What happens when teens get bored? Well, let’s just say it’s better if they have parent-approved recreational activities to keep them and their friends busy instead of the alternatives.
To put your mind at ease — and to help your kid find fun things to do for teens that aren’t totally lame — we’ve rounded up some great local events for teens.
Take a look below to find out what’s happening for teens and tweens this month. Plus, get a list of fun things to do at home with them, too.
Don’t see an event your teen will love? Check out our online calendar for even more family events and things to do with teens.
Teen events
From concerts to festivals and art fairs to workshops, there’s plenty of fun events for teens in Southeast Michigan. Find some of our favorite options for them here.
Ghosts on the Balcony
Oct. 1-30, 2022
- Address: Birmingham 8 Powered by Emagine, 211 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
- Cost: $30/adult haunt
The theatre will not be showing movies during the month of October and will be completely transformed back to Victorian era times for this immersive haunted theatre attraction. The bloodcurdling haunt will transform 11 different chilling areas of the theatre, including many spaces in this old historic building never before seen by the public.
Diwali Festival of Light
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Riverside Park, 3311 Squirrel Court, Auburn Hills
- Cost: Free/admission
The event will feature a Diwali craft, dancing, Rangoli, a henna artist, and we will end with a glow roll. For the glow roll, decorate yourself and/or your bike in all the glowing things walk/roll around the Riverside Park trail.
Sanderson Sisters
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Bobcat Bonnie’s, 118 Sycamore St., Wyandotte
- Cost: $30/person
See a show at Bobcat Bonnie’s featuring a performance by the Sanderson sisters, a meal from their limited menu and a cocktail (mocktail for those not of age). Tickets required.
Terror on Tillson Street
Through Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: Tilson Street, between Sisson and South Main streets
- Cost: Free
Each year, the residents of Tillson Street go all-out with their Halloween decorations. Drive through to check out the decor throughout the month.
Dia de los Muertos Skate
Nov. 1, 2022
- Address: United Skates Of America, 1419 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park
- Cost: $4.50/admission, $4.50/skate rental, $6.50/rollerblade rental
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at a skating event with special treats and a makeup contest for the best sugar skull makeup.
Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Nov. 3, 2022
- Address: Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit
- Cost: $35/ticket
Enjoy a candlelight concert to celebrate Día De Los Muertos in the Masonic Temple’s Crystal Ballroom.
Immersive King Tut
Nov. 4, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $30-plus
Immersive King Tut uses stunning visuals to tell the story of the Amduat that was depicted on the tombs of pharaohs.
Holiday Market
Nov. 17-Dec. 23, 2022 (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
- Address: Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
- Cost: Free; donations welcomed and appreciated
Shop a variety of unique gifts and décor at the Anton Art Center that is crafted by Michigan artists.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 2022
- Address: Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester
- Cost: $49-plus
A crabby old man learns the true meaning of Christmas once he is visited by three ghosts the night before Christmas.
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.
Canterbury Cocoa Crawl
Nov. 19-20, 2022
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $7/advanced ticket, $10/at the door ticket, $5/parking
Each shop in Canterbury Village will feature their own unique chocolate inspired creation for attendees to sample. The shops will be competing for the Best Cocoa Award, which will be voted on by attendees.
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.
ELF The Musical
Nov. 22-27, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $40-plus
At this show, Buddy the human who hid in Santa’s bag and lived his life as an elf heads to the Big Apple to find his real dad.
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.
A Christmas Story
Nov. 25-Dec. 18, 2022
- Address: The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
- Cost: $55.50-plus
Check out the musical, A Christmas Story, based on the 1983 classic. It’s directed by Dan Cooney and at The Encore.
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-plus
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.
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 more at this event in downtown Saline.
The Nutcracker Ballet with Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra
Dec. 3-4, 2022
- Address: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Cost: $20-$35
The Nutcracker returns to the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. The entire family is sure to enjoy this timeless Yuletide fantasy, which features the accompaniment of the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Chanu-Con!
Dec. 4, 2022
- Address: Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
There will be delicious kosher food, raffles, vendors, live musical entertainment, yoga with Nature’s Playhouse, Chanukah Bingo, crafts, dreidels and so much more.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Dec. 11, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $35-plus
The show is celebrating its 30th Anniversary tour. Re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes.
Home Alone in Concert
Dec. 14, 2022
- Address: Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $48-plus
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic accompanied by music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
“‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil
Dec. 15-26, 2022
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $26.50-plus
Cirque du Soleil puts their spin on the beloved Christmas classic. Join a curious little girl named Isabella as she is taken to an upside-down, inside-out world.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume
Through Jan. 1, 2023
- Address: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/ admission
Come out to The Gallery by General Motors at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to see a costume exhibition presented by the Walt Disney Archives. It will incorporate more than 70 original pieces, including ball gowns, military uniforms, sorcerers’ capes, tiaras and glass slippers.
At-home ideas
Looking for more fun things to keep your teens entertained at home? Check out some of these options along with places for them to explore around town.
- Family game night may not be your teen’s first choice but with the right game pick, they’ll be laughing before you know it. Here are some games your teen or tween might want to try.
- A trip to Cedar Point might be more fun, but if it’s not open or you can’t make the trek to Sandusky, virtual roller coaster rides might keep your kid entertained in a pinch.
- TikTok is all the rage right now. Impress your teens by learning the platform and spend the afternoon together creating fun videos.
- Malls are dying but you don’t want your child on their phone all day either. Let them hang out with their friends at one of these local hangout spots.
- Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are full of creepy stories and urban legends that are sure to spook older kids and teens. Share some of our favorites at your next backyard bonfire.
This post is updated regularly.
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