Winter weekends in metro Detroit are full of kid-friendly events that work for a range of ages and interests. From hands-on activities to music, theater and indoor attractions, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house without over planning. Here’s a look at what’s happening and how to make the most of your weekend.
Don’t miss these standout events happening this weekend:
Ann Arbor Concert Band: “The Planets at Michigan Theater” (Jan. 18): Experience a family-friendly classical concert as the Ann Arbor Concert Band performs all seven movements of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” Kids can hear a live orchestra while learning how music connects to space and astrology, and children under 14 attend free.
Winter Wonderland at Revel Run Foxhole Biergarten (Jan. 17): Enjoy a full day of outdoor winter fun with sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing, weather permitting, plus hot chocolate for kids. Families can stop by throughout the day for food, music and seasonal drinks, so dressing warm and planning ahead is helpful since activities run at different times.
Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place (Jan. 16-18): The Detroit Auto Show returns with interactive exhibits, concept cars and hands-on experiences designed to keep kids engaged. Families can explore indoor tracks, electric vehicle rides and displays from major automakers, and strollers are allowed throughout the show.
Looking for even more things to do with your kids around metro Detroit during the weekend of Jan. 16-18? We’ve rounded up additional events by county below.
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. 16-18)?
Oakland County:
Emagine Winter Kids Series at Emagine Theatres
All day Friday, Jan. 16
The Emagine Winter Kids Series offers an affordable movie outing for families, featuring Despicable Me 4 on the big screen. Showtimes vary by location, seating is limited and this is an easy indoor option for younger kids, so planning ahead is recommended.
- Cost: $3 tickets for all ages. Magic Packs available for $5. Additional fees apply for online purchases.
- Age fit: Toddlers, preschool, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5)
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
All Shook Up at Meadow Brook Theatre
Evening and matinee times vary. Jan. 16-18
This high-energy musical features songs made famous by Elvis Presley and performances by Oakland University School of Theatre students and faculty. It is best suited for school-age kids and older, and tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.
- Address: 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester
- Cost: Ticket prices vary. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.
- Age fit: Late elementary (4-5), tweens, teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Oakland County family events here.
Macomb County:
Washing Machine Bank at Lowe’s
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
This free, hands-on workshop lets kids build a spinning coin bank with help from Lowe’s staff while learning basic building skills and the idea of saving money. Registration is required, and space may be limited by location.
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: Early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5)
Glow Stick Night at Dodge Park
7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
Skate and dance to fun music during glow stick–themed nights at Dodge Park Ice Rink, with a different music theme each week. Each guest receives a free glow stick while supplies last, making this a lively evening option for elementary-age kids, tweens and teens.
- 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: Preschool, toddlers, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens, teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
See more Macomb County family events here.
Wayne County:
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 17-18
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with three days of performances, tours and interactive activities honoring his life and legacy. Families can enjoy music, storytelling and hands-on experiences designed for all ages, and admission and parking are free on Monday in recognition of the holiday.
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free admission and parking on Monday. Regular museum admission applies Saturday and Sunday.
- Age fit: Preschool, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens, teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
Michigan Central Race Days at Michigan Central Station
Times will be announced Sunday, Jan. 18
Michigan Central Race Days brings motorsports, innovation and hands-on experiences together for families. Kids can explore racing technology, design and engineering while learning about Detroit’s role in the future of mobility, and programming and ticket details will be announced closer to the event.
- Address: 2001 15th St., Detroit
- Cost: Ticket information to be announced.
- Age fit: Early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens, teens
See more Wayne County family events here.
Washtenaw County:
Ann Arbor Open Swim at Goldfish Swim School
7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16
This family swim offers relaxed open swim time in a warm, shiver-free pool where kids can practice skills and parents can join in. Advance registration by phone is required.
- Cost: $15 per person or $30 per family. Free for members.
- Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschool, early elementary (K-3)
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
A2SO KinderConcert at Dexter District Library
Noon-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
This 30-minute concert is designed for children 5 and under and their caregivers, with live music, movement and a short story. Kids are encouraged to dance and wiggle while learning about a featured orchestral instrument, and no registration is required.
- Cost: Free
- Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschool
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
See more Washtenaw County family events here.
