Once the month of October arrives, fall festivities are in full swing. Kids light up at the thought of costumes, jack-O-lanterns and the huge bags of candy waiting at the end of the month — and Metro Detroit is packed with activities to keep that excitement going all month long.
From harvest celebrations to trick-or-treating, there are kid-friendly fall activities in every corner of Metro Detroit to take your little ones to.
Here are 15 of the best things to do with kids in Metro Detroit this October:
Detroit & Inner Suburbs
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village: Costumed characters roam the lantern-lit grounds of Greenfield Village for this event, transporting kids to a world of halloween spirit. Kids will love performances by characters like Alice in Wonderland and the Headless Horseman, as well as fall treats and a halloween train ride through Greenfield Village. Tickets range from $23-$32.50 for members and $27-$38 for non-members.
- Where: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
- When: 6 p.m.-10 p.m Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-26
Zoo Boo at Detroit Zoo: Throughout the entire month of October, the Detroit Zoo hosts a trick-or-treating experience among the animals. Your kids can collect candy, get face paint, meet halloween-themed characters and more. Tickets range from $21-$25 if purchased early, or $27 at the gate.
- Where: 8450 W 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- When: 4 p.m- 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26.
Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally: Stroll through food trucks and other seasonal activities on the Detroit riverfront, with live music and harvest vibes in the background. There are plenty of kids games and attractions, as well as a mini pumpkin patch and decorating station.
- Where: Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit
- When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 25-26.
Northern Suburbs
The Friendly Forest: Another great option for day-time trick-or-treating is The Friendly Forest, a trail decorated with themed backdrops and characters handing out candy. Dress up for a full day of trick-or-treating with snacks and drinks at the end. Tickets are $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents and can be purchased by calling (248)-625-8223.
- Where: Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Village of Clarkston
- When: 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 11
Family Fall Fest: Hayrides, face paint, pumpkins and and bounce houses are favorites at the Family Fall Fest in Troy. Wear your costumes and bring an appetite for cider and donuts before attending.
- Where: Jeanne M Stine Community Park, 241 Town Center Drive, Troy
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 11
HarvestFest at Freedom Hill: Promoting community and charity, the Macomb County HarvestFest provides safe trick-or-treating and games for kids, and delicious food trucks for the whole family. Check out the special shows hosted at the event, featuring birds, reptiles and science experiments.
- Where: Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights
- When: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18-19
Trail-or-Treat: Your kids can don costumes and line up along this trick-or-treating trail to receive candy and view spooky decorations at Trail-or-Treat. There is also an all-ages haunted house in the Commerce Township Community Library at the end of the trail.
- Where: 180 S Commerce Road, Commerce Township
- When: 6 p.m. Oct. 24
Birmingham Pumpkin Patch: The Birmingham Pumpkin Patch has both pumpkin picking and decorating, along with live music, food trucks and other seasonal experiences for the kids. Some stand out attractions for the little ones are a magician performance, costume parade and a spooky story time by the Baldwin Public Library.
- Where: Shain Park, 270 W Merrill St., Birmingham
- When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25
Western Suburbs
PumpkinFest at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center: Live music, games and a pumpkin patch are the highlights of MSU’s PumpkinFest this October. Other than festive fall attractions, typical farm activities like wagon rides and farm animal interactions come with your admission. Tickets are $15 for purchase, or $17 at the door.
- Where: MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
- When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4-5.
Trick-or-Treat Trail: For Canton residents and those nearby, there is a great day-time trick-or-treating opportunity where kids can dress up and receive treats in the sunshine. Themed characters will pass out candy to kids along the Heritage Park trail. Registration is $13 for residents and $16 for non-residents.
- Where: Heritage Park, 1150 S Canton Center, Canton
- When: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4.
Pumpkins and Pups: Take your dog-loving kids and pets to Pumpkins and Pups to see the cutest puppies and other live entertainment. There will also be giveaways and merchandise for attendees. Note that proof of vaccination may be required for non-member dogs to enter the dog park.
- Where: Dog Park at Denton Road and North of Cherry Hill Road, Canton
- When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 12.
Pumpkin Palooza: The streets of Downtown Plymouth close down for Pumpkin Palooza, with trick-or-treating from local businesses, halloween entertainment and a costume contest. There is also a Scarecrows in the Park display at the nearby Kellogg Park to take a stroll through.
- Where: Downtown Plymouth
- When: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Oct. 19.
Downriver
Southgate HarvestFest: This fall festival in Southgate has a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat and other kids activities and games to explore. There are also special character performances by Jack Skellington and Maleficent for your Disney-obsessed kids.
- Where: Market Center Park, Southgate Market Place, Eureka Road, Southgate
- When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4.
Huron Township Applefest: Activities at the Huron Township Applefest include bounce houses, character meet-and-greets and a petting zoo, as well as live music and a marching band parade. Don’t miss the pie contest or fiddler contest throughout the weekend.
- Where: 37283 Huron River Drive, New Boston
- When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 4; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5.
Scarecrow Stroll: The Scarecrow Stroll includes live music performances, a professional pumpkin carving show and a witch performance, but centers around the scarecrow contest. There are also food vendors and trick-or-treating opportunities for the kids. All-day passes are $15.
- Where: Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 22314 Northline Road, Taylor
- When: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 4.
