

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-spice 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,
W A Y S T O S A V E O N H A N D SO N F U N
Step into a world of innovation and history at The Henry Ford Museum, where legendary inventions, interactive exhibits, and timeless stories come to life for the whole family!
$27-36 GA / $235 membership
A can’t miss hands-on museum Explore history, check out the automotive gallery, and test your senses at science exhibits that will keep you entertained for HOURS!
$14 GA /$105 membership
Michigan Science Center
Check out over 220+ interactive permanent exhibits that allow kids to explore space, learn about engineering, watch physics in action on the Science Stage, and more!
$23 GA / $99 membership
Troy Family Daze Troy Family Daze
Harvest Fest Macomb Harvest Fest
Pumpkins, Apples, and Carnivals - OH MY! Let the Fall Festivals + Festivities begin.
SEPT SEPT 05-07 05-07
SEPT SEPT 05-07 05-07
SEPT SEPT 11 - 14 11 - 14
SEPT SEPT
19 - 21 19 - 21
SEPT SEPT
20 - 21 20 - 21
Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin Festival
Plymouth Fall Festival
Art & Apples Festival Rochester
Troy Family Daze
Pumpkin Festival Romulus
Clinton Township Festival of the Senses
SEPT SEPT 26 - 28 26 - 28 Pumpkinfest South Lyon
OCT OCT 11 11
OCT OCT 11 11
OCT OCT 18 & 19 18 & 19
OCT OCT 25 & 26 25 & 26
Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival
Grand Blanc Harvest Festival
Macomb County HarvestFest
Detroit Harvest Fest Detroit Riverfront
Join LittleGuide Detroit for FREE Family Fun at Stroller Roll presented by
Save the Date and join the LittleGuide Detroit team at the final (and FREE) Stroller Roll of 2025!
Join LittleGuide at the Detroit Riverfront for their annual Stroller Roll on Saturday, September 27 from 9am to 11am. This family-friendly event is FREE and open to everyone...but let us know you're coming!
FREE Activities Include: Character meet-and-greets *NEW* Safety Zone by Children's Hospital of Michigan
FREE Ray’s Ice Cream FREE Kid’s Helmets from Gardner White Touch-a-Trucks Giveaways and more!
Stock up on apples for school lunches, everyday snacks, and pies!
Blake Farms (Armada)
Hy's Cider Mill (Bruce)
Kapernick Orchards (Britton)
Long Family Orchard (Commerce)
Erie Orchard (Erie)
Spicer Orchard (Fenton)
Stony Creek Orchard (Romeo)
Wasem Fruit Farm (Milan)
Westview Orchards (Washington)
Wiard's Orchard (Ypsilanti)
GPS can’t help you here! Get lost with the kids 'on purpose' and have some fall fun as a family at a local corn maze.
DeBuck's Corn Maze (Belleville)
Corn Fun (Casco)
The Blast Corn Maze (Dexter)
Erie Orchards (Erie)
Bonadeo Farms (Highland)
Kackleberry Farm (Monroe)
Maybury Farm (Northville)
Blake Farms (South Lyon)
Best Maze (Williamston)
Put on your sweaters and rubber boots and go out to find the perfect ‘family’ of pumpkins to adorn your porch!
Blake Farms (Armada)
Denny's U-Pick Pumpkins (Plymouth)
Kapernick Orchards (Britton)
Westview Orchards (Washington)
Coleman's Corn Maze (Saline)
Wiard's Orchard (Ypsilanti)
Wasem Fruit Farm (Milan)
Hop on the hay and enjoy a short ride through the park or the orchard at one of these special events + farms.
Bowers School Farm (Bloomfield Hills)
Corn Fun (Casco)
Heritage Park (Farmington Hills)
Kensington Farm Center (Milford)
Maybury Farm (Northville)
Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township)
Marshbank Park (West Bloomfield)
Wiard's Orchard (Ypsilanti)
The downtown park is a wooden fortress and next to Brighton Coffee House.
Address: 424 Mill Pond Lane
Grab a coffee at Lucky Detroit and let your littles explore the playground designed for them.
Address: 721 St.Claire Ave
The firetruck themed playground is a hit with kids and close to The Coffee Lounge.
Address: 3rd St, Wyandottee
The downtown playground is a mix of old-school and modern, near Shaded Bloom Coffee Roasters.
Address: 375 Depot Rd
Go to Drifters Coffee and then check out the fenced in, accessible playground at Harding Park.
Address: 989 Mapledale St.
Blake
(Armada)
Hy's Cider Mill (Bruce)
Dexter Cider Mill (Dexter)
Franklin Cider Mill (Franklin)
Spicer Orchards (Fenton)
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)
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. 18 - 21
Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encantocome watch your favorite characters on an adventure, filled with world-class skating, highflying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
Beauty and the Beast: Oct. 1 - 12
Disney is coming to Detroit with the Tony nominated stage adaptation of the childhood classic. Fisher Theatre, Detroit
The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical: Oct. 2 - 5
Inspired by Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson & the Olympians", this musical adaptation of a demiGod adventure will captivate kids of all ages EMU Theatre, Ypsilanti
Cocomelon LIVE: Oct. 12
All the fun, music, and adored characters your child loves now brought to life in a real-world interactive setting that invites young fans and their families to connect, sing, and play together Fox Theatre, Detroit
Sesame Street Live: Nov. 9
“Elmo and Friends Say Hello” is a new Sesame Street show that invites your family to sing and dance with Elmo, Abby, and friends Fox Theatre, Detroit
Gabby’s Dollhouse: Nov. 23
This vibrant musical brings the magic of the hit series to life with an original story, dynamic puppetry, and catchy songs. Fox Theatre, Detroit
Get
Brick or Treat (Aubu Hallowe'en (Greenfie
Trick or Treat Storyt
Zoo Boo (Royal Oak)
Ghosts & Goodies Tr Trek or Treat (Ypsila
Nightmare On Aubur Spook-tacular (Shelb HalloweenTown (Ce Friendly Forest (Clar Fall Fest & Panther H
Trick or Treat Trail (
Trick or Treat Trail ( Malloween (Auburn H Halloween Hootenan Shadows From the P The Legend of Sleep
Sterling Frights (Ste Candy Loop (Van Bu Halloween Harvest ( Treats at the Beach Spooktacular (Royal Pumpkin Palooza (P Boo Bash (Southfield
Boo Bash Hayride Farmington)
A RARE Nightmare (Roseville)
Hallow-Palooza (Taylor)
Trick-or-Treat Farm (Ray)
Halloween Hoot (Beverly Hills)
Trick or Treat Stroll (Berkley)
Trick or Treasure (Clawson)
Thrills at the Mills (Dexter)
Little Goblins (Grosse Pointe)
DSO's Halloween Tots (Detroit)
Pumpkin Patch (Birmingham)
Streets of Treats (Northville)
Meadow Brook’s Hall-oween
Trick-or-Treat (West Bloomfield)
Trick Or Treat in The Trees (Troy)
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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
Use the coupon below in-store and online at Spirit Halloween. When shopping online, enter the promo code GIVING25 at checkout and a donation will be made to Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
* There’s no added cost to your order.
Girls on the Run is a transformational program for 3rd–8th grade girls that blends physical activity with positive youth development.
Over the course of 20 sessions, participants learn life skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for health and fitness through engaging lessons and running games.
The program culminates with a celebratory 5K at Belle Isle State Park, where girls complete the run surrounded by friends, family, and plenty of encouragement — crossing the finish line both physically and emotionally empowered.
Girls on the Run strives to help girls do the following:
Recognize their power and responsibility to be intentional in decision making
Embrace differences and find strength in connectedness
Express joy, optimism and gratitude through words, thoughts and actions
Nurture physical, emotional and spiritual health
Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
Stand up for themselves and others
Amp up the little ladies in your life with these Amazon items!
The timeless tradition of friendship bracelets is just as popular now as it ever was #ThanksTaylor
KID’S SMART WATCH
2 GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS WATER BOTTLE STICKERS
Keep active, keep track. Make movement a fashion statement.
Wind down each day with inspiration and motivation. Get water bottle stickers for her and all her friends - new and old!
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!
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.
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
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
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
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
Sports injuries are common among young athletes, but the good news is that many can be prevented and treated with the right care. Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team specializes in helping kids and teens recover safely, return to play, and build lifelong healthy habits If your child plays sports, here are tips to help prevent injuries, recognize when to seek medical care, and understand when it’s safe to return to play.
Warm up and cool down: Begin with 5–10 minutes of light aerobic activity, followed by a dynamic warmup Save static stretching for after exercise
Rest and recovery: Take at least one rest day each week. Follow pitch counts, listen to your body, and prioritize good sleep.
Nutrition: Every athlete’s needs are different, but a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is essential.
Hydration: Drink water all day and replenish with electrolytes post-workout
All states require pre-participation physicals, and every athlete should get one. These exams, include a medical history and physical exam to identify athletes who may need further evaluation and were originally developed by the American Heart Association to identify kids at risk for sudden cardiac death These exams should be completed at least 6 weeks before preseason to allow time for follow-up.
Work closely with your child’s physician to determine when it’s safe to return At Children’s Hospital, individualized return-to-play protocols are created to support recovery and prevent future injuries. The general rule of thumb is full, pain-free range of motion, no swelling, and equal strength compared to the opposite side. Be prepared, certain bones and tissues take longer to heal; returning too early increases the risk of re-injury.
EveryMondayhoponInstagramStoriesandletushelpyouplan yourweek.BONUS:GetaFREEBiggbyCoffeeonus!
Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 8 and the perfect excuse to get your favorite people together for a special outing on the town. th
In Elements @ Meadow Brook Hall (September 5 - 7)
Meadow Brook Hall’s annual limited-run ‘Art in the Elements’ tour features 20 imaginative large-scale floral art sculptures created by renowned floral artists.
& Apples Festival (September 5 -7)
The annual art festival includes a Kids Art Zone for artmaking activities, live art demonstrations, bounce houses, face painting, and more.
City Festival @ DIA (September 5 & 6)
DCF-Detroit features performances, master classes, and crafting activities at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Car Festival @ Greenfield Village (September 6 & 7)
Learn about the life during the era of great (great) grandparents and spark shared interest in the Motor City during Greenfield Village’s Old Car Festival.
(thru September 28)
Sink a putt at custom-designed, art-inspired holes on the beautiful grounds of the Cranbrook Receive free admission to Cranbrook Art Museum’s galleries when you purchase tickets to Cranbrook on the Green!
Let the kids bounce off the walls (just not your own) at an indoor play place. Here are the best indoor amusement centers for all different ages to enjoy.
1.Dinoland (Ann Arbor/Madison Heights)
2.242 Community Center (Ann Arbor)
3.Peppa Pig World of Play (Auburn Hills)
4.Legoland Discovery Center (Auburn Hills)
5.Airborne (Brighton + Taylor)
6.Busy Bee Play Cafe (Canton)
7.Fairytale Fun Place (Clarkston)
8.Kid Empire (Clinton Twp & Farmington Hills)
9.Yoyo's Fun Center (Clinton Twp/Westland)
10.Tumble Town (Commerce)
11.Fascination Factory (Birmingham)
12.SkyZone (Commerce)
13.Kidcadia (Dearborn)
14.Castaway Play (Howell)
15.Stemville (Howell & Northville)
16.Jummps Adventure Park (Lincoln Park)
17.Bounce It Up (Livonia)
18.Wonder World Play Cafe (Livonia)
19.Urban Air (Livonia + Sterling Heights)
20.Move & Groove (Northville)
21.Ward Playscape (Northville)
22.Airtime (Sterling Heights + Westland)
23.GEMU Playground (Troy)
24.Troy Gym (Troy)
25.Rev'd Up Fun (Woodhaven)
FordWoodsParkisthelatestplayground upgradeinDearbornwithanadorable naturetheme,kidswillhaveagreattimein thefencedinplayground!
Thepopularwoodenplaygroundis nowaT-Rexplaystructurewith climbingfunforkidsandafarmthemedplayareafortoddlers.
WaldenburgParknowfeaturesanewly renovated,ADA-accessibleplayscapewith turfandequipmentforallages,plusa basketballcourt,restrooms,andapaved naturetrailalongtheMiddleBranch ClintonRiver.
WabashParkisavibrantnew neighborhoodparkdesignedforallages andabilities Withturfground,afully enclosedfence,alargeplaystructure,a toddlerarea,plentyofswings,anda sensoryplayzone,it’stheperfectspotfor hoursoffun.
TheexpansivenewplaygroundatCivic CenterParkoffersfunforallagesand abilities,featuringabig-kidplaystructure, smallerareasforlittleones,abarrier-free playspace,andplentyofswings,spinners, bouncers,andevenazipline.
REASONS 5
Just 2 hours away — with world-class museums, stunning gardens, a top-notch zoo, and seasonal events, Grand Rapids is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway!
ArtPrize (Sept. 18–Oct. 4)
Explore 650 works of art across 3 square miles in the Midwest’s largest art show.
Power of Pollinators @ John Ball Zoo (thru Nov. 23)
Discover 20+ larger-than-life animatronic pollinators, from buzzing bees to fluttering butterflies.
Coopersville & Marne Railway Pumpkin Train (Oct. Weekends)
Hop aboard for fall fun with entertaining characters and a pumpkin patch surprise for kids.
Grand Rapids Attractions Pass
One price ($18 kids / $32 adults) unlocks top attractions:
Ford Presidential Museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
John Ball Zoo
The Henry Ford is the perfect family day trip, and a family membership pays for itself in just two visits (for a family of four). Enjoy a full year of fun with special events and activities every month!
E P T
Hundreds of vintage vehicles from the 1890s–1932 roll in from across the country for this epic showcase, perfectly timed for Grandparents Day.
O C T
A sell-out seasonal favorite with live entertainment, haunted train rides, and plenty of spooky, family-friendly fun.
N O V
Explore decades of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments at this permanent exhibit before picking out a new favorite for your tree.
D E C
Stroll through a festive, historic village filled with holiday activities, live entertainment, and visits from Santa himself.
J A N
Discover the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through full-scale inventions, intricate art studies, and stunning, interactive displays.
F E B
N
F
On the second Tuesday of each month, little learners can enjoy drop-in story time with interactive activities and a take-home STEM kit
R O U G E F O R D F A C T O R Y T O U R
Rev up your inner engineer with a five-part experience at Ford’s legendary Dearborn Truck Plant. Not included with membership, but members get 15% off!
M A R G R E E N F I E L D V I L L A G E
O P E N I N G D A Y
Welcome spring with custard, outdoor fun, farm visits, playground time, Model T rides, and more as Greenfield Village reopens for the season.
M A Y A D A Y O U T W I T H T H O M A S
Train lovers, this one’s for you! On select May dates, see Thomas the Train and Sir Topham Hatt as Greenfield Village transforms into the Island of Sodor.
V I S I T T H E J A C K S O N H O U S E
Explore the newly reconstructed Jackson Home, over 100 years old and relocated from its original site in Alabama to Greenfield Village.
J U L
J U N S A L U T E T O A M E R I C A G R E E N F I E L D V I L L A G E
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with live music, a Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert, and a spectacular fireworks show at Greenfield Village.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ENHACE YOUR CURRICULUM, CHANGE UP AN EDUCATION SETTING, OR GO ON A ‘FIELD TRIP’ HERE ARE LOCAL DESTINATIONS THAT OFFER SPECIAL HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS.
During Homeschool Days, families that homeschool enjoy 50% off admission at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Michigan, and Peppa Pig World of Play.
Enhance your S.T.E.M. curriculum with scientific observations and engineering challenges while also embracing elements of play.
Make the Detroit Zoo your classroom! With educational displays and interactive exhibits, this is the perfect chance to enrich your homeschool experience. Learners of all ages will step into the vibrant world of the Amazon Rainforest at the Detroit Zoo. Discount admission is offered and hands-on educatoin stations are available from 10:30am to 1:30pm
Homeschool isn’t just for home, take your lessons out to the Metroparks. It’s the best place to learn about science, nature, the environment and more At the Interpretive Centers, homeschool groups are welcome to register for any of the topics covered in the educational program guide. They can also customize programs for your specific needs; just talk to Interpretive staff to work with your group on scheduling a program.
Homeschool Programs are available at both the Red Oaks and Wint Nature Centers SeptemberMay Each program is adapted for ages 6-9 and 10-13. Sessions run 10:30am to 12:30pm and are designed as drop-off programs for youth.
Let your littles feel like a big with a town to explore all on their own.
The Michigan Science Center‘s beloved Kids Town exhibit is back with a NEW miniature town designed to help kids explore STEAM concepts in themed immersive rooms.
Salt & Light focuses on Montessori inspired play, with wooden playhouses, dress up and an incredible tree as the focal point to all the fun.
Designed with littles in mind, the space is open and airy. Fascination Factory offers the perfect blend of fun and creativity for children of all ages.
An Interactive child-sized neighborhood with roundabouts for tricycles, shops, a post office, supermarket, ambulance, playhouse, and a charming three-story tree house.
W H E R E T O T A K E A F I R E T R U C K F A N
OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH AND IN ADDITION TO SPECIAL EVENTS, YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY THESE ACTIVITIES ANY TIME.
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
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
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
The best part of fall in Michigan? The breathtaking colors. Pack up the kids and hit the road for these scenic drives and weekend getaways that showcase Michigan at its autumn best!
Start in Port Huron and follow M-25 past Lexington, around the Thumb through Port Austin, and into Bay City. Expect endless fall colors and gorgeous Lake Huron views.
Red Arrow Highway
Cruise along Lake Michigan’s shoreline through charming villages like Union Pier and St. Joseph. Stop at U-pick farms, such as Nye’s Apple Barn, for cider, donuts, and fall treats.
Keweenaw Peninsula Scenic Drive
Wind through forests and small towns to Copper Harbor for stunning Lake Superior views. Don’t miss Brockway Mountain Drive 9.5 miles of scenic beauty and wildlife spotting.
The Western U.P.
Take CR 513 from Bessemer to Lake Superior’s shore. Once a wagon route for iron mines, this 15-mile stretch cuts through a million acres of blazing fall colors in the Ottawa National Forest.
M-22
Michigan’s most iconic route hugs 116 miles of Lake Michigan’s coastline from Manistee to Traverse City. Visit highlights like Sleeping Bear Dunes, Inspiration Point, and Point Betsie Lighthouse along the way.
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