FALL MAGAZINE
WITH THE START OF FALL, COMES SCHOOL (AND THE INEVITABLE SICKNESS), SPORTS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND MORE. IT’S NOT EASY TO FIND TIME, BUT LITTLEGUIDE IS HERE TO MAKE IT EASY TO FIND FUN!
We’re all busy - and honestly - a little overwhelmed. So, here at LittleGuide, we try to make it easier to find family fun by putting all the information in one easy place (and directly in your inbox, social media feed, etc you get the point )! We created this magazine as a ‘cheat sheet’, an easy reference that you can pull from at any time and find something fun to do with your family. Grab your pumpkin-spiced latte, cozy up, and get ready for a fun Fall ahead - including:
Apple Orchards + Pumpkin Patches
Fall Festivals & Fairs
Must-Haves for Youth Sport Season
Halloween Events and more!
For more seasonal ideas + daily inspiration, visit www.littleguidedetroit.com.
Here's to a FUN Fall ahead,
FALL FESTIVALS FALL FESTIVALS
IN METRO DETROIT IN METRO DETROIT
Pumpkins, Apples, and Carnivals - OH MY!
Let the Fall Festivals + Festivities begin. Plymouth Fall Festival
Apples
Apples
SEPT SEPT 06-08 06-08
SEPT SEPT 06-08 06-08 Art & Apples Festival Rochester
SEPT SEPT 12 -15 12 -15 Troy Family Daze
SEPT SEPT
20 -22 20 -22 Pumpkin Festival Romulus
SEPT SEPT 20 - 22 20 - 22 Northville Victorian Festival
SEPT SEPT 27 - 29 27 - 29 Pumpkinfest South Lyon
& 6
&
&
Brick or Treat (Auburn Hills)
Fall Fun Fest (Macomb)
Hallowe'en (Greenfield Village)
Harvestfest (Detroit)
Ghosts & Goodies Train (Flint)
Trick-or-Treat Trail (White Lake)
Trick or Treat (Canton)
Zoo Boo (Royal Oak)
Trek or Treat (Ypsilanti)
Friendly Forest (Clarkston)
Trick or Treat Trail (Milford)
Fall Fest & Panther Hunt (Wixom)
HalloweenTown (Centerline)
Tots Halloween (Harrison Twp)
Shadows From the Past (Livonia)
Little Goblins (Grosse Pointe)
The Legend of Sleepy Howell
Sterling Frights (Sterling Heights)
Trick-Or-Treat (Rochester)
Treats at the Beach (Harrison Twp)
Spooktacular (Royal Oak)
Boo Bash Hayride (Farmington)
Pumpkin Palooza (Plymouth)
Boo Bash (Southfield)
Trick-or-Treat Farm (Ray)
Halloween Hoot (Beverly Hills)
Streets of Treats (Northville)
Trick or Treat Stroll (Berkley)
Thrills at the Mills (Dexter)
DSO's Youth Spooktacular (Detroit)
Candy Loop (Van Buren Township)
Halloween Festivities (Birmingham)
Trick-or-Treat (West Bloomfield)
Trick Or Treat Among The Trees (Troy)
FREE local frights, sights& sounds
Blake
(Armada)
Hy's Cider Mill (Bruce)
Dexter Cider Mill (Dexter)
Franklin Cider Mill (Franklin)
Spicer Orchards (Fenton)
Parmenter Cider Mill (Northville)
Apple Charlie’s Orchard (New Boston)
Three Cedars Farm (Northville)
Plymouth Orchards (Plymouth)
Rochester Cider Mill (Rochester Mill)
Yate's Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)
Stony Creek Orchard (Romeo)
Westview Orchards (Washington)
Wiard's Orchard (Ypsilanti)
FALL 2024
YOUR GUIDE TO FALL FAMILY FUN
From Halloween Events and Hayrides, to Corn Mazes and Cider Mills - here is your guide to the best Fall Family Fun in Metro Detroit!
IN METRO DETROIT
5
REASONS
5 REASONS TO VISIT TO VISIT GRAND RAPIDS GRAND RAPIDS THIS
FALL THIS FALL
2 hours door to door - with world-class museums, unbelievable gardens, the coolest zoo, and special events & exhibits - always makes Grand Rapids a day trip or overnight stay well worth it
ArtPrize (September 13th - 28th)
Stroll thru downtown Grand Rapids and find 650 works of art spread over 3 square miles in the biggest art show in the midwest!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party (September 14 & 15)
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks light up the floor in outrageous competitions and battles. Enjoy a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser light shows, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways.
Robot Zoo @ Grand Rapids Public Museum (ends September 22nd)
Eight robot animals and more than a dozen hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life animal characteristics - like how chameleons change color, squids propel, and flies walk on the ceiling.
Very
Eric
Carle @ Grand Rapids
Children’s Museum (Sept. 2nd - Jan. 5th)
Step into the pages of your favorite books by Eric Carle and experience them as an artist, reader, and character.
Dino
Adventures (ends November 10th)
There are over 20 life-size replica robotic dinosaurs you can spot throughout the John Ball Zoo, in addition to an oasis that’s home to animals from around the worldincluding red pandas and hippos.
STAGE SHOWS COMING STAGE SHOWS COMING TO METRO DETROIT TO METRO DETROIT
Step away from the screens and take your kids to a stage show for in-person excitement they won't soon forget - get your tickets today!
Disney On Ice: Sept. 19 - 22
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0: Oct. 16
Chris and Martin Kratt put on an incredible stage performance of their popular PBS show, Wild Kratts. Fans of all ages will love it. Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
Dog Man: The Musical: Oct. 18 & 19
The popular characters from Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel series come to life in a hilarious and heartwarming musical. Fisher Theatre, Detroit
Junie B. Jones JR: Nov. 2 & 3
Laugh yourself silly with Junie B. Jones in this hilarious Broadway Junior adaptation of Barbara Park’s beloved series. Macomb Center, Clinton Township
Disney Jr. Live: Nov. 10
Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with Puppy Dog Pals, SuperKitties, Ariel, Spidey friends and more. Fisher Theatre, Detroit
Blippi - The Band Tour: Nov. 30
Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies, and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music. Fisher Theatre, Detroit
T A K E
H E R E T
F I R E T R U C K F A N
Michigan Firehouse Museum
Find 3 levels of firetrucks, vintage trucks, and displays ready and waiting for kids to climb into and run lights on all year round. The hands-on museum is both educational and fun for visitors.
Location address: 110 W Cross St, Ypsilanti
Wyandotte Rotary Park
Kids will enjoy climbing and riding on these fire truck-themed features (and it’s next to the fire station too)! Consider bringing a treat to the firehouse, where local heroes often welcome visitors.
Location address: 3rd St, Wyandotte
Wiard’s Country Fair & Orchard
Plan a weekend trip to Wiard’s where your kids can go on fire engine rides on Saturdays & Sundays and play on the firehouse themed playground
Location address: 5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti
How to Care For Burn Injuries in Kids
Fire and burn injuries are hard to think about, but it’s important to be prepared and know how to respond in case of emergencies. The Burn Center at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is the only verified burn center in Michigan that is dedicated to pediatrics – and one of a few in the nation. From innovative procedures for patients with full-thickness burns over more than 50 percent of their bodies to specialized care and rehabilitation therapy for children with severe burns to their hands and joints, the Burn Center provides comprehensive care for every burn injury. If a child in your life is harmed by heat or fire, take them to Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
If a child in your care comes in contact with heat or fire, here are tips for how to provide immediate treatment and when to seek additional assistance.
Caring for a heat-induced or thermal burn
Remove the child from the heat source.
Cool the affected area with cold water or cold compresses until the pain is reduced or relieved
If a blister has formed, do not break it.
Protect the burn with a dry, sterile, gauze bandage or with a clean bed sheet or cloth.
If your child’s clothing is stuck to the burned area, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, cut around the clothing, leaving the burn intact. Seek medical care right away.
Do not apply any ointments, oils, or sprays to the burned area
If your child has burns on the hand, foot, face, eyes, or groin, or those that cover a large area, seek medical attention, or dial 911 for emergency medical attention.
Important note: Any electrical burn should be seen by a doctor. Electrical burns cause damage to body parts below the skin that are not visible on the surface. Call or send someone to call 911 for emergency medical assistance if an electrical burn occurs
FIND YOUTH SPORTS FIND YOUTH SPORTS IN METRO DETROIT IN METRO DETROIT
F L A G F O O T B A L L
NFL Flag is fun, easy, and for EVERYONE! Girls and boys (ages 4 to 14) can enjoy 5v5, non-contact football once a week for an hour practice and 1 hour game - and that’s a big WIN for parents!
S O C C E R
If you want to introduce your littles to sports, KickStart Toddler Soccer is the perfect starting point. Kids ages 18 months to 6.5 years old will love the engaging weekly sessions, taught by thoughtful and patient instructors.
S W I M M I N G
Dive-in to the Goldfish Swim Force Swim Team Kids ages 5 to 12 learn to master the four major swim strokes during weekly sessions and participate in a swim meet once per quarter
G Y M N A S T I C S
Learn to tumble safety and build strength at S.W.A.G. Kids Gym With classes for kids ages 10 months to 12 years old, it’s the perfect starting spot for kids who want to try out gymnastics
B A S K E T B A L L
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers Basketball clinics and leagues for kids ages 4 to 14 Learn basic skills and good sportsmanship as kids compete in the Intra-Y league
S K I I N G + S N O W B O A R D I N G
Get ready for winter without the cold and wet at Shredder The indoor training center teaches kids to ski and snowboard on test hills, mastering safety and skills just in time to hit the slopes and snow
FOR THE SPORTS BAG FOR THE SPORTS BAG
These grab and go items are must-haves for a variety of athletes.
GATORADE SPORTS BOTTLE
Gatorade bottles are back in fashion and if your kids want in on the trend, the stainless steel verison has a great lid.
Add this to your first aid kit Triad Hydrophilic Wound Dressing is great for huge scrapes, sliding burns, etc. this is a great item to have handy.
ANTIBACTERIAL FABRIC SPRAY
For the cleats, shin guards, and all that stinky equipment - a quick spray goes a long way!
For you or the kids, these re-chargeable hand warmers are winners for fickle weather on the field or watching from the sidelines.
5BestPlaygrounds 5BestPlaygrounds fforToddlers
orToddlers
GreenAcresPark, HazelPark
Designedwithlittlesinmind-thisnew playgroundfeatureslowlevelslides,an obstaclecourse,lowmonkeybars,and musicalinstruments.Kidscanswing andrideonabumblebeeorladybug.
Climbonacaterpillar,crawl throughatunnel,testtheirbalance onabouncingsphere,andplay houseatOxfordPark.
ThornPark, Brownstown 03.
YourlittleswillloveexploringSafety TownatThornPark.Playpretendin thesmallhouses,letthemclimbon thejust-for-themplaystructures andspendtimeinthesandpitthat hasdiggingequipmentonsite!
FranklinPark, Franklin 05.
Theplaygroundisdesignedwith littlesinmind-musicstations,giant sandbox,playhouse,uniqueclimbing structures,anda‘riding’horse.It’sall nexttothecutelittlelibraryfora post-playgroundstorytime.
GallupPark, AnnArbor
GallupParkisgreatforyoungsensory learners.Theycantouchdifferenttypesof structures,spotanimals,andmakemusic. Thereisasandboxtoenjoyandonnice daysyoucangetyourtoeswetintheriver.
PLAN A PARK HOP: DOWNRIVER
ELIZABETH (TRENTON)
The island playground is new, fun for kids of all ages - and the perfect spot to watch boats too!
GPS Address: 4250 Elizabeth Dr
KIWANIS (SOUTHGATE)
All aboard! The coolest train park also hosts FREE mini train rides on the third weekend of each month.
GPS Address: 13901 Leroy St
CIVICCENTER (WOODHAVEN)
Kids won’t be able to resist the little houses in Safety Town (try playing hide and seek) or massive play structures.
GPS Address: 24135 Hall Rd
COMMUNITY (FLATROCK)
If you’re a fan of wooden playgrounds, here’s one to check out. There’s a historic village too.
GPS Address: 25498 Gibraltar Rd
PLAN A PARK HOP:
SOUTHFIELD
CIVICCENTER &LIBRARY
The most popular Southfield playground with LittleGuide readers, it’s large and next to the coolest library.
GPS Address: 26000 Evergreen
INGLENOOK
Not only is the park designed to look like a barn, but there’s one on site that your kids will love.
GPS Address: 21100 W 12 Mile Rd
BAUERVIC WOODS
Tucked in the forest, this large playground is perfect to play and watch leaves change.
GPS Address: Nine Mile Rd
PEBBLECREEK
If you have kids who love to climb, the tree top themed structure will be a quick favorite.
GPS Address: 26389 American Dr
FREEWAY
A spacious playground with space for all ages. Bring the bikes or scooters for the path.
GPS Address: 16081 Lincoln Dr
U-PICK PUMPKINS U-PICK PUMPKINS IN METRO DETROIT IN METRO DETROIT
Whether you want pumpkins for carving or porch decor, nothing says Fall quite like a family outing to a local pumpkin patch. Pack up the kids (and bring a wagon) for a quintessential Fall outing. If you ’ re looking for a place to go, check out this list of farms in metro Detroit:
Blake Farms (Armada)
Kapernick Orchards (Britton)
Long Family Orchard (Commerce)
Denny’s U-Pick Pumpkins (Plymouth)
Blake Farms (South Lyon)
Westview Orchards (Washington)
Wiard’s Orchard (Ypsilanti)
PUMPKIN ROLL EVENTS
When the Halloween festivities are over, you can replace the pumpkins for a Christmas tree and have some fun doing it at a local pumpkin roll event. These cities host pumpkin roll events on November 1st: Madison Heights Rochester Clinton Township East Pointe
Get Lost in Fall, Get Lost in Fall, Find a Corn Maze Find a Corn Maze
GPS can’t help you here. Get lost with the kids on purpose and have some Fall family fun while doing so!
The best part of Fall is when you get the chance to take it slow. Search for the perfect apple or pumpkin, sit on a tractor for a wagon ride through a field, or step into the unknown and see who can lead the family through the corn maze. Big and small, there are a lot of local options to choose from.
DeBuck's Corn Maze (Belleville)
Corn Fun (Casco)
Blast Corn Maze (Dexter)
Spicer Orchards (Fenton)
Porter's Orchard (Goodrich)
Bonadeo Farms (Highland)
Kackleberry Farm (Monroe)
Maybury Farm (Northville)
Blake Farms (South Lyon)
Best Maze (Williamston)
The best thing about Fall in Michigan is the changing colors. So, pack up the kids for a road trip on the most beautiful drives (and weekend getaways) in Michigan!
M-25 (around the thumb)
Take M-25 from Port Huron, past Lexington and all the way around the thumb, through Port Austin to Bay City for a drive full of Fall colors and picturesque views of Lake Huron.
Red Arrow Highway
Take a drive along Lake Michigan to explore quaint coastal villages, such as Union Pier and St. Joseph. This area is known for its agriculture with plenty of U-pick farms, like Nye’s Apple Barn, that is the perfect pit stop for goodies!
Keweenaw Peninsula Scenic Drive
Travel through dense forests and quaint towns to Copper Harbor to take in the stunning view of Michigan’s fall colors and Lake Superior From Copper Harbor, enjoy the 9 5 mile Brockway Mountain Drive around Lake Superior, the highest above sea-level drive between the Rockies and Alleghenies and an official Michigan Wildlife Viewing Area.
The Western (most U.P.)
CR 513 leads from Bessemer to the Lake Superior shore. Once a wagon supply route to the area’s iron mines, the 15mile route is surrounded by one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest and it is an explosion of color in the Fall.
M22
This famed stretch offers 116 miles of Lake Michigan’s picturesque coast - from Manistee to Traverse City. Road trippers can make a pit stop at must-see Michigan destinations, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Inspiration Point, and Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Just For Laughs Just For Laughs
WHEN
Shop
Spirit Halloween, Support Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Use the coupon below in-store and online at Spirit Halloween. When shopping online, enter the promo code GIVING24 at checkout and a donation will be made to Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
* There’s no added cost to your order.
