This winter weekend brings a mix of theater, festivals and hands-on programs for families across Metro Detroit. From big performances to outdoor fun and preschool-friendly activities, there are options for a range of ages and interests. Here’s what families should know before heading out.
Don’t miss these standout events happening with kids across Metro Detroit this weekend:
Cinderella at Parkway Christian School Auditorium (Jan. 23-24): This classic fairy tale comes to life on stage with music, costumes and familiar characters that are easy for kids to follow. The family-friendly production features multiple daytime and evening performances, making it flexible for different schedules. Tickets are required and showtimes vary by date.
Fire and Ice Festival at Robert C. Valade Park (Jan. 25): This winter festival brings medieval-style fun to the riverfront with oversized fires, ice carving, live performances and vendors. Families can watch the Fire and Ice Tower light up Saturday evening and enjoy food options like turkey legs. No registration is listed and admission is free, but expect crowds during peak times and plan to dress for outdoor weather.
Zoo Tots Animal Habitats at Detroit Zoo (Jan. 24-25): This hands-on preschool program introduces kids to different animal habitats through stories, art projects and simple activities. Children ages 3-4 attend with an adult caregiver and some classes include time exploring habitat areas around the zoo. Advance registration is required and only one child per adult may attend.
Looking for more ideas? Here are additional things to do with your kids around Metro Detroit during the weekend of Jan. 23-25.
Read more: Find More Weekend Fun in Our Family Events Calendar
What are the best things to do with kids in Metro Detroit this weekend (Jan. 23-25)?
Oakland County:
PREK Story and STEAM at 333 North Hill Circle
10-11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23
This preschool program pairs a children’s story with hands-on STEAM activities focused on science, art and problem-solving. Kids participate in guided activities designed for early learners in a small-group setting. Advance registration is required and space is limited.
- Address: 333 N. Hill Circle, Rochester
- Cost: $4 for DHNP members; $6 for the general public
- Age fit: Preschoolers and early elementary
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
Shrine Catholic Grade School Open House at National Shrine of the Little Flower
12-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
Families can tour Shrine Catholic Grade School, meet teachers and administrators and explore classrooms during this open house. Parents can ask questions and learn more about the school’s learning environment and community values while kids look around. RSVP is encouraged.
- Address: 1621 Linwood Ave., Royal Oak
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary and late elementary
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Oakland County family events here.
Macomb County:
Glow stick night at Dodge Park
7-9 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 24
Skate and dance to music during this glow stick-themed night at the Dodge Park Ice Rink. Each guest receives a free glow stick while supplies last, and the music theme changes weekly to keep things fresh. No registration is listed and skate rental is available on-site.
- Address: 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free for Sterling Heights residents with valid ID; $5 per person for nonresidents; skate rental $5; skate sharpening $5
- Age fit: Toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary, late elementary, tweens and teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
Paint Like Bob Ross at Lake St. Clair Metropark
1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
This guided painting class walks participants through creating a Bob Ross-style landscape to take home. Instructor Ted Simpson leads the step-by-step process, and no prior painting experience is needed. Advance registration is required and all supplies are included.
- Address: 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township
- Cost: $70 per child; $70 per adult
- Age fit: Teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Macomb County family events here.
Wayne County:
Michigan Central Race Days at Michigan Central Station
Times to be announced Jan. 23-25
This multi-day event brings motorsports, innovation and hands-on experiences together for kids and families. Families can explore racing technology, design and engineering while learning about Detroit’s role in the future of mobility. Ticket details and daily schedules will be announced closer to the event.
- Address: 2001 15th St., Detroit
- Cost: Ticket information to be announced
- Age fit: Early elementary, late elementary, tweens and teens
Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour at Little Caesars Arena
2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24
The Harlem Globetrotters bring basketball tricks, comedy and high-flying dunks to Detroit as part of their 100 Year Tour. Kids can enjoy interactive extras like the Golden Basketball, Magic Pass opportunities and free post-game autographs with players. Tickets are required and prices vary, with group discounts available.
- Address: 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Ticket prices vary; group discounts available
- Age fit: Early elementary, late elementary, tweens and teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Wayne County family events here.
Washtenaw County:
Winter Chemistry Kids Night Out at Future Innovators Academy
6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24
This evening STEM event lets kids rotate through hands-on chemistry stations filled with fizzing and bubbling winter experiments. Pizza and a drink are included, and kids wind down with an age-appropriate movie at the end of the night. Advance registration is required and sibling discounts are available.
- Address: 4130 Varsity Dr., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $65 per child; sibling discounts available
- Age fit: Early elementary and late elementary
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
Sun in Ya Hands at Michigan Theater
11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
This bilingual retelling of “The Frog Prince” blends music, humor and colorful Caribbean-inspired staging that’s easy for kids to follow. Families can take part in a pre-show drumming activity and meet the cast after the performance. Tickets are required and pricing varies by age, with a BOGO offer available for Not Just for Kids tickets through Dec. 25.
- Address: 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by age; BOGO offer available through Dec. 25
- Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary, late elementary, tweens and teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Washtenaw County family events here.
