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

November starts the cold, which isn’t so fun, BUT there are lots of fun activities inside to keep us all warm! I love this month because there are always tons of plays/musicals {my weakness!} and it starts lots of Christmas fun. I don’t know about you all, but it’s all Christmas music from now on in my van 😉

I will be posting my big Christmas list soon, but for now, let’s just chat general November fun to be had, which includes lots of parades and fun to kick-off the holiday season.

Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in November 2015

November 1 — Christmas Open House at English Gardens {All Locations} — Celebrate the holiday season with displays of professionally decorated theme trees, visit with Santa, go caroling and receive free refreshments. Santa photos are from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Additionally, enjoy a free craft project to make a snowman tea light. FREE.

November 6 — Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit this gem for FREE after 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation.

November 7 — $5 Day at The Henry Ford {Dearborn} — $5 admission per venue: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour or a traditional IMAX. $5/person per venue. $5 for parking.

November 7 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 12-4 p.m. for hands-on activities and a family guided tour at 1 p.m. FREE thanks to Farm Bureau.

November 7, 14, 21, 28— FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to First Merit Bank.

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

November 7 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Build a Veterans Day jet! This hands-on workshop is 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.

November 7 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a wish list ornament. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

November 7-8 — Wizard of Oz at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts {Clinton Township} — Join All The World’s A Stage and Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. Based on the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, this beloved musical features the classic songs that we have come to love such as “Over the Rainbow,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

November 8 — FREE admission to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History opens its doors for FREE, thanks to Ford Motor Company.

November 9 — 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. November’s theme is Made in Michigan and will take place in The Henry Ford Museum. FREE for kids, adults can get 25 percent off their tickets with this coupon!

November 10-15 — How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Fox Theatre {Detroit} — See this Seuss tale brought to life on stage. Tickets range $35-$75.

November 11-15 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Legends {The Palace of Auburn Hills} – Come to the greatest show on earth! Tickets start at $14.

November 13-22 — Community Theatre of Howell presents Mary Poppins {Howell} — This show includes an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. The brilliant score includes such popular numbers as “Anything Can Happen,” “Chim Chim Cheree,” “Spoonful of Sugar,” and the timeless “Supercalifragilistic.” Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students when purchased in advance.

November 13 – December 24 — A Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook Theatre {Rochester} — The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge returns to the stage for the 33rd year. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets range from $16.50-$42.

November 14 — Family-Friendly Film at the Michigan Theater – The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn 3D {Ann Arbor} – Part of the Toyota Family-Friendly Film Series. 1:30 p.m. Adults – $10, seniors/children 13+ – $8. Free for kids 12 and under.

November 14-15 — Enchanted Princess Ball {Fraser} — Dress-up your little one and enjoy a show by Disney-inspired princesses! $22.50/person. Advance tickets required.

November 14 — Michaels Kid Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michael’s to make a felt Christmas mouse. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.

November 14  — Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} – Bring your child to Lowe’s to make a project! Register online in advance. FREE.

November 14 — Tiny Turkey Trot at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve {Rochester Hills} — Gather around the campfire to learn a bit about turkeys then don running shoes and head out on the trail for an adventure course, complete with games, challenges and prizes all along the route.  All ages family program.  Our trails are stroller-friendly but jogging strollers work best. $6/person.

November 14 — Art Unwind at Barnes & Noble {Nationwide} — Visit Barnes & Noble from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. to have some fun with adult coloring! The focal point of The All-American Art Unwind event is the “Create” activity, an opportunity for customers to take part in a nationwide coloring project and color a piece of art. FREE to attend.

November 14 – December 30 {Saturdays and Sundays} — Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Marquis Theatre {Northville} – See this classic tale brought to life on stage! $9/tickets. {No children under age 3}

November 16 — Madeline and the Bad Hat at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts {Clinton Township} — This fun play captures the blithe yet touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’ much-loved Madeline series. This amusing tale traces the adventures of a young Parisian girl who—despite starting off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor—eventually learns that first impressions aren’t everything. Told with gentle humor, and featuring a beautiful musical score, this amusing tale of enemies-become-friends will charm and entertain children and adults alike. $15/ticket. Enter to win tickets on my Facebook page here!}

November 20 — Silver Bells in the City {Lansing} — The premiere holiday event for the state of Michigan, which includes the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a fireworks show over the State Capitol. 5-9 p.m. FREE.

November 20 – December 27 — Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo {Lansing} — Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary displays Thursdays-Sundays 5-8 p.m. Adults are $7/person, children ages 3-12 are $5 and children under 3 are free.

November 20 — Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in Campus Martius {Detroit} — Such a beautiful and FREE event! 5 p.m. – Midnight. Expect to pay parking fees.

November 20-22 — Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas {Detroit} — The best-selling book series will be brought to life! Get the scoop at this post from my archives.

November 20 – December 31 {Weekends} — Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak} — A million-plus LED lights cover trees, buildings and animal sculptures. Live entertainment, arts, crafts, ice carving and holiday train displays, too. $8 in advance, $10 at the door, children 2 and under free. $6 for parking.

November 21 — Santa Parade {Mt. Clemens} — The Macomb County Santa Parade marches down Main Street starting 10 a.m. Continuing tradition, the parade ushers in the holiday season with the arrival of the jolly old elf himself, Santa!  There will also be plenty of new floats, marching bands, characters, and sights and sounds for all to enjoy.  The parade route runs on Main Street from Church Street north to Clinton Street. FREE.

November 21 — Wyandotte Christmas Parade {Wyandotte} — The Parade route begins at Northline near the Police/Court Building and ends at Eureka Avenue. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and usually runs approximately one hour. Wyandotte’s Christmas Parade often draws participation from local marching troupes, pipe and drum and marching bands, schools and organizations from throughout Michigan and Canada. The parade ends with Santa Claus! The parade route runs along Biddle Avenue from Mulberry to Pine Street. FREE.

November 21 — Tenpenny Furniture & Mattress Social Media Party {Novi} — Must attend party for those looking to spruce up their home! Get the scoop at this post.

November 23 — The Big, Bright Light Show {Rochester} — One of the state’s best light displays will turn on during Rochester’s signature Christmas event, Lagniappe. FREE.

November 26 — America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade {Detroit} — Rockin’ parade along Woodward Avenue complete with floats, giant balloons, and Santa. Parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward Ave. and Kirby St. and ends at Campus Martius Park. $35-$55 for advance tickets/grandstand seating, or FREE for general admission. Expect to pay parking fees as well.

November 27 – December 6 — The Nutcracker at The Detroit Opera House {Detroit} — Journey to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy as one of the nation’s most respected dance companies returns to the Detroit Opera House with their enchanting interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday classic. Tickets range from $38-$68.

November 28 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Build a school house bank! This hands-on workshop is 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.

November 29 — Fantasy of Lights Parade {Howell} — Festive nighttime parade in downtown Howell with each float illuminated with a minimum of 5,000 holiday lights. Entertainment and activities such as cookie decorating, visits with Santa, live reindeer and music begin at 4 p.m. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. FREE.

What are your favorite events happening this month? Let me know in the comments!