A parade leads you to a giant celebration of Indian culture that features henna, yoga and shopping along with ethnic food, music and dancing. Kids’ activities, too.
For the weekend of July 26-28
Sounds & Sights Festival
July 25-27, 2019
- Address: Downtown Chelsea area
- Time: 6:30-11 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday0\-Saturday
- Cost: Free/festival, $5/social tent
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Enjoy two days and three nights of live musical performances and kids’ entertainment. Plus, find an art market, KidZone, pet parade and classic car show.
Touch-A-Truck
July 27, 2019
- Address: Greenmead Historical Park, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
- Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $1/parking
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Kids climb behind the wheel of police cars, fire tricks, construction equipment, landscaping vehicles and other working rides. Sensory-friendly quiet hours run 9-10 a.m.
Christmas in July
July 27, 2019
- Address: Carousel Acres, 12749 Nine Mile Road, South Lyon
- Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Cost: $5/person
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Santa and Mrs. Claus make a summertime trip to the farm to visit with all the good little boys and girls.
Arab and Chaldean Festival
July 27-28, 2019
- Address: Hart Plaza area, Detroit
- Time: noon-midnight daily
- Cost: Free
- Contact and details: See the Metro Parent calendar listing
Explore exhibits and Arab folklore, medicine and calligraphy, watch a culturally inspired fashion show, get a Hanna tattoo and enjoy delicious Arabic eats.
Events are subject to change. Please be sure to verify dates and times before heading out – and if you’re looking for more cheap and free family events this month and beyond, visit the Metro Parent calendar.
This post is updated monthly.
