There’s always so many fun things to do with kids in southeast Michigan, so how is a busy parent supposed to keep track of it all? With our list of the best things to do this month, of course!
This May, we’ve found tons of family-friendly fun, including Mother’s Day events, Memorial Day events and tons of summer festivals for you to check out. Here is our curated list of the can’t-miss activities for metro Detroit and Ann Arbor in May 2023.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our list and start the advanced prep for your next family outing.
Don’t see an event you love? Check out our online calendar for even more events and fun things to do.
Macomb
Great Blue Heron Fest at Holland Ponds in Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center
May 6, 2023
- Address: 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free
Meet at Holland Ponds to visit the Great Blue Herons. Enjoy free all-ages guided hikes, activities and educational stations. Register online.
Walk To Cure Arthritis at Lake St. Clair Metropark
May 6, 2023
- Address: 31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Township
- Cost: Free
Walk to Cure Arthritis is the Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide signature event that unites communities across the country to put an end to arthritis.
Downtown Mount Clemens Made in Michigan – Artesian & Vendor Show
May 13-14, 2023
- Address: Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
- Cost: Free
This fair showcases all things made in Michigan. See vendors, live entertainment on the fountain stage and more.
Walk-A-Mom at Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
May 14, 2023
- Address: 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free, parking pass or daily fee required
Families can enjoy a spring hike on the trails with mom and grandmother and take time with the wildflowers that are starting to bloom. All moms and grandmothers receive a flower to plant a home. Pre-registration is not required.
Movie Night at Jean Waterloo Lenox Township Library
May 15, 2023
- Address: 58976 Main St., New Haven
- Cost: Free
Spend the evening at the library and enjoy a family-friendly movie and snacks. Recommended for children up to 10, but all ages are welcome.
Romeo MayFest 2023 at the Romeo Lions Club
May 20, 2023
- Address: 269 E. Washington St., Romeo
- Cost: $5-$10, free/ages 3 and under; Tickets sold at the door
This annual fest features live music, a car show, local food trucks, 50/50 raffles, local vendors and crafters and more. There will be a kids area with bounce houses, obstacle course, carnival games, glitter tattoos and more.
Oakland
Make-A-Wish Michigan Walk For Wishes at Detroit Zoo
May 6, 2023
- Address: 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: $10-$20/adult, $5-$10/ages 3-13, free/ages 2 and under | Register
It’s a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends. Each participant who raises $100 will receive an event T-shirt at the walk.
Protecting And Keeping Bees And Other Pollinators In Your Yard at Royal Oak Public Library
May 8, 2023
- Address: 222 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: Free
Teens hear from beekeepers, avid gardeners and naturalists, Ann Marie Nadolski and Laurie Peyok, as they present top things you can do in your own backyard to protect bees and other pollinators.
Berkley Days at Berkley City Parks and Recreation
May 11-14, 2023
- Address: 2400 Robina Ave., Berkley
- Cost: $20-plus for midway | Get wristbands
This event began in 1926 and offers midway rides, games, fair food, robotics, live entertainment, vendors and more.
Rock Around The Hawk at The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center
May 11, 2023
- Address: 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Cost: Free
Ages 18 months to 5 years can join for a morning of music, activities and fun in the Blackbox Theater. May’s theme is Moveand-Shakement.
Brick Fest Live at Suburban Showplace
May 12-14, 2023
- Address: 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Cost: $19.99-$37.99 | Get tickets
This Lego event features hands-on attractions for all ages, including life-size models, a giant brick pit, special guest appearances, a glow zone, graffiti wall and more!
Art Birmingham in Downtown Birmingham
May 13-14, 2023
- Address: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
Peruse the works from juried artists at this 42nd-time show that takes place on the street surrounding Shain Park in downtown Birmingham.
Mother’s Day Hike: Warblers & Wildflowers at Indian Springs Metropark
May 14, 2023
- Address: 5175 Indian Trail, White Lake
- Cost: $3/child $5/adult, free/children under 2 | Register
Join Indian Springs Metropark for a special hike along the nature trails to learn about the wildlife along the way in honor of Mother’s Day. Bring binoculars if you have them. Great for all ages. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. May 13.
Royal Oak in Bloom on Main Street
May 14, 2023
- Address: 163 Sixth St., Royal Oak
- Cost: Free, fees for plants
This annual flower and garden sale offers flowers, plants and landscaping items. Check out the vendors selling everything from perennials to copper sprinklers, annuals to trees, tomato plants to wind chimes, porch swings to etched stones.
City Superhero Showcase at the Novi Civic Center Campus
May 19, 2023
- Address: 45175 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
- Cost: Free
This annual event features family activities, police and fire demonstrations, character meet and greet, food and more.
Lake Orion Flower & Art Fair at Orion Art Center
May 19-21, 2023
- Address: 115 S. Anderson St., Lake Orion
- Cost: Free, fees for flowers and food
Vendors will be outdoors selling flowers, plants and art. There will also be food trucks, plenty of vendors and crafters to shop at and more.
Motor City Comic Con at the Suburban Collection Showplace
May 19-21, 2023
- Address: 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Cost: $30-$40/Friday adult pass, $40-$50/Saturday adult pass, $35-$45/Sunday adult pass, $85-$95/Weekend adult pass, $249-$259/VIP fan pass (very limited and might not be available at the door), $10-$20/Friday and Saturday child pass, $20-$30/Weekend child pass, Free/Sunday child pass, Free/ages 5 and under; Special event packages are available | Get tickets
Cosplay your favorite comic characters, meet-and-greet with graphic novel big wigs, check out movie screenings, character Q&As and more.
Yo, Vikings! at Varner Recital Hall at Oakland University
May 19, 21, 2023
- Address: 371 Varner Drive, Rochester
- Cost: $10/general admission, $8/seniors, $6/students and children | Get tickets
Ages 6 and up can enjoy a children’s performance based on Judith Byron Schachner’s acclaimed book and the true story that inspired it, Yo, Vikings! 7 p.m. performance on May 19 is a pajama performance and 2 p.m. on May 21 is a relaxed performance for children with special needs.
Dino & Dragon Stroll at Canterbury Village
May 20-21, 27-28, 2023
- Address: 2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
- Cost: $28.99/person, free 2 and under; $5 parking (not including fees) | Register
Guests will stroll through this outdoor dinosaur adventure and get up close and personal with almost 75 life-like creatures, reptiles and life-size dinosaurs. Dino & Dragon Stroll After Dark will take place on Saturday, May 20. Timed tickets are required.
Founders Day Parade and Festival in Downtown Highland
May 20, 2023
- Address: Downtown Highland area
- Cost: Free
This annual event features a parade, kids zone, vendors and crafters, inflatables, petting zoo, mini-train rides, food trucks and more.
Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade and Party in Shain Park
May 21, 2023
- Address: 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
The parade is a 40-year-old-plus community tradition. There will be a party in Shain Park afterwards.
Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival at Rochester Municipal Park
May 27-28, 2023
- Address: 400 Sixth St., Rochester
- Cost: Free
Enjoy this family-friendly event that features a car festival, a pioneer playground for the kids, art show with handmade artwork, plant sale and more.
Trilobite Treasures: Arthropods of the Ancient Seas at Cranbrook Institute of Science
Opens May 31, 2023
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $3/ages 13-plus, $2/standard members, $1/ages 2-12 and ages 65-plus, free/enhanced members and under 2 years old (not including museum admission) | Get tickets
This family-friendly exhibit takes a journey through the prehistoric life of the ancient seas when arthropods were plentiful. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the unique life and death of these fine Paleozoic creatures that once roamed the Earth during the Cambrian Period, commonly known as the Age of Trilobites.
Washtenaw
Tiny Tails Story Time at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
May 3, 17, 31, 2023
- Address: 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $7/child, free/adults and children under 1 | Register
Come to Tiny Lions on Wednesday mornings for a story time designed for toddlers ages 2-5 with stories, crafts, finger plays and animal interactions. Pre-registration is required.
Little Paws Story Time at Humane Society of Huron Valley
May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
- Address: 3100 Cherry Hills Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $5/child, free/adults and children under 1 | Register
Bring your little ones aged 2-5 to the Humane Society of Huron Valley for a story time, which features stories, crafts, finger plays and animal interactions. Pre-registration is required.
Yoga with Cats at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
- Address: 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $10/person | Register
Ages 12 and up can join Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center to practice yoga with their furry feline yoga masters. You may bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of theirs. Pre-registration and advance payment required.
Rescue Reading at Humane Society of Huron Valley
May 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023
- Address: 3100 Cherry Hills Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $10/child | Register
This drop-off event is for ages 6-11. This program includes reading to adoptable animals, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. Pre-registration is required.
Yoga with Cats at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023
- Address: 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $10/person | Register
Ages 12 and up can join Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center to practice yoga with their furry feline yoga masters. You may bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of theirs. Pre-registration and advance payment required.
Pets and Pajamas at Humane Society of Huron Valley
May 12, 2023
- Address: 3100 Cherry Hills Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $35 | Register
Ages 6 to 11 can enjoy adoptable animal interaction, a cheese pizza dinner and an animal-themed movie with popcorn. Wear your pajamas, bring a sleeping bag and pillow and be ready for some animal-themed fun, while parents enjoy a night to themselves.
Gifts From Home A Craft/Vendor Show & Retired Veterans Letter Campaign at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds
May 12, 2023
- Address: 1000-1400 Old Manchester Road, Chelsea
- Cost: Free admission
Shop from more than 40 local booths at this craft and vendor show. There will also be a “Gifts From Home” activity table where guests will be able to write a card to be mailed to a veteran in one of the local VA care facilities or retirement homes. Food trucks and giveaways, too.
Mother’s Day Weekend Spring Plant Sale at University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
May 13-14, 2023
- Address: 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free/admission; fees for plants and flowers
Find Matthaei/Nichols-designed hanging flower baskets and container plants for sale during this annual event for Mother’s Day.
Teen Mewvie Night at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
May 13, 2023
- Address: 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $20 | Register
Ages of 12-17 are invited to join the felines at Tiny Lions once a month for a special Teen Mewvie Night! Pop and popcorn are included, but you’re also welcome to bring any snacks and drinks of your own choice. You may bring pillows, sleeping bags or blankets.
A World of Animals at Eddy Discovery Center
May 21, 2023
- Address: 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea
- Cost: $2/person, $5/family | Register
Join Eddy Discovery Center for an entertaining, hands-on program presented by Brendan Finerty from Jackson’s Wild World Zoo. Advanced registration required.
Sensory Story Time at the Humane Society of Huron Valley
May 30, 2023
- Address: 3100 Cherry Hills Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $5/child, free/adults and children under 1 | Register
It is just like their regular story time, but a welcoming space for those with sensory sensitivities. All ages are welcome, but it’s designed for ages 2-5. Advanced registration is required.
Wayne
Farm Tours at Maybury Farm
May 4-9, 11-16, 18-23, 25-30, 2023
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $7/person, free/under 2
Families can enjoy a hands-on farm experience that connects them to the animals and agriculture at Maybury Farm. All tours include a dedicated Farm Educator and use of the playground and picnic area. Register by calling 248-374-0200, press 2.
Guided Canoe Program at Crosswinds Marsh Interpretive Preserve
May 5, 2023
- Address: 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston
- Cost: $20/canoe | Register
Ages 6-15 can enjoy sunset views while enjoying a guided paddle at Crosswinds Marsh Interpretive Preserve. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Registration required.
Meteor Watch Party at Crosswinds Marsh Interpretive Preserve
May 5-6, 2023
- Address: 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston
- Cost: Free
All ages can see the dark night sky of Crosswinds Marsh for their first ever meteor watch party. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Registration required.
Day Out With Thomas at Greenfield Village
May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2023
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Members: $17; Non-members: $50/ages 12-plus, $46.75/ages 62-plus, $41.75/ages 5-11, $17/ages 4 and under | Get tickets
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.
St. Florian Parish Strawberry Festival at St. Florian Roman Catholic Church
May 6-7, 2023
- Address: 2626 Poland St., Hamtramck
- Cost: Free
Get your fill of Polish food, music and plenty of strawberries. There will also be a raffle drawing and prizes for kids, too.
Sturgeon Day at Milliken State Park and Harbor
May 6, 2023
- Address: 1900 Atwater St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Families can see Lake Sturgeon up close during Sturgeon Day at Milliken State Park. There will be learning activities, games, live sturgeons, arts and crafts, food trucks and more. Registration required.
21st Annual Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade in Historic Greektown
May 7, 2023
- Address: Greektown Detroit, 500 Monroe St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Head to Historic Greektown for the 21st Annual Detroit Greek Independence Parade, which features 60 Greek-American organizations, churches, community groups, businesses and other participants.
Fiesta Detroit: Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival at El Club
May 7, 2023
- Address: 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit
- Cost: $10/general admission, $75/VIP ticket (not including online fees) | Get tickets
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this fest, which features food, vendors, Latin music, arts, live performances and more.
Disney’s Aladdin at Fisher Theatre
May 9-14, 2023
- Address: 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: $35-plus | Get tickets
Ages 6 and up can enjoy this Disney film in a Broadway musical. Watch as Aladdin rubs the lamp to make his three wishes come true. The open-caption performance will be on May 12.
Alice And The New Wonderful at Detroit Institute of Arts
May 13-14, 20-21, 2023
- Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $10-$25 | Get tickets
Join Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit for Alice & the New Wonderful, a new adaptation by Idris Goodwin.
Annual Spring Vintage, Repurposed & Handmade Market at the Brownstown Event Center
May 13, 2023
- Address: 23345 King Road, Brownstown
- Cost: $5/admission, free/12 and under | Get tickets
This annual market will feature 100 businesses selling vintage items, handmade signs, furniture, wood decor, boutique clothing, jewelry, personalized items and more.
Madagascar The Musical at the Fox Theatre
May 13, 2023
- Address: 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $15-plus | Get tickets
Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit
Through May 14, 2023
- Address: 311 E. Grand River, Detroit
- Cost: $27.99-plus | Get tickets
Sing along and experience your favorite Disney songs and movies in an all-new immersive experience.
Mother’s Day Meander at Lake Erie Metropark
May 14, 2023
- Address: 32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown Township
- Cost: $3/child, $5/adult | Register
Ages 8 and up can visit the Marshlands Museum for a guided stroll through the “Big Woods” and look for signs of moms in birds, mammals, insects and more. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. May 13.
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk at Oakwood Metropark
May 14, 2023
- Address: 28700 Oakwood, Flat Rock
- Cost: $3/child, $5/adult, free/under 2 | Register
All ages can enjoy a casual hike through the woods with their moms and discover the wildflowers at Oakwoods Metropark. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. May 13.
No Bees, No Cheese at Crosswinds Marsh Interpretive Preserve
May 18, 2023
- Address: 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston
- Cost: Free
All ages can examine beekeeping tools and see a bee hotel at work. An ice cream snack will be provided.
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Opens May 20, 2023
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life explores the key ingredients that led to Julia’s personal evolution and America’s culinary revolution. In this exhibit, you’ll experience sounds and smells from Julia’s kitchen, videos, audio, photography, interactive The French Chef TV set and more.
Movement Electronic Music Festival at Hart Plaza
May 27-29, 2023
- Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: $119-plus | Get tickets
This festival makes its appearance in Detroit every Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of people from across the globe gather to celebrate the birthplace of Techno. This dance music festival showcases new and old music influences. Best for older teens and grown-ups.
“Level Up” at the Michigan Science Center
Through May 29, 2023
- Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Check out this 8,000-square-foot interactive installation that demonstrates the acquired skills behind video and analog games.
Watch-Me-Grow at Maybury Farm
May 30, 2023
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $25/child and adult pair | Register
This preschool program is for children ages 3-5 and is filled with numerous hands-on activities, crafts, games and animal visits. The May session is “Delightful Donkeys.” Reservations required.
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