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.
Immersive Van Gogh
Aug. 18-Oct. 1, 2023
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $26.99-plus
This immersive experience offers a look into the mind of the world’s most iconic impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The fully immersive exhibition allows visitors to transport into Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Aug. 19-Oct. 1, 2023 (Saturdays-Sundays), plus Sept. 4 and 29
- Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly
- Cost: $17-$25.95
Fair maids and merry men take a step back to the 16th century for jousting tournaments, comedy and theater shows, music, games and “real” mythological creatures. Each weekend is themed so check on it before you head out.
Richmond Good Old Days Festival
Sept. 7-10, 2023
- Address: 69500 Beebe St., Richmond
- Cost: Free
You’ll get the hometown fair experience at this fest, which features carnival games and rides, motor sports, parade, fireworks and more.
Arts & Apples Festival
Sept. 8-10, 2023
- Address: Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., Rochester
- Cost: Free
Experience the artwork of their talented artists, the sights and sounds of the Main Stage, the fresh apple treats and food vendors found around the park.
Donut & Cider Fest
Sept. 9-10, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $6/at the door, $3/advanced ticket, $5/parking
Enjoy apple cider, freshly baked donuts, music, vendors and more at this festival.
Parktoberfest
Sept. 9-10, 2023
- Address: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Visit Detroit and Faygo have joined forces to offer two full days of Bavarian fun including live music, games, seasonal beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Fall VegFest
Sept. 10, 2023
- Address: Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy this 7th annual event in historic downtown Farmington. Try some of the best plant-based foods, visit more than 30 vendors and more.
If the River Could Sing: A Celebration of Writing and River with InsideOut
Sept. 14, 2023
- Address: Robert C Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
This event will feature creative activation points inspired by the beauty and history of the riverfront. Centering on themes of arts & culture, wellness, and conservation, it culminate with a sunset showcase of music and poetry.
Troy Family Daze
Sept. 14-17, 2023
- Address: Troy Civic Center Campus, 3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy
- Cost: $5/person (cash only); fees for rides
Enjoy rides, games, entertainment and food at this annual. Fireworks will be on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
Movies in the Park
Sept. 15, 2023
- Address: McHattie Park, S. Lafayette St., South Lyon
- Cost: Free
Head to McHattie Park for ta showing of Top Gun Maverick. The movie will begin at dusk.
Movies in the Parks
Sept. 16, 2023
- Address: Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Drive, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free; parking pass required
Enjoy a drive-in style movie night at Stony Creek Metropark. Bring your own food and drinks. Top Gun Maverick on Sept. 16.
Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair
Sept. 23-24, 2023
- Address: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
This art fest features the work of jury-selected artists and crafters showcasing their work in painting, glass, jewelry, printmaking, ceramics and more.
Festival of the Senses
Sept. 23-24, 2023
- Address: Clinton Township Civic Center, 40700 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
- Cost: Free
Boasts 100 different artists and food vendors as well as live performances by local talent at this 16th annual festival.
Made In Michigan & Craft Show
Sept. 23-24, 2023
- Address: New Baltimore Trade Center, 35248 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore
- Cost: Free admission
Enjoy the annual show with Michigan-made products, food, art and crafts.
St. Joseph Oktoberfest
Sept. 23-24, 2023
- Address: St. Joseph Shrine, 1828 Jay St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
This annual event boasts everything from authentic German food and beer to live Bavarian music, vendors, raffles and much more.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live
Sept. 24, 2023
- Address: Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: $29-plus
Watch a screening of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse while listening to a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop. It will feature live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.
The FRIENDS Experience
Through Sept. 24, 2023
- Address: Great Lakes Crossing, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Cost: $33-plus/visitors 11 and older, $27-plus/children 4-10, free/children 3 and under
The FRIENDS Experience includes set recreations and photo ops, including Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Monica and Rachel’s kitchen and Central Perk. Props, costumes and “Friends” memorabilia that will excite even die-hard fans will be on display. Take a guided tour and purchase items in the gift shop (which is open to the public).
Sonya Clark: We Are Each Other
Through Sept. 24, 2023
- Address: Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/non-members general admission, $8/non-member seniors 65-plus, $6/students with ID, free/ages 12 and under and members
Clark often undertakes this exploration through everyday fiber materials—hair, flags, found fabric—and craft practices to show issues on race, history and reconciliation.
American Speed Festival 2023
Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2023
- Address: M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac
- Cost: $0-$200
This year’s event will celebrate 70 years of Chevrolet Corvette and the 100th Anniversary of Le Mans and their impact on sports cars. There will also be live music, interactive displays from sponsors and auto vendors, plus food and drinks.
Backyard Beer Garden
Sept. 30, 2023
- Address: Palmer Commons, 304 S. Main St., Chelsea
- Cost: $5/person at the entrance; (cash only)
Backyard Beer Garden will have multiple Michigan brews, special cocktails and food from some local favorites. There will be free games like cornhole, giant beer pong, giant flip cup, giant Yahtzee, giant Jenga and more.
Saturday in the Park
Through Sept. 30, 2023
- Address: Nankin Mills Park Area, 33275 Edward Hines Drive, Westland
- Cost: Free
Families can walk, run, skate or cycle safely on the six miles of Hines Drive at Nankin Mills Park Area. Hines Drive will be closed from Outer Drive to Ann Arbor Trail.
2023 Fall Festival
Oct. 7, 2023
- Address: Brownstown Event Center, 23345 King Road, Brownstown Township
- Cost: Free
Families can check out this annual event, where there will be an array of crafters and vendors, food, raffles and more.
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest
Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 2023
- Address: Wilson Barn, 29350 W. Chicago, Livonia
- Cost: Free; $2/bounce house
Pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy cider, doughnuts, crafters, corn stalks, yard games and more.
Mandela: The Official Exhibition
Opens Oct. 21, 2023
- Address: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission and for members
This immersive and interactive experience features previously unseen film, photos and historical artifacts and personal effects on loan to the museum.
A2 Artoberfest
Oct. 28-29, 2023
- Address: Downtown Ann Arbor, 4th Ave. and Ann St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free admission
Explore the work of over 100 jury-selected fine artists at this event. There will also be live entertainment, food, drinks, shopping and more.
Terror on Tillson Street
Oct. 31, 2023
- Address: Tilson Street, between Sisson and South Main streets, Romeo
- 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 and swing by on Halloween for a bit of trick-or-treating.
Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
Nov. 16-17, 2023
- Address: Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: Free
Check out artwork displayed by 60 artists along with live music, food and more at this annual event.
Yoga with Cats
Through Dec. 28, 2023
- Address: Tiny Lions lounge & Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $10/person
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.
Yoga with Cats
Through Dec. 31, 2023
- Address: Tiny Lions lounge & Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $10/person
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.
UN/EARTH
Through Jan. 2, 2024
- Address: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1105 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
UN/EARTH explores science and art from a mile underground and features work by Gina Gibson.
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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