Oh man…It’s just about AUGUST! How crazy is that? This summer has flown. Hope you all are getting out and having fun before school starts back up! Here’s some ideas for family friendly things to do around Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Lansing and the surrounding areas in the month ahead. Mark your calendar and be sure to comment with anything fab I have missed!
Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in August 2014:
August 1 – Big Rig Gig {Orion Township} – From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., children can see dozens of trucks, tractors, diggers, bulldozers, bucket and back loader trucks at the Big Rig Gig at the park at the corner of Baldwin and Clarkston roads. Concessions will be available and the movie, Despicable Me 2 will be shown at 8:30 p.m., so bring a lawn chair. The event costs $5 per vehicle. {Thanks to reader Dave for sharing this with me!}
August 1-2 – Bath Days Festival {Bath} – Visit downtown Bath outside of Lansing for a parade, bath tub races, live music, kids events and more. FREE.
August 1-10 – Tarzan at the Warren Civic Theatre {Warren} – Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure, Tarzan features music by rock legend Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and musical hits make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Performances are Friday, August 1 & 8 at 7pm; Saturday, August 2 & 9 at 7pm; and Sunday, August 3 & 10 at 3pm. Reserved seating is $5-$12. {Find a community theatre near you with this list!}
August 1-2 – Family Camp Out {Brighton} – SELCRA is hosting a family camp out at Brighton State Recreation Area. Campers will be able to swim, canoe, kayak, paddle board, fish, enjoy nature hikes and more. Additionally, a movie will be shown at night by a campfire. Cost is $25/camping site.
August 1-2 – Milan Summer Fest {Milan} – This two-day family fun festival features events like a corn hole tournament, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts vendors, Backstreet Cruizers car show, bingo, live music, and much more. FREE.
August 1-3 – Buy Michigan Now Fest {Northville} – This festival is a weekend celebration of Michigan-made businesses and products. The family friendly event includes tasty treats, street vendors, live music, and children’ activities. Adults may also partake in local beers and wines in the Michigan Beer Garden. Admission and parking are FREE.
August 2 – Family Day at the Broad Art Museum {East Lansing} – Visit the museum for Family Day, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. Scavenger hunts, hands-on projects, and live music by St. Martha Strings Ensemble — plus a special family tour at 1 p.m. FREE.
August 2 – Manchester Street Festival {Manchester} – Visit Manchester for a fun-filled day including a fun run, art fair, live music, fireman’s challenge, Kids Korner with bounce houses, bed races, and more. FREE.
August 2 – Home Depot Kid’s Workshop: Build A Mini-Crate Pencil Holder {Nationwide} – Build a pencil crate, perfect for back-to-school at this hands-on workshop, designed for children ages 5 – 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online in advance. FREE.
August 2-3 – Railfans Weekend at Huckleberry Railroad {Flint} – All aboard! This weekend is dedicated to trains and train lovers! Celebrate Huckleberry Railroad with shop tours, demonstrations, model trains and a special photo run. Train/Crossroads Village combo pricing is as follows: Adult {13+}: $13, Senior {60yrs +}: $12, Child {25mos.-12yrs}: $10, 24 mos. & under are free.
August 2-3 – Arab and Chaldean Festival {Detroit} – The festival, which takes place in Hart Plaza, is the largest Arab Chaldean American cultural event in North Amrica and features a variety of Arab and Chaldean food, ethnic cultural gallery and an impressive entertainment program which will include a fashion show and a “Meijer Kids Zone.” {Unsure of an admission fee, but plan to bring money to park.}
