Fun Events for Teens in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Is your teen complaining that they're bored? Find upcoming events and at-home activities that teenagers will actually enjoy.

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

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Photo credit: iStock

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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)

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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)

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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

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Photo credit: iStock

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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