Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in July 2015 {Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing Areas}

My oh my it’s just about JULY! Summer is already flying, eh? There are tons of fab events happening this month, with of course — many surrounding the 4th of July holiday. Take a peek at what’s coming up for family fun in Southeast Michigan in July 2015 including fun in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Lansing and surrounding areas, and be sure to mention what you’re up to this month in the comments!

July 1-4 – Salute to America in Greenfield Village {Dearborn} – A classic Independence Day celebration with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra that features authentic cannon fire and a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by live patriotic music. Event held rain or shine, just make sure to get tickets in advance! Adults 13+: $25, Youth 5-12: $15.50, children under 5 are free.

July 3-12 – Oakland County Fair {Davisburg} – Grandstand events, contests, fair food, Big Rock Amusements Carnival, fireworks, free live concerts and MORE! Fair parking is $10/vehicle.

July 3, July 17, July 31 – Movies Under The Stars {Howell – City Park} –Watch your favorite big screen flicks under the stars at Howell City Park. Bring your sleeping bags, lawn chairs, favorite blanket, bug spray, picnic dinner, and family and enjoy the show. Movies start at dusk {typically between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.}. Concessions available, otherwise FREE. July 3 – Paddington, July 17 – Frozen Sing-a-long, July 31 – Planes: Fire and Rescue.

July 4 – Salvation Army’s 50% off Clothing Day {Metro Detroit} – This is my absolute favorite day to hit up SalArmy for awesome deals. All metro Detroit, Washtenaw and Livingston County stores will be participating. Get there right at 7 a.m. for the best items.

July 4 – Independence Day at Cobblestone Farm {Ann Arbor} – Celebrate the tradition of our country’s freedom with nineteenth century activities. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade. Admission: Adults – $2, seniors – $1.50, kids – $1, 3 and under free, or family for $5.

July 4 – Independence Celebration at Crossroads Village {Flint} – Three cheers for the red, white and blue!  Celebrate the holiday with all kinds of fun and games including an exciting carnival midway!  Then take a break and enjoy our annual old-fashioned ice cream social. Adults – $10, children – $8, children 2 and under free.

July 4 – Maybury State Park Fishing Derby {Northville} – Children 17 and younger are invited out with their tackle box and pole to this annual catch-and-release derby. Prizes awarded for largest fish and most caught. FREE, but a recreation passport is required for entry to the park.

July 4 – Independence Fest {Clarkston} – This event features fun activities and a parade for the whole family. Parking and shuttle fees.

July 4 – Slide the City {Ann Arbor} – Embrace your inner child and get ready for the slide of your life! Slide the City is bringing the biggest water party of the summer to Ann Arbor. Grab your swimsuit and speed down to this one of a kind 600′ slip and slide. There will be music, dancing, food, drinks, and swag for sale. $40-$45 for late registration.

July 4 – Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade and Bike Decorating Contest for Children {Ann Arbor} – This annual parade starts at 10 a.m. FREE.

July 4 and July 9-12 – Concert of Colors {Detroit} – This popular Detroit event features ethnic tunes, food, arts, crafts and family fun at multiple Midtown Detroit venues. FREE.

July 4 – Home Depot Kid’s Workshop {Nationwide} – Learn how to build a Minions scooter at this hands-on workshops; 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.

July 7-8 – Zoo Days at Potter Park Zoo {Lansing} – On Zoo Days, admission is only $1 with a voucher* and parking is free. Play soccer, sample great food, get your photo taken and brush up on your Wii skills. *1 voucher per person. Vouchers can be found at surrounding Meijer locations.

July 7-12 – Common Ground Music Festival {Lansing} – Listen to live music all week for at Adado Riverfront Park. National Headlining artists mix with regional and local favorites to create the summer’s hottest six nights. Daily admission or weeklong passes available. {Artists this year include Megan Trainor, Snoop Dogg, The Band Perry, Jane’s Addiction and more.} Children 6 and under are free.

July 8 – Come Out & Play at the Capitol {Lansing} – Come Out & Play provides various outdoor activities and nature education opportunities including: disc golf, kayak simulations, lawn olympics, camping demonstrations, birding activities, tent skills, live animals, fishing activities, and more. The event is free for youth participants, and runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the Capitol lawn.

July 9-12 – Uncle Sam Jam Festival {Woodhaven} – This festival features a carnival midway, free music from national and local acts, free attractions, such as a petting zoo and camel rides, free fireworks and more. FREE admission.

July 10 – Minions movie released {my kids are SO excited for this one}!

July 10-11 – A Taste of Brighton {Brighton} – Enjoy sidewalk shopping, samples of food, a family fun zone, wine and beer gardens, live music, arts and crafts and more. FREE.

July 10-12 – Art In The Park {Plymouth} – Art In The Park is the second largest art fair in Michigan. The 3-day event features more than 400 artists from all over the country. Many activities for the entire family, too! FREE.

July 11 – FREE Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven {Nationwide} – Get the scoop over at Free Is My Life!

July 11 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Drop into a Michael’s Craft Store and take home a completed project! Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, including supplies. 10 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up. This day’s project is foam printing.

July 11 — Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} – Bring your child to Lowe’s to build Black Widow’s Sky Cycle inspired by the Avengers. Register online in advance. FREE.

July 11 — Fenton ArtWalk {Fenton} — Visit downtown Fenton for music, community, culture and fun, including a fine art exhibit, live music, entertainment, shopping and dining, family activities, and more. FREE.

July 12 – FREE Family Sunday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} – Thanks to Charter One Bank, enjoy FREE admission to the museum to check out exhibits and special programs. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

July 13 — Macy’s 2nd Mondays at The Henry Ford Museum {Dearborn} – Introduce your preschool children to the wonders of The Henry Ford — all before nap time {10 a.m. – noon}. Storytelling, live entertainment and dozens of hands-on activities related to some of the museum’s most memorable artifacts. July’s theme is Summer Celebration. FREE for kids, adults can get 25 percent off their tickets with this coupon!

July 13-18 – Eaton County Fair {Charlotte} – Whether you enjoy tractor and truck pulls, motor-cross races or demolition derbies, you can find it all at the Eaton County Fair. Kids Day is Tuesday and Saturday {ride wristbands for $18}. Toddler Day is Thursday {$5 ride wristbands for ages 6 and under}! 

July 14 – Dinosaur Day at MSU Children’s Gardens {East Lansing} – From 10 a.m. – noon, explore the world of dinos in the garden by uncovering mysteries, discovering the plants they ate and more. $5/child.

July 15 – Rescue Vehicles and More Up Close {Howell} – Visit the Howell Carnegie Library to see a Fire Truck, EMS Vehicle, Tow Truck, Police Car and more. 10:30 a.m. – Noon in the parking lot. FREE.

July 15-18 – Ann Arbor Art Fair {Ann Arbor} – The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the original of a collective of four fairs that transform Ann Arbor into a massive outdoor art gallery. Kid’s activities, street performers, great food and more! FREE, but bring money to park for parking.

July 16-19 – Farmington Founder’s Fest {Farmington} – The Farmington Founders Festival is a weekend-long celebration of crafts, music and community and features lots of events for kids as well. FREE.

July 18 – Be A Tourist in Your Home Town {Flint} – For just $1 per person, participants can purchase a Passport which gives them the opportunity to visit and enjoy many different venues around Flint & Genesee, including the Flint Children’s Museum, Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum and more.

July 18  — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Drop into a Michael’s Craft Store and take home a completed project! Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, including supplies. 10 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up. This day’s project is a wood Minion frame.

July 18-19 – Quake on the Lake {Pontiac} – Pontiac Lake brings speed boats around the country’s fastest course. Powerboats, inboards and Grand Prixes race around the 1-mile oval. Adults – $10, children {5-12} – $5, 4 and under free.

July 19 – Festival of Chariots {Novi} – The 30th annual Festival of Chariots is an ancient cultural festival celebrating Hindu that is celebrated all over the world by millions of people. Participate in a parade and pull a four story high chariot through the streets of Novi followed by ethnic music, free food, kids activities, live entertainment, yoga, cooking classes, ethnic shopping and so much more. FREE.

July 23 – Train Day at MSU Children’s Gardens {East Lansing} – From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., celebrate trains with the Capital Area Railway Society. $5/child.

July 23-25 – Sounds & Sights Festival {Chelsea} – This event features national and local music acts, local food and brew, an Indie Art Market, classic car show, chalk art contest and activities for the entire family. FREE.

July 23-26 – St. Clair Riverfest {St. Clair} – The St. Clair Riverfest packs in offshore boat racing, food/street vendors, and tons of live entertainment. FREE entry.

July 23-25 – Sterlingfest {Sterling Heights} – Celebrating its 35th year, Sterlingfest mixes the tradition of an arts & crafts fair with a jazz and blues stage, a Suds’n’Sounds stage, Kidzfest children’s activities and entertainment stage, a family midway, local restaurateurs and a main concert stage. FREE.

July 25 – Belle Isle Summer Saturdays {Detroit} – From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., visit Belle Isle for TONS of family fun! Visitors can learn the fundamentals of kayaking and water exploration, rent bicycles, participate in outdoor games, brave the giant slide and explore Belle Isle with self-paced island tours. The Detroit City Chess Club will also be at Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory will be open and, as always, free to visit. FREE.

July 25 – Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} – Bring your child to Lowe’s to build Hawkeye’s Quinjet inspired by the Avengers.Register online in advance. FREE.

July 25 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Drop into a Michael’s Craft Store and take home a completed project! Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, including supplies. 10 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up. This day’s project is a button frame.

July 25-26 – Make Faire Detroit {Dearborn} – Visit The Henry Ford for robots, flame shooters, and more from 400+ developers. This family-friendly event encourages tech, art, engineering and thinking outside the box. Adults – $28, children – $19, kids 5 and under – free. {Nab a Groupon for discounted admission here!}

July 27-August 1 – Fowlerville Family Fair {Fowlerville} – 4H animal shows, demolition derby, concerts, kids activities and more! Gate admission fees: adults – $6, seniors 62+ – $5, children (6-12) – $3, children under 5 are free. {Kids Day is July 29 and there will be lots of activities!}

July 30 – Bug Day at MSU Children’s Gardens {East Lansing} – From 10 a.m. – noon, collect and observe bugs, enjoy a bug craft and more with the MSU Bug House. $5/child.

BONUS: Be sure to check out my big list of FREE local concerts this summer, too. Lots of fab acts are coming up in July! 

What are you looking forward to this month?