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
May 12-Sept. 5, 2022
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $39.99-plus, $29.99/children 16 and under
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.
Cranbrook on the Green: Artist Designed Miniature Golf
May 25-Sept. 25, 2022
- Address: Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $5-$18
Visit the new miniature golf course, inspired by the art and design of Cranbrook. There are ten holes for you to practice on. Tickets to the Green include admission to the Art Museum’s galleries.
“POPnology” Exhibit Blends Science with Science Fiction
May 25-Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St., Detroit
- Cost: $18/adult, $14/senior and youth ages 2-15, free/under 2
This limited time exhibition features more than 30 interactive exhibits that celebrate and explore the greatest works of innovation and imagination in pop culture history.
Teens Work Out for Free
June 1-Aug. 31, 2022
- Address: Orangetheory Fitness, 2911 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Local students ages 14-18 can take advantage of Orangetheory’s popular science-based workout, centered on heart-rate based interval training and led by highly trained and certified coaches, free of charge. Registration required.
Summer Exhibitions
June 18-Sept. 25, 2022
- Address: Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/general, $8/seniors 65-plus, $6/students with ID, free/members and children ages 12 and under
This summer, Cranbrook Art Museum will open three exciting new exhibitions. They are the debut of the first film by Flint-based musician, Tunde Olaniran; an exhibition of works from the acclaimed Mott-Warsh Collection of contemporary art and the first solo museum exhibition by artist Tyrrell Winston.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume
June 25, 2022-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.
MSU Tollgate Farm Stewards Teen Leadership Program
June 27-Aug. 16, 2022
- Address: MSU Tollgate Farm, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
- Cost: $180
Tollgate Farm stewards care for campers, the farm, the earth and each other. Farm Stewards, ages 13-19, develop resiliency and gain life and leadership skills. These teens will form friendships, overcome challenges and have fun while serving as mentors to campers and assistants to camp staff. As a steward-in-training, you must register for at least one full week of camp and no more than four weeks. Registration required.
Oakland County Fair
July 8-17, 2022
- Address: Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg
- Cost: $12/vehicle, $6/motorcycles and walkers; Carnival tickets vary by day, visit event website for advanced ticket purchases
This hometown attraction features a carnival full of games and rides and arena shows. Also, find a derby, live animals, a circus and more.
Downtown Wyandotte Street Art Fair
July 13-16, 2022
- Address: Biddle Avenue between Eureka and Oak Streets, Wyandotte
- Cost: Free
See the work of more than 200 artists, enjoy eats from area restaurants and peruse a wide variety of local merchants.
Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill’s Lavender Market
July 15-17, 2022
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: $12/ticket, free/ages 12 and under
This annual open-air marketplace is set to host over 150 Michigan artisans, DIY workshops, educational speakers, u-pick lavender and a free train ride to the field. There will also lavender-infused treats for sale.
DeBuck’s Lavender Festival at DeBuck’s Family Farm
July 15-17, 2022
- Address: 50240 Martz Road, Belleville
- Cost: $15.95/general admission tickets
Experience over 5000 lavender plants, 5 acres of sunflowers, and more fun at DeBuck’s Lavender Festival. Take advantage of all the photo opps and pick your own lavender and sunflowers.
Festa Italiana
July 15-17, 2022
- Address: Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
The family fun zone at this Italian cultural fest features fireworks, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall and more.
Michigan Medieval Faire
July 16-17, 2022
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $14.99/person (not including ticket and processing fees), free/under 2, military and veterans, $5/parking (not including ticket and processing fees)
Head to Canterbury Village and take a stroll through time. Celebrate with live music, food, arts, crafts, games and live reenactment, including a jousting tournament.
PNC Roar on the River
July 23-24, 2022
- Address: Elizabeth Park, 4250 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton
- Cost: Free/general, $5/parking donation
This annual thrills with high-speed boat races, food, live music and other fun entertainment.
Sterlingfest
July 28-30, 2022
- Address: Sterling Heights City Center, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Cost: $25-$30/wristbands
Check out art on display, get their fill of tasty fair food and spin swing and slide on carnival rides at this annual.
Buy Michigan Now Festival in Downtown Northville
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: 133 W. Main St., Northville
- Cost: Free
This fest will have Michigan-made products including accessories, apparel, art, beverages, candles, foods, jewelry, home decor, skincare, woodwork and more. There will also be live entertainment.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Aug. 6-7, 2022
- Address: Sunset Drive, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Enjoy more than 65 juried artists who set up their work near the beautiful Scott Fountain at the Motor City gem. Enjoy make and take projects, international food, music and more.
Dexter Daze
Aug. 12-13, 2022
- Address: Monument Park, Dexter
- Cost: Free admission
This annual summer fest features live stage performances, food, a parade, fireworks and much more.
Milford Memories Summer Festival
Aug. 12-14, 2022
- Address: 317 Union St., Milford
- Cost: Free
This three-day art festival will have live musical entertainment, sports tournaments, rock climbing tower and more.
Movies in the Park at Wagner Park
Aug. 12, 2022
- Address: 22060 W. Village Drive, Dearborn
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a showing of Spiderman: No Way Home in Wagner Park. Bring your own chair or blanket.
Armada Fair
Aug. 15-21, 2022
- Address: Armada Fairgrounds, 74280 Fair St., Armada
- Cost: $10/ages 13-plus; $5/daily parking, $25/weekly parking (cash only for parking)
This old-school fair offers everything from carnival rides and games to livestock displays, demolition derby, tractor pulls, rodeo, monster trucks and much more.
Woodward Dream Cruise
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: Woodward Avenue
- Cost: Free; fees for some activities
This annual procession of classic and vintage cars makes its way down Woodward Avenue through Birmingham Berkley, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Pontiac and Royal Oak. Check with your city to learn about specifics.
WWE SmackDown Live
Aug. 26, 2022
- Address: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $25-plus
Check out their favorite WWE Stars back at Little Caesars Arena in The Detroit District.
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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